Six Nations: Team of the week

UNUSUALLY, THE PROBLEM in picking a Six Nations team of the week on this occasion was not who to leave out, but who to include.

With the two (ahem) best teams in the competition frozen out of action at the last minute we were suddenly short of options.

From a choice of over 100 players we were down to less than 70 for this prestigious accolade. And were it not for the Welsh performance we could have been left filling holes with Paul O’Connell for braving -10 degrees in his shorts and t-shirt. Legend.

So, with a big fat asterisk beside it (because obviously Ireland were about to overturn the history books and skate to victory in Paris) here is the award all those egg-chasers come begging for of a Monday morning, it’s the The Score’s team of the week*.

Six Nations: Team of the week

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1. Alex Corbisiero.
The young prop became a man against the nation of his heritage, fending off Martin Castrogiovanni at every turn and turning Italy's main weapon against them.Source: Mike Egerton / EMPICS sport
2. Ross Ford.
Led by example in a difficult day for Scotland. Line out throwing was good and nine tackles is not to be sniffed at either.Source: David Jones / PA images.
3. Dan Cole.
Like his pal at loosehead, Cole knew he was in for a tough day in the Roman snow. Yet he buckled down, turned Andre LoCicero on his heels and set the chariot in motion.Source: Mike Egerton / EMPICS sport.
4. Mouritz Botha.
Once again, the South African proves to be just the kind of hard working dog England needs. Nothing flash, just graft.Source: INPHO / Getty Images.
5. Jim Hamilton.
Seen here doubled over from exertion beside Ross Rennie and Richie Gray; Hamilton kept the game compact and dominated his opposite numbers until the home side cut loose.Source: Joe Giddens EMPICS sport
6. Dan Lydiate.
Back from an ankle injury as his captain made way, a big performance was needed and Lydiate never came close to disappointing. An outstanding defensive display.Source: INPHO / getty Images
7. Toby Faletau.
While Aaron Shingler did a fine job filling this jersey for Wales yesterday, mercilessly clearing John Barclay from a ruck to make quick ball for Leigh halfpenny's first try, Faletau was a colossus throughout. Without the ball he was impermeable, with it, utterly destructive.Source: David Davies / PA images.
8. Sergio Parisse.
The only reason we're not looking at an all Welsh back row is another heroic performance from Sergio Parisse. Involved in absolutely everything good about Italy and fire-fighting everything bad. A shame he couldn't turn the drift.Source: Gregorio Borgia / AP images.
9. Mike Phillips.
His ego probably had a hand in the score being 3-3 at half time, taking on too many pick-and-gos for himself. Yet he proved why he does it with the brilliant drive and offload for Leigh Halfpenny's second try.Source: David Jones / PA wire, images.
10. Charlie Hodgson.
He's never been anybody's favourite fly-half, but you have to hand to the old timer. Hodgson's not only steering this young side through the rough seas of Edinburgh and Rome but he's also put the effort in. One block down try is fortunate, two in a row shows great diligence.Source: Gilberto Carbonari / PA wire, images.
11. Giovambattista Venditti.
It was not a day for outside backs on the white surface in Rome, but Venditti went in where it hurt to open the Azzuri's try-scoring. After Ben Foden's mistake he sure-handedly grabbed the slippery pill without fear of the swinging leg. That score set up the next as a nervous Foden handed the hosts a half time lead.Source: INPHO / Getty Images
12. Owen Farrell.
Not only does Farrell show ice cool poise under the pressure of kicking, he is also manning up to the physicality required in midfield. This picture is testimony to that as he lays out Tommaso Benvenuti. The tackle would have resulted in seven points for England had the whistle not already been blown.Source: INPHO / Getty images
13. Stuart Hogg.
Just 19 years of age, Hogg could well provide the spark that petrol blue Scottish backline have been without for so long. He was not on the pitch long, but showed enough running from deep and almost scoring a try (which was cruelly chalked off) to offer hope for the future.Source: David Davies / PA WIRE - images.
14. Alex Cuthbert.
Just when you think it's safe to go back on the rugby pitch... George North had barely left the field injured when 'the new George North' introduced himself. What are they feeding these kids?Source: Joe Giddens / EMPICS sport.
15. Leigh Halfpenny.
At the heart of a brilliantly dynamic Welsh display was the one back who doesn't cast a terrifying shadow. Halfpenny relies on good old fashioned intelligence, speed and skill to navigate his way to the try-line. Scored 22 of his country's 27 points.Source: David Jones PA wire - images.