Six Nations XV of the Week - Round 3
The Guinness Six Nations returned from its bye week on Saturday with Round 3 of the 2020 campaign, as teams at opposing ends of the table contested games of varying quality.
Scotland took the edge in the bid to avoid the wooden spoon by beating Italy, 17-0, in Rome in a game that is better off forgotten for everyone but the most ardent of Scottish fans. An enthralling contest in Cardiff followed, with France keeping alive their Grand Slam hopes with a 27-23 victory over Wales.
Finally, England overcame Ireland, 24-12, at Twickenham in a one-sided performance that has seen a number of their players crack our standout XV from the weekend’s action below.
- Stuart Hogg, Scotland
The full-back secured some international redemption after his error over the try line against Ireland with a wonderful solo score in Rome. It was a turgid game, in all honesty, although Hogg was a consistent attacking spark for Gregor Townsend’s side and was one of the decisive differences for Scotland in what was certainly a must-win game. A mention, too, for France’s Anthony Bouthier, who had another superb game in Fabien Galthié’s French revolution.
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Watch: Pivac and Jones blame officials following loss to France
- Jonny May, England
Not exactly the sort of game that most wings thrive in, although England’s kick-heavy approach played right into the hands of May’s lightning pace, considerable stamina and accuracy in the chasing tackle and/or aerial contest. He was unlucky not to grab a try when he stole the ball from John Cooney and his length of the field sprint ended with him being tackled into touch off the ball. Whether or not Robbie Henshaw was committed to the tackle prior to May kicking was a 50/50 call.
- Nick Tompkins, Wales
There were times on Saturday where Tompkins’ execution let him down, but on balance, his performance was a far more positive one for Wales than it was a negative one. He repeatedly gouged the excellent French defence and was Wales’ most consistent source of attacking success. As he gets more comfortable in international rugby, the already irregular errors should begin to further fall away. A nod to Manu Tuilagi, too, who had he had a second half like his first, would have bagged this spot.
- Owen Farrell, England
Farrell gets the nod here for the decisiveness of the victory he was pivotal in delivering, though Hadleigh Parkes and Sam Johnson both impressed in different fashions over the course of the weekend. The English playmaker’s kicking game, both from hand and at the sticks, as well as his fizzed passes and aggressive defence, were all significant factors in England’s win over Ireland on Sunday.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1231632183145697285?s=20
- Gaël Fickou, France
A mention for Jonathan Joseph, as both he and Fickou impressed with their midfield involvements when they came off of their respective wings. Fickou’s incisive kicks and passes in the centres helped France unlock the Welsh defence and more than mitigated the odd moment he was caught out positionally. Could playmaking centres coming off the wing be the new trend in international rugby?
- Romain Ntamack, France
Ntamack was pushed all the way by Adam Hastings, with the Scotsman having also excelled this weekend with the ball in hand, and an impressive George Ford on Sunday. That said, Ntamack’s performance in Cardiff was one of a masterclass in decision-making, skill execution and game management. From his kicking from hand and at goal, to his silky passing and elusive running, the French fly-half was a standout for Les Bleus in a memorable victory.
- Antoine Dupont, France
Perhaps not as eye-catching a performance as the ones he turned in against England and Italy, Dupont was still precise and effective against Wales, where his game management, rather than his considerable ability with the ball in hand, was more ardently tested. There seems to be very little this scrum-half can’t currently do.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1231634018078281728?s=20
- Joe Marler, England
A formidable scrummaging display from England’s freshly shorn loosehead, as he took on friend and rival Tadhg Furlong and came out on top. In addition to winning that set-piece battle of the two British and Irish Lions, Marler also impressed with the power of his carrying close to the ruck, freeing up England’s back rowers to have more influence in the open spaces.
- Stuart McInally, Scotland
Jamie George put his hand up for selection, although McInally, alongside Hogg and Hastings, was one of the decisive elements in the game in Rome. His contributions at the set-piece and in the loose helped Scotland keep Italy scoreless and provide enough opportunity for the visitors to come away with three tries and the win.
- Giosuè Zilocchi, Italy
Italy’s tighthead came very close to making this XV in the opening weekend of the championship and is now rewarded after another valiant display in defeat. He has been one of the real positives for the Azzurri after three rounds of competition and with Marco Riccioni waiting in the wings, coach Franco Smith has an enviable one-two punch to mould.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1231575442534039554?s=20
- Bernard Le Roux, France
Once again, the hard work and physicality of Le Roux from the engine room was critical for France. For all the dynamism in the side’s back row and the improved composure of the back line, it’s the gritty offensive and defensive work close to the ruck by the lock that is helping lay the foundation for the rest of the team’s successes.
- Maro Itoje, England
Itoje was pushed hard at Twickenham by James Ryan, as this evolving rivalry continues to deliver time after time. That said, the impact that Itoje was able to have in defence was highly significant in the result, as he slowed Irish ball, delivered momentum-shifting tackles in the midfield and forced turnovers.
- Courtney Lawes, England
A real competition on the blindside this week, with Ross Moriarty looking energised and dynamic once again, whilst Jake Polledri was also very effective in a losing cause for Italy. Lawes, however, put in an emphatic shift for England against Ireland, ruling the skies at the lineout and providing some much-needed physical edge as a ball-carrier, something which he was critiqued for not providing in the same role against France.
https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1231542115236225024?s=20
- Charles Ollivon, France
Ollivon pips Sam Underhill and Hamish Watson here, as the French captain continues to shine with the burden of both captaincy and playing expectations. From the breakdown to having the ball in his hand, Ollivon is a leader by example for the French team and he plays with an energy and work rate that has not always been apparent among French forwards in recent years.
- Gregory Alldritt, France
Even after spending 10 minutes in the bin for a yellow card, Alldritt still makes this XV with a fine and dynamic carrying performance in Cardiff. The consistency that he is bringing, alongside the likes of Ollivon, Ntamack, Le Roux and Dupont, is the reason why Les Bleus are in the mix for their first Grand Slam since 2010.
Watch: Brian O’Driscoll says that Eddie Jones crosses the line
Comments on RugbyPass
Joe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
1 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
9 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
9 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
9 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
9 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
9 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
9 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
9 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
9 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to comments