6 Players Who Should Be Picked for the Rest of the 6 Nations

Selections are always a controversial topic, and there are always top class players who have to be left out. With two rounds gone in the 6 Nations, here is one player from each side who we think can have a big impact over the last three weeks of the tournament.

England: Matt Kvesic

While England fans haven’t had much to complain about in their backrow so far, James Haskell and Chris Robshaw have failed to do anything noteworthy in the first two games of the 6 Nations. The Scotland match highlighted the fact that England still lack a true weapon at the breakdown, as they were bullied by John Hardie at the breakdown. Kvesic would solidify England at the ruck point, as well as giving them a valuable presence in the defensive line. Kvesic has been outstanding for Gloucester this season, so there should be no questions about his form, and he certainly looks ready for Eddie Jones’ phone call.

France: Bernard Le Roux

Tougher call here, but France seem to miss the work rate they got from Le Roux. The South African born flanker would happily tackle all day long for Guy Noves, allowing the more dynamic players in Damien Chouly and Yacuba Camera to play their attacking game with ball in hand. Balance is vital in the back row, and right now, the French seem to lack that, as they have focused on ball carrying, leaving the rucking and tackling behind. The return of Le Roux to the 6 shirt would solve that problem for the first time since the retirement of Thierry Dusautoir.

Ireland: Stuart McCloskey

Ireland’s injury list grew just that little bit longer this weekend, as it was announced that Jared Payne would most likely be missing out on the match against England. This has reopened the conversation for two of Ireland’s most exciting prospects, Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey. We think there is only one answer to this question however, and it is McCloskey. The 21 year old Ringrose needs more time at Leinster to develop and put on size. McCloskey however, is more than ready. At 6’4” and 240 pounds, McCloskey would be a major pain for Owen Farrell at 12, and would allow Robbie Henshaw to move into his preferred position of outside center. McCloskey is a rare talent, and his time has surely come.

Italy: Samuela Vunisa

Given his dominant form for Saracens of late, we’re struggling to understand why Italy have left the massive number 8 out of their squad. Vunisa can play across the back row, and would give Italy a second explosive playmaker to compliment Sergio Parisse. Vunisa has scored 5 tries since joining the Saracens, and his pace and power have made him a fan favorite. The inclusion of Vunisa would give Italy a second ball carrying threat in their largely depleted pack, something they badly need.

Scotland: Sam Hidalgo-Clyne

As valuable an asset as Greig Laidlaw is, he seems to have lost his World Cup form in recent weeks, and with a young star like Hidalgo-Clyne waiting in the wings, it may be time for him to step aside. Hidalgo-Clyne is an explosive youngster, who will greatly increase the pace of the Scottish game. While he may need some work on game management, his pace and vision make him a ball carrying threat that many sides will struggle to cope with. Clyne is a master of sniping through the defence before linking up with one of his teammates, and this could be just the spark that Scotland need to resurrect their campaign.

Wales: Dan Lydiate

This was another tough call, but we think it is time that Lydiate is restored to the starting XV for Wales. We love Justin Tipuric’s style of play, but he has failed to make his usual impact in the loose, and his lack of contribution in defence simply makes him a liability. Lydiate may not be as exciting a playing to watch, but his mastery of the choke tackle makes him a fearsome weapon on the gainline for Wales. Lydiate also gets through plenty of work at the breakdown, and is often at the core of the Welsh gameplan when in the starting side.