Sam Warburton picks his 2025 Lions back-row, includes one-cap England star

The Canterbury ambassador said: “I saw this kid play pre-Christmas because Harlequins were playing Cardiff. There was one kid who stood out and I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, how is he not in the England set-up?’

“Fast forward to the Six Nations and he came off the bench the other day for England and had 15 minutes – Chandler Cunningham-South is a serious player. He’s 6ft 5ins, explosive, big, aggressive and technically very good as well. There are not many No6s around and there is always room for an enforcer in your pack.

“You need someone who can spearhead the effort. Joe McCarthy is doing that now for Ireland and Cunningham-South can be that player at six who is really disruptive. In 18 months, he is going to be red hot and in the conversation (for the Lions).

“To play international rugby you have got to have a certain athletic ability at the top level. Look at the top back row players who are having an impact; you have got (Caelan) Doris, Jac Morgan, Ben Earl, Aaron Wainwright. These guys are exceptional athletes, very physical and very tough.

“I look at Cunningham-South and he has got all that – plus size. Probably the biggest and most athletic back row the home nations have at the minute.

“He’s only 20 which means he has still got another 18 months of growth physically. And he has got 18 months of just getting Test match experience, playing with England and playing with Quins.

“He has just got that athletic ability and size I haven’t seen present in any of the home nations, and the important bit is he has got the mentality, the bit between his teeth, that aggressiveness you need at level. And you can’t coach aggressiveness.

“He seems to have the full package; I just hope he gets some game time. Great athlete, good in defence, good ball carrier. He could be that massive six I think the Lions could really benefit from and be destructive.”

With the 2024 Guinness Six Nations continuing this weekend, here are the six most powerful Six Nations players to watch.

18st 2lbs. 6ft 5in. Fast, strong, agile, intelligent and super fit. If The Pearl wasn't an elite rugby player, you'd half expect to see him crushing skulls in Game of Thrones.

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With a reported squat personal best of a staggering 350 kg, Andrew Porter's strength resembles an Olympic standard. Porter smashes the 275kg requirements for an elite-level squat for his size, demonstrating how truly powerful he is for a professional athlete.

The Leinster prop is a fearsome scrummager, capable of winning the ball against the run of play through the sheer force of his driving. Ireland's resident powerhouse lines up in a frightening front row, along with Tadhg Furlong and Ronan Kelleher.

A dedicated Dubliner, Porter has made over 100 appearances for his hometown club Leinster, since his debut in 2016.

England have learned experience of the power of Porter, as the prop muscled his way over the line from close range, in the 2020 Six Nations. Porter's international accolades are not limited to just Ireland, as he worked his way onto the 2021 British Lions tour to South Africa.

Underhill, the formidable force in rugby's Six Nations arena, epitomizes the term "beast" on the field. Born on July 22, 1996, in Ohio, USA, Underhill's rugby journey took him to the pinnacle of the sport. Renowned for his uncompromising tackling and relentless work rate, he became a linchpin in England's back row.

Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 101 kilograms, Underhill possesses a rare combination of strength, speed, and tactical acumen that strikes fear into opponents.

Making his Six Nations debut in 2017, Underhill quickly established himself as a defensive maestro, often single-handedly dismantling opposition attacks.

His indomitable spirit and commitment to excellence earned him a reputation as a key player in England's quest for Six Nations glory. With a warrior's heart and a tenacious approach to the game, Sam Underhill stands as a true Six Nations beast, leaving an indelible mark on the rugby landscape.

Scotland's answer to Jonah Lomu. This powerful and pace-filled winger can break tackles with force, or glide around the outside of defenders providing a versatile threat for Scotland.

Moving north of the border and joining Edinburgh, after the dissolvement of Worcester Warriors in October, van der Merwe has settled into life in the Scottish capitol.

Already scoring twice and beating 21 defenders for his new club, the South African born star has taken no time in establishing himself in the United Rugby Championship.

A highlights reel for Worcester, van der Merwe became a fan favourite in his short tenure at Sixways Stadium.

Duhan travelled back to his native South Africa, as part of the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour. A definitive powerful winger, van der Merwe will be lining up with Stuart Hogg and Darcey Graham in the Scottish backfield, which presents an exciting trio.

Toa Halafihi has big shoes to fill, as the next in line to Sergio Parisse's number eight jersey. Taking over at the back of the scrum from Italy's iconic captain, Halafihi is a rightful replacement. Born in New Zealand, Halafihi qualifies to play for Italy through his four year residency at Benetton.

Already a decorated number eight, Halafihi was apart of Benetton's Rainbow Cup triumph over the Bulls in 2021. Halafihi has deceptive quickness for a player of his size, with the agility to step opponents in a phone box. Explosive stutter-steps make him an entertaining ball carrier, with an unpredictability in his attack.

Halafihi can crash through opposing defenders, but may shock some supporters with his slight-footedness. With Italy looking to build on their first Six Nations win in seven years, after the beat Wales in the 2022 campaign, Halafihi will be a key figure in the side.

The likes of Halafihi, Paolo Garbisi and Monty Ioane are filling the 'Azzurri' with optimism, for another upset victory in this year's competition.

One of the latest breakout stars for Exeter Chiefs, Christ Tshiunza has been making a name for himself in Devon. At 6ft 6" tall, and weighing 17.6 stone, Tshiunza is a towering forward, that will be looking to establish himself for Wales.

Head and shoulders above the age group opposition, Wayne Pivac fast-tracked Tshiunza for a Welsh first team debut in the 2021 Autumn International series, against Fiji.

Eligible to play for Wales, England, France or his native Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pivac moved fast to secure Tshiunza's services for Wales. An exciting young talent, Tshiunza strides his way through tackles.

He scored a memorable try for the Chiefs, as he broke through three Harlequins defenders, leaving each man on the turf. He then presented great pace to charge for the line, in the clash back in September.

A versatile forward, able to play as a lock or in the back row, Warren Gatland selected Tshiunza for his Six Nations squad, and will certainly look to utilise the big man throughout the tournament. With Alun Wyn Jones and Taulupe Faletau in camp, the 21-year-old has the perfect mentors to guide him onto the international stage, and eventually take the torch forward from the Wales legends.