The leaders Ireland unsurprisingly feature heavily in RUCK's picks for the 2018 Six Nations team of the tournament so far.
The third round of the Six Nations saw England’s Grand Slam hopes go up in smoke, Ireland take a huge step towards the title and France record a much-needed win.
So, now that we're over halfway through the tournament, here is our standout XV thus far.
2018 Six Nations team of the tournament so far:
Fullback: Leigh Halfpenny - Wales
His kicking has been excellent and his ability to read the game is simply exceptional. Halfpenny was obviously missed against England but returned with another standout display against Ireland while he also got back amongst the tries with a brace against Scotland.
Wing: Teddy Thomas - France
Thomas has been a shining light in what has been another disappointing opening to the Six Nations for Les Bleus, scoring three wonderful tries in their first two games. It's disappointing that he's now out of the squad due to an off the field incident.
Centre: Huw Jones - Scotland
Russell may have got the man of the match award against England but it was Jones who floored the old enemy as he knocked them out cold. His early try stunned the reigning champions and brought Murrayfield to life, and his second was a brilliant finish that showed off his power and pace that also had an echo of Brian O’Driscoll’s 2001 Lions score about it. Simply an outstanding player and a delight to watch.
Centre: Owen Farrell - England
A commanding display against Wales and two decent performances against Italy and Scotland earns him a place in our team. Peter Horne of Scotland and Bundee Aki of Ireland have also impressed.
Wing: Jacob Stockdale - Ireland
Seven tries in seven Tests is not a bad start to any international career, and the Ulster wing is showing no signs of letting up his wonderful rate of scoring after bagging two more tries against Wales.
Fly-half: Johnny Sexton - Ireland
Despite an outstanding performance against England, Finn Russell will need to prove he can play like that consistency to have any chance of displacing Sexton from this XV. The Ireland playmaker has been wobbly from the tee but his overall performances and that epic drop-goal against France gets him into our XV. A world-class operator.
Scrum-half: Conor Murray - Ireland
The Munster scrum-half demonstrated that he is a step ahead of his rivals. Always probing and assessing what is in front of him, Murray is the general that makes a very effective Ireland backline tick. Wales playmaker Gareth Davies and Scotland's Greig Laidlaw can count themselves a tad unlucky, it was a close call.
Prop: Cian Healy - Ireland
The powerhouse loosehead has regained his place in the Irish front-row and has gone about doing as much damage to opposition front rows as possible. His scrummaging stood up well against France and Wales, but it was his work with the ball – including his try against Wales – that has really stood out.
Hooker: Guilhem Guirado - France
Hats off to Guirado for his performances so far. The France skipper has been the standout hooker in the tournament so far with his reliable lineout throwing, astonishing tackle counts and industry around the pitch.
Prop: Simon Berghan - Scotland
Another brilliant display against England from the tighthead who is really coming on as an international Test player. His scrum battle with Mako Vunipola, in particular, was an intriguing one to watch with neither giving away an inch.
Lock: James Ryan - Ireland
Two great showings across the park against France and Wales, particularly with his ball carrying, and he is also a very handy option in the lineout. He really is proving himself to be quite the young player at this level.
Lock: Joe Launchbury - England
Three workmanlike performances. Made 16 carries and 19 tackles against Wales and pulled off an excellent offload that set up Jonny May for his second try. Probably England's most consistent performer in the last twelve months.
Flanker: Aaron Shingler - Wales
He has been everywhere for Wales and has been very unlucky to be on the losing side in two out of the three games. Shingler has competed well at the line-out and proved himself a nuisance at the breakdown.
Flanker: Hamish Watson - Scotland
Shows huge strength to consistently get over the gain-line. Watson even played well against Wales when every other Scot struggled. He's tackled well consistently and has been imperious at the breakdown.He's proved why he should have been on the Lions tour.
Number 8: CJ Stander - Ireland
The powerhouse has been at the heart of the Irish forwards' effort in the tournament so far. Stander has bounced back from a disappointing Lions tour and is getting back to his imperious best. Probably a future Ireland captain.
