Top 5 players to watch in 2018 Six Nations

The build up to this years Six Nations has been tarnished by the long injury lists for England and Wales as well as Ireland, France and Scotland all missing key players. This has opened the door to many new players that have been looking to breakthrough onto the international stage after being in fine form for their clubs. So here's a rundown of the top 5 players to watch this year...

5. Ali Price (Scotland)

With Greig Laidlaw only just returning from a long term injury, Ali Price retains the Scotland no.9 shirt after continuing his great form for Glasgow Warriors in the Pro 14. He is renowned for his sniping style of play where he is able to draw men and wriggle through a gap and break with his electric pace. He offers Scotland a more expansive style of rugby than Laidlaw with his go forward and ability to break from anywhere where as Laidlaw is a great leader and has great game management. I believe he shares many scrum half qualities with England and Harlequins no.9 Danny Care with his ability to add pace to a game coming off the bench which could come in handy later in the tournament if Laidlaw starts.

4. Sam Simmonds (England)

England will be missing their two big no.8 options in Vunipola and Hughes so youngster Simmonds will be able to had to the one England start to his name. He arrived on the international stage in autumn making two appearances from the bench and starting against Samoa in which he was a strong contender for man of the match putting in a performance similar to that of what he has done in a Chiefs shirt. Simmonds is an explosive ball carrier that will give that go forward that big Billy gives them and will be able to team up with Lawes and Underhill to put in big hits on the opposition ten.

3. Hadleigh Parkes (Wales)

After having one of the best Wales debuts of any kiwi, scoring twice against South Africa in a 24-22 win, Hadleigh Parkes is back for another hit of international rugby. In that game he showed predatory instinct to get on the end of a Dan Biggar kick and a Toby Faletau offload after a charge down in the Springbok 22. For anyone that hasn't watched Parkes play much he has the ability to glide through a hole in a defence or break through a tackle on a hard line. He is a great addition to the Wales backline and will be a key player for Wales in this injury hit Six Nations.

2. Jordan Larmour (Ireland)

Rob Kearney has dominated the Irish fullback shirt for many years now and hasn't had much competition for it. Enter Jordan Larmour. The young Leinster Speedster has had a great season so far in the Pro 14 having beaten the most defenders out of all the Leinster team and scoring 6 tries so far with a sensational effort against Munster from his own half in broken play. He should add some pace to the Ireland back three and should be given a chance to shine. Future international defences are in trouble with the potential link up of Gary ringrose and Larmour in the Irish backline with their pace and flair but hopefully Larmour will get an opportunity this year from Joe Schmidt.

1. Josh Adams (wales)

The Premierships top try scorer became hot property when he was eligible to play for Wales and England but chose the country of his birth in the end. The Worcester wing has 9 tries to his name in the Warriors attempt to stay afloat in the Premiership but I can't see him there much longer if he gets a taste for international rugby this year with Wales's new policy. Adams is all about shear pace with him effortlessly gliding past Premiership defenders with ball and without. I feel this won't be his only opportunity to show his potential in a Wales shirt due to the injury list so we'll see if he can settle straight into it. Lets hope we get the opportunity to see if he's quicker than Jonny May and settle the debate for now.