Most Important Player to Each 6 Nations Side

Rugby is a team game, and there really isn’t room for individuals, however, every team has one player that elevates the game of all those around him. In the past, Ireland had Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell, England had Lawrence Dallaglio and Jonny Wilkinson, France had Thierry Dusautoir and Sebastien Chabal, and so on. The question is, who will be the next to fulfill that role for all of the 6 Nations sides?

England: Joe Launchbury

Launchbury is a huge player for England simply because of how diverse his skillset is. He can be the physical tackler on the gainline one second, and the next show deft hands to offload in attack. While Dylan Hartley is a great leader and a mongrel in every sense of the word, Launchbury gives England a different type of leadership. Leadership by example. His exemplary work rate lifts all of his teammates, and when this happens, England are a totally different animal. Personally, I feel that Launchbury would have been a better choice for captain than Hartley, and if he can keep healthy, he will be a huge boost for England in this 6 Nations.

France: Louis Picamoles

Picamoles is a legend of French rugby, and when he is at his best he remains one of the most dominant No.8’s in the tournament. His immense power, coupled with soft hands and great vision, makes him a nuisance for any team France come up against. Over the years Picamoles has made a huge impact in the 6 Nations, and with Guy Noves seemingly sticking to youth in his selections, it looks as though Picamoles will be needed as the calm, experienced head in the side.

Ireland: Jonny Sexton

It pains me to pick a back for this category, but Sexton has been the key to Ireland’s game ever since Joe Schmidt took over the side. One of Sexton’s biggest strengths is his ability to vary his game, which allows Ireland to pick and choose how they want to play. Many forget that early in his career, Sexton was not the kick and chase 10 he is now, but rather an attacking weapon who loved to play flat to the line and at pace. Regardless of how Ireland decide to play this season, Sexton will be at the heart of it.

Italy: Edoardo Gori

The Treviso halfback became the central part of Italy’s game plan at the World Cup, and he shone in that role. At just 25 years old, the Italians feel that Gori is very much the future for their side, and if he can provide the powerful Italian ball carriers with quick, crisp, service there could be some upsets on the cards. Gori loves to make quick sniping runs before giving the ball to one of his teammates, and this gives defenders fits. You can expect to see Gori running the show for the Italians during this year’s 6 Nations.

Scotland: Jonny Gray

Scotland have plenty of talent in the wider channels, but the challenge for the Scots is always ensuring that they can get clean ball out to them. Jonny Gray was a revelation in that regard last year, as his willingness and ability to put his head down and do the grunt work gave Scotland much more quick ball, as well as slowing the opposition. Gray is a good candidate for a Lions spot in 2017, and possibly even a future captain for Scotland.

Wales: Alun Wyn-Jones:

The 94 times capped Welsh lock is to Wales what Paul O’Connell was to Ireland. Always ready to give everything for his teammates, and always ready to put massive hits in on his opposition. Wyn-Jones is remarkably strong, and his work in the tight phases and at the breakdown is simply immense. He consistently features in the top tacklers for each match, and he never fails to get his side across the gainline with ball in hand. Wales face a tough trip to the Aviva Stadium to kick off their campaign, and they will need a strong performance for Alun Wyn-Jones to secure a win.