Best xv of the weekend?

Who did you think were the best in their position?

Brice Dulin: Lively display from the full-back, eager to counter-attack and solid under the high ball. 7/10


Yoann Huget: An outstanding display from the wing who richly deserved his two tries. Counter-attacked at will and combined quick feet with footballing skill more than made up for odd defensive slip. 9/10

Mathieu Bastareaud: His powerful presence in the midfield was more of reassuring go-to option for France rather than major attacking weapon. 7/10

Wesley Fofana: There was the odd glimpse of magic but overall it was a subdued display by the player expected to dominate the midfield contest 6/10

Maxime Medard: A quiet evening for the experienced winger but his decoy run was key for France's match-winning try. 6/10

Jules Plisson: Impressive debut for the young fly-half. His performance was not without mistakes but looked to play and shape the game. 7/10

Jean-Marc Doussain: One badly handling error gave England an attacking scrum but brought good tempo to France's game. 7/10

Thomas Domingo: Got on top on Cole in the early scrums but his presence in the loose faded as England fought back. 6/10

Benjamin Kayser: His line-out throwing let him down at times but he scrummaged well and made his presence felt. 7/10

Nicolas Mas: A storming opening from the tighthead but like Domingo, he could not maintain the pressure on England's scrum. 7/10

Alexandre Flanquart: One heavy tackle crucially prevented Goode from scoring a try as England attempted a revival, and typified his commitment. 7/10

Pascal Pape: The captain did not take a step backwards in the tight exchanges but will have been disappointed with line-out. 7/10

Yannick Nyanga: One storming break from a counter-attack after another turn-over by England underscored a hugely-physical display which enabled France. 8/10

Bernard Le Roux: Appeared to struggle with the intensity of the breakdown and outshine by Robshaw and Wood. 5/10

Louis Picamoles: Strong, roving display and delivered a couple of outstanding offloads that Kieran Read would have been proud of. Their most influential forward. 8/10

Replacements: Gael Fickou delivered the coup de grace with the decisive try with his first touch of the game, cutting a great line. Dimitri Szarzewski was also made a significant impact, starring with a couple of breaks.


England

Mike Brown: A cruel bounce left him flat-footed for France's opening try but excelled after switching to wing for May, beating four defenders for his try. 7/10

Jack Nowell: Recovered from a nightmare start and grew into the contest, coming off his wing and showing determination on the ball. 6/10

Luther Burrell: Burst into life after a relatively quiet first half, running a good line to finish the try that put England in front. 6/10

Billy Twelvetrees: Appeared to lack composure as well as losing his footing at times and was not able to impose himself in the midfield 5/10

Jonny May: Made yards with his first touch, attacking the space with confidence. Sadly we never got to see any more as he was forced off with an injury in the eighth minute. 5/10

Owen Farrell: Solid but at times over-reliant on his kicking game, particularly in the first half, but was more direct during England's revival. 6/10

Danny Care: The inspiration behind England's fightback, with his tapped penalty just before half-time leading to Brown's try and took control after the break, almost scoring and landing a drop-goal. 8/10

Joe Marler: Ran some attacking line that a centre would be proud of and brought great intensity to the forward exchanges 6/10

Dylan Hartley: The line-out was a source of comfort for England even when they were under the cosh and was key sorting out early scrum problems. 7/10

Dan Cole: Struggled against Domingo in the opening scrums but his work-rate was in the loose was admirable. 6/10

Joe Launchbury: Tried to force things too much at times but his commitment was unstinting and put French line-out under pressure. 6/10

Courtney Lawes: His physical presence was key in turning the forward contest in England's favour and played like outside centre at times. 7/10

Tom Wood: A battling performance by the Northampton flanker and his physicality was key in planting seeds of doubt in the French forwards. 7/10

Chris Robshaw: The captain delivered another consistently high performance, carrying, harrying, leading from the front. 7/10

Billy Vunipola: Was England's most destructive forward and potent attacker, carrying superbly and was a rock under the restarts. 8/10

Replacements: Alex Goode had a mixed bag as May's replacements, being rounded by Huget and misjudging the bounce for France's second try in the same movement but attacked with great effect in the second half. Tom Youngs and Ben Morgan also carried well.

From The Telegraph

I would say

15 Brice Dulin
14 Andrew Trimble
13 BOD
12 Dr Roberts
11 Yoann Houget
10 Jonny Sexton
9 Connor Murray
8 Billy Vunipula
7 Chris Henry
6 Yannick Nyanga
5 Devin Toner
4 Dan Tuohy
3 Nichola Mas
2 Rory Best
1 Cian Heely

I thought sexton had a forgettable match? Anyone else?

Champangaro ahead of BOD and Pape ahead of Toner.

If have Heaslip ahead of vunipola also.

maestegmafia wrote:I would say

15 Brice Dulin
14 Andrew Trimble
13 BOD
12 Dr Roberts
11 Yoann Houget
10 Jonny Sexton
9 Connor Murray
8 Billy Vunipula
7 Chris Henry
6 Yannick Nyanga
5 Devin Toner
4 Dan Tuohy
3 Nichola Mas
2 Rory Best
1 Cian Heely

Lawes was superb how could he be left out?

Are you Warren Gatland seeing as you've only picked one token Englishman?

I will go for:
1. Thomas Domingo -completely destroyed Cole come scrum time which effectively set the platform to win the match
2. Richard Hibbard - not many player who are willing to do what he does, brilliant
3. Nicholas Mas - Same as Domingo, destroyed his opposite number
4. Dan Touhy - stepped in for O'Connell and put in a bluddy good shift
5. Pascal Pape - believed in his team and led from the front
6. Dan Lydiate - put in a great shift for us around the pitch, looks like he was back in good form
7. Chris Henry - made a big difference and showed Scotland what they are missing without an out and out 7
8. Jamie Heaslip - In his Lions form

9. Danny Care - injected a lot of pace into England's game
10. Johnny Sexton - wasn't great but neither was any other 10, it was close to pick between him and Priestland
11. Sean Lamont - was the only Scottish player who looked dangerous for the full time he was on
12. Jamie Roberts - looked in good form ans was crucial in our attacking game
13. Michele Champagnaro - looks like a cracking prospect for Italy
14. Yohan Huget - great finisher and looked good in attack
15. Rob Kearnney - has one of his better games in the Irish shirt, I would hope he stays in that form/

Jhamer25 wrote:I will go for:
1. Thomas Domingo -completely destroyed Cole come scrum time which effectively set the platform to win the match
2. Richard Hibbard - not many player who are willing to do what he does, brilliant
3. Nicholas Mas - Same as Domingo, destroyed his opposite number
4. Dan Touhy -  stepped in for O'Connell and put in a bluddy good shift
5. Pascal Pape - believed in his team and led from the front
6. Dan Lydiate -  put in a great shift for us around the pitch, looks like he was back in good form
7. Chris Henry - made a big difference and showed Scotland what they are missing without an out and out 7
8. Jamie Heaslip - In his Lions form

9. Danny Care - injected a  lot of pace into England's game
10. Johnny Sexton -  wasn't great but neither was any other 10, it was close to pick between him and Priestland
11. Sean Lamont - was the only Scottish player who looked dangerous for the full time he was on
12. Jamie Roberts - looked in good form ans was crucial in our attacking game
13. Michele Champagnaro - looks like a cracking prospect for Italy
14. Yohan Huget - great finisher and looked good in attack
15. Rob Kearnney - has one of his better games in the Irish shirt, I would hope he stays in that form/

This, only I'd trade Brown for Lamont and Nyanga for Lydiate   

Engine#4 wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:I will go for:
1. Thomas Domingo -completely destroyed Cole come scrum time which effectively set the platform to win the match
2. Richard Hibbard - not many player who are willing to do what he does, brilliant
3. Nicholas Mas - Same as Domingo, destroyed his opposite number
4. Dan Touhy -  stepped in for O'Connell and put in a bluddy good shift
5. Pascal Pape - believed in his team and led from the front
6. Dan Lydiate -  put in a great shift for us around the pitch, looks like he was back in good form
7. Chris Henry - made a big difference and showed Scotland what they are missing without an out and out 7
8. Jamie Heaslip - In his Lions form

9. Danny Care - injected a  lot of pace into England's game
10. Johnny Sexton -  wasn't great but neither was any other 10, it was close to pick between him and Priestland
11. Sean Lamont - was the only Scottish player who looked dangerous for the full time he was on
12. Jamie Roberts - looked in good form ans was crucial in our attacking game
13. Michele Champagnaro - looks like a cracking prospect for Italy
14. Yohan Huget - great finisher and looked good in attack
15. Rob Kearnney - has one of his better games in the Irish shirt, I would hope he stays in that form/

This, only I'd trade Brown for Lamont and Nyanga for Lydiate   

Good call both Nyanga and Brown were tough calls, figured that Hougets two tries put him ahead.

Nyanga was great, real thorn I the English side..

1. Domingo
2. Hibbard
3. Mas
4. Toner
5. Lawes
6. O'Mahony - my MOTM
7. Nyanga - my player of the weekend
8. Vunipola

9. Care
10. Sexton - one of his better Irish performances
11. Brown
12. Roberts
13. Campagnaro
14. Huget
15. Dulin

theslosty wrote:1. Domingo
2. Hibbard
3. Mas
4. Toner
5. Lawes
6. O'Mahony - my MOTM
7. Nyanga - my player of the weekend
8. Vunipola

9. Care
10. Sexton - one of his better Irish performances
11. Brown
12. Roberts
13. Campagnaro
14. Huget
15. Dulin

Love that back row, was just about to do it myself.

Hogg ahead of Dulin, Tuohy over Toner, and I agree with everything else.

Engine#4 wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:I will go for:
1. Thomas Domingo -completely destroyed Cole come scrum time which effectively set the platform to win the match
2. Richard Hibbard - not many player who are willing to do what he does, brilliant
3. Nicholas Mas - Same as Domingo, destroyed his opposite number
4. Dan Touhy -  stepped in for O'Connell and put in a bluddy good shift
5. Pascal Pape - believed in his team and led from the front
6. Dan Lydiate -  put in a great shift for us around the pitch, looks like he was back in good form
7. Chris Henry - made a big difference and showed Scotland what they are missing without an out and out 7
8. Jamie Heaslip - In his Lions form

9. Danny Care - injected a  lot of pace into England's game
10. Johnny Sexton -  wasn't great but neither was any other 10, it was close to pick between him and Priestland
11. Sean Lamont - was the only Scottish player who looked dangerous for the full time he was on
12. Jamie Roberts - looked in good form ans was crucial in our attacking game
13. Michele Champagnaro - looks like a cracking prospect for Italy
14. Yohan Huget - great finisher and looked good in attack
15. Rob Kearnney - has one of his better games in the Irish shirt, I would hope he stays in that form/

This, only I'd trade Brown for Lamont and Nyanga for Lydiate   

I'd go with that team and Nyanga, leave out Brown, you know what happens when he plays wing... Sexton was good, but I'd be tempted to slot in the French 10 making his debut.

theslosty wrote:1. Domingo
2. Hibbard
3. Mas
4. Toner
5. Lawes
6. O'Mahony - my MOTM
7. Nyanga - my player of the weekend
8. Vunipola

9. Care
10. Sexton - one of his better Irish performances
11. Brown
12. Roberts
13. Campagnaro
14. Huget
15. Dulin

+1

Campagnaro is a really good shout as well. By far the best 13 of the weekend.

gleesonisgod wrote:

theslosty wrote:1. Domingo
2. Hibbard
3. Mas
4. Toner
5. Lawes
6. O'Mahony - my MOTM
7. Nyanga - my player of the weekend
8. Vunipola

9. Care
10. Sexton - one of his better Irish performances
11. Brown
12. Roberts
13. Campagnaro
14. Huget
15. Dulin

Love that back row, was just about to do it myself.

Hogg ahead of Dulin, Tuohy over Toner, and I agree with everything else.

Was just about to edit Hogg in.    I'm not Toner's biggest fan but I thought he played with more confidence and assurity today than I've seen him in the past.

The way the MOTM awards are given on either a commercial basis (Heaslip over O'Mahony?!) or to the try-scorers (Heaslip and Huget) is quite irritating.

1. Domingo
2. Hibbard
3. Mas
4. Pape
5. AWJ
6. Nyanga
7. Henry
8. Faletau
9. Care
10. Sexton
11. North
12. Williams
13. Champagnaro
14. Huget
15. Kearny

The Saint wrote:Sexton was good, but I'd be tempted to slot in the French 10 making his debut.

I agree that Plisson looked very good, he's having a great season.

For me Sexton was at his best and had a really big impact on their result.

Here is mine -

1) Domingo
2) Hibbard
3) Mas
4) Lawes
5) Pape
6) O'Mahony
7) Nyanga
8) Heaslip
9) Care
10) Sexton
11) Sarto
12) Roberts
13) Champagnaro
14) Huget
15) Kearney

Although Nyanga wears 6, France play a left-right flanking partnership so he can play at 7 alongside O'Mahony.   

Grant
Hartley
Mas
Lawes
Toner
Wood
Henry
Vunipola
Murray
Farrell
Roberts
Champagnaro
Huget
Trimble
Brown

theslosty wrote:

The way the MOTM awards are given on either a commercial basis (Heaslip over O'Mahony?!) or to the try-scorers (Heaslip and Huget) is quite irritating.

Heaslip had a good game. Some really good tackles, good try, carried well etc. Fair choice for MOTM when no one really shone. Candidates for me were:

Trimble
Best
Sexton
Heaslip
POM

GunsGerms wrote:

theslosty wrote:

The way the MOTM awards are given on either a commercial basis (Heaslip over O'Mahony?!) or to the try-scorers (Heaslip and Huget) is quite irritating.

Heaslip had a good game. Some really good tackles, good try, carried well etc. Fair choice for MOTM when no one really shone. Candidates for me were:

Trimble
Best
Sexton
Heaslip
POM

Heaslip played quite well but he was fairly anonymous in the first half whereas POM saved our bacon on numerous occasions. The MOTM is usually given to the mmost media-savvy players and it helps if they score a try or two. Correct me if I'm wrong but Heaslip seems to get more awards than SOB despite the latter being far and away the best player in Ireland.

I'd say:

Kearney
Huget
Campagnaro
Roberts
Trimble
Priestland
Care
Vunipola
Nyanga
Lydiate
AWJ
Lawes
Mas
Hibbard
Domingo

Best sub- Fickou. Bar Steward

POM put in a good tackle on Denton to save a try. Is that what you refer to? Everyone was anonymous in the first half IMO.

Maybe Sexton over Priestland, brown over Trimble

Brown over Trimble?

GunsGerms wrote:POM put in a good tackle on Denton to save a try. Is that what you refer to? Everyone was anonymous in the first half IMO.

No guns maybe he means the couple of crucial turnovers by POM as well as the few tackles while Jamie was looking after his perm...none so blind etc...sad that you have to be so negative but typical from you

GunsGerms wrote:POM put in a good tackle on Denton to save a try. Is that what you refer to? Everyone was anonymous in the first half IMO.

POM made at least 3 turnovers, a couple of them on our own line. It's interesting that POM and Heaslip appear to play better when SOB is absent, as fantastic as he is.

It's somewhat similar to the perception that most of Barcelona's forwards appear to thrive when the main man Messi is not there.

GunsGerms wrote:Brown over Trimble?

I'm not unbiased

Hogg
Huget
Campagnaro
Roberts
Trimble (no other real outstanding wingers)
Farrell
Care

Healy
Hartley
Mas
Pape
Lawes
O'Mahony
Nyanga
Vunipola

Perhaps one or two Wales players short, but these things never come out pro rata based on team performance.

ChequeredJersey wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:Brown over Trimble?

I'm not unbiased

Both played well

theslosty wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:POM put in a good tackle on Denton to save a try. Is that what you refer to? Everyone was anonymous in the first half IMO.

POM made at least 3 turnovers, a couple of them on our own line. It's interesting that POM and Heaslip appear to play better when SOB is absent, as fantastic as he is.

It's somewhat similar to the perception that most of Barcelona's forwards appear to thrive when the main man Messi is not there.

It's actually quite easy to decipher that one.  I assume better means 'more visible' in a cinematic way?  When O'Brien isn't there, more carrying of ball is naturally required from others.  If it's required, then it becomes a coaching imperative and what was Schmidt saying this week?  Paraphrase: 'a lot of the players have to take up a big strain that is usually carried by O'Brien'.

When he's there he tends to be the hard yards gainer but he is boosted by having Heaslip, POM etc behind him solidifying any breaks.  So when O'Brien is in the team, the others don't have to be so dynamic...when he's absent, more dynamicism is required.

ME-109 wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:POM put in a good tackle on Denton to save a try. Is that what you refer to? Everyone was anonymous in the first half IMO.

No guns maybe he means the couple of crucial turnovers by POM as well as the few tackles while Jamie was looking after his perm...none so blind etc...sad that you have to be so negative but typical from you

Jeez are you drunk or something? Not sure I said anything particularly controversial. Our whole back row underperformed in the first half from where I was sitting.

theslosty wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:POM put in a good tackle on Denton to save a try. Is that what you refer to? Everyone was anonymous in the first half IMO.

POM made at least 3 turnovers, a couple of them on our own line. It's interesting that POM and Heaslip appear to play better when SOB is absent, as fantastic as he is.

It's somewhat similar to the perception that most of Barcelona's forwards appear to thrive when the main man Messi is not there.

Yes POM played well, just probably shaded by Heaslip who put in some ferocious tackles in midfield, plenty of decent carries scored one try and did really well to almost score another. Not sure why his motm would be in any way controversial.

Nobody really stood out.

GunsGerms wrote:

ME-109 wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:POM put in a good tackle on Denton to save a try. Is that what you refer to? Everyone was anonymous in the first half IMO.

No guns maybe he means the couple of crucial turnovers by POM as well as the few tackles while Jamie was looking after his perm...none so blind etc...sad that you have to be so negative but typical from you

Jeez are you drunk or something? Not sure I said anything particularly controversial. Our whole back row underperformed in the first half from where I was sitting.

ha ha...no just that you ignore the obvious. Heaslip was completely outplayed by Denton in the first half. POM at least made a couple of turnovers at important times during scottish attacks but I guess you were sitting in the seats with the blue tint in them...

All the seats are green. Maybe you are smoking crack or something or just have a chip on your shoulder? Neither would surprise me.

GunsGerms wrote:All the seats are green. Maybe you are smoking crack or something or just have a chip on your shoulder? Neither would surprise me.

Well you seem to be the one with a chip on their shoulder....I bet you were seething at POM today especially after the poorly written assassination attempt last week...

thomh wrote:Hogg
Huget
Campagnaro
Roberts
Trimble (no other real outstanding wingers)
Farrell
Care

Healy
Hartley
Mas
Pape
Lawes
O'Mahony
Nyanga
Vunipola

Domingo in for Healy & I agree with this team

ME-109 wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:All the seats are green. Maybe you are smoking crack or something or just have a chip on your shoulder? Neither would surprise me.

Well you seem to be the one with a chip on their shoulder....I bet you were seething at POM today especially after the poorly written assassination attempt last week...

Yes I'm always upset when Irish players play well. Assassination attempt? You sure you aren't on the sauce?

GunsGerms wrote:

ME-109 wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:All the seats are green. Maybe you are smoking crack or something or just have a chip on your shoulder? Neither would surprise me.

Well you seem to be the one with a chip on their shoulder....I bet you were seething at POM today especially after the poorly written assassination attempt last week...

Yes I'm always upset when Irish players play well. Assassination attempt? You sure you aren't on the sauce?

Well maybe not upset but certainly ignoring the obvious...and thanks I am perfectly sober due to driving requirements for the game and quite capable...unlike yourself..or maybe this is your normal state...  

Guys, no need to get personal and involve the mods. Just calm down

I'm calm don't worry. Me-109 is cracking me up. Good value for a laugh.

Pom is a wonderful player and a lovely fellow.

GunsGerms wrote:I'm calm don't worry. Me-109 is cracking me up. Good value for a laugh.

I crack myself up...

In terms of the best 15..

Domingo
Hibbard (Ghiraldini close second)
Mas (The master)
Pape
Lawes
POM as no one else stood out
Nyanga
Vuinipola (Parisse possibly better only that weak french tackling made the south sea islander/australian look good)
Care
Sexton
ANOther
Roberts
Campagnero
Huget
McClean - Had a great game.

ME-109 wrote:In terms of the best 15..

Domingo
Hibbard (Ghiraldini close second)
Mas (The master)
Pape
Lawes
POM as no one else stood out
Nyanga
Vuinipola
Care
Sexton
ANOther
Roberts
Campagnero
Huget
McClean - Had a great game.

"POM as no one else stood out"

Bit harsh no?

GunsGerms wrote:

ME-109 wrote:In terms of the best 15..

Domingo
Hibbard (Ghiraldini close second)
Mas (The master)
Pape
Lawes
POM as no one else stood out
Nyanga
Vuinipola
Care
Sexton
ANOther
Roberts
Campagnero
Huget
McClean - Had a great game.

"POM as no one else stood out"

Bit harsh no?

Har har...no...see my comments on the Ireland/Scotland thread.

McClean did have a great game, POM was fantastic as well.

I thought Duncan weir had another good game.

1.Domingo
2.Hibbard
3.Mas
4.AWJ
5.Pape - Lawes and Touhy also impressed
6.Nyanga
7.Henry
8.Vunipola

9.Care
10.Sexton - No 10's impressed massively

11.Trimble
12.Roberts
13.Champagnaro
14.Huget
15.Kearney

Care, Champagnaro, Huget and Kearney aside very few backs really stood out for me.

Here BBC Sport rugby union expert Jonathan Davies team of the week.


LOOSE-HEAD PROP - CIAN HEALY (Ireland)
The Leinster man produced a strong performance and played a highly influential role in his side's strong victory over Scotland. Had the better of Moray Low for much of the game in the scrum and enjoyed one storming run in the loose.

HOOKER - RICHARD HIBBARD (Wales)
What a determined show of tackling - he was ferocious at times and was not afraid to put himself about. There is much to admire about his game and I liked the way he carried the ball against Italy.

TIGHT-HEAD PROP - DAN COLE (England)
Admirable work-rate from the England tight-head. Questions remain about whether he is the same force under the new scrum laws but held his own against the French eight.

LOCK - ALUN WYN JONES (Wales)
A strong captain's performance and his vast experience shone through despite an indifferent Welsh performance. One look at his stats tells you the story. He won seven line-outs, put in 10 tackles and made no fewer than 15 carries, making most metres of the forwards.

LOCK - COURTNEY LAWES (England)
He is no shrinking violet and when the going got tough in Paris, so too did the Northampton man. His physical presence was key in turning the forward contest in England's favour. He was superb in the line-out, made a real impact with his carrying and his tackling was a real weapon for England.

BLIND-SIDE FLANKER - YANNICK NYANGA (France)
Hard to believe the Toulouse flanker was out of favour for so long under former coach Marc Lievremont. He was a real nuisance at the breakdown and won lots of ball in the line-out but it was his carrying that ultimately made the difference as his break set up the match-winning try.

OPEN-SIDE FLANKER - CHRIS HENRY (Ireland)
Filling the boots of Sean O'Brien takes some doing but Henry gave it a real shot against the Scots. Worked relentlessly and although he lacks the sheer ball-carrying power of O'Brien, it was his break that set up Rob Kearney's try.

NUMBER EIGHT - BILLY VUNIPOLA (England)
What an immense ball carrier and possesses excellent pace. The Saracens man also set up debutant centre Luther Burrell for a try the Northampton player is not going to forget in a hurry. Going to be a key figure for England this tournament.

SCRUM-HALF - DANNY CARE (England)
Take a bow, son. The architect behind a hugely impressive fightback in the Stade de France. Had England managed to hold on to their lead then we'd be hearing even more about his performance. Took control after the break, almost scoring and landing a drop-goal.

FLY-HALF - JONNY SEXTON (Ireland)
Ran the show with increasing authority as the game went on. Not had the easiest of times in France as Racing Metro struggle to hit the heights but looked delighted to be back in green.

LEFT-WINGER - ANDREW TRIMBLE (Ireland)
His try right at the end of the first half gave Ireland the cushion that allowed them to pull away from Scotland after the interval. He's hard working and that score will do him the power of good before the visit of Wales on Saturday.

INSIDE-CENTRE - WESLEY FOFANA (France)
Not the biggest of games for the classy Frenchman on a quiet weekend for inside-centres as his pack struggled to supply much ball, but when he did get it the English defence could never relax.

OUTSIDE-CENTRE - MICHELE CAMPAGNARO (Italy)
The 20-year-old took to the grand old tournament like a duck to water. Marked his championship debut with a sparkling performance and bagged two tries against the defending champions.

RIGHT-WINGER - YOANN HUGET (France)
Another to grab a brace, and although there was a touch of luck - especially about the second try as a wicked bounce wrong-footed the England defence - he was pacy, powerful and abrasive, and made Alex Goode look like the fish out of water he was on the wing when he came on initially for the injured Jonny May.

FULL-BACK - ROB KEARNEY (Ireland)
This is a really difficult choice. Leigh Halfpenny did nothing wrong and scored 13 of Wales' 23 points against Italy. But Kearney edges it for me because he did get a try and tackled well. Very little between the two though.

Yes, Halfpenny definitely didn't throw an intercept, nothing wrong at all.

I'm just shocked that Lydiate isn't in his team of the week