Marcus Smith among five England players who impressed this weekend

With the Six Nations fast approaching and squad selection imminent, this weekend represented the final opportunity for players to force their way into Steve Borthwick’s plans ahead.

Smith was at his brilliant best in Harlequins’ shock 27–17 away victory over La Rochelle. He displayed the calm control and sharp rugby intelligence we’ve come to expect, with his kicking game spot-on throughout.

Quins simply wouldn’t have won without such a commanding performance from their fly-half, and the reward is a home tie in the round of 16. Despite criticism of both Smith and Harlequins’ domestic form this season, this was a powerful reminder of the quality they still possess.

Bath cruised past Edinburgh, with Barbeary producing a dominant display that will have caught Steve Borthwick’s eye ahead of the Six Nations announcement.

Typically destructive, he caused constant problems with his power and physicality, leaving Edinburgh unable to cope. He was unfortunate not to come away with a try, and his 14 carries for 56 metres underlined just how influential he was.

Although Bristol Bears fell to Bordeaux, they matched the reigning Champions Cup holders for large periods, with Genge leading from the front.

The England prop was a menace ball in hand, repeatedly shrugging off tackles and playing a key role in powering Oghre over for Bristol’s opening try.

He will rue not getting on the scoresheet himself after a powerful second-half surge. His ability to play the full 80 minutes was a testament to his fitness and work rate, something rarely seen from props in the modern game.

Dombrandt may have left his England push a little late, but his performance against La Rochelle showed exactly what he offers.

He was central to Harlequins’ success, covering every blade of grass and delivering in key moments, including a crucial contribution to the final try.

While his club form is undeniable, England’s back-row depth and his previous Test opportunities may work against him when the Six Nations squad is named.

Northampton Saints secured a comfortable home win over Scarlets, and Davison significantly boosted his England credentials in the process.

With tighthead prop an area of concern due to injuries to Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Will Stuart, his timing could not be better.

Davison was a destructive force throughout, anchoring a dominant scrum that eventually forced Scarlets’ Kemsley Mathias into the sin bin under sustained pressure. He was at the heart of Saints’ set-piece superiority.