6 Nations: Team of the Weekend
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UR Team of the Weekend
Making only his 2nd Test start, the loose head made a massive impact up front for France. The 23-year-old was part of a dominant French scrum against England.
He crossed the whitewash for a try that was subsequently held up - got the better of Dan Cole on numerous occasions. Baille came off the park after 45 minutes but left a big impression on the game.
2. Guilhem Guirado
The French captain showed his leadership qualities with a remarkable effort for his side.
The Toulon hooker put in an all-action display, accurate at the lineout and left it all out on the field but left Twickenham a frustrated figure as France fell short once again.
3. Tadgh Furlong
The Ireland tight-head continued his magnificent November series form into this contest. Furlong was superb in all aspects of his game, he forced two early scrum penalties and dominated throughout.
His work in the loose was also evident as he made some bullish carries which have become his trademark, often turning up two or three times in the one passage of play.
4. Richie Gray
The Toulouse lock acted as the main threat in the set piece, securing 5 line outs and making 23 tackles.
Richie was abrasive throughout and carried with real intent and also made his presence known at the breakdown.
5. Jonny Gray
The young Scotland second-row continues to improve, amassing a Scotland record of 28 tackles.
A stellar performance from one of the best locks in the world. Firmly playing his way into a spot for a Lions starting role.
6. Maro Itoje
Itoje slotted seamlessly into the No. 6 shirt. England's top tackler and he was formidable in the air as England's main target.
His influence became more apparent in the 2nd half as he was one of the most effective carriers. Ended the match with a game winning turnover.
7. Sean O'Brien
The Ireland flanker was of the few players who managed to punch holes in the Scottish defence.
O' Brien made some big carries and was able to offload out of the tackle to carry the attacking momentum. A powerful performance from the back-rower.
8. Louis Picamoles
Started the game with a bang. Two rampaging bursts through the England defence exposed the hosts.
The Saints No. 8 was the best player on the pitch, making 16 carries for a gain of 122m for his side, more than the England pack combined. Without doubt the most effective ball carriers on the pitch.
Sergio Parisse narrowly misses out on selection; the ageless Italian skipper was immense for the Azzurri in Rome.
9. Baptiste Serin
The Bordeaux scrum half performed admirably, running the show for his side and provided quick, accurate ball.
Looked very sharp around the fringes and formed a understanding with his out-half. Serin repaid the faith Guy Noves placed in the youngster. He remains a fine prospect for French rugby.
An honourable mention to Greig Laidlaw who led magnificently, keeping Scotland on the front foot in their win over Ireland.
10. Paddy Jackson
Endured a quiet start as Ireland went to their ball carriers rather than their backs in the opening phases.
Scored a crucial try in the second half to kick start an Ireland comeback, running a clever line to break through the Scotland defence.
Kicked all but one of his goals, and performed with credit in defeat.
@HendersonIain and @paddyjackson10 each got over for @IrishRugby in today's game against Scotland #SUFTUM #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/u6f0a2Mz7c
— UlsterRugbySP 🏉 (@UlsterRugbySP) February 4, 2017
11. Virimi Vakatawa
The Sevens specialist is quickly becoming a key part of Noves plans, he was a constant problem for the England defence and made 18 carries for a gain 121m, beating 4 defenders.
Made a lovely break in the 1st half, but came to an unfortunate end with a slip. His offloading ability is a key feature of his game and often drifted into midfield to find ball, switching to 13 in the closing stages.
Retour sur le match 📽 | Vakatawa a mis le 🔥 au terrain avec des avancées importantes!
— FF Rugby (@FFRugby) February 5, 2017
Résumé complet 📽 https://t.co/BnYVML4IAr pic.twitter.com/30NT6XtlVE
12. Owen Farrell
Farrell started the game slowly but ended as one of England’s most influential players in the second half. The Saracens man was the heartbeat of the backline.
He drew in the defence to release Ben Te’o for the game clinching score. Missed one kick but remains a leader.
RUGBY INSIGHT | @TomMay1 picks out Ben Te'o's try as his Play of the Week.
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 5, 2017
📝 More: https://t.co/cRsErSQIL4#IBMTryTracker pic.twitter.com/g5ZgQEmqzw
13. Robbie Henshaw
Arguably’s Ireland best player in Murrayfield, in terms of tackling and defence; Henshaw constantly hammered at the Scotland line, even with static ball in attack.
14. George North
The Wales winger equalled Shane William’s record by scoring a try in 5th consecutive 6 Nations match.
North touched down for the final try as he burst through to score after a superb solo effort from his own 22.
! Try desde las 22 yds ! @George_North lo hizo el domingo vs @Federugby en el #6nations .¿ Tenes algún amigo que haya hecho un try similar ? pic.twitter.com/49qsUuvgRH
— Breakdown Rugby (@BreakdownAr) February 6, 2017
15. Stuart Hogg
Man of the match with his two first half tries. Hogg was given space in the outside channels to operate in and Ireland paid the price, superb acceleration and a constant livewire in attack.
Injury can only prevent him starting at full-back for the Lions this summer.
The dummy from Stuart Hogg to score!
— EatSleepRugby (@eatsleeprugby) February 5, 2017
🎥RBS 6 Nations pic.twitter.com/g7aewDLdPE