Six possible breakthrough stars in the Six Nations

David Skippers
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Ahead of the 2019 Six Nations we take a closer look at six up-and-coming players, who we expect to make an impact in this year’s tournament.

Dan Robson (England): The Wasps scrum-half is set to make his Test debut after being named as one of only two number nines in England head coach Eddie Jones’ squad for their Six Nations opener. The 26-year-old will be keen to make an impact as he was also included in England’s squad for their tour of South Africa in 2018 but Saracens‘ Ben Spencer was preferred as the back-up number nine to the experienced Ben Youngs for all three Tests while Robson had to watch from the stands. And although he is set to be Youngs’ deputy this year, he will be keen to impress when given an opportunity. Robson plays an exciting brand of rugby with his sniping breaks around the fringes of the rucks and mauls and slick service to his outside backs making him a firm favourite amongst the Wasps faithful. And even though he is likely to start on the replacements bench, Robson should make an electrifying impact when handed that elusive international debut.

Sam Skinner (Scotland): A player growing in reputation after consistent performances for Exeter Chiefs, Skinner’s versatility gives him an enviable edge when it comes to selection. Equally able to play in the second-row or on the blindside flank, the 24-year-old made his debut in November last year against Fiji and celebrated it with a man-of-the-match showing that proved he’s very much Test match material. Following that game he came across incredibly well when speaking to the media and the former England U20 player looks to have been an excellent acquisition for the Scots, with such a long and exciting career in front of him. Skinner is following the new breed of second-rows that boast all the qualities of a back-row and he should be a strong performer for Gregor Townsend’s men with Six Nations starts very much on the cards in 2019. If those don’t come he is almost certain to make a real impact off the replacements bench, with that aforementioned versatility a feather in his cap.

Tomos Williams (Wales): Six Nations 2019 could announce Williams to the global game as it seems likely he could start against France in the tournament opener on February 1. With Rhys Webb playing his rugby in the Top 14 and Gareth Davies an injury doubt, the door has been flung open for the Cardiff Blues man to don the number nine jersey in Paris. The 24-year-old has been outstanding for the Blues over the past 12 months and his most recent performance against Lyon in the Champions Cup saw all of his attacking qualities on show. His dynamism suits the Welsh game-plan too and he is an ideal replacement for Davies should he miss out against France. Even if starts do not come, his impact off the bench could prove crucial for Warren Gatland and his coaching team as he will punish tiring defences with his searing pace and heads-up style making him deadly in broken field. Williams grows in confidence each week and this could well be the start of an impressive year.

Jordan Larmour (Ireland): The Leinsterman has earned rave reviews since making his debut for the Champions Cup and PRO14 winners in 2017 and has the potential to become one of the greats of the Irish game. Fleet-footed, with a keen eye for the gap, Larmour is a potent attacking weapon for province and country. He announced himself to the world by scoring a hat-trick of tries in his first start for Ireland in their 54-7 victory over Italy at Soldier Field in Chicago last November and will be hoping to get more game-time in the Six Nations to prove that his feat against the Azzurri was no fluke. The 21-year-old has proved to be a worthy replacement for first-choice Leinster and Ireland full-back Rob Kearney, who has been struggling with injuries recently, but is also capable of playing on the wing. The youngster will be keen to show off his brilliant attacking abilities regardless of where he is selected.

Demba Bamba (France): Bamba made a name for himself at last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship and was at the forefront of France’s effort as they won that competition for the first time. His impressive performances in the tournament made waves in France and although he plays for Brive in the Pro D2, Bamba is highly-rated in his country and made his Test debut against Fiji in Paris last November. The 20-year-old, who will play for Top 14 outfit Lyon next season, enjoys the physical nature of the game and is strong in contact, on attack and defence. He is the prototype of the modern-day front-row, who is a solid ball carrier but also impresses in the execution of his core duties. Bamba is particularly strong in the scrums but also catches the eye with his breakdown work and big things are expected of him in France.

Luca Sperandio (Italy): Although Italy have battled in the tournament in recent years – they last registered a win in February 2015 – they have produced brilliant attacking back-line players during that period with Sperandio the latest to catch the eye. The 22-year-old full-back made his debut for the Azzurri during the latter part of the 2017 Six Nations but only represented his country in one more match in that tournament before a spell on the sidelines. He returned to the international arena during last year’s November Tests and started three out of their four fixtures against Georgia, Ireland and New Zealand. Sperandio’s speed and agility are his main assets and although he has only represented his country in five Tests, he shows great potential and a lot is expected of him. An exciting player, who is also solid in defence, Sperandio has impressed for his club Benetton and helped them to joint second place on the PRO14 Conference B standings.

by David Skippers

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