Lock: James Ryan – Ireland
An excellent return for the lock, who was a doubt going into this match after missing the game against Italy. Leaving Grant Gilchrist out is difficult after his impact for Scotland but Ryan is powerful in the close-quarters and is just an all-round excellent athlete. Following a superb Six Nations debut against France, the second-row produced another fine display, edging out Gilchrist and France’s Paul Gabrillagues.
Lock: Grant Gilchrist – Scotland
Carried emphatically in ¬the first half and had a notable presence about him, none more so than when he decided to take on Nathan Hughes in a first-half flare-up.
Flanker: John Barclay – Scotland
His work at the breakdown left England’s possession in tatters as he combined with the rest of the back-row to disrupt, turnover and penalise English ball repeatedly. A real captain’s showing.
Flanker: Dan Leavy – Ireland
It was a good weekend for the opensides. Hamish Watson outshone his opposite number Chris Robshaw at Murrayfield, Josh Navidi had the usual high level of tackles and Yacouba Camara was excellent for Les Bleus, but Dan Leavy gets the nod. The Leinster man has a huge appetite in the tight exchanges, made 12 tackles and helped win crucial turnovers with his body positioning at the breakdown.Scored crucial try right at the start of the second period under the posts. It was a hammer blow to Wales who were never able to recover.
Number 8: Marco Tauleigne – France
The new number 8 has made the shirt his own, despite calls for Picamoles to be brought back into the squad. He was France’s top ball carrier, making 76m from 17 carries. He was unlucky to not get over for a try after his huge linebreak in the 2nd half.