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Six Nations team of the week: Usual suspects included

Updated / Monday, 13 Mar 2023 22:29
Hugo Keenan (L) and Mack Hansen both make the cut again
Hugo Keenan (L) and Mack Hansen both make the cut again

Ireland's Grand Slam dream lives on with England aiming to become the party-poopers on Saturday. Andy Farrell's side recorded a 22-7 win in Edinburgh killing off the Scots' title hopes.

France, who beat England by a record 53-10 scoreline in London, are the only team who can nick the title off Ireland but they'll need Steve Borthwick's side to win in Dublin.

Wales got their first win of the competition, beating Italy 29-17 in Rome. Here's our Guinness Six Nations team of the week.

15 Hugo Keenan

Made a try-saving tackle on Duhan van der Merwe when Scotland were on the front foot. As usual, he was dependable on the back line and mixed up his kicking and counter running well. Incredible pass set up Mack Hansen's try.

14 Mack Hansen

Got a 10 in the RTÉ Sport ratings and was the clear player of the match. Took his try incredibly well, keeping control of the ball under severe pressure. Was hungry for work all day and his catch for Jamison Gibson-Park's box kick set up James Lowe’s try. Constantly came in from his wing to look for more work. That’s his second player of the match award in a row.

13 Damian Penaud

The French winger gets shoehorned into the team of the week for his brace against England. Only carried four times but made 86 metres, kicked well in difficult conditions

12 Jonathan Danty

A brilliant return for the La Rochelle centre after missing the opening three rounds. Completely out-played the in-form Ollie Lawrence and England couldn’t cope with his power. Made nine tackles and was a go-to man all day.

11 James Lowe

Another great outing by the Kiwi, who seems to attract the ball more than most. Came up with a brilliant turnover as Scotland looked to turn the screw. Mixed his kicking, running and passing as appropriate. Carried 10 times for 150 metres and missed just one tackle. Took his try well (in two hands).

10 Johnny Sexton

Joined Ronan O’Gara as the competition’s top points scorer and his two second-half conversions, both from the sideline, put three scores between the teams and killed the game. Made nine tackles, missed a couple but was always willing to put his body in front of the rampaging Scots.

9 Rhys Webb

Named player of the match on his recall as Wales rebounded to win in Italy. Assisted two tries, the second after a clever break, and nailed a 50:22. Crucial ingredient of Wales win with their backs against the wall.

1 Pierre Schoeman

The cries of 'Schoe’ seem to be constant at Murrayfield and the loosehead lived on the shoulder of Finn Russell making 15 carries for 65 metres, completing all five tackles attempted.

2 Julien Marchand

Edges out a valiant effort by Cian Healy but the Toulouse man was superb in difficult conditions against England at Twickenham. France’s lineout was solid all day and Marchand carried well and earned a good jackal turnover.

3 Tadhg Furlong

Excellent return to the field of play for the Wexford man. Was always an option in midfield and as dependable as ever in contact. The scrum had its issues but Furlong was a crucial factor in a fine Irish victory.

4 Thibaud Flament

Scored two tries against England and was heavily involved in the breakaway that led to Thomas Ramos’ early effort. Recorded a 100% tackle success rate and claimed five lineout throws. Inspirational performance.

5 James Ryan

Another fine leadership performance from the lock, who made sure Ireland won the contact and was a menace on the Scottish line-out throw, nicking three, while winning three of Ireland's own. Kept a cool head when things threatened to swing in the hosts’ favour, almost got a try at the end. Incredible shift.

6 Peter O’Mahony

Best performance of the championship from the Munster flanker. As his colleagues departed he stepped up to ensure that Scotland never got the upper hand. Was superb in the lineout, in defence and carried seven times, while missing none of 14 tackle attempts. Brings a vital edge to the effort.

7 Josh van der Flier

Gets the nod over the impressive Charles Ollivon for stepping into the breach when Ireland lost both hookers. The World Rugby player of the year seems to be adding to his game all the time and even if one or two throws went astray the return, when it could easily have been Ireland’s downfall, was vital. Made 17 tackles, missed none.

8 Gregory Alldritt

Ever-willing to take on England in the physical stakes and his break that led to Ollivon's try at the end of the first half killed the game as a contest. Carried 15 times for 93 metres and made it look like men against boys in Steve Borthwick’s back row.

Watch highlights of the weekend's Six Nations action on Against the Head on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 8pm.

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