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

With Antoine Dupont restored, les Bleus are justified favourites to defend their crown

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT THE FUTURE'S

Rugby’s most outspoken and influential journalist

Centre Fraser Dingwall has fought his way to the top of the England pecking order and the Northampton Saint now has his eye on a Six Nations Grand Slam

Having conquered Europe with Toulouse, Spain prop Joel Merkler has even bigger fish to fry – at the 2027 Rugby World Cup