It’s that time of the week where we compile our dream side from the weekend’s action, here is
RUCK’S 2022 Six Nations Team of the Week for round four:
#BACK-THREE:
- 15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland): "An outstanding performance in every facet of the game, he was brilliant under the aerial bombardment, excellent in counter-attack and general running, picking great lines and angles and beating defenders." - Irish Times
- 14. Ange Capuozzo (Italy): "Italy had not managed a single second-half point in their three previous heavy defeats in the competition but Capuozzo changed all that after coming off the bench to make his debut. Twice the 22-year-old found a way through."
- 11. Jack Nowell (England): "Eddie finally got his hybrid! As wing or flanker, Nowell excelled; his tenacity and mongrel embodied by his hauling of Keenan into touch." - Telegraph
#CENTRES:
- 13. Joe Marchant (England): "England’s star back. Caused Ireland problems on both sides of the ball from minute one to 80. The match’s supreme jackaller, too." - Telegraph
- 12. Chris Harris (Scotland): "Made two half breaks before showing great work-rate to collect Steyn’s chip and score his fourth international try. Finished a well-crafted team move for his fifth Scotland try." - Rugby Pass
#HALFBACKS:
- 10. Dan Biggar (Wales): "Largely kicked beautifully out of hand, with one 50:22 showing outstanding awareness and execution. Biggar also hauled down Danty with a text-book tackle. A captain’s display." - Wales Online
- 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland): "He won the man of the match award, a fair reflection on a high calibre contribution. When the team was producing its best rugby he was at the epicentre, sharp in thought and deed, reflected in the quick tap for Keenan’s try." - Irish Times
#FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Ellis Genge (England): "Had Furlong on toast at scrum time, which is not bad for someone who supposedly has wobbles there, and ran and tackled himself to standstill." - Guardian
- 2. Julien Marchand (France): "Carried hard, made plenty of tackles and as usual won penalties on the ground with his strength over the ball before departing in the 52nd minute." - Rugby Pass
- 3. Uini Atonio (France) "Saw plenty of ball in the loose where he consistently got over the gainline prior to being replaced by Haouas at half-time."
#SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje (England): "If you are an England fan and still do not rate this man, then there is not much more he can do to earn your affection." - Telegraph
- 5. Will Rowlands (Wales): "His emergence as a Test player of calibre has been one of the major pluses of the campaign for Wales. Stole a French lineout throw, was safe on his own ball and tackled well; also gave Wales go-forward with ball in hand. An excellent Test" - Wales Online
#BACK-ROW:
- 6. Rory Darge (Scotland): "Scotland’s best player against France showed his breakdown threat again. Won two excellent jackal penalties and also added 13 tackles." - Rugby Pass
- 7. Hamish Watson (Scotland): "Back in the team after missing defeat to France, and once more led the defensive effort with 17 tackles." - Rugby Pass
- 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland): "He may have had a try disallowed, might have passed a little earlier or with more sympathy that would have led to a try for Conor Murray but these were minor blemishes in a huge performance, long on industry and quality input. Rating:" - Irish Times
EDITORS PICKS:
- Jones aims dig at referee and World Rugby after Ireland defeat
- Owens shocked by response to Charlie Ewels red card
- The four changes Eddie Jones should make to his XV for France
- Serial pitch invader absolutely smashed by steward at Twickenham
- First England player swaps nations after being named in USA squad
