RUCK.co.uk writers select their Six Nations team of the week from Round 4 of the 2021 tournament as England, Ireland and Wales picked up wins.
Six Nations team of the week – Round Four
BACK-THREE:
15 Stuart Hogg (Scotland): The Scotland full back was on the losing side but can have every reason to be proud of his efforts against Ireland. Alongside two conversions, he set up Huw Jones for a fine try, got a bizarre assist with his chin to set up Finn Russell and stood out with his near impeccable kicking game.
14 Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales): The undoubted breakout star of this year's Six Nations, the 20 year old was impressive once again in Italy and lit up a predictably dominant Wales performance with an eye-catching 80-metre try.
That leaves him with four tries for the championship already.
That leaves him with four tries for the championship already.
11 Anthony Watson (England): He saved a superb performance for his 50th appearance in an England shirt. Watson showed glimpses of his career-best form throughout and capped off his afternoon with a game-changing try. He was also named as the official Player of the Match.
CENTRES:
13 Henry Slade (England): In an end-to-end encounter against France, Slade was right at home. There is still room for improvement in defence, but his attacking talent was on show throughout - his break to set up Anthony Watson's try helped swing the momentum of the game at a crucial period.
12 Robbie Henshaw (Ireland): A stand-out performer as Ireland ground out an impressive win over Scotland. He bagged his eighth international try in the first half which set up his side for the win but, aside from his five-pointer, he was full of hard work throughout and his hit on Duhan van der Merwe just after the hour mark helped keep Scotland at bay.
HALFBACKS:
10 Johnny Sexton (Ireland): Sexton will turn 36 years old in July but he is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Fresh from signing a new contract with the IRFU until 2022, he weighed in with 15 points from the boot in Scotland and his 76th-minute penalty goal - a real pressure kick - was ultimately the difference between the two sides.
9 Antoine Dupont (France): The best player in the world right now? Though France came up short at Twickenham, his try after just 65 seconds showed us all what he can do.
He evolved into one of the best players on the pitch, showing exactly why he is thought of as one of the very best at providing that crucial link between forwards and backs. Still just 24 years old and with his best years ahead of him, France will become a scary prospect with Dupont in their side for years to come.
FRONT-ROW:
1 Mako Vunipola (England): England's battering ram, his 62-minute performance against France helped his forward pack get on top throughout.
Perhaps not his greatest performance on the international stage, but such are the standards we've come to expect from Mako that he can go under the radar despite being so influential.
2 Ken Owens (Wales): Is Ken Owens the best hooker in the northern hemisphere right now? Luke Cowan-Dickie may have something to say about that, but the 34-year-old Scarlets legend was at his best against Italy. Though the Italians couldn't put up much of a fight this weekend, Owens' two-try performance on the road only helped enhance his reputation as a modern great. He should be top of the list to start as hooker for the Lions.
3 Tadhg Furlong (Ireland): What. A. Step! Furlong showed his fleet of foot mid-way through the first half, and his hour-long shift on the pitch, which included seven runs, helped lay the platform for Sexton to take control. But we really, really enjoyed the step. Thanks, Tadhg.
SECOND-ROW:
4 Iain Henderson (Ireland): Henderson has been on the end of some criticism of late, but the risk of losing his starting shirt for Ireland appears to have invigorated him.
A full-blooded 80-minute performance, he made an impressive 21 tackles - seven more than any other Ireland player - and tightened his grip on that number four shirt once again.
5 Charlie Ewels (England): Probably his best performance in an England shirt to date. The Bournemouth-born Bath star showed how useful he can be when given his chance. His work in the line out and scrummage won't have gone unnoticed by Eddie Jones.
Charlie Ewels of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on March 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
BACK-ROW:
6 Josh Navidi (Wales): The official Player of the Match, Navidi ruthlessly carved up Italy at every chance he had. A player who keeps it simple but effective, the 30-year-old made 19 tackles, made seven carries, achieved one turnover and capped off his day's work with a try assist.
7 Tom Curry (England): At just 22, Tom Curry already looks undroppable for the national team. Almost certain to get his Lions bow later this year, the Sale star managed 41 metres from 10 runs and his work off the ball was crucial in turning the tide to pull off a much-needed win after England's disastrous start.
8 Taulupe Faletau (Wales): Despite only playing 55 minutes, Faletau had a lasting impact against Italy. The Tonga-born number 8 looks likely to get a third Lions call-up later this year and he was in ruthless mood once again on Saturday as he ran 38 metres, made seven tackles and ran in a well-deserved try.
EDITORS PICKS:
