Rugby
ESPN staff 6y

Six Nations: Five players who must impress for their clubs

Rugby, Six Nations, Aviva Premiership, Guinness PRO12

With the Six Nations well underway, coaches now have a better idea of which players are going to be key to their plans going forward in the competition. 

While some players will have firmly cemented their place in their respective squads for next weekend's matchups, others still have a point to prove and have been granted the opportunity to impress for their club teams before the tournament resumes.

Ahead of this weekend's fixtures in the Aviva Premiership and PRO14, ESPN takes a look at five international hopefuls who will have to be on top form.

Chris Harris (Scotland)

Newcastle's game against Bath Friday night will be an especially important one for the centre, 27. Harris' performances in the Premiership this season did enough to persuade Scotland boss Gregor Townsend to hand him his first international start in the opening game of the tournament in Cardiff. Things didn't go to plan for either Scotland or Harris as the Welsh backs dominated throughout the tie and the Newcastle man found himself relegated to the bench in favour of Peter Horne when the Scots welcomed France a week later. It's almost certain that Harris -- who didn't get on the pitch against Les Bleus -- will not return to the Scottish XV for the Calcutta Cup clash with England next week but a good showing against Bath could convince Townsend that he's worthy of a place in the matchday squad.

George Kruis (England)

The Saracens lock has had a rather unfortunate few months which has seen his time on the international stage take a serious hit after he was dropped by the both England and the British & Irish Lions. One of the biggest problems for Kruis has been the embarrassment of riches available to England head coach Eddie Jones in the second row, with the world-class partnership of Maro Itoje and Joe Launchbury -- and the versatility of  Courtney Lawes -- making opportunities scarce.  Despite struggling with an ankle problem earlier in the season, Kruis' performances at Allianz Park this term -- combined with injuries in the pack -- did enough to persuade  Jones to recall the lock, 27, for England's opening Six Nations victories over Italy and Wales. However, with Bath's Charlie Ewels now returning from the physio's bench, Kruis faces a battle to force his way back into Jones' plans -- one that starts against Sale this weekend.

Justin Tipuric (Wales)

For a man with over 50 caps for Wales and inclusions in two Lions squads, Tipuric is a player not used to finding himself on the periphery of Warren Gatland's squad. Since suffering a thigh injury in the build-up to Wales' autumn internationals, the Ospreys stalwart has been unable to force his way back into the starting lineup and has only managed a place on the bench in his country's opening two matches of the Six Nations. Even with injuries to captain Sam Warburton and Taulupe Faletau in the back row, Tipuric looks no closer to reclaiming a starting spot with Josh Navidi and Aaron Shingler both continuing to impress either side of Ross Moriarty. With Taulupe Faletau on the verge of making a welcome return at No. 8, Tipuric could really do with a strong display against Southern Kings to keep the pressure on Navidi.

Jordan Larmour (Ireland)

Of all the young talents getting their first experience of the Six Nations this year, France fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, 19, is perhaps the only one to receive as much hype as the versatile Ireland back. Primarily utlised as a fullback by PRO14 outfit Leinster, Larmour, 20, has caught the eye on several occasions during the province's so-far dominant Champions Cup displays, leading to his inclusion in Joe Schmidt's squad. Despite earning his first international cap after Robbie Henshaw left the pitch during last weekend's demolition of Italy, Larmour still faces a struggle to breach the starting back-line with Schmidt expected to stick with the reliable back three of Rob Kearney, Keith Earls and Jacob Stockdale. With Munster's Chris Farrell expected to be Henshaw's replacement in the centres, it is important that Larmour continues to hammer on the door against Scarlets this weekend if he wants to add to his maiden Test appearance.

Zach Mercer (England)

The Bath back-rower has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of England's well-publicised shortages at No. 8 in the opening stages of this year's competition. Having started the year as an apprentice player in Eddie Jones' squad, Mercer, 20, became a contender to face Italy, with both Nathan Hughes and Billy Vunipola ruled out through injury. Although he is still yet to feature in a matchday squad -- with Jones favouring Exeter's Sam Simmonds for the games against Italy and Wales -- the England boss is known to be a big fan. Even though the return of Wasps pair James Haskell and Nathan Hughes looks likely to all but end Mercers' chances of making a Six Nations debut before the end of the competition, the loss of Simmonds could present an opportunity for the Bath youngster to work his way back into the fold with a strong display at Newcastle.

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