No team remains the same forever. Ireland will be facing into the first Six Nations since O'Driscoll retired, Italy, France and England have new outhalves while Wales have a new tighthead prop.
Here Are The Six Nations Newcomers To Watch Out For:
Wales - Samson Lee
Warren Gatland has the luxury of naming a fairly settled team, that harks back to Eddie O'Sullivan's untouchables. That said, there are two players in the Welsh starting XV that could be new names for the Irish supporter.
Samson Lee is a monster at tighthead prop. The 22 year old will be looking to make his first start in the Six Nations this year, now that Adam Jones has been dismissed. Lee destroyed the South African scrum in November, and will be a force to watch for the Six Nations. At 22, his best years are ahead of him, and could wind up finding himself as the test tighthead for the Lions 2017.
England - George Ford
George Ford has been destined for greatness since he first appeared for the England U18s at the age of 15. He was just a fresh-faced 17 year old when he first appeared for England U20s. His form for the England U20s meant that he was the starting outhalf, moving the older Owen Farrell into the inside centre position.
He's taken a little longer to break into the senior set-up, but after coming on in last year's Six Nations, he's set to make a bigger impact this season. He has been one of the main reasons why Bath are so resurgent, and doesn't have a weakness in his game. He is very intelligent, can play off the cuff or territorial based game, and is the English outhalf for the next 10+ years in my opinion.
Italy - Kelly Haimona
New Zealand born Kelly Haimona has had an unusual route to international rugby. After two decent seasons in New Zealand's National Provincial Cup competition for the Bay of Plenty from 2007 to 2009, he dropped down to amateur rugby with Whakarewarewa for two years. He was specifially recruited by Italian national team selectors to move to Italy and qualify for the national team after a residency of 3 years.
He spent the first of those three years playing rugby in Italy's second tier, before moving to Calvisano in Italy's top tier and eventually ending up with Zebre last season. Comfortable at inside centre and fullback, Haimona has a big boot on him, and will solve a lot of Italy's placekicking problems. He usually defends at fullback, or attempts to be hidden down the defensive line. He allows Luke McLean to come into first receiver a lot, and is mainly selected for his boot.
Ireland - Robbie Henshaw
It's hard to believe it, but Robbie Henshaw hasn't played a minute of Six Nations rugby in his career. The Connacht fullback turned centre has improved immeasurably in each season of professional rugby, and already looks like a fixture in this Irish side. The only question is where he'll play. He's been more effective in attack for Connacht this season, and there is hope that he will be able to make similar linebreaks from 13 for Ireland in the near future.
Scotland - Mark Bennett
Glasgow Warriors have been exceptional this season. Before the international break, they had opened the season in breath-taking fashion, thrashing Bath in the Champions Cup and winning away to Montpeiller when they were still interested on top of winning five of their first six Pro 12 games.
Things weren't so good after the international break though, with five wins and four defeats in the next 9 games. The biggest difference in the Glasgow team before the November international break and after is Mark Bennett. 22 year old centre Bennett made his Scotland debut last November against Argentina, before picking up an injury against New Zealand and being ruled out for 12 weeks.
It's a bit simplistic to pin their fortunes solely down to Bennett, but when you watch him, you'll understand why Clermont Auvergne signed him as a 19 year old. Bennett played 3 years for the Scottish U20 side, and while his move to Clermont didn't work out, his low centre of gravity, pace and attacking prowess make you think you are watching a Scottish version of Brian O'Driscoll.
France - Camille Lopez
It's easy to pick the flash Teddy Thomas in his first Six Nations appearance, but his star turn for France last November mean he has already entered the public consciousness. Besides, Camille Lopez could be the most note-worthy selection for France in the last 10 years.
France have had a problem with the outhalf position since Christophe Lamaison retired from international rugby in 2001. 25 year old Lopez has the most tools at his disposable to solve all their issues with the position. Lopez isn't a normal French no.10 as he takes most of the kicking and playmaking duties from the scrumhalf.
Lopez will be making his belated Six Nations bow after injury and Phillip Saint Andre's selection policy kept him out last year, and he could be one of the biggest thorns in the Irish side in the next year with France being in Ireland pool in the World Cup.
