Woodward picks his five Six Nations players to watch

Saturday, 06 February 2021 at 07:13

byRugby Rucker

Ahead of the 2021 Six Nations, Sir Clive Woodward has picked five players who he thinks are going to be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Writing in his column for the Mail Online, the World Cup-winning coach has gone for a blend of youth and experience in his selection.

Find out who he picked, any why, by clicking through this article.

1. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)

Age: 28
Position: Fullback
Club: Exeter Chiefs

Woodward said: "Much of the attention has been on the return of Finn Russell for Scotland and the emergence of the brilliant Cameron Redpath but don't forget Hogg. The full-back is in his pomp and his winning season with Exeter has seen his confidence soar. Very dangerous with ball in hand."

DID YOU KNOW? n 2012, following his Scotland debut, he discovered he was a distant relative of George Best. A close relative of Best recognised the link after seeing Hogg play on television

2. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

Age: 29
Position: Lock/Flanker
Club: Munster

Woodward said: "A relative a latecomer to top club and Test rugby having been released by Leinster in 2015. Nonetheless, he has become a major player in Ireland's second row alongside James Ryan. Very athletic and mobile — one of the best at 'jackalling' in the Six Nations among front-five forwards."

DID YOU KNOW? Beirne's mother, Brenda Hyland Beirne, was crowned the 1983 Rose of Tralee

3. Justin Tipuric (Wales)

Age: 31
Position: Flanker
Club: Ospreys

Woodward said: "I love watching this guy. He's one of the great all-round modern-day flankers and is a vital player if Wales are to fulfil their potential with a wider game. Will enjoy working alongside his old team-mate Taulupe Faletau, who he combined well with against Italy in the autumn."

DID YOU KNOW? Tipuric is of Croatian descent

4. Matthieu Jalibert (France)

Age: 22
Position: Fly-half
Club: Bordeaux-Begles

Woodward said: "The injured Romain Ntamack has had rave reviews but Jalibert is also a magnificent talent. He nearly guided a massively understrength France to a win over England in December and now has a chance to shine alongside the world's best scrum-half in Antoine Dupont."

5. Ellis Genge (England)

Age: 25
Position: Loosehead-prop
Club: Leicester Tigers

Woodward said: "I've always liked the look of Genge. He has plenty of attitude and X-factor and as long as that is controlled and channelled he has a big Test future. Genge has exceptional mobility, really makes a dent with ball in hand and his scrummaging is improving. It's a big tournament for him."

DID YOU KNOW? He is nicknamed "Baby Rhino" by the Rugby community.