After a feast of rugby over the last two months, focus now turns to club action as well as the impending Lions tour. However, before we consign Six Nations 2017 to memory, we select our team of the tournament.
_____
15. Stuart Hogg
Rob Kearney was solid and Halfpenny kicked well, but there was no real competitor to Scotland’s magician at the back. He is a sensational attacking threat and is another who could claim Player of the Tournament.
14. Liam Williams
Wing? Full back? As long as he is in the team he is a huge threat whenever he touches the ball, with his electric pace and wicked step proving difficult for the opposition to handle many a time.
13. Gary Ringrose
Ringrose has been described as the next Brian O’Driscoll, and whilst I think it is wrong and unfair to compare young players to legends, Ringrose was very impressive in Ireland’s midfield and is a promising young talent.
12. Owen Farrell
Bar a strange performance against Italy, Farrell was brilliant for England. He was reliable as ever with his kicking, and his improved attacking play really helped England nearly clinch a second Grand Slam in two years. His pass to Elliot Daly against Wales was absolutely magical.
11. Elliot Daly
Many may be unsure of his best position, but Daly stepped up when England needed him with a great finish against Wales, and was a constant threat in all five matches.
10. Finn Russell
Sexton ended the tournament brilliantly against England and was impressive against France, but Russell was at the heart of all Scotland did good, and in the absence of captain, Greig Laidlaw, was very reliable with the boot.
9. Rhys Webb
Webb won his battle with Conor Murray in Wales’ victory over Ireland, and was very impressive throughout the tournament. Wales’ problems normally started once Webb was off the field.
1. Joe Marler
A surprise performer for England, who were cautious over the loss of Mako Vunipola. However, on his return, Marler’s strong performances kept the Saracen out of the side.
2. Ken Owens
Owens was a consistent performer in a Wales side that struggled to make their mark in the championship.
3. Tadhg Furlong
Furlong looks a strong bet for a Lions starting position. He was arguably Ireland’s most consistent performer alongside CJ Stander.
4. Joe Launchbury
Launchbury was Man of the Match for England on two occasions and was consistently brilliant for an England team missing George Kruis.
5. Courtney Lawes
Lawes accepted his new role as a key ball carrier for England in both the Vunipolas’ absences, and he was exceptional all around the field. England have four brilliant second row options.
6. CJ Stander
Stander has become one of the best and most effective players in Europe, and it would be no surprise to see him named player of the tournament.
7. Hamish Watson
Watson was another who went under the radar for Scotland. He is smaller than the other back rowers but his ferocity and skill set makes him just as important for his team.
8. Louis Picamoles
France may have had an indifferent tournament at times, but one man who was never short of spark and quality was their gigantic number 8. He always puts his team on the front foot and is a huge asset to a rejuvenated French team.
[gravityform id=”1″ title=”true” description=”true”]
Read More About: cj stander, Courtney Lawes, elliot daly, finn russell, Gary Ringrose, Hamish Watson, joe launchbury, joe marler, ken owens, liam williams, louis picamoles, owen farrell, rhys webb, stuart hogg, tadhg furlong
