IT WAS ANOTHER tough watch of a Six Nations weekend with Paris providing everybody’s favourite for worst game of the Championship. Thankfully, there were four other teams who got to play on a dry pitch and keep the tournament try-count on the up.
15. Anthony Watson
Let’s play the cheat card right at the start. Watson didn’t play fullback during England’s win over Italy, but his searing pace and eye for a half gap was a valuable weapon when England did attack from inside their half.
14. George North
The big second half burst seemed to give him the confidence to dance through tackles on his way to a superb try. A welcome return to the scoresheet after a try-less World Cup.
13. Jonathan Joseph
The Elliot Daly fan club will have to simmer down for another few weeks, even before getting on the scoreboard, Joseph set the physical tone for England, smashing in to tackles and claiming high balls. Three tries were his big second half reward.
12. Jamie Roberts
Try-saving tackles and jinking, evasive runs to the try-line… were not enough to put Duncan Taylor in to this jersey. Maybe if he had the power to stop a bullocking centre with head of steam he and Scotland would have made it. Instead, for the second time in six days, Jamie Roberts put in a man-of-the-match performance and this time capped it off with a game-turning try.
11. Tommy Seymour
Had to adjust his whole frame to touch down a harder-than-it-looked first half finish, but outside of that he was superb all around the park.
10. George Ford
Not a vintage weekend for out-halves, but we’re handing the jersey to Ford for his well-taken try and – aside from a couple of poor early passes – smoothly guiding the Chariot around Rome .
9. Gareth Davies
Far from perfect, but his brilliant try-scoring run made sure Wales got the maximum dividend from a slice of luck.
1. Mako Vunipola
England’s set-piece shook a little, but Vunipola 1 made up for any loss of momentum with excellent work in the loose.
2. Scott Baldwin
Solid day out under the roof for the hooker, keeping the line-out steady with eight out of his of his throws going to hand.
3. Samson Lee
Lee is no Welsh choirboy, but legality is a fickle and time-sensitive concept in scrummaging. What counts is getting on the right side of the referee and at an angle your opponent can’t hack and the young tighthead is excellent at making his presence felt.
4. Luke Charteris
In an almighty clash between Europe’s new best second row combination and the Gray brothers, Charteris came out king. Typically brilliant in defending the maul.
5. Alexandre Flanquart
Wore the number four shirt on Saturday, but was one of the chief frustrators as Ireland piled on early pressure (and went about his business legally). Made 13 carries to keep Ireland occupied and 10 punishing tackles.
6. Chris Robshaw
Free from the burden of captaincy, Robshaw can simply bury his head in his work and he looks like he relishes the diminished responsibility. Got through a ton of work off the ball for his team to help grind Italy into submission.
7. John Hardie
Another week, another loss despite this kilted Kiwi being the best breakdown specialist on the park.
8. Billy Vunipola
Peak Vunipola can’t be far away now. Billy was superb again for England yesterday, always available for work when a gainline is needed and rarely disappoints. 62 metres off 19 carries.
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