Six Nations 2021: Five players who could light up tournament

Eddie Jones’ England defend their title in an exciting year for international rugby ahead of the Lions’ tour of South Africa

The Six Nations 2021 is back with plenty of excitement ahead of a pivotal year in international rugby, particularly with a Lions tour scheduled later this summer in South Africa.

Eddie Jones is gunning for a fourth Six Nations crown of his era, with Owen Farrell’s side defending last year’s crown and entering this year’s tournament as the slight favourites.

England will be without Joe Marler, who has opted against playing to be with his family during the Covid-19 pandemic. There will be strong competition from France though with the tournament unfolding with all countries currently in lockdown.

And Jones believes that only places more importance of the team’s role to raise spirits with a successful campaign.

“We understand the responsibility. Elite sport has been given an opportunity to do something to help society get through this,” the head coach said. “We play a small role, but I think it's a significant role.

"You've got to understand that we are grateful for this opportunity. We are lucky to be doing something we love doing. We love rugby. We are lucky enough, Owen (Farrell), myself and the rest of the team, to actually make a living out of something we love doing.

READ MORE: Six Nations 2021: Fixtures, dates, kick-off times and full match schedule

"Of course it's different, and it can be trying at times, but we've got something we love doing when everyone else is struggling so much. You've just got to look at the news - 100,000 people have died in the UK from the coronavirus, one of the highest death rates in the world.

"It's a tough time for society and we want to make sure that, because we've got this opportunity to do something special, we do it with a lot of gratitude, a lot of desire and a lot of enthusiasm. Any small consideration we have in terms of not being able to do what we normally do is just part of the job."

Here, PA dives into five players who could provide a spark for their teams and shine over the coming weeks:

Maro Itoje, England

A colossus who continues to improve and even at the age of 26, he rivals Martin Johnson for the status of England's greatest second row. Given the extent of his influence on just about every aspect of forward play, he could eventually be regarded as the greatest player to have emerged from these shores. Physically he sets the tone for the champions and never lets up.

George North, Wales

On the evidence of his form for the Ospreys this season, the Lions wing is primed for an international resurgence while positioned only two caps away from joining the ranks of Test centurions. North lost his Wales spot to Louis Rees-Zammit in the autumn and head coach Wayne Pivac will be hoping his revival is genuine knowing his explosive qualities when he is on song.

Antoine Dupont, France

At the heart of France's welcome revival stands Dupont, the electric scrum-half who was voted star of the 2020 Six Nations - the first time a Les Blues players had won the accolade. While his eye for a gap, speed and support play produce moment after moment for highlight reels, he also has an outstanding kicking game and solid defence. Possibly the best player in the game right now.

Caelan Doris, Ireland

Doris' elevation into the Test side after turning heads during his progression through Ireland's age grade teams was a question of when, not if, and after that chance came during the 2020 Six Nations, he has not disappointed. Only seven caps into his international career, he is an intelligent and powerful presence in Ireland's back row, forcing CJ Stander to move from number eight to accommodate his rise.

Finn Russell, Scotland

Russell is the biggest threat to a successful start to England's title defence. England boss Eddie Jones recently credited the Racing 92 magician with having the best short attacking game in the world and it is hard to dispute that view. Russell is a genius with the ball in hand and injects a welcome dose of individual brilliance into a game dominated by defences. Long passes, short passes, long kicks, short kicks - he has so many weapons in his arsenal.

PA