As the November Tests edge closer to kick-off, Planet Rugby takes a look at ten names to keep an eye on over the next month!

While the weather gets colder up North and the Movember moustaches start taking shape, it's come that time of year when the northern hemisphere gang attempt to get one over their southern counterparts.

And with only a handful of Tests remaining where North meets South ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup, the jury will be out to decide who has what it takes to compete with the best in New Zealand in 2011.

So here are a few suggestions (in alphabetical order) of names to track this November:

Julien Arias (France) - Coach Marc Lièvremont continues to ruffle feathers by experimenting with new players as Stade Français wing Arias has been given the nod while Test veteran Vincent Clerc has been left out in the cold. Lièvremont reckons Arias' work-rate and knack for finishing has earned him a spot with Les Bleus. He had better grab the opportunity with both hands - if he doesn't come up with something special, the French coaches will surely take a more experienced player to the World Cup.

Quade Cooper (Australia) - "Cooperman" was on fire in the Super 14 for the Reds and did relatively well in the Tri-Nations for the Wallabies, but questions remain about his ability on defence. It's one thing to shine on attack when the sun is out, but how will he cope with heavier conditions under foot up North?

Shontayne Hape (England - kind of) - Unsurprisingly, there has been more talk around the Bath centre's experience doing the haka himself than his capacity to outshine Ma'a Nonu. It's a sad situation when a true-blue Englishman can't be found to replace the injured Riki Flutey...er...wait a minute. Debates about passport controls in the professional era aside, Hape will have to convince his critics that his stepping and off-loading can compensate for what some believe is a below-par kicking game at Test level.

Ruaridh Jackson (Scotland) - Young Jackson has been earmarked by many as the man to take over from 32-year-old Dan Parks. The Glasgow fly-half should pick up his first Test cap off the bench sometime this month. The 22-year-old has been great in the Magners League, but Test rugby is a different kettle of fish. Can he cut the mustard at the highest level?

Martin Johnson (England) - Entering his third year as England manager, Johnno has yet to convince the cynics that he has what it takes to be a coach, never mind lead the national side. Beating Australia last June went some way to silencing the naysayers, but the fact remains that that victory in Sydney was England's first win in five starts. This November series is crucial if England are to build any momentum ahead of the Six Nations and World Cup. The pressure is on!

Patrick Lambie (South Africa) - The ink has been flowing in the Republic about this 20-year-old sensation. Comparisons to Dan Carter are obviously premature but the Man of the Match in the Currie Cup Final has all the attributes necessary to be the next big thing in a number ten shirt. How much game time he gets remains to be seen, but with the Boks dropping like flies it's likely he'll play in the midfield. It also doesn't seem a safe bet to expect Morne Steyn to play the full 80 in all four Tests and the Baa-Baas, so Lambie is sure to feature at some stage. Another fly-half on tour, Elton Jantjies, is just as young and could be just as good for the Boks.

Victor Matfield (South Africa) - South Africa's top sports scientists reckon Matfield shouldn't even be on this tour. Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has admitted that his line-out kingpin has already surpassed his quota of playing hours this year, but the side can't afford to tour without a recognised leader as John Smit stays at home to recover from neck surgery. If Matfield joins the injury list, South Africa could be in long-term trouble.

Mick O'Driscoll (Ireland) - With second row stalwart Paul O'Connell missing from the Ireland squad through injury, MOD has some very big boots to fill. The debate is raging in Ireland whether the Munsterman is the correct choice and against the likes of Matfield and Brad Thorn he will certainly have to step up.

Damien Traille (France) - Traille has played in nearly every position in France's back-line over the course of his 74-Test career. He has made it clear that he wants to focus his future at fly-half for Biarritz and with Les Bleus' first-choice number ten François Trinh-Duc pulling out of the squad last weekend, Traille has a real opportunity to advance his case at national level, especially if paired with Biarritz team-mate Dimitri Yachvili. He's a big guy (102kg) with a huge boot, but is he the man to spark the French flair Lièvremont and co. are looking for?

Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand) - It's no longer necessary to introduce the most publicised player in world rugby at the moment. But when will he pull on a black shirt? When he does, all of New Zealand will be picking apart every move he makes. Whether or not he should be in the starting line-up, his Test debut is bound to be spectacular.

By Ross Hastie