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

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

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

Italy is in a race against time to be ready to stage its first major tournament since the 1990 World Cup

Can Andy Farrell’s ageing team rediscover their mojo when it matters most?

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