There was plenty of thrills in the second round of Six Nations action, leaving plenty of contenders for the Team of the Weekend.
Ireland got the weekend underway with an authoritative victory over defending champions Wales in Dublin.
A boggy Murrayfield was dominated by England, as they kept Scotland scoreless for the first time since 1978.
Sunday’s lone fixture saw France beat Italy, thanks to an inspired nine-minute spell which saw three tries for the hosts at the Stade de France.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the weekend’s top performers…
Full-back – Mike Brown
Another excellent week for Ireland’s Rob Kearney, but Brown’s proficiency in treacherous Murrayfield conditions gets him the nod. After claiming the autumn Man of the Series accolade, the Harlequins full-back has continued where he left off, peerless in the air and an ever potent threat on the break. Furthermore, having touched down his first try in England colours last weekend, Brown doubled his tally as well as returning an impressive 114 metres from 11 carries.
Right wing – Andrew Trimble
Yoann Huget excelled again for France but Ulsterman Anrew Trimble gets the nod. Trimble backed up his try-scoring performance against Scotland with another authoritative display. The winger made 57 metres in nine carries, impressive statistics when you take into account the amount of kicking Ireland employed.
Outside centre – Luther Burrell
No questions here. The England centre is taking no time at all to mature at international level. Scored his second try in as many Test matches and under the guidance of Mike Catt and Andy Farrell, he is rapidly settling in on the major scene. Exposed the poor Scottish defence and consistently made ground and clean breaks, although his handling will need to continue to improve.
Inside centre – Wesley Fofana
Couldn’t quite find his stride in week one against England, but Europe’s number one No 12 was back with a bang against Italy. The centre’s class shone through with an excellent try and creating another which was even more superfluous. Fofana’s performance just about gave him the edge over Jamie Roberts, who also enjoyed a strong afternoon in a lacking Welsh display.
Left wing – Jonny May
Only made eight minutes in Paris but recovered from a broken nose to bring energy and extra dynamism to the England attack. The winger carried extremely well in testing conditions and looked a real menace when he cut inside off the left wing. With Ireland next up for England, at what you expect will be a much dryer Twickenham, elusive runner May could cause significant problems for the opposition.
Fly-half – Johnny Sexton
No changes in the team of the week in the half-backs. Ireland’s dominance up front was only made possible by the peerless game management of Sexton. The Racing Metro No 10 provided a tactical as Ireland outwitted defending champions Wales, especially in the opening 40. We saw more of his dangerous potential on the break this week, while the accuracy of his boot left Wales well and truly pinned back in their own territory.
Scrum-half – Danny Care
More of the same from the England No 9. Continued where he left off against France and opened the England scoring with a typically audacious drop-goal from the right wing. With the England forwards driving into position well, Care provided the perfect set-up for Luther Burrell to race over for his second England try and continually dictated the pace of play for the visitors in Scotland. Care also did his fair share in the defensive ranks, making nine successful tackles.
Loose-head prop – Cian Healy
Another man who makes it in the side for the second week in a row. The Leinster loosehead was again solid in the scrum. The Irish mauling unit set up two tries and troubled Wales throughout the field. Healy led the charge in both the scrum and the maul as Ireland claimed territory and victory over the defending champions in Dublin.
Hooker – Dylan Hartley
Another strong all-round game from the England hooker. Immaculate in the set-pieces and carried the ball well in he loose. Hartley was at the heart of an England pack which squeezed the life out of Scotland. His withdrawal late on in the second half proved telling as Tom Youngs struggled to match the unerring accuracy and dominance at the set-piece. Prior to his substitution on 70 minutes, England had a 100% successful rate from 20 line-outs.
Tight-head prop – Martin Castrogiovanni
Despite falling to an impressive nine-minute spell from France, Italy dominated the French scrum in the first half at the Stade de France. Castro popped his opposite number, Thomas Domingo out of the scrum and provided an excellent work-rate throughout. In his 103rd international, the Italian prop was the joint-top tackler for his side with 10.
Second row – Paul O’Connell
It was the box office clash of the weekend. Last week’s man in possession, Alun-Wyn Jones against Paul O’Connell in the battle of the locks. Ireland came out on top and it was the talismanic O’Connell enjoyed the better time in the second row. He made a significant difference after missing the opening salvo against Scotland. Instrumental in two catch-and-drive line-outs that led to Ireland’s tries and lifted the intensity of the pack.
Second row – Courtney Lawes
Unlucky not to make it into the side after a brilliant opening weekend. Another dominant display from the Northampton lock, who put his body on the line with great effect throughout. Unbeatable at the line-out and continually hindering Scottish ball. Carried well in the loose and continues to emerge as England’s leading forward, winning 14 line-outs in the Six Nations so far, more than any other player in the tournament.
Blindside flanker – Peter O’Mahony
Man-of-the-match for Ireland against Wales and the man many see as Paul O’Connell successor as national captain. Oozes passion for the jersey and was a dominant figure in defence, getting over the ball and forcing several penalties and turnovers from Wales. Always pumped for the big occasion and did all the dirty work to ensure Ireland raced to a comfortable victory over Wales.
Openside flanker – Chris Henry
Touched down a crucial try for Ireland on the cusp of half-time as their first-half dominance was translated into a 13-0 scoreboard lead. More than capable of deputising in the absence of Sean O’Brien in the flanks, providing an excellent work-rate throughout. The flanker made 11 tackles and combined excellent with Peter O’Mahony and Jamie Heaslip in the Irish back row.
Number eight – Billy Vunipola
Must admit, typing this, I back-tracked twice. A tough call between Vunipola and France’s Louis Picamoles in the engine room. The England No 8 is simply a phenomenal ball-carrier. The human wrecking ball made significant territory against Scotland and broke through the heaviest of traffic jams. Vunipola made the most carries of the weekend, 16, and displayed plenty of flair too, with one offload around the back of a Scottish player which was world class.
Why not have your say below? Who would make your XV?
Through the sports lens 