Six players to watch in the Six Nations

Adam Kyriacou

We have picked out a player from each country to keep an eye on in this year’s Six Nations Championship.

Tom Curry (England)

The usual fallout from an Eddie Jones squad selection this time centred on the number eight position. In short, there aren’t any. Yes, Ben Earl has featured in the shirt for Saracens at times this season but, with Billy Vunipola ruled out due to a broken arm, surely either Sam Simmonds or Alex Dombrandt were due a call-up? That did not materialise as it looks increasingly likely that Curry will take on the job in their Six Nations opener. The flanker’s ability over the ball and all-action style are undeniable but we’ve never viewed him as a possible eight, which adds unnecessary pressure on the youngster. Make no mistake, if he struggles in this new role then the noise surrounding Dombrandt will intensify. However, Curry has yet to let anyone down at club or country and it would be typical Tom if he shines on Sunday against France and for the remainder of the Championship.

Virimi Vakatawa (France)

One of three players recently named amongst the 15 nominees for the prestigious EPCR European Player of the Year 2020 award, Vakatawa’s form in Racing 92’s midfield this season has been nothing short of remarkable. If he can replicate that in French colours then new head coach Fabien Galthie will be a happy man as he begins his tenure, with equally outstanding wing Damian Penaud needing no prompting to feed off any Vakatawa line breaks. This Racing 92-Clermont combination is crucial to France’s hopes moving forward as both are game-breaking talents already established as Test certainties in what is a young Les Bleus squad that is bristling with potential. With Vakatawa on form and causing defences no end of problems, that potential will surely flourish.

John Cooney (Ireland)

While he may be on the bench for the opening weekend – much to the dismay of those who believe form has not been rewarded – this year should be Cooney’s breakthrough on the international stage. He has been pulling up trees for Ulster in 2019/20, starring in pretty much every game he has been involved in, which is what made it difficult to swallow when he was behind Conor Murray in Round One. That could change as the Six Nations plays out but one can sympathise with new head coach Andy Farrell as having another Test rookie at the base, behind promising number eight Caelan Doris, would have been a bold call indeed. Watch for Cooney’s impact from the replacements bench and, if Murray struggles, the former is definitely ready to step up and nail down the shirt.

Jake Polledri (Italy)

For those who knew little of Polledri’s qualities before the World Cup, then Japan certainly opened plenty of eyes. He was a standout late last year at the global tournament with his ball carrying and, with Sergio Parisse easing his way out this Six Nations, Polledri is set for much more time as a starter in the back-row this year. The Gloucester man is just 24 and therefore has a long and fruitful career in front of him, with his impressive rise from National League 1 to Test star in such a short period of time nothing short of superb. Expect to see more of the bulldozing form he showed in Japan in Italy’s upcoming games as the Azzurri need a new talisman up front.

Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

It’s fair to say that Hogg must be disappointed that the early part of his captaincy has been dominated by an off-field incident, not least involving a fellow senior player, but that is what he’s had to face before a ball has been kicked. Finn Russell’s dramatic exit – for how long we don’t know – is the first real test Hogg has faced ahead of a tough opening game in Ireland. The full-back will need to demonstrate leadership under this Russell cloud and if he can reach the form that saw him named Six Nations Player of the Championship on two separate occasions that’ll definitely help in terms of inspiring his team-mates. Leading by doing is always a solid mantra to employ.

Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

The final piece of the jigsaw for Wales? That might sound strange seeing as Faletau has been a Welsh mainstay in past seasons, but it has been nearly two years since he last ran out in the red jersey. What if the talented number eight was fully fit during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, combining with Aaron Wainwright and Justin Tipuric in the back-row? Would that have given Wales the final key weapon in their arsenal? Yes, these hypothetical queries are pointless as other teams could ask similar questions, but there are few forwards like Faletau, a number eight who oozes class, and it will be a significant boost if new coach Wayne Pivac has him fit and firing in his tenure.

 

England