Six Nations: Examining The Debutants

Make your international bow in a test series is always a huge occasion. So far during the first three rounds of the 2016 RBS Six Nations 26 debutants have donned their country colours for the first time. Total Sport took a look at some of the stand out names...

Maro Itoje - England

Rookie lock Maro Itoje capped off a fantastic break through season with Saracens by being called up into Eddie Jones' international plans for the 2016 test.

Impressing in training but denied a starting berth in the opening fixtures, the 21-year-old was rewarded with a chance against holders Ireland. 

With a promising start, including a spate of decent carries along with the winning of some important line outs, Itoje signalled his intent to the rugby world. Decorated former pros are trying to remain coy when it comes to the 6ft 5in prodigy, but the words 'future england captain' have been touted already.

Virimi Vakatawa - France

Guy Noves named rugby sevens star Vakatawa in his 31-man squad, taking some fans by surprise. The Fiji born centre caught the eye as a result of his explosive power and versatile approach. 

Making his debut in the opener against Italy, Vakatawa demonstrated just why he was regarded as one of the most deadly players in the sevens. Always eager to run at his man, Vakatawa could make a big name for himself on the international scene.

CJ Stander - Ireland

The South African born flanker made his international debut in the green of Ireland against Wales, ensuring his maiden trip to the big time would happen in style.

Stander impacted the clash all over the field, making 23 carries and 11 tackles, and rightly collected the accolade of man-of-the-match once the 16-16 tie came to an end.

Joe Schmidt now has somewhat of a selection headache going forward, deciding between the emerging Stander or tried and tested Sean O'Brien.

Zander Fagerson - Scotland

Fagerson entered the fray in the 68th minute against England to become Scotland's youngest prop for half a century.

The 20-year-old was unable to help his side overturn the deficit in a game eventually lost 15-9, but was given the very brief opportunity to showcase his natural strength and nimble speed on the ball.

David Odiete - Italy

The 23-year-old wing received his national cap in Rome as Italy welcomed Scotland to the Stadio Olimpico, and played a hugely influential role in Leonardo Ghiraldini's try.

Ticking the box of 'immediate impact' Odiete showed nimble footwork in weaving past his man before expertly offloading the ball to the waiting hooker.

It was a match the Italians would ultimately go on to lose, but Odiete's first outing for the Italians only showed signs of serious promise.

Check out all of our select debutants making their international bows in the 2016 Six Nations in the video below. Clip courtesy of RBS Six Nations YouTube: