In the third and final part of my Six Nations review, I name my team and player of the tournament. It is always a source of keen debate.
Cian Healey
Back to his best after a serious injury during the Lions tour. Prominent in the loose and a strong scrummager, he is another who has benefitted from the new scrum laws.
Dylan Hartley
Gave away a couple of silly penalties against Wales, but apart from that was excellent throughout the tournament. Strong in defence and scrimmage, carried well and most importantly infallible at the lineout.
Mike Ross
No standout performers at tight head, but the underrated Irishman was a consistent performer for the champions – especially good in the maul.
Courtney Lawes
Harnessed his aggression for the better, ran the lineout faultlessly, carried strongly and provided the uncompromising defence he is known for. Improved with ball in hand as the tournament progressed.
Joe Launchbury
Quiet off the field but his game is loud enough on it. He improved his physicality and fitness from twelve months ago as was evidenced by his last ditch tap tackle on Dave Kearney in the win against Ireland.
Josh Furno
A stand out figure in a disappointing Italian campaign. Tackled and carried himself into the ground. Never took a backward step. A nod to Peter O’Mahony and Tom Wood who pushed him close.
Chris Robshaw
Lead from the front for England, regularly topping the tackle and carry statistics. Detractors will continue to say he isn’t a true number seven but England are a much better side with him in it.
Jaime Heaslip
Had Billy Vunipola or Dave Denton played in more games they may have got the nod, but as it is the Irishman wins out.
Exemplary in everything he does, exactly the kind of influence you want at no. 8.
Danny Care
The heartbeat of everything good that England did, provided excellent service to Owen Farrell, kicked well and made timely incisions himself. Finally appears to be fulfilling his potential.
Jonny Sexton
Always a class act. His form in the Top14 was under scrutiny, but on the international stage he was magnificent.
Always a threat with ball in hand he scored four tries and kicked well, especially out of hand. He delivered an absolute masterclass versus Wales.
George North
Perhaps not at his best, but is says a lot for his quality that he was still the best winger on show.
A brief stint at 13 showed that he could move inside later in his career. Destined to be a true great.
Jamie Roberts
One poor kick against England shouldn’t detract from his overall performances – as ever breaking the gain line with ever improving distribution. A defensive rock to boot.
Luther Burrell
Perceived as a one dimensional No.12 a few months ago, he has shed that image with clever distribution, cute running lines and nose for the try line. Will only improve as he is exposed to more international rugby.
Sentimentally I considered Brian O’Driscoll who created numerous chances for his side, but in the end my head won out.
Yoann Huget
May have benefitted from a couple lucky bounce against England, but was in the right place at the right time a key skill for a winger. A constant threat throughout the tournament
Mike Brown
Arguably the most improved player in world rugby over the last 12 months. Can now be mentioned in the same breath as the world’s best fullbacks.
In a competition blessed with class at No.15 such as Leigh Halfpenny, Stuart Hogg and Rob Kearney, he was head and shoulders above the rest.
Honourable mentions to:
Rory Best, Alun Wyn-Jones, Devin Toner, Jim Hamilton, Sam Warburton, Tom Wood, Conor Murray, Owen Farrell, Brian O’Driscoll, Andrew Trimble, Leigh Halfpenny and Rob Kearney
Player of the Tournament
Mike Brown, no doubt about it.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
In 15 minutes, Tim Ryan didn’t just put a smile on Joe Schmidt’s face, he announced himself to the Australian public by scoring a…
Queensland have pushed the Hurricanes and the Blues giving the Reds coach confidence they can match it with the top teams.
Queensland led by seven late in the game, but conceded two late tries to the Kiwi side who claimed a late victory.
The Queensland winger was making his starting debut and he made his tries look like he was a veteran in that position.
Queensland led by seven points with six minutes remaining but the Kiwi side scored two tries - one after the 80 minutes to snatch…
But the winger's three tries weren't enough as the Blues stole a late win 41-37.
