As this year's Six Nations gets underway, Standard Sport takes a look at the potential stars of the show.

England
Star man: Andrew Sheridan

The World Cup in 2007 made Sheridan a star but he will need to regain his awesome power in the scrum if England are to really impose themselves in this year's tournament.

The 6ft 5in Sale prop, nicknamed 'Big Ted', will be one of the central figures and captain Steve Borthwick will be hoping he can drive the side on.

Ones to watch: Delon and Steffon Armitage

The Armitages will become the first brothers to play for England since the Underwoods in 1995.

Delon burst onto the scene last season and was voted player of the series by England supporters following his impressive displays in the autumn tests against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

He has shown himself to possess all the necessary attributes of a full-back and could relish the Six Nations atmosphere.

Brother Steffon will make his senior debut in the opener against Italy and the London Irish flanker has been widely tipped to make an impact in this year's Six Nations.

Ireland
Star man: Brian O'Driscoll

Doubts have surfaced recently over whether legendary talisman O'Driscoll is still up to the task of pulling the Irish strings.

On his day however, the fleet-footed centre can still turn it on and he remains Ireland's most potent attacking threat.

One to watch: Rob Kearney

Leinster full-back showed good form in last year's tests against Australia and New Zealand.

Coach Declan Kidney will be hoping for that to continue and if it does, he could win a place on the plane for the Lions tour later this year.

Was a slight doubt for the opener with France at Croke Park but has since been passed fit.

Wales
Star man: Shane Williams

Named the world's best player last year, Williams is one of those players guaranteed to get fans off their seats.

If the Welsh make sure he gets enough ball, he'll again prove a hard man to stop and should feature among the top try-scorers.

One to watch: Andy Powell

Powell's displays were mesmerising against the southern hemisphere sides in the autumn. A magical runner with a great step, it has even been suggested he may give skipper Ryan Jones a run for his money at No8.

Scotland
Star man: Chris Paterson

Every year Paterson seems to be pinpointed as his nation's key man and it's easy to see why.

Dependable with the boot and solid in both attack and defence, his experience could be a crucial factor in any improvement Scotland can make this year.

One to watch: Mike Blair

Scrum-half and captain with a penchant for the type of sniping runs made famous by former England No9 Matt Dawson.

France
Star man: Lionel Beauxis

The French usually have an abundance of players to turn to in the goalkicking department and Beauxis is currently the man in possession.

Beauxis is likely to team up in a pairing with scrum-half Sebastien Tillous-Borde and has the backing of his coach Mark Lievremont who warns it would be wrong for opposition teams to think he is 'only a kicker of the ball'.

One to watch: Maxime Medard

Talented youngster could be the key to unlocking defences especially without the experienced Vincent Clerc.

Versatile and with electric pace, the Toulouse player has a decent try-scoring record at club level and will be keen to make the step up and replicate his form on the international stage.

Italy
Star man: Sergio Parisse

Italian captain and all-round warrior Parisse became the youngest ever test No8 when making his debut seven years ago.

A formidable runner with the ball, he even brings a touch of glamour to the game - his girlfriend is a former Miss France.

One to watch: Martin Castrogiovanni

The prop was his country's top scorer in last year's tournament.

Castrogiovanni turns out for Leicester and could be considered a surprise pick as he's only just returned from a year out through injury.

However, Italy's main strength is their pack and his presence will be vital if they are to avoid the wooden spoon once more.