Six Nations Team Of Week 3
It was a Six Nations weekend that didn't really ignite until the main title contenders faced off in Dublin. That doesn't mean there weren't some very good individual performances.
Here is the best of what the cream of the Northern Hemisphere had to offer this weekend:
15. Luke McLean
His influence for Italy has been gradually improving throughout his career. Italy's attack looks better when he moves into first receiver over Kelly Haimona, and he was one of the better players in their win over Scotland.
14. Giovanbattista Vendetti
Scored the try that changed the game by reacting to a ball that hit the upright.
13. Robbie Henshaw
The player of the round. O'Driscoll who? Henshaw beat six defenders, made thirteen tackles and got the match winning try. What more can be said?
12. Jamie Roberts
Wales' go to man. Carried a huge 11 times, beating two defenders and making the game saving tackle on Remi Tales.
11. Simon Zebo
It was Zebo's play in the first half that kick started Ireland's attack. A constant handful for the English defence, and he beat three defenders. The big performance he needed to keep his position with Earls and Fitzgerald snapping at his heels.
10. Johnny Sexton
In 50 short minutes, Sexton controlled the game, and left Ireland with a 16 point advantage against a strong England team.
9. Conor Murray
What kick for Henshaw's try. He's in the team of the week just for that. Never mind the calmness he brings to proceedings, especially when
1. Gethin Jenkins
Part of a dominant Welsh scrum while contributing a huge amount in the loose, winning penalties at the breakdown whilst carrying well.
2. Rory Best
The real Rory Best finally turned up after two uncharacteristically quiet games to open the Six Nations. Best's workrate was fantastic, making 9 tackles and being a nuisance at the breakdown. He really stepped up today.
3. Samson Lee
The highly rated Welsh prop absolutely dominated the French scrum yesterday, finally living up to the pre-tournament hype.
4. Devin Toner
Devin Toner put on a masterclass on what to do as a second row. Huge tackles, timely cleanouts and important lineout steals, whisper it - he out performed his locking partner.
5. Alun Wyn Jones
Imperious. In the form of his life. Jones lead Wales by example, by being absolutely everywhere. Huge performance.
6. Thierry Dusautoir
As bad as France are, they would be a whole lot worse without their captain. Dusautoir is the only reason that France are relevant, and it was his display that meant that meant that Wales didn't run away with the game like they were threatening to.
7. Sam Warburton
Was a huge effort from the Welsh captain. The balance in the Welsh back row allows Warburton to cause havoc at the breakdown, and he created countless turnovers that was the winning of the game for Wales.
8. Sergio Parrise
The catalyst for Italy's win, Parisse was absolutely outstanding. Jordi Murphy came close, but when Parisse leads Italy like this there's no one on the planet that can deny him.
