England
Not many people would consider this guy to be a match winner but think about it logically. Without Cole's contribution in the set pieces or rucks, England wouldn't have a lot of 'go-forward ball'. A dominant scrummager and a fierce ball carrier and tackler, Cole sets a platform that few other props in the world can.
Might not get a chance to shine this 6N due to Farrell's form and Flood's experience but if Burns is given half a chance, he'll be sure to take it. He's a sensible player, authoritative and has a good kicking record. I expect him to come off the bench at some point just to keep the scoreboard ticking over, but hope he plays with a bit of flair so he can plant doubt in Stuart Lancaster's mind.
Expected to finish - 2nd
England partly back to their best but will still face tough challenges away from home. France will be a tough game and the English forwards might get a bit more knocked around than they are used to.
France
Any number of players could go here; Dusautoir, Szarzewski, Fofana or even the return of Michalak but it's the big number 8 that I believe is France's key player. Just like Cole, Picamoles can set a real platform for France's backs to play champagne rugby. One of Toulouse's key weapons, he always breaks the first tackle and never seems to go backwards.
One to Watch - Mathieu Bastareaud
Everyone in the rugby world has heard of Bastareaud and knows what he can do. Seems to have settled down at Toulon and got rid of the demons that have only earned him 9 caps so far. It's shown on the pitch this season too, he's a lot more mature and his game is more rounded now compared to his one dimensional play we saw when he first burst on the scene. Doubtful that he will start but don't be surprised if you see him come off the bench and run someone over.
Expected to finish - 1st
Every French player seems to be in the form of their life at the moment but can they replicate it for their national team? I reckon so, expect champagne rugby at it's best.
Ireland
Key Player - Rory BestIreland will be relying a lot on RoG and BoD this Six Nations, but the Ulster hooker is in the form of his life at the moment. He's extremely mobile for a hooker and you'll regularly see him breaking down the wing in a way that most hookers can only dream of. Unlucky not to be Ireland captain, but expect to see him leading from the front.
One to Watch - Craig Gilroy1 cap, 1 try and a lot of Irish expectation on the 21 year old winger's shoulders as he comes into his first major tournament. He's often compared to an Irish Shane Williams and you can see why as he comes with an abundance of acceleration and quick feet. It's great to see a winger who isn't built like a brick outhouse and I'm sure he has a fine future ahead of him.
Expected to finish - 3rd
Ireland's key players seem to be back just in time. Their front row could get dominated but they have a strong, experienced back-row and backline to stop themselves from crumbing under pressure.
Italy
Key Player - Sergio ParisseLets be honest, apart from Castrogiovanni, who else can be this much of a key player for Italy? The big number 8 carries the weight of Italian rugby on his big broad shoulders and who can blame him. He's an exceptional leader and the type of person you build a team around. Another key player who'll be setting a platform, not for his backs, but for his fellow forwards to keep putting opposition packs under the cosh.
One to Watch - Tommaso Iannone
The next big thing to come out of Italy, the Treviso winger has some serious speed, which is useful in an Italian team that lacks spark. He only made his debut in the Autumn, but Italy coach Jacques Brunel has faith in him so don't be surprised if you see him start, especially as Mirco Bergamasco is out injured.
Expected to finish - 5th
This Italian team are getting stronger and stronger but it's a shame that their rivals are as well. They have a dominant pack and their backs are coming good but they have no out-and-out kicker and they will struggle to close out games.
Scotland
Key Player - Tim Visser
Scotland's backline finally seems to look like it can do more than just add numbers to a team and it is no coincidence that it has come at the same time that Visser was included into the squad. The 'Flying Dutchman' is a natural born finisher, has already scored 4 tries in 5 caps and I fully expect him to have nearly doubled that come the end of the tournament.
One to Watch - Ruaridh JacksonI was tempted to put Sean Maitland in here but for me, Scotland's attack is going to have to revolve around Jackson. He's been on the scene for a while now but a lot of people outside of Scotland or the RaboProDirect12 know about him and he's underrated. A mature fly-half with good distribution, he can get Scotland's backs running.
Expected to finish - 4th
I expect a lot of controversial remarks about this but Scotland will do OK under their interim coach, Scott Johnson. They have an experienced pack that can rival most and if the backs get going, they will cross the white line more times than people will anticipate.
Wales
Key Player - Leigh HalfpennyIn a team blighted by injuries and still haunted by the Autumn internationals, Halfpenny is the shining star that still makes Welsh fans believe. A confident attacker and strong under the high ball, the full-back has a kicking game that will keep the scoreboard ticking in Wales' favour.
One to Watch - Eli Walker
Another 'one to watch' player with some serious gas. Walker has been in terrific form this season for the Ospreys and is another Shane Williams-esque player. Depending on North's and Cuthbert's fitness, Walker could be in the Welsh starting lineup and expect him to grab a try or two.
Expected to finish - 6th
Again, I'm expected to get slated for this one but extensive injuries to Wales' key players means I've put them here for good reason. They've picked a lot of inexperienced players and the forwards will be under pressure more often than not.
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