England
How way back turns out 2019, now not simplest the assured run to the World Cup ultimate of a crew more youthful than any finalists of the pro generation, but additionally the dazzling assault yielding 24 tries in that yr’s Six Nations. Quite how England in finding themselves with a brand new trainer and a rebuild not up to a yr from the following World Cup will flummox rugby historians. Fantasists boo when England do not win; Realists recognize now could be by means of a ways probably the most aggressive generation world rugby has ever identified. The Fantasists received this actual debate. England face a disaster at hooker and a tall order to emulate their name of simplest 3 years in the past (it’s also simple to overlook).
Key guy: Ben Earl, One of a variety of thrusting choices to be had to Steve Borthwick. Realists will word {that a} again row wishes unseen grafters, however Earl’s shape and ranges of graft are of the stunningly visual selection.
france
Everybody’s 2nd favourite crew, and why now not? They are younger and their key avid gamers conform properly to the play stereotype of French legend. What’s extra, they’re numerous other people’s favourites, complete forestall, for this yr’s World Cup, which will likely be held in France. Including, tellingly, the bookies. Can they deal with the force? Only Gael Fickou has greater than 50 caps. They will likely be with out Jonathan Danty, a key innovative in midfield. And they’re grand slam champions no much less. Everyone would possibly love them, however warring parties at the box have a tendency to turn much less affection to them.
Key guy: Damian Penaud, It could be an exaggeration to explain him as the person who makes France tick (we all know that’s the peerless Antoine Dupont), but when Penaud is enjoying neatly, so typically are France. As an all-round genius he bears comparability together with his captain – and few others on this planet.
Irish
Might now not be rather so neatly beloved as France, however that makes them no much less unhealthy. No 1 on this planet nowadays, a score they have got held since prevailing for the primary time of their historical past on New Zealand soil in the summertime. They will revel in house benefit in opposition to France and England, the opposite two Six Nations groups within the best 5. Most of the crew play incessantly in combination within the colours of Leinster and have not begun to lose a fit this season.
Key participant: Tadhg Furlong. Like Ireland’s perennial key participant, captain Johnny Sexton, Furlong has been out with an damage in contemporary weeks however is predicted to be are compatible, like his captain. Not simplest is his all-round solidity what Ireland are all about, however his lightness of contact suits snugly too. Just an excellent all-rounder.
Italy
As a weary chorus, the query – when are Italy going to change into a pressure? – is 2nd simplest in its familiarity to when will america. Well, get up, children, as a result of they reckon it could simply be taking place. Italy has struggled up to any individual to shake off the legacy of novice management. The phrase is, this has been accomplished. Coincidentally, their early life groups have flourished, the end result now percolating via to the senior crew. Let’s now not get too excited but, however that different weary cliché, no simple video games, may just get started making use of to the Six Nations.
Key guy: Angel Capuozzo. This, although, is straightforward. Paolo Garbisi, the messiah at No 10, is more likely to omit the primary 3 rounds, however Capuozzo has rapid change into the box-office hero of New Italy. His attempt to beat Wales within the ultimate around final season used to be the instant of all of the championship.
Scottish
There is a undeniable gnashing of enamel as the belief dawns that the courageous new generation of Scottish rugby, which could be referred to as the Hogg-Russell Years, is at risk of working out with out primary success. The conundrum of successful at Twickenham has been solved – and they have got any other shot at that during around one – however consistency stays elusive. Still, if world rugby hasn’t ever been so aggressive, the sight of Scotland bouncing up and down between 6th and tenthth lately whilst closing in a position to beating virtually any individual from first downwards sums that up in addition to any phenomenon. They will likely be unhealthy once more.
Key guy: Pierre Schoeman. The shaggy loosehead, one of the crucial final to take pleasure in the three-year residency rule, has change into one thing of a hero in his followed place of birth. The extra the cry “Schooooo” rings out in Murrayfield, the extra ahead momentum Scotland will likely be taking part in.
Wales
If France have simply the only participant with greater than 50 caps, Wales have 10 of them – plus 3 with greater than 100. Hell, one has greater than 150. And “Gats” is again. It’s as though not anything has modified in Welsh rugby those previous 15 years. No one has received extra titles in that point. If it ain’t broke and all that, however the feeling Wales are suffering to transport on hangs heavy like a mist within the valleys. Still, Saturday’s come upon with Ireland in Cardiff is the pick out of the hole around. You would not put it previous them…
Key guy: Adam Beard. One day, the 155 caps along him in Wales’s boiler room will likely be long gone. Beard is probably not the pressure of nature Alun Wyn Jones is, however he’s a consummate participant and just a few caps shy of fifty. With Will Rowlands injured, now could be his time.