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Six Nations team of the week: Irish in form again

Updated / Monday, 13 Feb 2023 13:44
Caelan Doris is included once again
Caelan Doris is included once again

Round two of the Guinness Six Nations produced three homes victories as Ireland and Scotland made it two from two, while England got the better of Italy.

Here's our pick of the week.

15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)

The Leinster man keeps his place in the team of the week after another excellent outing in Ireland's win over France. His running line and finish for the opening try was perfect and was his usual dependable self in the backfield without reaching the heights set in Cardiff. Executed a brilliant 50:22 that boosted the team towards the end.

14. Damian Penaud (France)

The livewire wing caused Ireland problems all afternoon and created a try from nothing, evading a host of defenders starting from his own 22. Incredibly evasive with pace to burn.

13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland)

The Irish centre killed off the game with a superbly taken try, fending off three French defenders. Even if he missed a tackle or two, his general decision-making and work-rate on both sides of the ball was crucial to the victory.

12. Stuart McCloskey (Ireland)

Edges out Ollie Lawrence on the basis that he didn't put a foot wrong against a hardened and experienced French centre partnership. Was solid under the restarts and also pulled off a crucial turnover close to the line when France threatened. Settling in well to international rugby.

11. James Lowe (Ireland)

Did exceptionally well for Ireland's second try, although a still image suggests he was lucky too. Provides a great kicking option and his defence has improved immensely. Ran for 94 metres over nine carries and made five tackles.

10. Finn Russell

The out-half was central to Scotland’s victory over Wales with three try assists including an audacious offload for Kyle Steyn’s try and another delicate kick-pass set up the winger again. Will be the main danger when Ireland travel to Murrayfield.

9. Antoine Dupont

Just because you know what is coming from the diminutive France scrum-half doesn’t make him any easier to stop. He was a constant threat mopping up loose ball and from the base of the ruck, slipping out of numerous tackles time and time again. Showed incredible strength to hold up Mack Hansen on the line.

1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)

The loosehead put in an incredible shift over 70 minutes at the Aviva. He chipped in with a try and could have had another but was held up over the line. Came off bloodied but unbowed and held his own in the scrum.

2. George Turner (Scotland)

The Glasgow hooker was a key component of Scotland’s victory, barging over for their first try and excellent out of touch at the lineout. It was an all action showing from the front rower and even a yellow card can’t keep him out of the side.

3. Finlay Bealham (Ireland)

Had big shoes to fill in the absence of Tadhg Furlong and never missed a beat. Was constantly involved in the loose and provided a brilliant assist for Keenan’s try, held up his side of the bargain in the set-pieces too. His improvement is a huge boost for Ireland going forward.

4. Tadhg Beirne (Irelnad)

Only last 44 minutes before going off with a leg injury but such was the tempo of the first half and his contributions on and off the ball, he makes the side. His athleticism complements the Irish forward pack and he's a smart a second row as you will find.

5. James Ryan (Ireland)

The lock is back to his best and was the best second row on display in Dublin on Saturday afternoon, always looks for work and was prominent throughout. He tackled like a demon (17) and was constantly in the face of the French big boys.

6. Jamie Richie (Scotland)

A top performer as Scotland claimed back-to-back opening wins for the first time in the Six Nations. Won a number of crucial turnover penalties and was heavily involved in big plays.

7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)

Part of an Irish trio that outplayed their opposite numbers and without doing anything spectacular, contributed with a high-energy performance that included 14 tackles and 10 carries.

8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)

Outstanding performance from the Mayo man as Ireland laid down a Six Nations and World Cup marker. Seemed to be everywhere in defence and attack and provided a sublime assist for Ringrose. Not many players could have seen and played that pass.

Watch highlights and analysis of the weekend's Six Nations matches on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Against the Head from 8pm on Monday

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