The Six Nations is looking less clear-cut by the day and with new coaches coming to the forefront, so do a new array of gifted players. Meanwhile some players have the British and Irish Lions on their mind, and for the supposed 'guarantees', there are young cubs only a few paces behind.
The 2012 Six Nations is going to be an ever greater spectacle to behold than last season, with superb young blood on show. Here's some of the possible Lions talent to watch out for, plus the likely addition of a possibly World Class Frenchman.
Cherry and Whites speedster Charlie Sharples is looking to get underway with a flying start for the English. Since last season Sharples has been the undoubted star of the Gloucester backline, along with fellow countrymen Morgan, Trinder and Burns earning their fair share of the spoils. Recently the winger has added to his sheer pace and ability with stern defensive efforts, making him, as far as I can see, England's number 2 man out wide. With Welsh legend Shane Williams hanging up the boots and only Saxons and Wolfhounds call up's for former Lions Ugo Monye and Luke Fitzgerald, a seat on the plane to Aus looks set to be reserved for Sharples.
Another Englishman, who is yet to seek the aesthetics of English rugby, Ben Morgan, is keen to impress, however he's got competition in the ranks with likely debut stars Phil Dowson and Chris Robshaw both being able to master the 8 position. The Scarlet has been the battering ram behind the scrum and has shown with consistently good performances in the Pro12 and the Heineken that he is deserved of a place in Lancaster's 32. With weight and size on his side, he looks sure to be a new, exciting talent!
From an Englishman playing in Wales to a Scotsman playing in England. Richie Vernon has been the stand out man for Sale when it comes to speed, tenacity and ball skills. He's certainly not your typical fat lipped, cauliflower eared forward, he's a new breed of back-rower following on from the likes of Pocock and Warburton, with ability in abundance. The stage looks to be set for the 24 year old Scotsman.
With Shane Williams now part of Welsh International folklore, it's time for a new superstar to fill his small, yet spacious boots. A superstar in the shape of fellow Ospreys Centre Ashley Beck, who, after a flying start to the Pro12 looks likely to be a Welsh try machine. Even though a central man, his pace and balance make him the envy of many a centre and with the likes of North and Priestland to work off, with Wales looking likely to have a future world beating backline.
An Ulsterman of many gifts, Andrew Trimble along with Irish colleague Keith Earls also look likely to set the world alight, however French talent looks to be coming along leaps and bounds with the Clermont Auvergne powerhouse that is Wesley Fofana. Not a man of Herculean stature, granted, but what a player he is set to be. Similar in talent to All Black Sonny-Bill Williams and in physical presence to Sebastien Chabal, Fofana, who if he plays as he did against the Tigers at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, could become a legend of the blue jersey.
What a Six Nations we have in store!
