Team-by-team guide and star players for Six Nations 2017

Sport360 staff 11:14 02/02/2017

With the new Six Nations campaign upon us we have the lowdown on each and every team aiming to compete for the title.

From the strengths and weaknesses to our predictions for this year’s competition, we have you covered.

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ENGLAND

Strengths

They have confidence from winning 14 straight and are strong in the set-piece. A deep squad means they are the most flexible with the back-ups flourishing under Eddie Jones.

Weaknesses

Injuries will test them as without the Vunipolas, Jones is without a power midfield. Also James Haskell, George Kruis and Dylan Hartley will be undercooked due to a lack of playing time.

2016 record

Won: 13 Drew: 0 Lost: 0

Key man

Powerhouse lock Maro Itoje was the breakthrough player of 2016. The 22-year-old will need to show a degree of versatility in this tournament though as he may have to be deployed at blindside flanker with Chris Robshaw injured.

IRELAND

Strengths

Ireland have plans A,B and C with a talented squad showing their versatility in the defeat of Australia. Defensively, they are resilient and have a resolve which is unrivalled.

Weaknesses

Where the Irish are looking slim is at outhalf and if Johnny Sexton remains sidelined beyond the opener with Italy, Paddy Jackson, despite his 19 caps, is inexperienced at Test level.

2016 record

Won: 6 Drew: 1 Lost: 5

Key man

A master of tactical kicking, Sexton is the key driver in attack for the Irish and undoubtedly is the real lynchpin. Without him against Italy, the midfield is blunted but his return from a calf injury will be a huge boost.

WALES

Strengths

An underdog tag will take some of the heat off the Dragons. Seven uncapped players in the squad also means they have an X-Factor and they are moving towards a free-flowing style.

Weaknesses

They were too rigid in the Autumn Test series and despite possessing some of the most instinctive players, were ponderous and slow to react. They concede too many points, too.

2016 record

Won: 6 Drew: 1 Lost: 6

Key man

Scrum-half Rhys Webb was almost the forgotten man after injuring his ankle against Australia but an irrepressible force the Ospreys No9 has looked full of confidence for his club, even scoring a trademark dummy try against Bristol.

SCOTLAND

Strengths

The Scots are no longer a joke. Vern Cotter has focused on skillsets, vision, fitness and pride and they’re a tough side to beat. Creativity is now a major plus point, too.

Weaknesses

Expectations are high for this golden generation and although talented they are raw and lack experience. There is a dearth of power as well which will see them struggle.

2016 record

Won: 6 Drew: 0 Lost: 4

Key man

Finn Russell plays with a swagger which will instil fear. The No10 has a ton of ability and he brings clarity and confidence to the players around him. He is the creative hub through which Scotland attack.

FRANCE

Strengths

Defensively they have tightened up considerably under Guy Noves and that is the foundation which he builds upon. They have power at forward and an ability to counterattack.

Weaknesses

They don’t score enough points against the top sides and lack flair. The loss of the centre Wesley Fofana is a painful one as he is their most creative and consistent midfielder.

2016 record

Won: 4 Drew: 0 Lost: 6

Key man

Louis Picamoles is a beast. A fearsome man he marries his physical attributes with a dexterity which makes him very unpredictable. With his hulking legs, he’s an unorthodox ball carrier with an ability to ride tackles making up for his lack of pace.

ITALY

Strengths

Reinvigorated under Conor O’Shea there is a great harmony in the squad. Confidence will be high after beating South Africa and they’ll be determined to end the relegation debate.

Weaknesses

Of the six sides they are the least suited to the faster pace. They used to boast a handful of competitive forwards but that is no longer the case. Fitness has also been an issue in the past.

2016 record

Won: 4 Drew: 0 Lost: 6

Key man

As ever the weight of expectations fall on the broad shoulders of inspirational skipper Sergio Parisse. The 33-year-old is probably past his very best form but if fully fit his blunt force and sharp skills make him a threat to anyone.

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