The Big SIX

Italy
Marco Bortolami
The fact that Marco Bortolami has established himself as something of a cult figure at Gloucester since his arrival in 2006 says everything about his quality and determination.

They do not tolerate second-row forwards who fail to pull their weight at Kingsholm, and Bortolami certainly cannot be accused of lacking muscle. After making his debut at 20, he was Italy’s youngest-ever captain in 2003 when he led the Azzurri into battle against the All Blacks. He admitted to taking Italy’s lacklustre showings at the World Cup personally, but feels he is returning to his best form ahead of the Six Nations.

He said: “It took a while to get back to my old self. I had injuries and didn’t have a great time on the pitch. It was tough just to step straight back into rugby with Gloucester after the World Cup. Even if you think you can be back and ready to play it’s not like that. I am getting there though.”

Ireland
Brian O’Driscoll
For the first time since he exploded into the Ireland team as a raw but brilliant 20-year-old in 1999, O’Driscoll’s star has fallen following a disappointing World Cup campaign. His captaincy was brought into question as the inquest began into Ireland’s failure to qualify for the quarter-finals.

As a player, he arguably still has no equal in the northern hemisphere, but as a leader of men he still has something to prove. Don’t be shocked if he proves it this year. The talismanic centre has struggled with injury since the World Cup but is back and firing with Leinster. Opposition centres would be foolish to take their eyes off the British & Irish Lions skipper.

He will also be desperate to rekindle the partnership formed with Gordon D’Arcy in 2005. At their best they are a class act, and Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan knows he must get them in shape or risk more disappointment.

O’Sullivan said: “The key for us is to get back on the horse and get back to where we know we can be.”

EnglandM
James Haskell
The 22-year-old Wasps flanker was pretty unlucky to miss out on selection for last November’s World Cup. He has responded by producing the sort of form for his club in the first half of the season that demands his inclusion in Brian Ashton’s squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

Big, strong and seriously quick for a back-row forward, Haskell has all the physical attributes to emulate the man he is set to replace in the England side, Lawrence Dallaglio, who is also his mentor at Wasps.

Of his World Cup omission, he said: “It was easier to take in a way, because I’d had such a quick rise to the England squad – from coming off the bench at Wasps to starting against Wales in the Six Nations then forcing my way into the (provisional) World Cup squad.

“The experience has made me realise that I don’t ever want to be left out of something so important again. I want to be a certainty, not just someone who is fitted in.”

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