Six Nations 2018: Players to watch

From speedy wingers to creative scrum-halves our expert Taylor Richards picked his players to watch from each country at this year's Six Nations.

This young winger has been in outstanding form for his region, the Scarlets, and was instrumental for their Pro12 title winning season of 16/17. He topped the try scoring list for that season with 11 tries. With 5 Wales caps and 3 tries already to his name, he is sure to earn a lot more in the years to comeand is certainly a player to keep an eye on in this years Six Nations.

A versatile back who regularly plays centre for Glasgow has been playing some great rugby the past couple of years and has become a key player for Scotland. He played a lot of rugby in South Africa before moving back to his home country. 7 tries in 11 test matches for Scotland is a pretty good ratio for this young rising star. He was very unlucky to miss out on Lions selection, but I'm sure he will be on the next tour if his form continues.

He made his debut in 2016 and has become a very reliable scrum half for France and Bordeaux.
With 16 caps at the age of just 23, he has gained valuable experience and is one to watch out for this year.

The only uncapped player to be called into Italy's six nations squad so far, due to his Italian grandmother. He plays his rugby for Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership usually as number 8 or flanker and has become a regular starter recently. I expect to see him play for Italy this year and he may emerge as a great call up by Conor O'Shea.

Henshaw is fast becoming one of Ireland's star players and has been very highly talked about in recent seasons for Leinster. He was very unlucky to miss out on a Lions game due to injury.
One of those speaking highly of him is none other than Brian O'Driscoll: "I think he has all the attributes to be a seasoned campaigner for Ireland for many, many years". I believe this year will be his stand out season for Ireland and could be a key asset for their World Cup hopes.

Perhaps the most well-known player in this list thanks to his stunning performances for the Lions out in New Zealand.It's hard to believe he's still only 23 years old with 14 tries and 28 caps already for his country. He has been in excellent form once again this season for Bath and should be one of the stand out players in this years tournament.