4. Maro Itoje (England)
Evening Standard: “Another ruthless showing from one of England’s most important players.”
Telegraph: “His monster tackle on Lloyd to force a turnover when England were down to 13 men was probably the game’s defining moment.”
5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
The Offside Line: “Managed to cleanly steal French lineout ball a couple times and disrupted a fair few other. Generally, made a real nuisance of himself around the field.”
Planet Rugby: “Came into the run-on side for injured veteran Richie Gray and will be happy with his overall effort. Combined well with Cummings in putting pressure on the French lineout and made seven hits.”
6. François Cros (France)
Planet Rugby: “ Played a role in both of France’s first two tries, winning the turnover that led to Fickou’s score before drawing in multiple defenders before Bielle-Biarrey’s kick and chase score. Brilliant as ever at the breakdown, on both sides of the ball, and excellent on defence. One of France’s best for a second week in a row.”
7. Tommy Reffell (Wales)
Wales Online: “Jac Morgan has a fight on his hands if he wants to reclaim the red number seven jersey because Reffell has arguably been Wales’ best player over the first two rounds of the championship. The Leicester Tigers openside is one of the best exponents of the breakdown in the Northern Hemisphere as he pinched three turnovers. Has also added a new dimension to his game as he popped up in the wide channels and played a key role in Alex Mann’s try. A class act.”
Telegraph: “Wales’ most-important player by a mile. Fine work at the breakdown early doors and cute offload in the build up to Mann’s try. Wales need to keep him fit.”
Planet Rugby: ” Another strong all-round performance from the Leicester Tigers star as he made a menace of himself at the breakdowns and his direct duel with Sam Underhill was one of the highlights of the game. Reffell also did his bit as a ball carrier and led the Welsh onslaught on defence as he finished with a match high 14 tackles made.”
8. Ben Earl (England)
Telegraph: “Relishing his role of being England’s main man. Brought some serious big-boy energy off the back of a seven-man scrum for his try.”
Evening Standard: “Bulldozed in for a fine try in another all-action performance in which he set England’s physical and emotional tone.”
Rugby Dump: “Quality carries throughout and cleaned up lose balls like they were grenades. Typical powerful running for his first try and was a standout player in both halves. Proving once again to be one of England’s best players.”