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Six Nations team of the week: Three Irish make the cut

Updated / Monday, 27 Feb 2023 10:43
Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen (r) both make the cut
Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen (r) both make the cut

The Grand Slam remains on for Ireland, while France, Scotland and England still have title ambitions.

Andy Farrell's charges came out on top from a tough trip to Rome, while England battled to a hard-fought victory over Wales.

Scotland almost pulled off an upset at Saint-Denis but France showed their class to record a bonus-point win.

Here's our team of the week from round three.

15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)

Just nudged out for the player of the match award by Mack Hansen but showed vital composure in a relatively inexperienced backline, made some important interventions and cleverly spun out of the tackle for his try.

14. Mack Hansen (Ireland)

Got two tries in a tough outing for Ireland in Rome. Ran a clever line for his second and showed great footwork to round Ange Capuozzo. Named player of the match, he also had an important cameo for Keenan's score.

13. Gael Fickou (France)

His opposite number Huw Jones scored twice but Fickou made 15 tackles and missed none. The Racing 92 man powered over for France’s fourth try and that could be an incredibly important score come the end of the competition.

12. Tommaso Menoncella (Italy)

Caused problems for the novel Irish centre pairing, constantly getting on the ball, carrying, kicking and passing as required. Made a superb break from his own half to earn a penalty.

11. Freddie Stewart (England)

Making room for the English full-back here, who was named top performer in Cardiff as England beat Wales. Twice broke through Welsh tackles, making 94 metres from 16 carries.

10. Paolo Garbisi (Italy)

Italy looked much more aligned under his stewardship and he brought his experience to bear over 73 minutes at Stadio Olimpico. Kicked two penalties and two conversions as Italy almost got the better of Ireland. Most of the hosts' good play came through the returning out-half.

9. Antoine Dupont (France)

Not his most memorable outing by his own standards but best of the scrum-halves over the weekend. Made a stunning pass in the build-up to Ethan Dumortier's try and executed a crucial tap tackle on Russell; was prominent in the latter stages as Scotland threatened an upset.

1. Cyril Baille (France)

Set-piece excellence once again from the Toulouse prop and was a formidable presence in the loose on both sides of the ball. Made 41 hard yards off seven tackles, breaking through three.

2. Julian Marchand (France)

Carried hard all day and put in for 15 tackles. Part of a forward unit that won 12 from 12 at the lineout and returned a 100% rate from the scrum.

3. Tom O’Toole (Ireland)

Had an immediate impact on the scrum when he replaced the injured Finlay Bealham, winning two penalties. Was more than happy to get on the ball, carrying six times and completed all six attempted tackles. Could be biggest find of the competition.

4. Maro Itoje (England)

Put in an incredible shift in a dogged battle in the Principality Stadium. The Saracens man completed an impressive 19 of 20 tackle attempts and with partner Ollie Chessum, outplayed Jones and Beard.

5. Federico Ruzza (Italy)

Took seven lineouts and wasn’t overawed in battle with the Irish second row. Got his hand to an Irish throw-in close to the Italy line and claimed a big turnover against Hansen. Could have had a stunning try if Brex’s kick was more accurate.

6. Sebastian Negri (Italy)

Prominent throughout Italy’s valiant challenge against Ireland and on another day would have ended up on the winning side. Took five lineout catches, carried 11 times over 54 metres and was a huge presence at the breakdown.

7. Charles Ollivon (France)

Back to form against Scotland and racked up a team-high tally of 17 tackles and claimed four lineout throws. With his back row colleagues Gregory Alldritt and Anthony Jelonch lasting just 13 and 18 minutes, respectively, his composure in the final stages as France got their bonus was crucial.

8. Lorenzo Cannone (Italy)

Ran hard all day for 102 metres over eight carries. He split the Irish defence open more than once, setting up Stephen Varney’s try; outplayed opposite number Jack Conan. Topped the Azzurri tackle chart with 15.

Watch all the weekend's highlights on Against the Head, RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 8pm.

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