TWO WEEKS IN and the Six Nations Championship is really starting to take some shape. Here’s how we would line out the finest XV of the weekend.
15. Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Kearney’s presence went a long way to soothing the early anxiety in Ireland’s performance and he added some notable, valuable line-breaks to his regular, assured cover of the back-field.
14. Jonny May (England)
England are developing a nice habit of scoring early tries and May’s pace is ensuring he’s building the habit of being on the end of the moves.
13. Henry Slade (England)
A key reason why England’s cutting edge looks so razor sharp in this Championship. A superb footballer whose skill-set delivers a brilliant foil for his heralded centre partner.
12. Manu Tuilagi (England)
England have found their best midfield combination thanks to Tuilagi’s return to fitness. Made eight big carries and continually gives team-mates breathing space to pull the strings.
11. Jacob Stockdale (Ireland)
Stood up to be counted when the game wasn’t going Ireland’s way in Murrayfield. His chip chase created the opening try, his electric pace took him to his own on a superb set-play and he put his robust frame to use with some vital tackles around the fringes.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The brains behind a masterclass of tactical kicking from England on consecutive weekends.
9. Ben Youngs (England)
Once again beautifully complemented his more forthright half-back partner and his service from the ruck on top of his own kicking efforts helped ensure England ran up a score on France.
1. Cian Healy (Ireland)
Played a big role in putting Ireland back in the winner’s enclosure with a big defensive effort and great energy and in phaseplay and set-piece.
2. Jamie George (England)
Building a very strong case to keep Eddie Jones’ captain Dylan Hartley out of the side when he does regain full fitness. A terrific carrying weapon and almost flawless at line-out time against France.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Shone in deteriorating conditions and led Ireland’s carry count with 16 in close quarters to help shut out Scotland and tighten the contest up.
4. Courtney Lawes (England)
A thumping hit on Mathieu Bastareaud typified England’s superiority against France. Made sure Maro Itoje’s absence was not felt as he brought his robust carrying threat and solid line-out option.
5. James Ryan (Ireland)
Close to matching Furlong and Sean O’Brien as Ireland’s lead carriers in Murrayfield. Suddenly found himself as the most experienced lock and no one ever doubted he would rise to the challenge.
6. Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
Earned his man-of-the-match gong with smart work all over the field in Edinburgh and took control of the line-out and maul with minimal fuss.
7. Braam Steyn (Italy)
Steyn takes the nod narrowly ahead of Sean O’Brien thanks to the torment he caused Wales. He was effective on the ground, making line-out steals in the air and racked up 20 tackles in defence.
8. Josh Navidi (Wales)
The most effective work on a patchy night for Wales came from Navidi. Was clinical at the breakdown and consistently made yards off his seven carries.
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