Because the 2025 Six Nations heats up, this yr’s event carries with it the underlying theme of the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia this summer time. Who will play their manner into head coach Andy Farrell’s aspect, and who will heartachingly miss out?
Each participant will attempt to assist their residence nation to succeed, however they will even be hoping to impress and e-book their seat on the aircraft down below.
Every week, ESPN writers James Regan and Tom Hamilton choose their XV.
1. Andrew Porter, Eire (prop)
Certainly one of many few who’ve a beginning place nearly definitely sewn up. Porter has change into one in every of Eire’s most influential gamers and is a dominant power Farrell will have the ability to depend on within the massive moments.
2. Dan Sheehan, Eire (hooker)
Sheehan has been a dependable soldier for Farrell all through Eire’s profitable interval. Whereas England duo Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie in addition to Scotland’s Ewan Ashman will all push for a spot in Australia, Sheehan can be laborious to displace right here.
3. Zander Fagerson, Scotland (prop)
Fagerson has made Scotland’s No. 3 jersey his personal in current occasions and would provide one thing completely different to the front-row whereas taking part in alongside the 2 Irishman. Keep watch over the injured Eire tighthead Tadgh Furlong although, who Farrell may flip to regardless of his lack of worldwide taking part in time in current months.
4. Maro Itoje, England (lock)
Search for Itoje to go to a different degree for England this Six Nations after being handed the captaincy by Steve Borthwick. You’d think about Farrell can be delighted with the transfer, and it may even push Itoje’s case to steer the Lions out in Australia.
5. Joe McCarthy Eire, (lock)
A lock mixture of McCarthy and Itoje seems like one in every of this aspect’s greatest strengths. With the way in which they impression video games, you additionally get the sensation they’re two of the gamers Farrell can be hoping to keep away from damage greater than most.
6. Tadgh Beirne, Eire, (lock)
Beirne can play lock, however Farrell has usually most well-liked him as a No. 6. with Peter O’Mahoney now coming off the bench for Eire. Beirne had an immense 2024, named in World Rugby’s “Dream Staff” for the second time (though sure, each occasions had been at lock!). Taking part in him at No. 6 additionally fingers Farrell the choice of getting Beirne, McCarthy and Itoje within the beginning XV.
7. Rory Darge, Scotland (flanker)
Darge has change into a formidable asset for Scotland as one in every of their co-captains. Whereas he can break the road and get his aspect on the entrance foot within the blink of an eye fixed, his work charge with the gritty aspect of the sport can also be exceptional. Nonetheless, the flanker place is fiercely aggressive on either side of the scrum for the Lions this yr.
Look out for England pair Tom Curry and Sam Underhill. Jac Morgan could possibly be one of many few gamers from Wales to power themselves into the aspect whereas (after all) Eire have an possibility there within the type of Josh van der Flier.
8. Caelan Doris, Eire (No. 8)
As sure as you will get at this stage of the yr by way of choosing a beginning participant for the Lions. Not often, if ever, lets Eire down and is a weapon on either side of the ball. Will probably be between Doris and Itoje for the captaincy, with the Irishman out in entrance for that function as properly at this level.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park, Eire (scrum-half)
Whereas Gibson-Park has been in type and might be relied upon as a secure pair of fingers, Alex Mitchell may positively power his manner into the aspect by displaying how essential he’s for England all through the Six Nations. Both manner, offering they keep match, each can be glorious choices. Tomos Williams is additionally one to look at as he can be key in Wales’ makes an attempt to dig themselves out of a horrid shedding streak.
10. Finn Russell, Scotland (fly-half)
A generational expertise, this tour seems like a golden alternative for Russell to cement a legacy for himself. With Scotland struggling to recover from the road within the Six Nations and coping with a number of accidents this yr, Russell can stamp his authority on the worldwide stage even additional with the Lions. Marcus Smith can be trying to provide one thing completely different for the workforce within the No. 10 jersey, whereas Eire’s Sam Prendergast — a Farrell favorite — may show a bolter for the squad.
11. James Lowe, Eire (winger)
The shape winger over the previous couple of years, he has been a key determine on Eire’s success in assault and defence. At all times reliable, he’ll desire a sturdy Six Nations to reaffirm his grip on the jersey having lately returned from damage.
Scotland’s Duhan Van der Merwe has additionally change into probably the most feared wingers within the Six Nations and can be respiratory down Lowe’s neck for the well-known No. 11 jumper.
12. Bundee Aki, Eire (centre)
If he’s match, you’d count on Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu to be the primary alternative right here. Nonetheless, a pectoral damage means he will not get the prospect to cement his spot within the Six Nations. Aki was on the 2021 tour of South Africa and is within the lucky place of being accustomed to Farrell.
13. Garry Ringrose, Eire (centre)
The midfield is arguably essentially the most intriguing collection of this XV, given no participant (apart from Tuipulotu) has asserted themselves above the remainder. Ought to Aki get the nod at 12, Ringrose or incumbent Robbie Henshaw may slot in at 13 given their Eire partnerships. England’s OIlie Lawrence can be trying to make an impression after a barely underwhelming autumn sequence.
Lawrence, teammate Henry Slade and Scotland’s Huw Jones will all be within the combine.
14. Mack Hansen, Eire (winger)
You may definitely depend upon Hansen, however the 14 jersey does really feel like it’s up for grabs. Scotland’s Darcy Graham has returned to the fold, and England ace Immanuel Feyi-Waboso can also be an possibility right here, though he’s in a race in opposition to the clock after opting to endure shoulder surgical procedure which can preserve him out of the Six Nations.
15. Blair Kinghorn, Scotland (fullback)
Having change into a key determine in Scotland’s backline, Kinghorn has an opportunity to take the subsequent step into the Lions area with a robust Six Nations. With their accidents, Scotland can be up in opposition to it, but it surely offers Kinghorn the chance to stamp his personal authority on the squad on and off the pitch, which may flip Farrell’s head. Eire’s Hugo Keenan will seemingly be the principle challenger to Kinghorn.
– British & Irish Lions 2025: Australia tour fixtures
– How Simon Easterby’s Eire will look with out Andy Farrell
– Why every workforce will discover Six Nations success, and why they will not
– WATCH: Can Scotland win their first title since 1999? ESPN writers debate
– Six Nations and Ladies’s Six Nations: Full fixture checklist
