RBS Six Nations XV of Week 3

As the 6 Nations got back into action after an addition week preparation time, England came out the only side in contention for the coveted Grand Slam.

Below we look at the movers and shakers in the 3 round of the RBS 6 Nations.

Team of the Weekend:

1. Alasdair Dickinson - Scotland's pack were dominant at scrum time, Dickinson being one of the driving forces behind it. With the Azzuri on the back foot, Laidlaw could release the talent out wide.
2. Guilhem Guirado - The talismanic French hoooker was consistently on the look out for carries and front foot ball, his work-rate rewarded with a try.
3. WP Nel - As the Italian scrum collapsed, then came the many penalties. The South African born prop picked up a needless late yellow card, but his work was already done.
4. Maro Itoje - An excellent first test start for the Saracen second row, the 21-year-old made 16 tackles, seven carries and bagged a valuable steal at the line out.
5. George Kruis - Both England second-rows put in huge performances in both defense and attack, Kruis showing why he's picked ahead of Launchbury and Lawes.
6. Josh van der Flier - Had to be included so playing him at 6 due to his tenacity in an Ireland pack was largely dominated, he put his hand up and put a shift in with 15 tackles.
7. John Hardie - Scotland’s John Hardie has been most consistent seven in the tournament and with 17 tackles and a try against Italy he deserves the 7 shirt.
8. Billy Vunipola - Player of the weekend in many eyes, 17 carries, 94 metres made, 4 offloads/passes... need we say more.
9. Gareth Davies - He was man of the match in Cardiff thanks to some probing breaks and great vision are the ruck, narrowly beats Greig Laidlaw
10. Johnny Sexton - Road the hits as the flew in from the English defense, showed composure with the spotlight thrown on him, constant threat with ball in hand.
11. Jack Nowell - One of his finest games to date, showed some real intent with 54m gained, but the tackle on Henshaw was undoubtly the match defining moment
12. Robbie Henshaw - Played at 13 but he ws still top carrier in the match with most metres gained with 108, ahead of an impressive Vunipola.
13. Michele Campagnaro - A real presense in the Italian back-line, dangerous with ball in hand and always beats the first man, whether that be his deceptively quick feet or a powerful fend.
14. Anthony Watson - Searing breaks, towering takes, all topped off with a second half try. Producing consitent work in a progressive England back line.
15. Stuart Hogg - The Scottish fire cracker was in great form, having a hand in two tries against Italy including an lovely offload for Tommy Seymour. Most metres made in the Rome with 81.