THE LATEST SIX NATIONS WINNERS & LOSERS
THE second weekend of the Six Nations Championship didn’t disappoint with some thrilling rugby and no little controversy as England beat Wales, Scotland overcame France and Ireland demolished Italy.
With the unbeaten Irish and English heading into week three at the head of the table, and Wales snapping at their heels in third, we give you our team from the second round of matches... 15: MIKE BROWN (ENGLAND) The full-back opposing fans love to hate was another thorn in Welsh sides on the weekend.
He provided a reliability under the high ball and yardage with the oval-shaped piece of leather, in hand, that coach Eddie Jones drools over. Was named man of the match though giving away three penalties, having one dropped ball and somehow surviving a yellow card when deliberately knocking the ball out of scrum-half Aled Davies’ hand, did blot the copybook.
Only real competition came from Italy’s find of the Six Nations, Matteo Minozzi, after another eye-catching display from the piccolo No.15 in Dublin. 14: TEDDY THOMAS (FRANCE) It was a wonderful weekend to be an international wing and Thomas is bringing a bit of that French joie de vivre to Les Bleus from days of old.
Showed what a try predator he is with two more scorching touchdowns against Scotland that showcased his talents to the full.
Harsh on Ireland’s Keith Earls as the Munsterman was immense in both attack and defence against Italy, and his stamina-sapping covering tackle on Mattia Bellini, was as good on the eye as any wonder try. 13: HUW JONES (SCOTLAND) Provided Scotland’s main threat against Wales in the No.12 shirt, but again that didn’t put a huge marker down on his Test CV.
Back in the 13 jersey against France, Jones looked more like his old self and picked a brilliant line to run in under the posts and bring Scotland back into it and always looked a threat.
He beat four defenders during the match and carried well to edge Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw for the berth. 12: OWEN FARRELL (ENGLAND) Another eye-catching performance from the man becoming almost indispensable for England in both attack and defence.
Put Wales on the rack at Twickenham