England will look to fend off the resurgent Ireland and Scotland in a bid to claim a third straight triumph in the NatWest 6 Nations.
Here, Press Association Sport examines six players to watch for Europe’s showpiece Test rugby round robin.
Jack Nowell, England
Exeter flyer Jack Nowell could be deployed in the centres for the first time by England in the Six Nations (Simon Galloway/PA Images).
Jordan Larmour, Ireland
Leinster youngster Jordan Larmour, right, has won his first call-up to Ireland’s senior ranks for this year’s Six Nations tournament (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)
Stuart Hogg, Scotland
Stuart Hogg had his British and Irish Lions tour cut short but is back in top form now (David Davies/PA)
James Davies, Wales
Scarlets flanker James Davies has his first chance to impress in Wales’ 15-a-side ranks this Six Nations (Joe Giddens/PA)
Brice Dulin, France
Brice Dulin should number among the chief threats for new boss Jacques Brunel’s France outfit (David Davies/PA)
Jake Polledri, Italy
Jake Polledri, left, has his fine form at Gloucester to thank for his selection for Italy (David Davies/PA)
