Wales Online has unveiled its Six Nations team of the tournament thus far, featuring a surprising inclusion of three Welsh players despite their team's winless streak.
RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content
Amidst a series of largely anticipated outcomes, numerous players have distinguished themselves with stellar performances for their nations.
Even though England secured victory in two out of their three matches, notable players like Maro Itoje and Ben Earl did not secure spots in the starting lineup.
Both emerging talents and seasoned veterans have left an indelible mark, underscoring the timeless essence of class. Dive into their selections, juxtaposed with RUCK's own lineup, below.
SIX NATIONS TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT:
#15. Cameron Winnett (Wales)
#14. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
They wrote: "The clear choice for player of the third round, van der Merwe was simply world class as he bagged a stunning hat-trick in the Calcutta Cup. Arguably the best out-and-out finisher in the world at the moment, the wing - who has switched flanks to fit in this XV - was also a menace against Wales as he bagged a brace and showed his defensive qualities against France too."
#13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
#12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
#11. James Lowe (Ireland)
They wrote: "Ireland are massively dependent on his left foot - as was shown on the opening weekend when he kicked for over 500 metres against France - but he showed against Wales that he isn't too shabby with the ball in hand, breaking through the Welsh defence and grabbing a deserved try."
#10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
They wrote: "The Scottish captain may well have been ridiculed for his 'Messi of rugby' comments ahead of the tournament, but he has been masterful in his game management so far.
"The frustration of the France defeat aside, Russell led a masterclass in the first half against Wales both with the boot and with ball in hand, while he found space in England's blitz defence to pull off a stunning assist for van der Merwe in the Calcutta Cup."
#09. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
#01. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
#02. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
#03. Uini Atonio (France)
#04. Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
They wrote: "The Irishman was an absolute monster against France, with his physicality put to good use and his tireless workrate liberating his second row partner Tadhg Beirne. He was just as solid against Italy and France and while he has threatened to be undone at times by his discipline, the 22-year-old not only has a big future in a green jersey but is a key player here and now."
#05. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
#06. Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
#07. Tommy Reffell (Wales)
#08. Aaron Wainwright (Wales)
They wrote: "The Dragons star has seemingly not stopped running since the tournament began, with a remarkable passage of play against Ireland, in which he juggled the ball under control before chasing his own clearance downfield, highlighting what a workhorse he is. Couple that with his aggressive, dynamic carrying and we have a front runner for next year's Lions squad on our hands."
RUCK's Team of the tournament:
15. Cameron Winnett (Wales) , 14. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), 13. Juan Ignacio Brex (Italy), 12. Bundee Aki (Ireland), 11. James Lowe (Ireland), 10. Finn Russell (Scotland), 9. Ben White (Scotland), 1. Pierre Schoemann (Scotland), 2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland), 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), 4. Joe McCarthy (Ireland) , 5. Maro Itoje (England), 6. Peter O'Mahony (Ireland), 7. Tommy Reffell (Wales), 8. Ben Earl (England)
