ON the eve of the tournament, Mark Smith picks out six players tipped to make a mark in the 2012 RBS Six Nations.

SEAN O’BRIEN

THE Irish open-side looks set to leave his imprint on the tournament as well as his opponents, with the big-hitting Leinster flanker building on a breakthrough international season. The 24-year-old combines unquestionable athletic attributes with a teak-tough edge, and will shoulder much of Ireland’s breakdown burden. A back-row combination with Simon Ferris and Jamie Heaslip remains arguably the best in the tournament.

MARTIN CASTROGIOVANNI

THE hirsute prop will anchor Italy’s scrum as new coach Jacques Brunel begins his reign with the Azzurri. Now 30 and with a decade of international rugby behind him, the iconic Leicester Tigers tight-head forms the cornerstone of Italy’s tight forward game. Aggressive scrummaging, mauling and carrying will all be in the ‘Castro’ armoury when they kick off against the French tomorrow.

RICHIE GRAY

GLASGOW’S 22-year-old lock (pictured right) may be heading south of the border to play his club rugby with Sale Sharks at the end of the season, but he remains a key cog in the Scotland wheel, only seven caps into his Test career. Famed for his line-out presence, the 6ft 9in jumper provides a prime source of line-out ball.

BEN FODEN

THE Northampton flyer has shaded a nail-biting battle with Harlequins’ Mike Brown to cement the starting full-back spot for England under new coach Stuart Lancaster. Fleet of foot and with a devastating outside break, Foden’s link-up with club-mate Chris Ashton and fellow speedster David Strettle ensures the reigning Six Nations champions pack a pacey punch in attack.

WESLEY FOFANA

NEW coach Philippe Saint-Andre has had no hesitation in throwing the burgeoning centre in for his French debut in his first game at the helm. The 24-year-old has taken France’s Top 14 league by storm over the past season, keeping more illustrious colleagues in the stands with his hot-stepping line-breaks and ruthless finishing. But can he make the step up?

TOBY FALETAU

WALES’S 21-year-old back-rower may have shed his trademark Afro, but has lost none of his rampaging prowess round the rugby field. The Newport Gwent Dragons star combines the best elements of his Tongan ancestry and Welsh upbringing.