BLACK EYES... BUT CAN ANYONE GIVE CHAMPIONS A BLOODY NOSE?
COACH: EDDIE JONES: The Aussie
W who guided Japan to the greatest EDDIE Jones may have pitched up at the Six Nations launch upset of them all has been able to do sporting an old-school shiner, but the burning question is can no wrong since taking the reins from anyone give his England side a bloody nose during their Stuart Lancaster in the wake of the Championship defence? World Cup disaster. An astute tactician, Even without one-man wrecking ball Billy Vunipola, not to mention a man manager and a shrewd media couple of other key forwards, it is hard to look past the Red Rose for glory. operator, Jones is setting the bar high. In the wake of the 2015 World Cup debacle, Jones has transformed Eng
land into a formidable global force, sweeping all before them in 2016 with CAPTAIN: DYLAN HARTLEY: There a Grand Slam, a 3-0 series whitewash of the Wallabies Down Under and an are better hookers around than Hartley, unbeaten autumn. but the Northampton man has proven They are firm favourites and deservedly so. to be a strong, unifying leader under Jones’ stewardship. Continues to be plagued by disciplinary issues and will feel fortunate he still has the job following his latest indiscretion. KEY MAN: OWEN FARRELL: The Saracens pivot is maturing into a fine all-round player, whether at 10 or 12, and many observers view him as a captain in waiting. A metronomic goalkicker, he has improved his attacking game and, unsurprisingly considering he comes from rugby league stock, is a gutsy defender. YOUNGSTER TO WATCH: MARO ITOJE: It’s easy to forget that the athletic Saracens forward is only 22, such has been his meteoric rise into the Test stratosphere. After bursting onto the scene in 2016 as a rangy second row, this year could see Super Maro roaming more in the back row, where many see him as a Lions pick. STRENGTHS: WEAKNESSES: Over-confidence possibly? England’s Six Nations rivals will take heart from the Red Rose’s sluggish opener against Australia in the autumn, even if they did go on to win the match with something to spare. George Ford can blow hot and cold, while an out-and-out fetcher at seven has been an issue. The absence of the injured Billy Vunipola is also a major blow. KEY INJURIES: Some key cogs are on the casualty list, notably the Vunipola brothers Mako and Billy, former captain Chris Robshaw and the injury-cursed Manu Tuilagi. James Haskell and Joe Marler are other absentees for the opener against France. LAST TIME OUT: The Chariot carried home a first Six Nations title in five years and a first Grand Slam clean sweep since the days of Jonny and Co back in 2003. ORDER OF GAMES: France (Twickenham), Wales (Cardiff), Italy (Twickenham), Scotland (Twickenham), Ireland (Dublin) WHAT THE COACH SAYS: “We’ve got some players doing exceptionally well, but it doesn’t mean they are world class. By 2019, we want to have four or five world-class players.” WHAT MOOD ARE THE FANS IN: Did you see that 2017 Grand Slam T-shirt that has already been printed? It is fair to say the Red Rose followers are not low on confidence before the tournament kicks off. LIONS CERTAINTIES: Mako Vunipola, Maro Itoje, Billy Vunipola, Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson. LIONS HOPEFULS: Dylan Hartley, Jamie George, Dan Cole, Joe Marler, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, James Haskell, Chris Robshaw, George Ford, Jack Nowell, Mike Brown. AN OUTSIDE LIONS BOLTER OUT TO WOW GATLAND: JACK NOWELL: Exeter’s pocket rocket has been in dazzling form for the Chiefs.
Has a fearless approach to the game, which is sure to make him a Gatland favourite. DID YOU KNOW: England have employed a new vision coach in their pursuit of global domination and South African expert Sherylle Calder – aka the Eye Lady - has already told players to lay off their smart-phones because she believes it is making them less skilful. BOOKIES PREDICTION: Clear favourites. 4-5 on with some, 10-11 with others. All see white ribbons round the trophy again. WHAT WE SAY: There is a clarity about the way England are playing under Jones which has to be admired and they are heading into the tournament with confidence oozing from every pore. Cardiff will be a test, and they may also encounter a few demons of Dublin past in their potential title showdown with Ireland, but they are favourites for a reason. With Italy on home soil, expect England to benefit from bonus points. ROB LLOYD