Six Nations team of the week: England dominate XV

RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content 

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Starting off the round on Saturday, Italy held on despite intense late pressure to secure their first Six Nations home win since 2013 as Scotland's title hopes were all but ended by an abject second-half collapse in Rome.

Next up, Marcus Smith kicked a last-gasp drop-goal as England stunned Ireland and ended their chance to win back-to-back Grand Slams in a Six Nations thriller at Twickenham.

Sunday's spectacle belonged to France, as they delivered a masterclass in attacking rugby, overpowering a valiant yet winless Wales side in Cardiff.

With six players from England and Italy, and three from France, our team of the week encapsulates the captivating drama and stellar performances that defined Round Four of the Six Nations.

Planet Rugby: "We are convinced that he isn’t too sure what he is going to do until the last split second as he constantly kept the Welsh defence on their toes. France look far more lethal on attack when he gets his hands on the ball, and he did so on several occasions today."

RUCK: "Great finish for the first try, as he sealed the move with an impressive dive over the try-line. Thought he was over for the second from his own kick chase, yet George Furbank's knock on hindered his efforts and the try was disallowed. A solid effort from the Bath man, who ran out a far better performance than against Scotland."

Planet Rugby: " the Harlequins speedster did not have many attacking opportunities but when he did receive the ball, he made it count as he crossed for a well-taken try on his Test debut. Also did well to keep the dangerous Van der Merwe in check on defence."

RUCK: "On at 58 minutes to an eruption of noise, as England missed their talismanic halfback. Flash quick ball from his first inclusion, linked up seamlessly with Danny Care and sent his powerful forwards into punching holes. Could not stop James Lowe on the way to score his second try, despite his best efforts. Unbelievable finishing touch, as he wins the match with a moment of magic with the drop goal!"

RUCK: "Solid lineout throws throughout the match, even his 12th minute overthrow goes backwards and is gathered well by George Ford. Amazing line break on the shoulder of Ben Earl - made some great yards as he powered down the park at 14 minutes. Been carrying brilliantly over the hard yards."

Planet Rugby: "Gareth Thomas will be glad to see the back of the big tighthead, who taught the Welsh loosehead a lesson in the scrums in a truly dominant 52-minute shift."

RUCK: "In for Ollie Chessum at the row and contributed some amazing hits, with a target on the back of Jack Crowley. He flattened Crowley at 17 minutes, before winning a 27 minute set-piece penalty, as Ireland went too early at the line-out. Brilliant around the park, put his body on the line time and again and has solidly stamped his name to future England appearances."

RUCK: "Clattering into contact, and great effort at the offload to put Jamie George through for a break. Gave away a penalty when going for the jackal in an offside position at 19 minutes and Crowley narrowed the gap to 8-6. Great chase down for his hit on Frawley after Ford’s spiral bomb. Overheard on the ref much calling ‘I’ve got Crowley’, and sent shudders down the fly half's spine. Brilliant line break at 57 minutes, as he exploded into the Ireland backfield. Phenomenal turnover at 67’ as he sends Twickenham into a frenzy. Lifted the roof with his try, as he powered over from close range."