Six Nations XV of the Week – Round Two

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 103^rd 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?

 

Six Nations XV of the Week – Round One

The Six Nations returned with a bang as defending champions Wales, France and Ireland all enjoyed Round One victories.

It was a mouth-watering round of action which had it all.

France and England produced one of the most nail-biting Six Nations affairs, eventually edged by the hosts in a cauldron-like Stade de France.

Champions Wales launched their bid for an unprecedented third successive title with victory over Italy; but while the score line appeared heavily in their favour, they were not without scares.

In Sunday’s lone fixture, Ireland made light work of Scotland, with a scintillating second-half performance allowing then to race away in Dublin.

Full-back – Rob Kearney

While Wales’ Leigh Halfpenny did little out of line, scoring 13 of his side’s 23 points, Kearney’s authoritative display edged it for me. The Ireland No 15 produced a tackling masterclass to deny Scotland before giving the hosts breathing space when he seized upon some lax defending to score his side’s third try.

Right wing – Yoann Huget

Although both his tries enjoyed elements of luck, the France winger constantly had the better of England’s Jonny May and Alex Goode. Caught England napping on 30 seconds to score the opener from Jules Plisson’s dink through and took advantage when the fly-half’s ball wrong-footed the visitors for the second. Fast and aggressive throughout.

Outside centre – Michele Campagnaro

You would never guess the 20-year-old was making his tournament debut. A brace against the defending champions. The second, a sensational individual effort, saw the Italian centre intercept Leigh Halfpenny’s pass before racing half the length of the field to touch down.

Inside centre – Jamie Roberts

As Italy tried to force their foot in the door, Roberts led the Welsh resurgence as they diverted attention to the opposite end of the field. After Michele Campagnaro’s second try, Lions back Roberts blasted his way through the Italian defence as Wales mustered an emphatic response. His inside pass was collected by midfield partner Williams for a high-class try that Halfpenny converted to post a 14-point interval lead.

Left wing – Andrew Trimble

A winger that never loses energy or lacks gusto. The Ulster flyer registered his try at a crucial time for Ireland. Scoring just before the break established a firm platform on which to build for the Irish, allowing them to return to the field and run riot over a disarrayed Scottish defence.

Fly-half – Johnny Sexton

It’s been a steady start on the domestic frontier with Racing Metro, yet the fly-half came to live in the emerald green of Ireland. Took his time to get settled initially but when in full swing, Sexton pulled the strings expertly, orchestrating the run of play from the middle.

Scrum-half – Danny Care

Inspired the astonishing England second-half comeback in an intimidating Parisian atmosphere. Lethal on the break and came close to adding a try to his tally. As it was, the Harlequins No 9 had to settle for a fine drop goal as England took the lead for the first time in the match.

Loose-head prop – Cian Healy

Dominated his opposite number Moray Low from the off and proved to be an influential factor in Ireland’s run-away victory. The Leinsterman led the charge in the scrum, and in open play, enjoying a surging run in the loose midway through the second period.

Hooker – Richard Hibbard

Never one shy away from putting his body on the line, Hibbard ensured the Italian threat was duly thwarted with a brave and bold tackling masterclass. When Wales found themselves on the front for, the Ospreys hooker was first to put his hand up and make determined carries.

Tight-head prop – Mike Ross

Enjoyed a domineering afternoon alongside Cian Healy and Rory Best as the Irish scrum exposed gaping holes in the Scotland set-piece. Ryan Grant, Ross Ford and Moray Low appeared all at sea as Ireland thoroughly demolished the Scotland pack both in scrummaging and at the line-out.

Second row – Alun-Wyn Jones

Seven line-out wins. 10 tackles. 15 carries, taking mor territory than any other forward on the opening weekend. A constant beacon of light an indifferent Welsh performance. With Sam Warburton bench for the opener, Jones made the burden of captaincy look featherweight as he marshalled his troops through a potential storm.

Second row – Pascal Pape

Dubbed a “schoolyard bully” by former England forward Simon Shaw ahead of kick-off, the France captain did not fail to live up to his reputation. Pape was on-hand throughout as England’s phase-play looked set to break down the France defence. If anyone was to stop England’s first try, courtesy of Mike Brown, it would have been the spirited Pape after the ‘Quins full-back stepped inside Yoann Huget.

Blindside flanker – Ryan Wilson

The lone shining light in a faltering Scottish pack. With Ireland on-song in Dublin, the Glasgow Warriors loose forward made 13 successful tackles to delay the forthcoming onslaught. In the brief moments of Scottish attack, Wilson drove himself and his side over the gain line twice, but the visitors were unable to muster enough power to cause a Round One upset.

Openside flanker – Chris Robshaw

With England on the back foot, Robshaw stepped to the fore and led the charge, alongside Courtney Lawes, with an element if distinction. Nine carries over the gain line as England strode back into the game and never afraid to take on contact in a bid to gain further territory for his side.

Number eight – Jamie Heaslip

A stellar man-of-the-match performance after being named Ireland captain in the 11th hour following Paul O’Connell’s chest infection. Received a pass from Johnny Sexton to touch down Ireland’s first of the second half after a sublime break from the ruck by the No 10. Continued to lead with distinction throughout as Ireland piled the pressure on Scotland, who were quick to squander possession.

Why not have your say below? Who would make your XV?

Where next for Becks?

David Beckham has quit MLS side LA Galaxy and is reportedly looking at one last challenge before hanging up those famous boots for a final time.

But where is he heading?

Staying State Side?

There is a possibility the move could be within the United States with Beckham having spent the majority of the last five years in the States, continually expressing his desire to settle as a family.

New York Red Bulls could be one option as the side have recently recruited a series of high-profile players in their bid to take the MLS crown.

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, ex-Everton talisman Tim Cahill and Rafael Marquez are amongst the squad’s most talented.

China?

A country with a population in excess of one billion people and the marketing appeal for brand Beckham here has significant potential.

Sponsors would be licking their lips should Beckham opt for Asia and he would be able to name his own price with the Super League clubs desperate to raise their profile.

Former Chelsea strikers Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba have both moved to the Chinese league but could Beckham cope with another culture change for his family and one which is vastly different to any they have become accustomed to.

France?

Ligue 1 club Paris St Germain registered their interest in Beckham last December and could make a move once again now the player has stated he is on the look-out for a move.

PSG are currently in the running to take the title in France which could appeal to the former Manchester United midfielder’s silverware aspirations.

Should also be taken into account that the French capital club is now bankrolled by Qatar investors who are not afraid to splash the cash on big signings.

Australia? 

Perth Glory and Melbourne Heart have both spoken of their desire to see Beckham ply his trade down under while many in the Australian A-League set-up see the obvious commercial value in having the former England captain playing in their league.

Beckham would not be the first international to make the switch to Australia with his former Three Lions colleague Emile Heskey now playing for Newcastle Jets and ex-Juventus and Italy front-man Alessandro Del Piero leading the line for Sydney FC.

England?

Finally, there is the Premier League. The place where Beckham made his name and arguably made some of the greatest performances the league has witnessed.

Few clubs have spoken of interest in the player but there is little doubt the majority would welcome him home with open arms.

Although it does seem England could be the least likely move of all it could be one which plays on the heart strings of English football fans and Beckham himself has a love for his country of birth.