A few tricky selections this week, but for the most part the standouts picked themselves. Every team managed at least one selection bar Wales.
1 – Cian Healy (Ireland) Another excellent performance, carrying like a trojan and scoring a try. Honourable mention to Ryan Grant, who was finally back in form for the Scots.
2 – Rory Best (Ireland) His Italian counterpart Leonardo Ghiraldini was better around the pitch, but the Ulsterman gets the nod for his excellent throwing performance at the lineout.
3 – David Wilson (England) Had some troubles in the scrum but then it was a bit of a lottery. Got around remarkably well for a bloke so short of match fitness and his big break up the middle led to a try.
4 – Devin Toner (Ireland) In retrospect Joe Launchbury should have got the plaudits last week, but Toner is well and truly deserving of his spot this time. Got through a mountain of work trucking the ball up and once again a force at the lineout.
5 – Courtney Lawes (England) His one silly penalty was the only blight on an otherwise top grade performance. Strong in the lineout and made more than his share of tackles.
6 – Tom Wood (England) Quiet efficiency seems to be a pre-requisite for no6 jersey, and the Northampton stalwart has that down to a tee. Just puts his head down and gets the job done.
7 – Chris Henry (Ireland) Switched to openside from no8 to accommodate Pedrie Wannenburg a few years back and has never looked back. A constant presence at the breakdown.
8 – Ben Morgan (England) A near flawless performance from the big man, and he lasted all 80 minutes. Even Big Billy would have been impressed watching from the sidelines.
9 – Danny Care (England) Scored an opportunistic try and kept the pace up. In fine form at the moment and looks set to keep the jersey through to the World Cup.
10 – Jonny Sexton (Ireland) Redeemed himself with a fine match at the helm. Two tries and 17 points in spite of his damaged thumb, he looks ready to lead Ireland to the Championship.
11 – Leonardo Sarto (Italy) Looks set to be the Italian left winger for the foreseeable future. Scored a great try and put himself about in defense.
12 – Billy Twelvetrees (England) At last showed what he can do in the international stage. His passing was spot on and the grubber for Luther Burrell to score was class.
13 – Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) Not an ounce of courtesy in this selection, the Irish legend was superb in Dublin. Set up three tries and made it look easy as only he can.
14 – Yoann Huget (France) Just about the only Frenchman worth talking about. His intercept won the game and he was a menace every time he got the ball.
15 – Stuart Hogg (Scotland) Mike Brown was great once again but spare a thought for the Scottish fullback. Scored a try and fought tooth and nail for his team only for them to bottle it once again.
