With Lions tour places to play for, a wide-open Six Nations tournament should see plenty of special individual performances. With plenty of big names – Brian O’Driscoll, Tommy Bowe and seemingly half of Wales first choice XV – likely to miss big chunks of the campaign through injury, there could be some new faces making an impact.

Manu Tuilagi is already a familiar figure, but it is easy to forget that he has enjoyed a meteoric rise. The 21-year-old only started his club career properly in 2010 and has one Six Nations campaign under his belt.

The raw power that has accompanied Tuilagi up the Leicester ranks is now combined with a subtlety of movement and handling, whilst his defensive work at number 13 is under-rated. The Samoan-born powerhouse could be the star of not only this Six Nations, but also The Lions’ campaign downunder.

Tim Visser will make his Six Nations debut in the Calcutta Cup and is a much needed shot-in-the-arm for Scottish rugby. A modern day, physically imposing winger, the prolific Edinburgh flyer could be the man to add a much-needed cutting edge to the Scots and one to put your Betfair bonus on.

Of all the Lions spots that are already all but taken, Jonathan Sexton’s prospective occupation of the number 10 shirt is the likeliest. A natural heir to Ronan O’Gara, Sexton possesses much of the record point scorer’s kicking skill and calmness under pressure, with a little extra flair to go with it.

Joe Launchbury was a star of England’s stunning win over New Zealand, a fine achievement for a player making his second international start. The Wasps lock will clearly not be overawed by the occasion in the Six Nations; his technical ability at lock and defensive solidity make him one to keep an eye on.

Plenty of Betfair Rugby Tips also suggest that the distinctive figure of Adam Jones is also worth following. The legendary tight-head was sorely missed in the autumn and his fitness would be a big boost for a Welsh team in need of steady hands at a difficult time.