Round 1: Six Nations team of the week - Page 2 of 2 - Ruck

Round 1: Six Nations team of the week

Prop: Rob Evans (Wales)

Evans is becoming a fine international prop. As comfortable with ball in hand as he is at scrum time, the man from west Wales is clearly the long-term successor to Gethin Jenkins.


Hooker: Guilhem Guirado (France)

Les Bleus’ captain made an incredible 31 tackles. Definitely didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.


Prop: Dan Cole (England) 

Scrummaged well in both halves and saw off Andrea Lovotti in the first, as well as proving energetic with the ball in the hand. Along with Vunipola, showed skilful hands and contributed to the high-tempo game England tried to play.


Lock: Cory Hill (Wales)

His passing belied the number on his jersey at times, especially when he swivelled to send out the key ball in the move that ended with Halfpenny crossing for the first time. Left the field with an actual HIA.


Lock: James Ryan (Ireland) 

Some Six Nations debut from the Leinster youngster, who bossed almost every aspect. Deserves his place in the Six Nations team of the week.


Flanker: Aaron Shingler (Wales)

 Shingler has been outstanding in the Scarlets’ European success and this was by far his best game in a Wales jersey. He was a massive physical presence in a dominant back row.


Flanker: Kevin Gourdon (France)

His pack’s best player, he was all action on either side of the breakdown. An unlucky loser.


Number 8: Sam Simmonds (England) 

Superb pace for both of his tries, a stupendous draw-and-give pass for Nowell’s score and was everywhere in defence tackling 23 times. The Chief filled Billy Vunipola’s boots well. Best player on the field.