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From Stuart Hogg to Alun Wyn Jones - Six Nations team of the tournament

By PA
Johnny Sexton /Getty Images

The Guinness Six Nations was once again highlighted by memorable individual performances as the title race went down to being decided on a Friday night in Paris, with France’s defeat handing the championship to Wales.

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Here, the PA news agency picks a team of the tournament, captained by Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones.

15: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Scotland captain Hogg scored two tries against Wales and was consistently his team’s most potent attacking threat. A match-winning talent with an ability to deliver special moments.

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Jack Nowell guests on The Offload and defends Ellis Genge:

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Jack Nowell guests on The Offload and defends Ellis Genge:

14: Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
Made a stunning impact in his first Six Nations tournament, scoring four touchdowns, including a double against Scotland. At just 20 years old, he is pure box-office.

13: George North (Wales)
Switched from wing to centre by Wales head coach Wayne Pivac, and it proved a masterful decision as North excelled. Reached 100 caps for his country, and was a towering figure in attack and defence.

12: Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
A model of consistency in Ireland’s midfield, his bone-crunching defensive work and ability to put others into space proved key ingredients for his team. Must be nailed on for the British and Irish Lions this summer.

11: Anthony Watson (England)
Bath back Watson shone in an England back division that did not rip up many trees during the Six Nations. So consistent in everything he does, scored four tries and looks a Lions certainty.

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10: Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Ireland captain Sexton will be 36 in July and is one game away from 100 caps for his country. He remains a master tactician who pulled the strings majestically in the victory over England. World-class.

9: Antoine Dupont (France)
Last season’s Six Nations player of the tournament reached similar levels this time around, scoring tries and creating havoc for opposition defences through his devastating running lines. Brilliant player.

1: Wyn Jones (Wales)
They say that international props mature like a fine wine, and in his 30th year, Wales loosehead Jones confirms that theory. His set-piece work was outstanding, helping to give Wales a solid foundation. Lions certainty.

2: Ken Owens (Wales)
Hooker Owens was injured for the Autumn Nations Cup campaign earlier this season, and how Wales missed him. A combative presence in the tight and loose, and a natural experienced leader, he ticks every box.

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3: Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Tighthead prop Furlong looked back to his best when Ireland dismissed England, leading a dominant display by the Irish scrum. Also makes a considerable impact in the loose, and a second Lions tour beckons.

4: Maro Itoje (England)
Discipline was an issue, particularly against Wales when the Saracens lock conceded five penalties, but his overall qualities cannot be ignored. Pound for pound, one of the world’s best players who will roar with the Lions.

5: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Wales’ captain marvel continues to perform outstandingly at the highest level. With a remarkable 157 Test match appearances to his name for Wales and the British and Irish Lions, and sustained world-class form, he looks a Lions leader as skipper against South Africa this summer.

6: Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Topped the possession turnover chart in this season’s Six Nations with 10 – four more than any other player – and was third on the lineout list with 13 takes. Comfortable in the second-row and back-row, his work-rate is frightening.

7: Charles Ollivon (France)
Faced stiff competition from rival sevens Tom Curry and Justin Tipuric, but the France captain shades it. Top ball-winner in the lineouts, a superb leader and all-action dynamo, there is little not to like.

8: Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
Made 77 tackles and 66 carries during a Six Nations to remember for the Wales number eight. Back to his blistering best following a number of injury problems, he is not only a Lions certainty, but for the Test team as well.

Replacements: 16 – Julien Marchand (France), 17 – Cyril Baille (France), 18 – Kyle Sinckler (England), 19 – Iain Henderson (Ireland), 20 – Tom Curry (England), 21 – Conor Murray (Ireland), 22 – Dan Biggar (Wales), 23 – Gael Fickou (France).

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H
Hellhound 20 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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