A host of rugby’s most gifted players will go head to head over the coming weeks in the 25th instalment of the Guinness Six Nations. Here are five to keep an eye on.
Damian Penaud, wing, France
At times erratic but invariably brilliant, Penaud is already one of the greatest finishers of all time and is just three tries short of equalling the national record of 38 held by Serge Blanco. There are quicker wings but few with the try-scoring finesse of the electric 27-year-old.
The winger made the switch from Toulon to Bordeaux at the end of last season. Here he is scoring four times in the first half on his debut for the Southern club against Perpignan. Deadly.
#TOP14 - Les essais de la J8
— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) November 26, 2023
Penaud puissance 4 🎮
Un quadruplé pour l'ailier international lors de sa première à Chaban-Delmas sous le maillot de l'@UBBrugby 🍇 pic.twitter.com/uoAGZ1PfP2
Marcus Smith, utility back, England
Owen Farrell’s absence presents an important moment to one of the brightest talents in English rugby, who should now be given an extended run at fly-half. Smith shows an instinct for attack and courage to play beyond any of his rivals for the jersey, but he must also prove he can guide England through choppier waters.
He has been used as both a fly-half and a full-back for the national team. When he has played at 10, it’s generally been at the expense of Farrell who would move to inside centre. His most memorable performance at 15? England’s bruising quarter-final World Cup win against Fiji in which he put in a heroic defensive performance. His true strength, however, lies in his attacking ability. Check him out doing to typically bonkers stuff below:
Marcus Smith exécute le rebond parfait pour lui-même qui le mène à l'essai #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/bApZlNftij
— Rugby World Cup FR 🇫🇷 (@RugbyWorldCupFR) January 19, 2024
Finn Russell, flyhalf, Scotland
Marcus Smith is probably only second on the list of most exciting pivots at the Six Nations. No guessing who tops the charts!
One of the most exciting talents in the game, Russell is a magician of a fly-half with the skills to unpick any defence. Being named co-captain signals an end to his stormy relationship with head coach Gregor Townsend and he has been revitalised by his move to Bath, who are flourishing as a result of his arrival.
Whether offloading in tight spaces, totally negating defensive lines with devastating skip passes or nailing 50-22s; he remains Scotland’s main man.
Is Finn Russell the Lionel Messi of rugby?
— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) January 24, 2024
Well his passing of the rugby ball is certainly different gravy!
Enjoy 8 minutes of Finn Russell's sexy catalogue of passes & offloads on a rugby pitch: https://t.co/Kd2yMFSpJF pic.twitter.com/5kM1rDwksz
Alessandro Izekor, flanker, Italy
You were probably expecting to see Ange Capuozzo on this list. The winger is no-doubt the star of this ever-improving Italian side, but we’re going to highlight a devastating loose forward.
Singled out as one to watch by Italy great Sergio Parisse, the uncapped Izekor is a colossus of a back row who stands 6’5” tall and weighs around 100kgs. A force on both sides of the ball, the 23-year-old will be looking to transfer his impressive form for Benetton onto the Test arena.
Take a look at the Benetton man absolutely burning two-time World Cup-winning Springbok Damian Willemse in a URC clash.
Sometimes you get magic moments in games where everyone forgets their positions and they're just rugby players.
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) April 21, 2023
This is one such moment from Thomas Gallo and Alessandro Izekor.#URCpic.twitter.com/rViatpRrhl
Bundee Aki, centre, Ireland
A contender for player of the 2023 World Cup by the end of the group stage because of his barnstorming runs, power in the tackle and work over the ball. Aki possesses the rare skill of being able to generate tremendous power from a standing start, even against a defence as robust as South Africa’s.
He’s not just a powerful runner, though. His ability to offload in contact – especially after attracting the attention of more than one defender – has been a massive weapon for both Connacht and Ireland over the last few years.
Every other inside center in the world wears Bundee Aki pyjamas.
— Éanna (@eanna_jpg) October 8, 2023
Pass it on pic.twitter.com/dcLl1d3g7B
