Ireland and Scotland bounced back with wins in a thrilling weekend Six Nations that rocked the title race.
It was far from plain sailing for Andy Farrell’s side in Dublin but they managed a vital victory despite another strong performance from Italy.
advertise
Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, Scotland raised their game once again in the Calcutta Cup, taking on an error-prone England side on the sidelines to end the visitors’ 12-game winning streak.
It makes France’s status as tournament favorites look even stronger, especially after a predictably big scoreline against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday.
Which players impressed in the second round? There are independentThis week’s Six Nations picks:
Loosehead Props: Danilo Fischetti/Mirco Spagnolo, Italy
It’s a weird weekend of scrimmage, with the favorites often coming from the losing teams. Like Ireland, we can’t separate Fischetti and Spagnuolo as they provide Italy with a one-two punch – it’s hard to recall Tadhg Furlong ever being folded the way he was, while Fischetti was his usual busy self.
advertise
Prostitute: Julien Marchand, France
Marchand’s thumping score capped off a complete performance, and he was very comfortable on the ball in France’s freewheeling attack. The prostitute was taken away early and his and France’s work was done.
Nervous pillar: Simone Ferrari, Italy
Perhaps no player has performed better in the first two rounds than Ferrari. The Italian tight end once again led Ireland’s performance while registering two huge blows to Gary Ringross and Dan Sheehan in the first half.
Lock: Gregor Brown, Scotland
Locke Gregor Brown (right) impressed with Scotland (Getty Images)
A rising star in Scotland’s back five, Brown was picked ahead of Grant Gilchrist in the Calcutta Cup, perhaps signaling a change in the engine room at the back. Brown was tireless and poised at Murrayfield while also dealing with the sting.
advertise
Lock: Charles Ollivon, France
Olivier made 17 tackles, eight sprints and many more interesting touches, energizing France’s back five and playing the full 80 minutes. Having Emmanuel Mefo and Thibaut Flamente as a substitute pairing, as France did, is a bit scary.
Blind flanker: Oscar Jegou, France
Oscar Jagou impresses again for France (Getty Images)
Forgive the odd positioning here, but we’re taking a page from France and using a more flexible approach on the flanks to squeeze in the ever-impressive Jagou. At just 22 years old, he already looks like a regular player.
Airside flanker: Rory Darge, Scotland
Scotland’s top tackle Dach also troubled England on the pitch and the hosts were far better throughout the game. Manuel Zuliani catches up with him after another outstanding performance for Italy.
advertise
Eighth place: Ben Earl, England
Ben Earl provides a spark for England in Edinburgh (Getty Images)
After the horror show at Murrayfield, England’s positive performances were relatively few and far between, although the scrum and Earl’s performance deserved praise. As always, the No. 8 carries a huge burden for his team, but breaks through almost every time.
Scrum half: Antoine Dupont, France
Scotland’s Ben White and Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Parker each had strong performances, but Dupont remained at a high level. It was his moments of audacity, wickedness and deftness that got France going in Cardiff, and there were many more delightful touches.
advertise
Fly half: Finn Russell, Scotland
(Getty Images)
It’s great to see Russell back to his illustrative, instinctive best. Bath’s front half has felt a bit lacking in form and fluidity in recent months, but England have been torn apart by his wide range of skills as a ball carrier, kicker and passer.
Left wing: James Lowe, Ireland
Louis Bieler-Biare was excellent again but after a solid performance let’s hand James Lowe the left wing spot. Lowe, who was left out in Paris, showed his enduring class with a strong all-round performance, although his top speed has begun to decline.
Inside center: Stuart McCloskey, Ireland
(Reuters)
It felt like McCloskey almost single-handedly kept Ireland playing against Italy at times. The center used some of his trademark tricks and more subtle tricks in his passing, with a subtle backdoor offload setting up the first-half score before an unorthodox quarterback pass to Robert Barlowcoon set up a lively try.
advertise
Outside center: Huw Jones, Scotland
Jones, who has already had eight tries in the Calcutta Cup, has been England’s scourge for a long time and once again excelled. He pushed Tommaso Menoncello into the post – and the Italian center showed his strength even in the absence of regular running mate Juan Ignacio Brex. Eddie James also showed promise.
Right wing: Keir Steyn, Scotland
Scotland’s top air traffic controller was almost flawless under the high ball, giving his side a platform to play on. Of course, it also helped that England were without a winger for 30 of the first 50 minutes, but one could argue that this was also down to Stann’s superiority over Henry Arundel.
advertise
Defender: Thomas Ramos, France
(Getty Images)
Jamie Osborne may have considered himself unlucky, but the way France’s playmaker orchestrated their all-singing and dancing display was a joy to watch. The growing understanding between Ramos, Dupont and Mathieu Jalibert will worry their rivals – there are also 14 offloads between the trio, suggesting they pose a threat.
