After completing two rounds of the 2024 Six Nations, England and Ireland have emerged as frontrunners, both boasting perfect records with two wins each.
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Ireland, under Andy Farrell’s guidance, appear to be cruising towards the championship title, securing emphatic bonus-point victories in both matches.
Other teams are left scrambling for the runner-up position amidst Ireland’s dominance.
Despite England’s unblemished record, their representation in Wales Online’s early tournament lineup is surprisingly sparse, with only one player making the cut.
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Only one England player named in Six Nations team of the tournament so far
15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
14. Calvin Nash (Ireland)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
11. James Lowe (Ireland)
10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
1. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3. Uini Atonio (France)
4. Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
6. Ethan Roots (England)
7. Tommy Reffell (Wales)
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Nigel Owens includes one England legend in his incredible dream team
Here is the Welshman’’s best XV of players he’s refereed…It’s a pretty decent line-up, as you will no doubt agree.
Owens plucks for three Welsh players – Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, and Gethin Jenkins – while he mentions Lee Byrne, Dwayne Peel, and Leigh Halfpenny too.
It’s actually interesting to note that the majority of the players that Owens picked are captains. The entire pack have captained their countries
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”