The final preparations are almost done as players get set for this year’s Guinness Six Nations. With just a few days to go before the Championship gets underway, we have highlighted a quality quintet to watch out for on the opening weekend. Wales v Italy – 2.15pm on Saturday, February 1 George North (Wales) We all know what North can offer from the wing having scored 41 tries in 94 Test appearances. But the powerful back is poised to move into midfield if you believe the rumours. With Jonathan Davies and Owen Watkin sidelined due to knee injuries, North is being lined up to play at outside centre against Italy. There are no doubting North’s physical attributes - the Ospreys star’s distribution skills will be examined closely as he looks to gel Wales’ attack together. Giovanni Licata (Italy) Viewed by some as the long-term replacement for Italian great Sergio Parisse there is plenty of excitement surrounding the 22-year-old back-rower. Licata has been in superb form for Zebre this term, racking up 399 metres from 116 carries in the Guinness PRO14, and will hope to transfer that onto the international scene. Sebastian Negri, Jack Polledri and Braam Steyn are likely to start but Licata’s ability to play across the back row makes him a strong option off the bench and is a player that can make a big impact. Ireland v Scotland – 4.45pm on Saturday, February 1 Caelan Doris (Ireland) The stage is all set for Caelan Doris to establish himself in Ireland’s No.8 shirt. After a stunning start to the season with Leinster, Doris has been picked by head coach Andy Farrell for the first time and will face Scotland at Aviva Stadium. The 21-year-old former Ireland U20s captain has yet to play at senior international level but having played a key role in Leinster’s 16-match winning streak in all competitions there is no reason why he cannot make the step up – there is excitement everywhere to see this lad play. Adam Hastings (Scotland) With Finn Russell ruled out after breaching team protocol, all eyes will be on whoever steps into his shoes. Glasgow Warriors fly-half Hastings is expected to be that man and will hope to pick up from where he left off in a Scotland No.10 shirt. The 23-year-old’s last start came in the Rugby World Cup when he scored 26 points in the victory over Russia, but his maturity in the key role has stepped up a notch for Glasgow this season, now the level steps up again. France v England – 3pm on Sunday, February 2 Ben Earl (England) A series of stellar showings for Saracens has earned Earl a call-up to Eddie Jones’ squad and the rapid back-rower is likely to be thrust straight into action. England were dealt a major blow when Billy Vunipola suffered a broken arm against Racing 92 in the Heineken Champions Cup earlier this month. But Earl has covered for Vunipola in the past for Saracens and Jones may look to the all-action 22-year-old – one of seven uncapped players – to inject energy into the pack.
