Irish return to form sees a super six make the first XV cut
IT'S two down and three to go after another historic weekend in the Guinness Six Nations. While Warren Gatland's Wales were notching up a record-equalling 11th Test victory in their low-key 26-15 win over Italy in Rome on Saturday, the following day England were putting France to the sword 44-8 .... their biggest thumping of Les Bleus since 1911.
And north of the border on Saturday, 2018 Grand Slam winners Ireland were getting their Six Nations show back on the road beating Scotland 22-13 at Murrayfield.
But who were the players to shine? ANTHONY WOOLFORD has picked his team of the weekend .....
ROB KEARNEY (IRELAND)
As sturdy as the Blarney Stone at the heart of the Irish defence and showed the defending champions exactly what they were missing in their chastening defeat to England in round one.
Has almost sat-nav qualities to be in the right place at the right time to diffuse Scotland’s aerial threat and made some hard yards on the front foot. But was guilty of some blinkered running in Edinburgh, not seeing Jacob Stockdale on one occasion with a clear run to the line. Just gets the nod from Scottish super-sub Blair Kinghorn and England’s Elliot Daly.
JONNY MAY (ENGLAND)
May day arrived early in west London on the weekend.
The jet-heeled Leicester Tiger needed just 30 minutes to blow away France with a touchdown hat-trick.
Alongside the likes of former USA track stars Carlin Isles and Perry Baker, can boast being one of the fastest wings in the world and as lethal a finisher as the sevens specialists.
It’s 12 tries in 12 games for May and eight in his last six games in the Six Nations to move into seventh spot in the all-time England list.
HENRY SLADE (ENGLAND)
Business as usual for the Exeter Chiefs midfield maestro as he carried his form from across the Irish Sea the previous week to west London.
Took his try well against the French stepping inside Les Bleus skipper Guilhem Guirado to pocket the bonus point and his pin-point kick led to May completing his hat-trick.
His kicking kept the French pinned back for long periods.
SAM JOHNSON (SCOTLAND)
The Australian-born Glasgow Warrior is a rookie to Test rugby with his appearance in the Scottish midfield on the weekend being only his second international appearance.
The kilted Wallaby exudes all the confidence of an Aussie in the sporting arena running a good support line to latch on to Finn Russell’s sublime floated offload and revelled playing alongside the Racing 92 No.10.
JACOB STOCKDALE (IRELAND)
Served his penance for an indifferent display against England seven days earlier with the sort of showing that made him the 2018 Six Nations player of the tournament.
His neat chip ahead paved the way for Conor Murray’s opening try and then ran a sublime line to power over for Ireland’s second touchdown.
Also answered the critics berating his defensive frailties cleaning up some telling chips in the Irish backfield as well as putting in a try-saving tackle to stop Tommy Seymour crossing.
OWEN FARRELL (ENGLAND)
Targeted rookie French wing Damian Penaud with some telling kicks from hand.
Given an armchair ride and even found time to have some banter with Welsh referee Nigel Owens. Spotted