The RBS Six Nations tournament kicks off this weekend, giving us all the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best rugby players proudly represent their respective countries. Ireland are currently the team to beat following last year’s clean sweep, but you can rest assured all the other nations will be doing their best to prevent history repeating itself. Sport.co.uk have picked out the top ten players that will making the headlines during this year’s tournament.
1. Jamie Roberts
Many rugby players pride themselves on playing through the pain barrier, although not many can claim to have continued a game after fracturing their skull. That’s exactly what Roberts did after a clash of heads with Aussie hard-man Stirling Mortlock back in 2008. The medical student has since gone from strength to strength, making his name on last year’s Lions Tour. He was even named the Lions Player of the Series. If Wales are to have a successful Six Nation’s campaign, this man’s form will be absolutely vital.
2. Steve Borthwick
A lot has been made of Borthwick retaining the captaincy; some critics even question his selection in the England squad. And with talented players such as Simon Shaw and Courtney Lawes vying for places it’s easy to see why. But Martin Johnson has chosen him for a reason. Borthwick possesses the ability to truly inspire England and rejuvenate the team. If he puts in a massive performance against Wales, dominating every ruck and showing the grit and determination that is required of a captain, then England would have the impetus to go on and have a great Six Nations.
3. Brian O’Driscoll
Put simply, it wouldn’t be a Six Nations without this man. Irelands talismanic captain was instrumental in helping his country lift their first Grand Slam for 61-years last season. Capable of producing moments of pure rugby magic; when O’Driscoll is playing well, there isn’t a team in the world that can deal with him. For those who claimed he was past his best, he proved he’s still a world-class player with the Lions in South Africa. The Irish will be hoping he’ll prove it once again this year.
4. Sergio Parisse
The argument that a one-man team doesn’t exist soon folds after watching Sergio Parisse play for Italy. Since making his debut as an 18-year-old against New Zealand in 2002, Parisse’s world-class performances have consistently stood out in a lacklustre Italian side. This year he will miss the entire tournament due to a knee ligament injury. Without his magnificence to rely-on the whole team will be forced to step-up their performances. After promising signs in the Autumn internationals, the Azzuri captain’s absence may be the push the team need to finally compete on the Rugby field.
5. Lee Byrne
Undoubtedly one of the best full-backs in the world, Byrne’s contribution to the Welsh team is massive. Pace, power and superb kicking skills make him a real force to be reckoned with on the rugby field. Add to this his reliability under the high-ball and you can understand why the full-back from Bridgend is so important to this Welsh side. Cleared to play after the 16-man Osprey scandal, he’ll want to put the controversy behind him and show what a quality player he is.
6. Thierry Dusautoir
Flankers are often labelled tireless but having once put in 38 tackles in a game against the All-Blacks, Dusautoir is in a league of his own. Nicknamed the Dark Destroyer, the current French captain will be itching to recapture such terrifying form. His a vicious and uncompromising style will be key to Frances success. Despite being tournament favourites, France have a tendency to under-achieve. Dusautoir is sure to have a big hand in helping les blues to a long over-due Six Nations title.
7. Rory Lamont
For far too long now, Scotland have relied on Chris Paterson’s boot to score their points. Great work by their forwards has been undermined by an inability to score tries. Rory Lamont may be the man the Scot’s have been missing. His combination of strength and pace should do wonders for the Tartan warriors. Comfortable on the wing or at full-back, if he can play at his blistering best, he’s sure to cause defences all sorts of problems this Six Nations.
8. Lewis Moody
The mad-dog of English rugby turned out some magnificent performances for his below-par country during the Autumn tests. The resolute flanker had a magnificent game against New Zealand in November and has continued his great form for Leicester this season. The player represents what many people love about rugby; a fearlessness and never say die attitude. Never far from a ruck or a bone-crunching tackle, England will be hoping he can be the spark that rejuvenates their poor form of late.
9. Cian Healy
He may only be 22-years old, but this 18-stone beast can compete with the best of them. Dedicated both on and off the pitch, he has all the makings to be to be a world-class prop. A superb work-rate coupled with fierce ball carrying abilities make him a truly formidable opponent. And despite his relative lack of experience he is solid in the scrum. After some fantastic performances for Leinster this season, Ireland will be hoping he can be at his barnstorming best and help them to another Grand Slam.
10. Mathieu Bastareaud
After lying about being attacked after Frances defeat to New Zealand last year, Bastareaud has a lot to prove this Six Nations. He’s since served his time - a three-month ban set by his country’s rugby federation- and is looking to move on from such an embarrassing incident. Luckily for him, he has all the tools to redeem himself. An exceptionally talented centre, he has all the makings of a true rugby great. Combining a robust game with the silky skills long associated with French centres, Bastareaud will be looking to have his name in the headlines for all the right reasons this year.