By Jackie Finlan

The Women’s Six Nations begins on Friday, Feb. 2, and FloRugby.com is live-streaming all 15 test matches through March 18. Be prepared for a slew of talent to jump out from your screen, including these six players who will determine their squad's success on the tournament's opening weekend.

ENGLAND: Sarah Bern

Sarah Bern earned her first cap in the United States, representing England against France in the 2016 Super Series in Salt Lake City. The hooker catapulted onto the worldwide scene during the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC), as the 20-year-old lined up against the best front rows in the world and led the iconic English scrum. Most notably, Bern is clearly comfortable in open space, often found inserting into the back line and attacking out wide — a proclivity for a former back row and England U18 sevens player. 

ITALY: Sara Barattin

Italy ended the 2017 WRWC with some momentum, and much of that upward trajectory can be attributed to captain Sara Barattin. In the ninth-place game against Spain, the teams entered extra time tied 15-all. The 31-year-old scrumhalf saw an opportunity in the 89th minute and scored the game winner, redeeming a 22-8 pool-play loss to Spain. Italy came very close to upsetting France during the November fall tours, leading Les Bleus 21-20 with 15 minutes left in the match. Captain Barattin scored during this confidence-boosting test, which France won, that assured Italy is continually gaining ground.

ROUND 1: England at Italy (Sunday, 12:30 PM ET) — WATCH LIVE

FRANCE: Romane Menager

Romane Menager had a knockout WRWC, and her standout performance did not escape World Rugby, which named the back row as one of five 2017 Player of the Year nominees. U.S. audiences should also recognize the 21-year-old, who played No. 8 against the Eagles in the WRWC third-place match, which Les Bleus won 31-23. Menager is everything one wants in a back row — dynamic with ball in hand (she carried for nearly 300 meters in Ireland), a leader on defense (93 percent tackle success rate at WRWC), and the flexibility to be exactly what France needs at any place on the pitch.

IRELAND: Niamh Briggs

Niamh Briggs distinguished herself back in 2014, when Ireland defeated New Zealand 17-14 at the WRWC in France. Until that match, the Black Ferns had not lost a World Cup match since 1991. The fullback’s kicking game, counter-attack, and defense became her hallmarks, and they reiterated themselves during Ireland’s 2015 Women’s Six Nations title campaign. Briggs was set to captain Ireland during the 2017 WRWC at home, but she suffered back-to-back injuries that regrettably ruled her out. Briggs is back and watch for her attributes to shine at flyhalf, her post during Ireland’s 27-19 warmup victory against Wales two weeks ago.

ROUND 1: Ireland at France (Saturday, 3 PM ET) — WATCH LIVE

SCOTLAND: Jade Konkel

Scotland will garner lots of attention, as it was the only Women’s Six Nations team to not compete at the 2017 WRWC. How has the squad changed in the last year? Look toward 24-yaer-old Jade Konkel for some answers. After becoming Scotland’s first full-time female professional in summer 2016, Konkel became the first player to be recruited by Lille Metropole Rugby Club Villeneuvois in the French Top 8. The big back row was attracted to the French philosophy of keeping the ball alive, so watch for her carrying ability to be even more effective this season.

WALES: Carys Phillips

Carys Phillips is the daughter of Wales head coach Rowland Phillips, and she’s been earning test caps since the 2013 Women’s Six Nations. For her three-year anniversary, she became captain and has done a stellar job leading from the front row. The 25-year-old scored two tries during the 2017 WRWC, including one during the seventh-place game against Ireland, which Wales won 27-17. Wales played Ireland in a warmup match earlier this month, and Phillips’ try helped the team to a 19-17 halftime lead. Ireland rallied in the second half, however, to win 27-19, giving the Welsh plenty of pointers for improvement.

ROUND 1: Scotland at Wales (Friday, 1 PM ET) — WATCH LIVE

Jackie Finlan is a longtime writer on the women's game and the men's game in the USA and around the world. She is the editor of The Rugby Breakdown.