New captains, absent stars and fresh faces – the talking points of the Six Nations

With the Rugby World Cup over and done with until 2027, attention now turns to this season’s Guinness Six Nations and the battle for European supremacy.

Ireland and France, who meet in the opening game of the tournament, are favorites for silverware, and new captains include England hook Jamie George, Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins and Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony.

Here, PA news agency looks at some key talking points ahead of the tournament.

No new-look Owen Farrell for England

England will go into the Six Nations without their World Cup captain and winger Farrell, who decided to miss the tournament to prioritize the mental wellbeing of his family.

Farrell’s Saracens team-mate George takes on leadership duties, leading a squad that includes Exeter pair Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots among seven uncapped players, but experienced starters Kyle Sinckler and Billy Vunipola have been left out. Italy and Wales at home suggest England should make an unbeaten start, but life gets tougher there with Scotland at Murrayfield followed by Ireland at home and France in Lyon.

The World Cup bronze medalists have their work cut out for them to upset title challengers Ireland and France, but with the likes of Alex Mitchell, Henry Slade and Tommy Freeman in blistering form for their clubs, they could Steve Borthwick’s men make a strong impression if everything clicks. .

Big boots to fill for the Irish semis

The approach of Andy Farrell and the Irish Grand Slam champions is evolution, rather than revolution after 29 wins from the last 32 matches. Farrell has retained 26 of the 33 players he took to the World Cup, with all the changes brought about by injuries and retirements.

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But there is no doubt that the big move Farrell faces is in the most impactful position. The departure of Johnny Sexton has left a void in the semi-final and Munster’s Jack Crowley is expected to be promoted to first choice as a result. The exciting 24-year-old impressed when selected, but only three of his nine Test outings came as a starter.

With Ross Byrne out with a hand problem, Crowley’s rivals – Ciaran Frawley and Harry Byrne – lack international experience, having won just three caps together.

All change for Warren Gatland’s Wales

Wales’ players have changed a lot from the World Cup to the Six Nations. International retirements, injuries, unavailability and selection calls mean head coach Gatland will go into the tournament without 15 of his squad who were on duty in France.

They will be minus the services of players such as NFL hopefuls Louis Rees-Zammit, Liam Williams, Dan Biggar, Dewi Lake, Tomas Francis, Jac Morgan and Taulupe Faletau, including Gatland’s group of five uncapped players.

Wales kicks off against Scotland in Cardiff, before back-to-back appointments with England, Ireland and France. Gatland often weaves his magic and Wales often punch above their weight, but it will be a tall order for them this time around.

Scots must banish the blues of the World Cup

Scotland need an uplifting Six Nations campaign after taking the wind out of their sails in a deflationary World Cup event on the pool stage. Recently retired Stuart Hogg is the only notable absentee from the side that did well in last year’s championship, finishing best of the rest behind him the great two of Ireland and France.

Most of their pre-tournament injury concerns have been cleared up, so they have the personnel to compete strongly, especially with the back quartet of Blair Kinghorn, Ben White, Finn Russell and Ali Price all under. flourished after recent moves to Toulouse, Toulon, Bath and Edinburgh. respectively.

In a tournament where a strong start is often so vital, much will depend on whether Gregor Townsend’s side can get off on the right foot against Wales in Cardiff, a city where the Scots have not won by more than a score. year.

Good memories are left by absent friends

While the 2024 Six Nations tournament is inevitably exciting, it will be revealed with a number of notable names missing, highlighted by France’s World Cup captain Antoine Dupont.

The Toulouse striker will not be part of Les Bleus’ campaign after deciding to press France’s seven-man squad for the Paris Olympics. Dupont is likely to feature in two World Series competitions during the Six Nations, with Maxime Lucu preferred to replace him in the number nine shirt. La Rochelle number eight Gregory Alldritt is the new skipper.

Dupont’s other former world player of the year, Sexton, is retired, with another high-profile player – Wales’ Biggar number 10 – retiring from test rugby, as well as England trio Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs and Mako Vunipola who are highly regarded experienced.

Meanwhile, top referees Wayne Barnes and Jaco Peyper are calling the shots on their careers, and there will be no Stade de France on this year’s Six Nations schedule as it prepares for the Olympics. France’s home games will take place in Marseille, Lille and Lyon.