RBS Six Nations: 6 of the Biggest Hitters

The big guys, the bone crunchers, powerful, ferocious and most content when they have sent somebody thumping into the ground. These big hitters will play a crucial part in the up and coming six nations tournament as their respective nations go for glory.

Can Billy Vunipola help launch England to glory? Will the presence of Alun Wyn Jones be enough for Wales to claim the title? Or perhaps new boy Virimi Vakatawa is just what France needs to get them going again.

Jonny Gray: Second Row – Scotland

The younger brother of another hard hitter in Ritchie Gray. The monster stands at 6ft 6in, weighs in at 126kg and at only 21 has 19 caps to his name. The second rower has an industrious work rate and is great at keeping up the ferocity, throughout the match. He hit all of his tackles at the 2015 Six Nations bar one and the young Glaswegian will be a force for many years to come.

Billy Vunipola: Number Eight – England

England, the favourite to win 6 Nations according to Sports Betting Dime, have a mountain of a man in Billy Vunipola. The Englishman weighs just under 20 stone, and never hesitates to use that bulk. Incredibly slick in his movement despite his powerful frame, and is just as good tackling as he is running with the ball. England head coach Eddie Jones recently told Vunipola to stop being ‘too nice.’ Hopefully that is just the inspiration the big man needs before crashing into people.

Sean O’Brien: Flanker – Ireland

The flanker may be more known for his ball carrying abilities, but anyone who has seen the Irishman live knows about his incredible tackling prowess. In a feature in the Guardian, the Leinster man says that some of his strength comes from his childhood days handling bulls. The six nations will surely be a walk in the park then. The 6ft 2in man can bomb about the park and often lands one on one demolition style challenges.

Alun Wyn Jones: Second Row – Wales

With a decade of experience behind him and 100 caps the marauding Welshman has to be one of the biggest hitters in the tournament. Coming in at 6ft 5in and weighing 118kg Wyn Jones is an intimidating presence on the pitch who relishes the physical side of the game. One of the most intelligent players in the Wales squad, his awareness is fantastic. The veteran second rower remains one of the most assured players on the pitch for Wales.

Virimi Vakatawa: Wing/Centre – France

It was a bold statement drafting Virimi Vakatawa into the squad, but it is hard to doubt his tackling ability for one second. Despite not playing a 15-man international game and even a 15-man match in three years, he is still a phenomenal talent. What makes him such a good tackler is his bursts of speed and explosive energy. Possibly the wild card out of my selection, but still a solid shout.

Sergio Parisse: Number Eight – Italy

The Italian captain will be a hugely important figure as Italy blood 10 uncapped players in the six nations. Parisse is a vastly experienced player who commands instant respect on the field, and it will be his job to help the inexperienced members of the team. Still a big hitter for Italy, at 6ft 5in you will know when he’s landed one on you.

This year’s six nations will be one of the most hotly contested and should be a fantastic spectacle. There are more big hitters in the game, but that is my pick of the bunch. It will be fascinating to see who can land the biggest blows.