The Six Nations is almost upon us and I am delighted to announce the return of the ESPNscrum Fantasy Rugby game - click here to get involved.

We've got some great prizes up for grabs but even better than that, you've got the chance to prove to our various correspondents/analysts that you know better than them when it comes to the battle for the Six Nations silverware.

Be sure to register your team before the action kicks off on February 4 and we'll let you know how are experts are faring as the competition plays out.

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw is surely the most valuable rugby talent on the planet?© Getty Images

To coincide with our countdown of Rugby's Most Influential People, we thought we would offer up some additional rankings in the form of a series of 'Top 5s'.

Next up is our pick of rugby's most valuable talents - not necessarily the best players in the world. With the Rugby World Cup looming we think these guys are pivotal to their side's chances. They may not all be potential World Cup winners but must perform if their teams are to reach their potential.

1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) - The talismanic All Blacks captain is so often the driving force behind his side and is key to their hopes of reclaiming the sport's biggest prize on home soil. His superb all round game is complimented by his record-breaking leadership prowess. Without him the All Blacks are just not the same.

2. Dan Carter (New Zealand) - Arguably equally as valuable to the All Blacks as his skipper, Carter appears to be playing a different game to the rest of the world at times such is his ability to find time and space when others struggle for composure. His playmaking ability is the key to unleashing New Zealand's formidable back division.

3. James Hook (Wales) - The hugely-talented Hook is a potent game-breaking threat for Wales and will be central to their Six Nations and World Cup hopes. An undoubted world-class talent, the 25-year-old's versatility has worked against him at times but such is his ability to conjure a piece of magic you can rest assured he will play a central role no matter his position.

4. David Pocock (Australia) - Pocock's star continues to rise with 2011 set to provide yet further evidence that the Wallabies' flanker is destined for greatness. His ability to dominate all comers at the breakdown - including even McCaw - makes him an inspirational presence for Australia.

5. Jamie Heaslip (Ireland) - The strong-running No.8 is another world-class talent and an inspirational figure for province and country. A rock in defence, it is perhaps his industry and hunger for the ball in attack that makes him an extra special talent. His team-mate Brian O'Driscoll may have the magic touch but Heaslip will happily lead the line in defence and attack.

Do you agree with our selection? Be sure to let us know...

Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper is happy to cultivate his relationship with his fans© Getty Images

To coincide with our countdown of Rugby's Most Influential People, we thought we would offer up some additional rankings in the form of a series of 'Top 5s'.

Next up is our pick of the rugby's Twitterati. We think these guys offer a (fairly) interesting mix of banter and insight - what do you think?

1. Quade Cooper - A colourful insight into the world of one of the sport's rising stars.

Twitter Bio: professional rugby player QLD Reds/Australia Wallabies tweeter commentator.

Example: "caught up with the man @The_Man_Mundine and SBW Tonight on the GC ..boys looking in great shape with Sonnys fight coming up on the 29th :)"

2. Will Carling - The ex-England skipper mixes insight into his life with comment about the game in general.

Twitter Bio: "Old, useless ex England rugby captain, who is about to launch a great new rugby resource / website."

Example: "my view on Rob Andrew - was a team-mate & Friend so hard to be objective. Never understood role at RFU or his detachment from old mates.

3. David Flatman - The Bath prop is forging a reputation as a wordsmith with his efforts for the Independent on Sunday and the micro-bloggging site.

Twitter Bio: Rugby player, columnist, car geek and animal lover.

Example: "I wonder if, when I no longer play rugby, I'll look back and think I should have tried harder to get free stuff."

4. Benjamin Ryan - The England 7s coach serves up postcards from his travels on the IRB Sevens Series circuit - heavy on pictures and video.

Twitter Bio: England Rugby Sevens Head Coach. Follow Ben, the team, their fitness and conditioning preparations and everything else in the world of Ben Ryan.

Example: "Squad in camp next week in prep for #Wellington & #lasvegas 7s. Plus bonus of staying at @hardrockhotellv in Vegas. Plenty of distractions!"

5. George Chuter - A man of few words but the Leicester hooker (if it really is him?) is guaranteed to raise a smile with some comedic comment.

Twitter Bio: N/A

Example: "got drunk, fell asleep on the sofa and p***ed himself. He now has a hangover, wet trousers and is barred from DFS.

Did we not mention your favourite? Be sure to let us know...

A general view of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales© Getty Images

To coincide with our countdown of Rugby's Most Influential People, we thought we would offer up some additional rankings in the form of a series of 'Top 5s'.

Next up is our pick of the trophies contested around the globe - cricket can keep its little urn - we believe big is best. What do you think?

1. Bledisloe Cup - Big enough for Aaron Cruden to have a bath in and can also hold enough beer for the whole team to indulge in.

2. Heineken Cup - Sharp styling reflects its European pedigree and a secure lid to to ensure no embarrasing trophy presentation fumbles.

3. Premiership Trophy - A little too similar to the Heineken Cup but perfect proportions that allow you to remain in total control while placing on your head.

4. Currie Cup - The holy grail of South African rugby. Not quite Stanley Cup in terms of size but requires sure footing before lifting.

5. Asian Five Nations Trophy - Fire-breathing dragons, dragon-heads forming the handles and a tiger standing majestically on top. Enough said.

Agree? Disagree? What are your favourites?

A general view of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales© Getty Images

To coincide with our countdown of Rugby's Most Influential People, we thought we would offer up some additional rankings in the form of a series of 'Top 5s'.

Next up is our pick of Test venues currently in use around the globe. Is your favourite listed?

1. Millennium Staduim, Cardiff, Wales - The 75,500 capacity stadium in the middle of Cardiff is a sight to be seen and heard on any given international match day. It helps when the home side are in form but even the prospect of a fiery encounter - remember the All Blacks visit in 2008? - is sometimes enough to raise the often contentious retractable roof.

2. Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia - The compact home of The Reds may only boast a capacity of 52,500 but there isn't a bad seat amongst them. The Wallabies have an impressive record here and so do the fans themselves.

3. Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa - Another relatively small stadium by modern standards - with a capacity of 51,762 - but packed with supporters from a proud rugby nation it provides a feast for the senses.

4. Twickenham, London, England - England's HQ can sometimes want for an atmosphere despite its 82,000 capacity but when they do find their voice you certainly know about it.

5. Stade Velodrome, Marseille, France - The 60,000 capacity part-time home of Les Bleus is a riot of colour and noise on match days that belies it open yet picturesque setting.

Agree? Disagree? What are your favourites?

Sky sports analyst Stuart Barnes has carved out an impressive reputation in the media © Getty Images

To coincide with our countdown of Rugby's Most Influential People, we thought we would offer up some additional rankings in the form of a series of 'Top 5s'.

First up is our pick of the wealth of talking heads making a living by offering up their opinions on the game on TV in the UK. ESPN's Austin Healey and Ben Kay would no doubt make any such list but to pre-empt any accusations of nepotism we have opted not to feature anyone too close to home.

1. Stuart Barnes - The former England international is arguably the leading rugby analyst in the UK having cultivated a successful career in the media since hanging up his boots in the mid-1990s. Barnes brings a fair amount of authority to Sky Sports' rugby output be that in the studio or on the commentary gantry alongside the excellent Miles Harrison. And his work on screen is backed up by his equally impressive work in print be that with SkySports.com or the Sunday Times

2. Jonathan Davies - Another former international - a dual-code international at that - who once lit up union and league for Wales and who now offers insight on both sports for the BBC. Never short of a forthright opinion - check out his latest views on Gavin Henson - or love for All Blacks playmaker Dan Carter, he splits his time between the co-commentator's chair and the warmth of the studio while also checking in with BBC Sport Wales' Scrum V. And for those who can't get enough of him he also features regularly on the BBC Sport website.

3. Will Greenwood - Yet another notable TV pundit with international rugby credentials - noticing a trend here? Greenwood won the World Cup with England and can also boast British & Irish Lions honours but it was his ease in front of the camera that will have attracted Sky Sports. Like Barnes, he found work at the last World Cup with ITV and also boasts a column in the national press with the Daily Telegraph while updating a few thousand followers on Twitter.

4. Brian Moore - The Pitbull earned 69 Test caps for England and the British & Irish Lions with a no-nonsense approach to the game and he still refuses to hold any punches as a broadcaster. Perhaps for this reason he is largely confined to the commentary gantry from where he regularly loses his rag but not his composure. An award-winning author he is offered a wider sporting remit in the Daily Telegraph but we like him best behind the mic and watching a game of rugby.

5. Jerry Guscott - The fourth ex-England international and Lions tourist to make our list, the 'Prince of Centres' won 73 Test caps in a sparkling career and now passes judgement on the latest generation from the comfort of the BBC studio. His insightful comment and propensity to deliver a forthright opinion is a plus for the Beeb's coverage and his views can also be read on the BBC Sport website and The Rugby Paper.

Also worth a mention.....former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio warrants a more regular outlet, Dean Ryan has been an impressive introduction to the Sky Sports stable where Michael Lynagh continues to impress as he stands astride the two hemispheres.

Agree? Disagree? Who are your favourites?