The 2015 RBS Six Nations kicks off in Cardiff on Friday as Wales welcome bitter rivals England to the Millennium Stadium. The Scots will do battle with Philippe Saint-André's France while Ireland begin their championship defence against Italy
All six countries have narrowed down their squads and what remains is the very best rugby talent in the Northern Hemisphere. We have interrogated the squad listings and have assembled a magnificent seven that should set this year's competition alight. All but three have appeared in the Six Nations before, but none have completed a full campaign and are relative newcomers to the international stage.
Teddy Thomas (France)
Two matches and four tries - no a bad start to life as a French international. The 21-year-old winger was snapped up by Racing Métro last summer, following the relegation of his former side, Biarritz. Has scored 16 tries in 39 club matches and took that try-scoring gift into the Test arena, last November. Scored a hat-trick, on debut, against Fiji and followed it up with another score against Australia. Was dropped from squad ahead of a match against, after missing a training session, but returns for the Six Nations and is currently doing this to teammates in training.
Billy Vunipola (England)
Born in Sydney, Australia, 22-year-old Billy Vunipola is a ball-carrying behemoth that is almost impossible to stop in full flight. Injury curtailed a promising 2014 Six Nations campaign but he returned to impress on the New Zealand tour and has been unstoppable for his club side, Saracens, this season. Injury to Ben Morgan affords him a clear run at the Number 8 jersey. Was close to unstoppable against Munster two weeks ago:
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
The 22-year-old has, so far, played fullback, inside centre and outside centre for his country. Earmarked for Test stardom at 19, Henshaw has developed physically in the past 18 months and added a play and decision-making element to his game. Stepped up in November Test win against South Africa and Australia with clever, tactical kicks and numerous big tackles. The heir apparent to the legendary Brian O’Driscoll but may be utilised at inside centre to accommodate Jared Payne.
Tommy Seymour (Scotland)
The 26-year-old from the USA was called into the Scotland side as soon as his international clearance came through. A proven finisher with Glasgow Warriors in the PRO12, Seymour has scored six tries in 13 Test appearances thus far. Awarded the PRO12 Try of the Year for 2013/14. The former Ulster player signed a contract extension with Warriors until May 2017.
Leonardo Sarto (Italy)
A shining light for a struggling Zebre side and a player that could soon earn a lucrative Top 14 move. The 23-year-old winger scored a try on his Test debut, against Scotland, and followed it up with blistering efforts against Ireland and England in last year’s Six Nations. He is competent under the high ball, an evasive runner and possesses a hefty fend-off. Does not shirk his defensive duties, as evidenced in this WWE-style tackle on Paul O'Connell last year:
Rhys Webb (Wales)
The 26-year-old Ospreys scrum-half has taken advantage of Mike Phillip’s dipping club form to snatch the Welsh No 9 jersey. A constant worry for opposition teams due to a fondness for quick-thinking, sniping runs and intelligent kicks. Was part of the Wales team that won the Dubai Sevens trophy in 2009. Lacks the physical presence of Phillips but his coach, Warren Gatland, feels Webb may be best suited to spark the talented Welsh backline.
George Ford (England)
Injury to Owen Farrell means the Bath out-half will definitely lead the English backline in the No.10 jersey. Ford, like Ireland's Johnny Sexton, is a ball-playing out-half and likes to get involved in set plays. Possesses a whippet-like pass and loves releasing strike-runners off either shoulder. Ford will turn 22 by the tail-end of the tournament yet has already made 57 Aviva Premiership appearances. Kicked 29 points in England's recent wins over Samoa and Australia. Is of a diminutive build and will be targeted by bruising centres and flankers. Ford survived this booming hit by Samoa's Johnny Leota, last November, and even managed an offload.
The 22-year-old has, so far, played fullback, inside centre and outside centre for his country. Earmarked for Test stardom at 19, Henshaw has developed physically in the past 18 months and added a play and decision-making element to his game. Stepped up in November Test win against South Africa and Australia with clever, tactical kicks and numerous big tackles. The heir apparent to the legendary Brian O’Driscoll but may be utilised at inside centre to accommodate Jared Payne.
The 26-year-old Ospreys scrum-half has taken advantage of Mike Phillip’s dipping club form to snatch the Welsh No 9 jersey. A constant worry for opposition teams due to a fondness for quick-thinking, sniping runs and intelligent kicks. Was part of the Wales team that won the Dubai Sevens trophy in 2009. Lacks the physical presence of Phillips but his coach, Warren Gatland, feels Webb may be best suited to spark the talented Welsh backline.
