Ahead of the final round of the Six Nations, we take a look at five with a point to prove.
Who do you think will make the biggest impact?
DANNY CARE AND GEORGE FORD
It’s been a disappointing campaign so far for the duo who struggled to get their side on the front foot in demoralising defeats to Scotland and France.
With everyone focusing on the potential opportunities afforded from the Ford-Farrell axis, people are forgetting that without Care-Ford on the ball, there is no way Farrell can get the ball and execute his skills.
With Ben Youngs injured, England are devoid of a serious leader who is able to get the pack ticking.
Ford – on the other hand – has lacked fizz and pace to orchestrate his side and his place may be under serious threat against Ireland.
MARO ITOJE
Showing signs of ‘second season syndrome’ and looks to be struggling from the after-effects of the British & Irish Lions tour during the summer.
For a player so spectacular last season, the 23-year-old has lacked energy and commitment around the park in the four rounds to date.
His sole spark has been his towering line-out presence but Eddie Jones needs more from his ace talisman if they are to deny Ireland a Grand Slam at Twickenham.
The Saracens man needs a mammoth performance against the Irish to end his championship on a positive note.
FINN RUSSELL
The Glasgow out-half may have rose to the occasion against England, but his loose play effectively cost Scotland the game against Wales – and nearly France.
For a player considered a leader in Gregor Townsend’s dressing room, his error-strewn displays are not the traits normally associated with a 10 who is meant to lead by example with ball in hand.
The 25-year-old has a tendency to make rash decisions and is weak in defence, as seen when he allowed Teddy Thomas to slip in for a try against France. The Racing-bound player needs to step up against Italy for his fans to have faith in him.
LIAM WILLIAMS
There’s no doubting the elusive full-back is a sparkling presence, but he failed to impose himself against a below par Italian side.
He missed a tackle on Matteo Minozzi as the Zebre full-back raced over for a try and was subsequently sin-binned for an illegal tackle before the break, although it could be argued it was harsh, with the hit full-blooded rather than malicious.
His deficiencies in attack and overall discipline – for a tackle that some saw as a red – led to him being substituted on 51 minutes. A rare blip in his overall consistent displays – but it’s vital he finishes with a flourish in Cardiff this weekend if Warren Gatland decides to select him against France.
JACQUES BRUNEL
The former Bordeaux coach may have won the plaudits for his side’s resounding win over England, but in essence, Les Bleus struggled for nearly 50 minutes of the contest.
The 64-year-old has yet to prove he can pick a starting team – and needs to start showing signs of direction and a game plan that can compete with bigger teams.
If Brunel is to walk away from the championship this weekend with the support of the FFR, his players and fans, then he needs to prove he is building for the future, especially with a Rugby World Cup 18 months away.
