Headed into a World Cup, the Northern Hemisphere rugby nations are full of talent. Here are the Six Nations performers who really raised their hands.
Fullbacks
First we must talk about Stuart Hogg, the Flying Jock. On a team that lacked go-forward ball and much imagination, Hogg was a real scrapper. He beat defenders at will.
Leigh Halfpenny did what he does: kick goals and defend. I’d like to see him take on the line more, like he used to, but he’ll be incredibly valuable in the Pool of Death.
Mike Brown found some form, as did Rob Kearney. The French stuck with massive South African Scott Spedding, who looked like a plodder to me.
Wings
Yoann Huget is a dangerous player, and might give the All Blacks a few fits, but Englishman Anthony Watson showed he is legitimate on attack, too.
George North scored a hat-trick against Italy, but had worrying lapses, too. Jack Nowell was also a handful for the Sweet Chariot; maybe he owns the no. 11 jersey.
Centres
The smooth-running Jonathan Joseph was superb. Manu Tuilagi is not an automatic starter, now. Jonathan Davies came on, too, after a rough beginning.
Robbie Henshaw came of age. He was brilliant for Ireland in the really critical moments. Jamie Roberts was a panzer tank, but Henshaw mixed it up, and has an educated boot.
Flyhalves
Jonathan Sexton was not flawless, but showed why he makes so much money. He has the game for a wet World Cup, too.
George Ford and Dan Biggar played good tournaments, too. Ford will only get better as he gains confidence.
Scrumhalves
Pure class from Ben Youngs and Conor Murray – both sniped and kicked intelligently, and have beautiful passes. Rhys Webb was not bad.
No. 8
The big islanders Taulupe Faletau and Billy Vunipola were dynamic carriers, but Faletau in particular was strong at the breakdown.
Opensiders
Sam Warburton, Thierry Dusautoir, and Sean O’Brien were all good. Warburton in particular appears to be the fittest man on the planet. O’Brien is a beast that cannot be tamed.
Blindsiders
The only guy that really stood out to me was Peter O’Mahony. He plays like Lappies Labuschagne: no frills, just 100 per cent effort.
Locks
The manic but smart Paul O’Connell was one of the players of the tournament. Courtenay Lawes played limited minutes, but was immense against France, after his understudies managed well against Wales. Grizzled old Alun Wyn Jones showed no age. But this is an area that did not look all that solid for the Northern Hemisphere.
Tightheads
Dan Cole ticked all the boxes. Australia will need to shore up their looseheads.
Hookers
Scott Baldwin outplayed countryman Richard Hibbard. Italy’s Guihelm Guirado and Leonardo Ghiraldini were also notable.
Looseheads
Jack McGrath was a monster for Ireland. Eddy Ben Arous was stout for France. Second-string English strongman Joe Marler also impressed.
The European teams appear to be building depth, particularly England and Ireland, while Wales, if they have all their top talent healthy, will be tough to beat.
Can’t wait for the World Cup.
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