Joe Harvey puts together TRU's Six Nations team of the week from Round 1, where Wales, Ireland and France emerged with victories.
1. Jefferson Poirot (France) – Despite starting on the bench for this one, Poirot’s 31-minute cameo proved a pivotal one. Replacing his compatriot, Cyril Baille, with some time to spare and with an England side slowly gaining dominance, Poirot halted English process with some stern tackles as well as two vital turnovers to relieve the French defence.
2. Rob Herring (Ireland) – Stepping into the number two shirt after Rory Best was never going to be a mean feat. Having already done so at club level, Herring carried well for Andy Farrell’s side, breaking the gainline each time to keep his team on the front foot. Whilst lineout darts were not at a premium this weekend, Herring’s were fairly good and with a more than competent pack, the lineout was a good weapon for the Irish in Dublin.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – Playing nearly the whole game before leaving the field injured, Furlong was as influential as ever on this Ireland team. Making a whopping 15 tackles for his new head coach, Furlong even made 30 meters with ball in hand. Not bad for a tighthead, not bad at all.
4. Bernard le Roux (France) – Despite being South African-born, Bernard le Roux has been plying his trade in France for nearly 11 years now. The oldest player in the France team at the age of just 30, le Roux was simply monstrous in defence. Making 23 tackles and neutralising many of England’s key threats, the locks impact on this game cannot be ignored.
5. James Ryan (Ireland) – Since making his international debut, James Ryan hasn’t experienced defeat all that often. Saturday was another of those days that experience didn’t come about. Playing the full eighty minutes in Dublin, Ryan carried for 55 meters and even made 19 tackles on the way to victory.
6. CJ Stander (Ireland) – After early injury to Caelan Doris, Stander was soon restored to his normal position of number eight. Not phased by this change Stander got back to doing what he does best. Carrying the ball intensely throughout, the Munsterman eventually made 73 meters by the game’s end and even got 17 tackles attributed to him. Lions form is back.
7. Justin Tipuric (Wales) – Winning Man of the Match in Cardiff, Justin Tipuric continues to be one of Welsh rugby’s most dominant and consistent performers. Completing 20 tackles during his 80-minute stint on the pitch, Tipuric was a thorn in the side of Italy all afternoon and prevented the visitors from getting anything at the breakdown.
8. Grégory Alldritt (France) – Making 18 tackles on the way to a Man of the Match award, Alldritt was simply everywhere for France on Sunday afternoon. Even gathering a turnover in the game to stifle England, the La Rochelle backrow did everything that Tom Curry was unable to do as a flanker played at number eight.
9. Antoine Dupont (France) – It is not often at all that scrum-halves play the full eighty minutes at test level, but when your nine is as good as Antoine Dupont, it is difficult to take them off. Keeping a high tempo throughout the game, Dupont delivered clean front-foot ball throughout and allowed France to maintain a strong performance throughout on their way to a win in Paris.
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland) – Sexton’s first game as captain couldn’t have really gone much better. Scoring all 19 points on the wat to victory in Dublin, the veteran campaigner’s efforts can only be defined as masterful as Ireland got their Six Nations campaign off to a flying start.
11. Vincent Rattez (France) – A late change after injury to Damien Penaud, Rattez made the most of his opportunities to score a try against England on the way to a 24-17 victory in Paris. Making 77 meters with the ball in hand, Rattez even provided the assist for his captain, Charles Ollivon, to extend the French lead.
12. Nick Tompkins (Wales) – Playing nearly a full half, despite starting his day on the bench, Nick Tompkins looks more than ready for test rugby. Not picked by England, the centre came on early when Johnny McNicholl had a HIA before being reintroduced again in the second half. Scoring a try on his second involvement and having an assist ruled out, there is excitement to see the Saracens man in action again next weekend.
13. George North (Wales) – With many seeing George North’s future in the 13 shirt, the Ospreys man proved his worth early on Saturday afternoon. Getting both a try and a try assist, North showed every minute of his international experience, adapting to the position well. Even making nine tackles and 115 meters with the ball, it was impressive stuff from the former Saint.
14. Josh Adams (Wales) – Scoring three tries and assisting two more is a pretty sure-fire way to get on a team of the week. Easily one of the best wing’s in the world right now, Adams can’t stop going over the try line and will no doubt be crossing it more by the time the Six Nations is over.
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) – Injury to Liam Williams meant that Halfpenny was assured a start in the 15 shirt. Playing brilliantly once more in a red jersey, Halfpenny made just shy of 125 meters whilst carrying the ball and even kicked two conversions off the tee after Dan Biggar was replaced, consolidating Wales’ 42-0 win.
