IRELAND’S 6 NATIONS STANDOUTS
PLAYER
JAMES RYAN: A host of contenders but the second row was ridiculously good given he is only 21 and was playing in his first Six Nations.
TRY
CJ STANDER (v
England): An exquisite move off the training ground featuring prop Tadhg Furlong flipping a delicious pass for Bundee Aki to feed Stander for the try. A score that was testament to the levels of coaching and player execution Ireland now have access to.
MOMENT
JOHNNY SEXTON drop goal (v
France): Forty-odd phases of clinical build-up play which led to a wondrous strike from Ireland’s out-half which rescued a victory that looked to have been beyond them.
PIECE OF TIMING
GARRY RINGROSE’S
recovery: When Robbie Henshaw and then Chris Farrell were ruled out by injury, Ireland were facing a midfield crisis that could have derailed their title and Grand Slam ambition. But Ringrose became available at just the right moment to play a central role in Ireland’s drive to glory.
QUESTION
Can RORY BEST carry on until the World Cup? Ireland’s veteran hooker had an exemplary championship in terms of leadership and playing contribution. He will be 37 by Japan 2019 and Ireland need to make a call on whether he can be nursed through until then or whether a Plan B needs to be put into action.