Brian Moore picks his England XV for 2024 Six Nations opener

SECOND-ROW:

Moore wrote: “They should continue their second-row partnership but both have to step up to consistent ball-carrying in the loose, as well as their primary roles in the scrum and line-out.

“This pairing has the feel of the Itoje-Kruis team that served England so well in the past. If they get anywhere near its effectiveness England will have a solid foundation for their pack.”

BACK-ROW:

6. Chandler Cunningham-South

7. Sam Underhill

8. Ben Earl

Moore wrote: “The international retirement of Courtney Lawes gives England the chance to look at a specialist No 6, and if they do so I would throw in Chandler Cunningham-South for his first cap.

“Alex Coles might be preferred for bulk and as a line-out option, but it would be interesting to see a conventionally balanced back row with Ben Earl at No 8 and Sam Underhill at openside flanker.”

QUIZ: Name Every Head Coach to Win the Men’s Guinness Six Nations (2000 – 2023)

The brains behind the Six Nations masterplans, these head coaches have all won ‘Rugby’s Greatest Championship’, since the modernised competition began back in 2000. Throughout the history of the competition, there have been only five head coaches to win the competition on more than one occasion.

However, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is looking to become the sixth, as he orchestrates the men from the Emerald Isle into defending their Six Nations Grand Slam. In total, the Six Nations has been won by 13 different head coaches, and we challenge you to name them all in the next six minutes!

Your time starts… now! Good luck!