• Six Nations 2020: Team-by-team guide

    England and Scotland are the only sides without a new head coach for the 2020 edition of the Six Nations.
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    Four head coaches will take charge of their first Six Nations matches when the 2020 tournament gets under way this weekend. 

    Wales start the defence of their title against Italy in the opening match of the competition at the Principality Stadium on Saturday with Wayne Pivac at the helm and Franco Smith in charge of the Azzurri on an interim basis. 

    Ireland begin Andy Farrell’s tenure against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium later in the day, while France start a new dawn with Fabien Galthie in command against England at Stade de France on Sunday.

    Here we take a look at the prospects of each nation for the 2020 campaign.

     

    ENGLAND

    Who’s in charge?

    There was frenzied speculation over the future of Eddie Jones after England were soundly beaten by South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final.

    The canny Australian stayed in the role, though, and is contracted until 2021, but it remains to be seen if he will still be in charge at the next World Cup in France two years later.

    Who’s the key man?

    Tom Curry was outstanding on the biggest stage of all in Japan, and the back-row will have a major part to play in the England’s bid to win the Six Nations for the first time since 2017.

    Curry is expected to deputise from the injury Billy Vunipola against Les Bleus in the opening round, giving another example of his versatility.

    What can they achieve this year?

    The World Cup runners-up should be fuelled by the agony of coming so close to being crowned world champions three months ago and have been installed as favourites.

    Jones is determined to make England the “greatest team ever” and he must hope his Saracens contingent are not affected by the European champions’ salary-cap saga.

     

    FRANCE

    Who’s in charge?

    Former France captain Galthie was charged with the task of replacing Jacques Brunel after the World Cup and has put his faith in youth with an eye on the next World Cup on home soil. The appointment of Shaun Edwards as defence coach could be a masterstroke.

    Who’s the key man?

    Teddy Thomas is a livewire wing who has been in fine form for Racing 92 this season and should show what he is capable after missing out on the World Cup.

    What can they achieve?

    It is difficult to know which France side will turn up at the best of times and, although there is an air of optimism with young players getting their chance, that could make them even more difficult to predict.

    A showdown with England in Paris grants them a great opportunity to make a huge statement, but Les Bleus face a tricky trip to Cardiff after hosting Italy.

     

    IRELAND

    Who’s in charge?

    Farrell has earned his stripes as an assistant with Ireland, England and Saracens, and he will have plenty of experience under his belt for his first role as head coach after replacing Joe Schmidt.

    Who’s the key man?

    James Ryan has been outstanding for Ireland and Leinster, and Farrell will rely on the towering lock to maintain his high standards, with powerful ball-carrying and set-piece acumen.

    What can they achieve?

    After the disappointment of bowing out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage and failing to retain their Six Nations title last year, Ireland will be a major danger if they can hit the ground running under Farrell.

    The 2018 champions have strength in depth and should mount a strong challenge, with a home clash against Wales in the second round followed by a trip to Twickenham potentially decisive. 

     

    ITALY

    Who’s in charge?

    South African Smith stepped in for the Six Nations after a successful spell with the Cheetahs, taking over from Conor O’Shea.

    Who’s the key man?

    Luca Bigi has been handed the captaincy with Sergio Parisse, set to make his swansong at Stadio Olimpico, retiring, and the hooker must drive the perennial recipients of the wooden spoon on and show they are up for the battle.

    What can they achieve ?

    A victory would be an achievement in itself given Italy have not come out on top in a Six Nations match since stunning Scotland in 2015.

     

    SCOTLAND 

    Who’s in charge?

    Gregor Townsend is under pressure to turn Scotland’s fortunes around after they failed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

    Who’s the key man?

    Stuart Hogg has taken over as skipper, and the full-back must show the sort of form that made him a British and Irish Lion.

    What can they achieve?

    There is no doubt Scotland have plenty of talent to call upon and can be a joy to watch on their day, but they have been shown to have a soft centre time and again.

    Finn Russell will be a big loss for the first game against Ireland after he was sent home for disciplinary reasons.

     

    WALES

    Who’s in charge?

    Pivac succeeded long-serving fellow New Zealander Warren Gatland after the World Cup, and the former Scarlets boss has a hard act to follow.

    Who’s the key man?

    Liam Williams will miss the first match of the tournament against Italy, but the inspirational full-back should be fit for the trip to face Ireland the following week, and Wales will need him to stay fit in their quest for back-to-back titles.

    What can they achieve?

    Depending on how they adapt to life under Pivac, Wales ought to mount a strong defence of their crown after securing a Grand Slam last year but face tough away assignments against Ireland and England.

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