Six Nations: Six breakthrough players in 2018

The 2018 Six Nations kicks off this weekend so we have picked a young talent from each nation that could stamp their mark in the tournament in 2018.

England - Zach Mercer

Eddie Jone's side head into the competition without the services of Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes who have been his go-to men in the no.8 jersey. 

That opens the door for the likes of Sam Simmonds and Zach Mercer to stake their claim for the jersey. 

Mercer has been involved with the side after captaining the u20s to U20s World Championship title in 2016 and the final in 2017 but his yet to make his senior debut. 

The 20-year-old has been in fine form for Bath and his clever running lines and astute defence could see him earn his first test cap and could well be the starting no.8 for the final few 6 Nations matches.

Ireland - Jordan Larmour

An upcoming superstar Jordan Larmour become an internet sensation when he carved up the Munster defence last October and will surely make his debut for his nation with Simon Zebo still absent from the Irish squad.

Joe Schmidt has talked up the Leinster youngster and his ability to play across the back three will provide the Irish boss plenty of attacking options throughout the Six Nations.

Larmour has featured 14 times for Leinster during the 2017/18 season scoring 6 tries, beating 39 defenders, accumulated 17 clean breaks and carried the 757 metres.

Wales - James Davies 

Davies is one of the older players to feature on our list at 27-years-old but the former GB Sevens superstar has been one of the top performers in the Pro 14 this season helping Scarlets to the top of Conference B.

Davies has a lot of top quality loose forwards ahead of him in the Welsh squad but given the opportunity, he will not disappoint.

He has made over 120 tackles in his 9 games for Scarlets this season missing only 4 tackles and averages more than a turnover a game.

Scotland - Byron McGuigan

It's easy to see why Gregor Townsend is eager to give 28-year-old Namibian-born flyer Byron McGuigan his Six Nations debut following his impressive Premiership season with Sale Sharks and a stunning start to his International career scoring 2 tries in his first two matches for his adoptated nation. 

McGuigan has scored a remarkable 8 tries for Sale in his 10 matches and boasts an impressive 682 metres gained, 20 clean breaks and 20 defenders beaten. 

McGuigan will be desperate to grab a starting jersey but will have but Lee Jones, Sean Maitland and Tommy Seymour all competing for a starting jersey. 

France - Mathhieu Jalibert

The French media has hyped up the 19-year-old Bordeaux playmaker who is set to make his senior debut during this year's Six Nations. 

Jalibert was a standout performer for the France u20s last year and has been in fine form for Bordeaux this season. 

His excellent kicking game and dangerous running game could see him leapfrog Anthony Belleau to start France's opening game against Ireland. 

Italy - Giovanni Licata 

Giovanni Licata has been tipped as Italian Rugby's next big thing and has certainly lived up to his hype to date. 

The 20-year-old looseforward only joined Zebre last year and has enjoyed a fruitful start to his top flight career making over 100 carries and 90 tackles in his first 10 games of the season.

His impressive form for Zebre earned him his maiden test call-up for the 2017 November test where he made his Test debut off the bench against Fiji before starting his first Test match against South Africa two weeks later.

Licata could well be the man tasked to replace Sergio Parisse, once the Italy legend retires, and he will look to make his mark in his debut Six Nations campaign this season.