6 Nations Preview - England, France & Italy

The greatest annual tournament is back next weekend, and it's more open than ever before. Five teams have a realistic chance of wining the tournament, especially with two new coaches for England and France. After the attacking flair shown at the end of last years tournament, and the wonderful nature in which the World Cup was played, could we be in store for not only a fiercely competitive tournament but one filled with exciting width play and style? We shall look at each team as they head into the tournament, and where they are likely to finish.

England

Eddie Jones looks to rebuild England

The World Cup was a mess, but they are starting afresh with entirely new coaching set up and a new captain too. In all honesty despite the struggles last time out, England look in good shape heading into the 6 Nations. With 5 teams through to the European Champions Cup knockout stages, lead the way by the all conquering Saracens. It will certainly be interesting as to Eddie Jones' first team selection, his first 23 man squad raised some eyebrows, mainly because it consisted of players that were present during the World Cup. No room for arguably the best outside centre in European rugby - Elliot Daley - with Jones sticking with the internationally proven Jonathan Joseph instead.

The argument is that going up to Murrayfield first out would be the definition of a baptism of fire and not the greatest place to earn your first international cap. It tells us Eddie Jones is looking to get through this 6 Nations with as many wins as he can get, no consideration for the future yet. It's a pragmatic approach but could lead to some England fans getting frustrated with the same players on the field that were there under Lancaster.

Eddie Jones is known to be a coach who really likes the idea of two play makers in the backline, it seems he is going for the same style under England, with the selection of Ollie Devoto and reports of Ford and Farrell playing alongside each other. Without a doubt in the future it seem Henry Slade will be slotted into the 12 jersey, which just leaves the question of who will fill the outside centre channel.

Where does Tuilagi fit in?

It's a tricky selection with Daley, Joseph and the returning Tuilagi all demanding consideration. I suppose it comes down to what game plan Jones wants to play. Looking back to when he coached Japan, he might like the idea of Tuilagi at 13, offering serious ball carrying, gain line ability to compliment the passing ability at 10 and 12. Or instead he could move the bruising Manu into 12 and add the gas of Joseph and Daley outside him. This can be achieved with Jones' preffered twin playmaker system if England select the likes of Goode at fullback.

This 6 Nations seems to still be a little early for Tuilagi who is still coming back from a lengthy injury, which leaves England a little light on bulk and could heavily rely on their forward carriers. James Haskell is playing incredibly well for Wasps, and the Saracens pack is dominating everyone they come across. If England can take the form of their forwards into this campaign they will be a really tough team to beat. While they may still be lacking the classic "jackle" open-side flanker, they still have a selection of players who can win turnovers and slow down the opponents ball. It is not something that should drastically affect them this year.

Their first game is against Scotland, it's a tough fixture especially with the confidence Scotland have from the World Cup. I don't know if England can take Scotland at Murrayfield with players still learning the new attacking systems. It could prove the opposite with Scotland being unable to cope with a brand new England team however.

Star Player: Mike Brown
Player to Watch: Elliot Daley

France

Another like England with a brand new coach, who also seems to have brought a breath of fresh air into the squad. Gone is the wrecking ball Basteraud instead replaced with more balanced runners. France have to replace the legendary Duisatoir after his retirement from the game, but new coach Noves seems to be giving youth a chance and adding plenty of young exciting backrowers into the mix alongside the veteran Picamoles. 

Fofana has always been amazing, will it finally
be in a functional French side?

Frances always have been a mixed bag team, but under Saint-Andre they seemed a team on the wane, unable to control a game, having to rely heavily on a moment of magic to win them a game. Talent is not exactly a quality lacking in France with backs famed for their ability to beat a man and break the line, none more so than Fofana. Fofana is likely to thrive under the new coaching system a team looking far more lethal and potent in attack, with a pack of forwards that offer considerable ball carrying ability combined with athleticism. 

French club's have struggled a little in the Champions Cup this season. Clermont were touted as favourites for this years tournament, and instead were knocked out in the pools. Toulon got out of their pool the hard way in the end after Wasps dismantled them in the early rounds. Despite this France could provide a piece of the unknown to this tournament, not sure if they'll spark back to life or be the damn squib they have been for a while. Specific players, in important positions, have been showing their quality during the season, Fofana, Guidrado, and Picamoles have been playing very well week in, week out.

The biggest struggle for France for years has been finding a half-back partnership that clicks and runs the game well together. Morgan Parra has more often than not been chosen at scrum half for years, and with the nickname of "Little General" he is known for his ability to run a game and make the right decision at the right time. The biggest problem has been finding a fly-half to play outside him. France have gone through uncountable numbers of fly-halves in the last few years, which is probably the main reason they've struggled for game contingency. There is still no stand out performer in France, so it will probably be the case that Guy Noves will have to make his selection early and stick with him for the tournament in the hope he can find his feet and form the required partnership.

Parra hopes he'll have a consistent fly-half outside of him for the duration of this tournament

Up first is Italy in Paris, it should be an easy game for France, and I expect a considerable score. Especially after the final weekend last year, France might be looking to pile on the points early this time around in case it comes down to points difference yet again. It will be the perfect fixture for Noves to play new caps and to test our his new gameplan. Provided France get on the front foot early on, the crowd will be behind them and they should walk to victory.

Star Player: Wesley Fofana
Player to Watch: Jonathan Danty

Italy

Campagnaro provides quality in the Italian backline

This is going to be a very tough tournament for Italy, they are the only team hasn't progressed in recent years, and despite the occasional heroic victory they've never strung together a consistent performance. As such the calls for the likes of Georgia to be included are stronger than ever. Never the less they still provide a potential banana skin for the big teams and should never just be considered an easy win. With the super human Sergio Parisse providing the skill set to practically become a team in his own right, they possess someone who will never give in. A selection of young players are starting to find their feet in international rugby, with Gori becoming a great scrum half especially to play a fast tempo game. Campagnaro is plying his trade for Exter Chiefs - currently second in the Aviva Premiership - and should hopefully add his skill set and ability to Italy's
backline. 

The Italian clubs are struggling at the bottom of the PRO12, and while they cause opponents problems at home, on the road they are often put to the sword with relative ease. It is an issue for the national coach when the club sides provide limited success and barren ground for the development of youthful talent. Never more so in the continued inability to find a competent fly half, in all faceats of the game. We've had flash in the pan 10's with Luciano Orquera tearing apart France one week before flailing with no control the next week, and Tomasso Allan coming from Scotland's youth structure, having some success but never grasping the shirt. The biggest issue has been not having a Test level goal kicker to knock over the points on a regular basis and give them footholds in games.

With the excitment and form of all the other teams coming into this 6 Nations, I feel this could be Italy's worst tournament in a few years. And teams will be looking to pile on the points against them in case it comes down to points difference like last year.

Star Player: Sergio Parisse
Players to Watch: Michele Campagnaro