All but one country contribute to this week’s team, and amazingly there are not one but two Italian backs invited to the party.
1 – Cian Healy (Ireland) One of Ireland’s best, did well in the scrum and all over the place in the loose, producing several powerful carries. Looks well aware of the pressure coming from understudy Jack McGrath.
2 – Richard Hibbard (Wales) Shook off a hip injury to put in a full-blooded shift, putting in signature hits and throwing well in the lineout. A big effort from the blond bomber.
3 – Nicolas Mas (France) Another no-frills display from the old veteran. A thorn in the English scrum and made his tackles around the fringes.
4 – Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) A tad unfair on Quintin Geldenhuys, the best player actually wearing the no4, but the Welsh captain was playing on the tighthead side anyway and put in another excellent performance. Would it be such a bad thing to give him the captaincy on a full-time basis?
5 – Courtney Lawes (England) Outstanding game from a young man who seems to be growing with each outing. Lineouts, tackles, carries, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that Geoff Parling will regain the no5 jersey once back to fitness.
6 – Peter O’Mahony (Ireland) Not a big carrier but a huge work rate in the trenches. Inspiring passion for doing the dirty work.
7 – Yannick Nyanga (France) Wearing no6 but playing openside, it was a wonderful vintage performance from the flanker, one of his best. His line break in the 76th minute was crucial in the build up to the winning try.
8 – Billy Vunipola (England) A tough choice with nearly every number eight having a good week, but big Billy gets the nod for a terrific match in Paris. Never fails to draw in defenders and gave two try-scoring passes.
9 – Conor Murray (Ireland) It’s amazing how much the Munster-man has improved over the past couple of years. The quality of his kicking stands him apart from contender Danny Care.
10 – Jonathan Sexton (Ireland) Full credit to Owen Farrell for arguably his most well-rounded performance in an England shirt, but Sexton was a class apart in Dublin. Controlled the game and kept his team on the front foot.
11 – Leonardo Sarto (Italy) Far and away his best game in his young international career. His defensive commitment is massively improved and he looked comfortable in all facets on play against Wales.
12 – Jamie Roberts (Wales) Made the gain line all day long and it was his burst through the midfield that set up the winning try. Huge effort from the big man.
13 – Michele Campagnaro (Italy) What a game from the 20 year old. Looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and defended well on top of his two crucial tries.
14 – Yoann Huget (France) Far from perfect but you can’t fault two opportunist tries. Shouldn’t have been man-of-the-match but good enough for this week’s selection.
15 – Rob Kearney (Ireland) Tough call with Stuart Hogg in particular worthy of consideration, but Kearney was on the winning side and was a big part of it. Scored a cracking try and kicked with confidence.
