Players to Watch Today

We are treated to another jampacked weekend of test rugby this weekend with Romania and USA kicking things off on Saturday with the action finishing in Lille with France taking on Argentina.

Not to mention the Titanic clash between Ireland and New Zealand in between it all. 

We take a look at some of the players to keep an eye on this weekend:

Hanco Germishuys - USA

The South African-born flanker scored an outstanding try for the Eagles last weekend and could do the same off the bench against Romania today.

Weighing in around 105kgs Germishuys is a powerful ball carrier, with a surprising turn of pace and regularly delivers bone-crunching tackles.

Michele Campagnaro - Italy

The Italian centre thrived with the captaincy armband last weekend against Georgia and with Sergio Parisse still nursing an injury, he will look to do the same.

Having just signed with Wasps, Campagnaro will look to continue his fine form for his country against a tough opponent in Samu Kerevi.

Jake Gordon - Australia 

Gordon is set to make his test debut against Italy while Will Genia will look to provide an impact from the bench.

The young Waratahs' scrumhalf has been sensational for his Super Rugby side and has been breathing down Nick Phipps neck for a shot at the Gold and Green jersey.

Gordon is quick around the fringes and will look to liven at the attack up with every opportunity he gets.

Ellis Jenkins - Wales

Ellis Jenkins will look to set up to the plate this weekend after Justin Tipuric's fantastic performance against Australia last weekend as the competition for the no.7 jersey heats up.

Jenkins leads the side against Tonga and will look continue his excellent start to his test career.

Steve Mafi - Tonga

Mafi could certainly cause Wales a few problems at the Principality Stadium. The second rower has been excellent for Castres recently and scoring a superb try against Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup.

The big Tongan is also brilliant at lineout time and throws his weight around on defence.

Jack Nowell - England 

There are a number of English players to keep an eye on against England with the likes of Joe Cokanasiga making his test debut while Zach Mercer gets his first start but we have identified Jack Nowell as the man to watch closely against Japan.

Nowell was featured prominently on the wing for Eddie Jones' side but will wear the no.13 jersey against Japan.

His speed, skillset and power should make it an easy transition for the 25-year-old but his overall performance could see him feature more regularly in the position for the test side.

Kazuki Himeno - Japan

The Sunwolves no.8 is a powerful all round loose forward that complements the likes of Michael Leitch perfectly.

The pair will look to disrupt the England attack with every opportunity they get and will certainly test the England defence with ball in hand.

Huw Jones - Scotland

The Scottish centre will be looking to make amends following his performance against Wales and has the perfect opportunity to do so against a number of his former Stormers teammates.

Jones will test the Springbok defence with his clever running lines and quick hands. 

Embrose Papier - South Africa

The young Springbok scrumhalf has been tipped for big things in the Green and Gold jersey and earns first test start against Scotland.

The nifty halfback has a solid pass and electric pace that will test the Scottish defence throughout the game.

Jonathan Sexton and Beauden Barrett - Ireland and New Zealand

Two of the finest players face off in Dublin in what could decide who is the World Rugby Player of the Year.

Both players are world class and bring something completely different to the table making this THE player head to head of the weekend.

Gael Fickou - France

The Stade Francis centre finally gets a start in the test side after a stellar start to his time in Paris.

Fickou has been one of the standout players in the Top 14 so far this season and will certainly test the Argentine defence everytime he gets the ball.

Tomas Lavanini - Argentina

The Los Pumas second rower looks to have put his ill-discipline behind him and has been in fine form for both the Jaguares and the national side throughout the year.

Lavanini put in a workman like performance against Ireland last weekend and will look to build on that performance against a massive French pack.