The biggest question facing Eddie Jones ahead of the start of England's defence of their Six Nations title is the captaincy of his side.

I do not expect many surprises when Jones names his revised elite player squad on Saturday and a 33-man training squad for next week’s camp in Brighton.

Jones however is going to have to make a major call over the selection of his captain for the opening game of the Six Nations against France at Twickenham on Feb 4.

For I believe that Jones is probably going to have to leave Dylan Hartley, who is currently serving a six-week ban for striking Leinster flanker Sean O’Brien, out of the starting XV for that first game.

The Northampton hooker will not have played any rugby before match against France. His ban expires the week before and while he will probably be physically fit, he will not be game-ready fit so it would be a massive risk if Jones picks him for the starting line-up.