6 Nations: 5 Players for the Future

This weekend we were treated to some of the most fun rugby we have seen in the 6 Nations since “Super Saturday” last year. Teams seemed to play with more freedom, and we think that is largely down to the greater inclusion of young players this season. Here are 5 examples of young players who have really impressed us over the course of the tournament.

George Kruis:

The England and Saracens lock reminded us of what he is capable of when given the opportunity. At 26, he is far from the youngest player on this list, but he is also far from retirement age. Kruis is a great lineout jumper, and his work rate is phenomenal. While his partner, Maro Itoje is often the one in the spotlight for his big hits and bruising carries, Kruis is happy enough doing all the little things right. He may face some major competition in Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes, but Kruis has certainly laid the groundwork for a long future with England.

Stuart McCloskey:

McCloskey has only made one appearance in the tournament, which certainly does not help his case, however, the Ulster inside centre showed exactly what Ireland fans would have hoped to see on his debut. McCloskey’s power and pace caused major problems for England in the second half, before he was pulled off (doubtless a preplanned substitution). The return of Jared Payne saw McCloskey left out against Italy, but Ireland fans will still hope to see more of the 240lb Ulster star against Scotland. He may have been hamstrung by Joe Schmidt’s cautious selection style, but he has a very bright future ahead.

Duncan Taylor:

Taylor, like his Saracens teammate George Kruis, has enjoyed an international renaissance this season. Taylor was on the bench at the start of the tournament, but he was given the start at inside centre against Wales, and simply hasn’t looked back. Against Wales and France Taylor was able to find his way to the try line, and he has lifted his side’s attacking prowess dramatically. The 26 year old has excellent vision, and picks great lines, making him very dangerous in attack, but this also means that he brings great defensive awareness. Combine these characteristics with his excellent work rate, and you can see why Scotland are so excited about this young man.

Maro Itoje:

There isn’t much to say about this young man that hasn’t already been said, which is pretty impressive, given that he’s only 21 years old. Last season, the 6’6” 256lb lock/flanker showed the athleticism and potential to catch many eyes for Saracens, and he has done the same for England. His 14 tackles against Wales and 16 against Ireland show that the former Under 20’s captain is ready not only physically, but mentally as well. For Itoje’s England career, it was never a matter of if, simply a matter of when, and his time is now.

Josh Van Der Flier:

Ask your average Ireland fan, or even your average Leinster fan, about Josh Van Der Flier last year, and you’d receive a puzzled look. In just 18 months, Van Der Flier has gone from making his first Leinster cap, to his first European start, and then made his first international cap, starting at 7 against England. The Leinster flanker has a very high work rate, and is comparable to Dan Lydiate in his consistently high tackle counts. Van Der Flier announced himself with an excellent performance against Steffon Armitage and Toulon in the Champions Cup, but has continued to impress for Ireland at the international level. With 15 tackles against England, and another 15 against Italy, Van Der Flier is proving to be an out and out openside, and one that could be a huge player for Ireland in the near future.