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Laden with talent, the ever-improving Azzurri are closing the gap on the major powers

7 FEBRUARY

Had qualification for the World Cup been decided by population, Spain would only just have made it for the past seven tournaments. Ranked 31st by that metric, they lag behind Myanmar, Sudan and Colomb

The experts on their nations’ chances – and the matches that could be key to success

Currently ranked third in the world, the England squad stands a great chance of winning the forthcoming Guinness Six Nations thanks to a host of inspiring young players, predicts Owain Jones

A February feast – all the key fixtures and TV details for the weeks ahead