Make it: Hogg and Youngs
Now that the dust has settled across Europe, Planet Rugby thought it was only right to hand out some praise to the stars of Six Nations, Round Two.
Without further ado, here comes our offering - be sure to send in your own 15-1 team selections.
Team of Round 2
15 Stuart Hogg (Scotland) - Despite strong competition from Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Goode, Hogg takes this shirt for the second week in a row after another excellent performance. His interception pass was clearly telegraphed, but his execution and finish showcased his talent.
14 Sean Maitland (Scotland) - No tries for Scotland's newest star but his influence was invaluable. A cute offload led to Matt Scott's try at the beginning of the second-half and he threatened all over the park. He is a big part of an exciting trio Scotland now have in their back three.
13 Mathieu Bastareaud (France) - Philippe Saint-André will struggle to find many positives from Saturday's shambles in Paris, but Bastareaud is one of them. Five defenders beaten, twelve tackles and a constant nuisance to bring down - the Toulon centre is back.
12 Jamie Roberts (Wales) - The Welsh battering ram marked his 50th cap with an assured performance, causing damage going forward but also producing a couple of key turnovers.
11 George North (Wales) - Close competition came for this spot from Mike Brown, but North's match-winner ended months of pain for Wales. Not only did he manage to find success in the same corner that eluded Mark Cueto back in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final, but his Dad's pitch invasion to join the celebrations was special.
10 Owen Farrell (England) - His battle with Jonathan Sexton was comically (at this stage) billed as being for the Lions starting jersey. Unfortunately Sexton left the field on 31 minutes but Farrell was already on top in his personal duel. The Saracen kicked twelve points, missing two penalties during the game, but his all-round game management again resurfaces just how calm and collected he is for someone of only 21 years of age.
9 Ben Youngs (England) - Back-to-back inclusions in our team for Youngs and deservedly so. The Leicester scrum-half was outstanding over the weekend, with his positional sense and kicking game being top notch. It is not often Danny Care rides the pine for a whole game, which was a reflection of just how well Youngs performed at the Aviva Stadium.
8 Toby Faletau (Wales) - A stellar performance from the young number eight against France offered a reminder of what he has to offer when on form. Nine carries and twelve tackles illustrated the hard work ethic of the Welsh back-row on a memorable afternoon.
7 Chris Robshaw (England) - Suddenly the Harlequins captain is the bookies favourite to lead the Lions in Australia. While Irish number eight endured a nightmare showing at the Aviva Stadium, Robshaw was a colossus in white as he carried well and made the most tackles in the match. We feel Sean O'Brien deserves a mention here as he gave everything to the Irish cause, despite struggling during the contest with a painful looking injury.
6 Ryan Jones (Wales) - Sam Warburton might be fit to face Italy in a two weeks time, but he may not win his place back. Jones took the captain's armband against France and was an inspiration - eight carries, two turnovers and thirteen tackles backing up his performance.
5 Geoff Parling (England) - Stuart Lancaster possesses such a well-balanced trio of locks at the moment and at the head of that pile is Parling. Unlucky not to make our selection last week, he was again outstanding for England in both the tight and loose. Surely a 2013 Lion.
4 Andrew Coombs (Wales) - Two games into his Test career, Coombs looks like a veteran. Wales' top tackler with fourteen, he also made an effective turnover at the breakdown and didn't shy away from carrying the ball either. So far, Coombs is the find of the Six Nations.
3 Euan Murray (Scotland) - Performances such as Murray's on Saturday reminded us why he was a Lion. Thirteen tackles marked a busy day for the prop as he rolled back the years.
2 Ross Ford (Scotland) - Admittedly his line-out work was patchy, but Ford was on form around the park on his return to Test rugby. A handful of carries and nine tackles underlined an assured performance from the former Scotland captain, who should keep his jersey.
1 Joe Marler (England) - While his opposite number had a feisty afternoon, Marler quietly went about his business at the Aviva Stadium. Clean shaven, a nine-tackle effort was complimented by decent scrummaging before he was replaced by Mako Vunipola.
By Ben Coles and Adam Kyriacou
@bencoles_ and @PlanetRugbyAK
Comments
porridge_time says...
Also lets not forget... Tonga dealt to France in the world cup in NZ and when given access to their best pkayers can be a match for most teams.
Posted 02:02 14th February 2013
porridge_time says...
PREEST...
Surely you can give credit where its due regarding Scotland. Remember they managed to beat Aus in Aus. Samoa in Samoa... something that the much lauded Wales failed to do.
Italy according to many only needed to turn up at Murrayfield for their second win... but they were dealt to. Yes they had loads of territory and possesion, but great defence and excellent counter attacking by Scotland saw them humped 34-10... and it could have been more.
Italy will in my opinion take at least one more scalp this championship... as will Scotland in my opinion.
England GS
Scotland
Ireland
Italy
Wales
France
Posted 01:58 14th February 2013
ironmani441 says...
EddieC - Fool.. fact. Evidence... his drivel.
You should back up your claims with statistics and logic. Yes the Ire v Eng game was toss, but so was the weather, even the glorious talents of Wales (see sarcasm) couldn't play great backs rugby in those conditions. Those stunning ball handling backs of Jamie Roberts,Jonathan Davies, G North and A Cuthbert, oh wait , sorry that is the most unskilled purely physical back line in the WORLD! I am not saying it can't work, just dont spout rubbish.
As for home grown talent, yeah Faletau what a Welsh name that it. The world is a globalised place now, you take what you can get for talent and groom it into your national team regardless of where they were born or who their grandparents were.
Posted 12:05 12th February 2013
PREEST says...
@Cdn content. Have to disagree mate. Beating Italy is not a mean feat. Credit where credit is due, they played well, but I don't know why everyone is getting excited about Scotland. Let's not forget they lost to Tonga a few months back. Also I would like to add, teo of the tries Scotlanf scored were lucky and against the run of play. An intercept try when Italy were hot on attack and then pounving on a loose ball and scoring? Nah, let's keep things in perspective. I the lions field a team that has many Scotts in it they will get beaten good by Australia.
Posted 05:39 12th February 2013
porridge_time says...
How come the six nations team of the week has turned into a Lions debate?
Personally I don't care if any Scots are picked, because I'd like to see this current squad plus others to head to SA rather than join the Lions flying circus.
I foresee this years Lions becoming as farcical as the previous two series... its about money and the selections will be tinged wiuth politics.
Priority of the SRU should be to build a team capable of challenging for the Six Nations title and 2015 WC... not have a handful of their best players get their confidence dealt to by in fighting and demoralizing defeats.
Posted 04:45 12th February 2013
Cdn_content says...
Ok, I just watched the Ireland-England game and I know you are all waiting on bated breath for the opinion from the colonies.
1. Robshaw has to be the lions captain at this point, but may have to change his style of game. He's a great player, does everything but I'm
Not sure if he lions can win playing off of him as a pivot. Really is playing quite well though.
2. Best is the lions 2, he might walk into any side in the world right now.
3. BOD is still the 13, no one has his guile
4. Parking played well, but gray played better.
5. Tuilagi has some work to do.
6. Hartley is a dick, unnecessary shove on Murray at the end of he game
7. Haskell shouldn't start for the lions, a discipline liability, also don't think he's good for a teams culture
8. Harley is top drawer, lots of great 6's for the lions to choose from
9. Farrell may start
10. ROG seriously? Is the 2nd best Ireland can do? Surely not
11. That's enuff fOr now
Posted 03:49 12th February 2013
kybone says...
Centre12- Sounds like you're the one getting your knickers in a twist pal. I just thought it was a very strange comment to make about a player who has yet to break into the England squad really. I associate Charlie Hodgeson's England career with under achievement, a reluctance to tackle, and stage fright on the big occasion.So when you say ' To that end I was hoping history wouldn't repeat itself' I assume its these weaknesses that you're referring to, in which case there doesn't seem any evidence to suggest that Burns will turn out like that, and, as i have pointed out, he is yet to get a proper game for England.I mean, its like saying 'i hope Matt Kvesic doesn't become the next Tom Rees'- based on what? I don't see what prompted you to make the comment in the first place.
Posted 23:43 11th February 2013
TVaddict says...
@Attila
Ok, let's dispense with this 'power game' myth about this England team. The England pack weighed in at 898 kg, the Irish pack weighed in at 895, well isn't that a massive difference. The English forward game at the moment revolves around moving the ball around fast and taking the ball into contact in pairs with one behind to clear out. This means that you almost always cross the gain line and also get quick ball, which allows to to cross the gain line more easily, which allows for even quicker ball, etc etc... It's basically what the All Blacks have been doing for as long as I can remember and it's just taken us far too long too catch on to the idea. Though I think it helps having such mobile front five who can put in a lot more work around the pitch.
Posted 22:28 11th February 2013
jimbosim says...
Scotland win an easy game against Italy at home and all of a sudden, Scottish players are the best. Don't make me laugh, Scotland have been dreadful for years. 2 or 3 for the lions squad is fair, not the first select, not on your Nellie?
Posted 20:53 11th February 2013
Attila says...
After watching the three matches during the weekend, reading the posts, reading the team of the week and the below posts I have come to a few conclusions:
1. The team that can match Englands power game coupled with kick the ball away and apply pressure is France, they more often nowadays play the same and might even have just as physical but more skillfull players (if motivated and back to being relentless). Beating England at the moment through an expansive game is a bit risky, specially in wet conditions.
2. Was Wales in a long slump or did they just have 7 or so unlucky bounces and in Paris finaly the ball bounced up in young Georges hands. In most of the last matches they have been able to mix their game up with power, pace and width but come off second best. Perhaps they just played the no 2 side to many times?
3. Scotland and Italy aren't going to battle between themselves for a win (or in this years 6nations a second win), they have lifted themselves to seriously contest every match for a win.
And for the team of the week?
Only natural to have most rep's from the winning teams, but I would add an Irishmen in the forwards for turning the scrums around after half time (to award adaptation) and an Italian for sticking it in to get a try in the end. Which player exactly is sometimes just a bounce of the ball imo.
Posted 20:39 11th February 2013
Cdn_content says...
Have to agree, despite not having watched the England-Ireland game yet, I really think Scotland were hard done by hear. They put a beating on Italy and thoroughly dominated the proceeding. Not sure if they were All players of the week but surely Harley, laidlaw, Scott and Jackson desErve some mention.
Also, I disagree that number of carries = high work rate. It could mean u rarely join a ruck and allow ur teammates to do the dirty work while u enjoy the spoils. I believe the number of rucks hit both offensively and defensively encapsulates how hard u worked more than carries, if not as glamorous as a stat. Mccaw and bam bam (Ozzie 7) rarely carry the ball but are two of the best and hardest working players in the world
Posted 20:16 11th February 2013
Centre12 says...
@kybone
I suggest you read in-between the lines before you next get your knickers in a twist and start shouting your mouth off. As I was referring to Farrell being "Wilkinson like" being a very good tactical and field kicker, where as Burns is very similar to Charlie Hodgson when he came onto the scene and more of a running #10. To that end I was hoping history wouldn't repeat itself. May I also add that I am a huge fan of Burns and was/still am very much looking forward to seeing him play in the 6N's. Toby Flood on the other hand, needs to get dropped!!!!!!!!
Posted 18:31 11th February 2013
PatrickH says...
My Lions team based on the weekend,
1 Marler
2 Best
3 Murray
4 Gray
5 Parling
6 Wood (I know he played 7)
7 Tipuric / Harley
8 O'Brien (I know where he played also!)
9 Youngs / Laidlaw
10 Farrell
11 Visser
12 36
13 Barritt
14 North
15 Goode / Hogg
Posted 18:23 11th February 2013
shoobydo says...
@EddieC You think England have the worst disipline record of any of the home nations by a long way?
Well here's a real stat for you.
6 nations yellow/red cards:
Italy 34/2
Wales 25/0
Scotland 22/1
England 17/0
Ireland 12/0
France 9/0
You claim doesn't really hold up to scrutiny, does it?
Posted 18:16 11th February 2013
joekridge says...
Goode was the best full back on show and Healy was minced in the first two scrums at the Aviva...that's why he stamped on Cole's ankle...he couldnt cope with Cole being better than him ...on the day. Otherwise, a good second week team. The best front rows in the world at this point are England and Wales.. Southern hemisphere coaches should be worried.
Posted 17:27 11th February 2013
joekridge says...
Goode was the best full back on show and Healy was minced in the first two scrums at the Aviva...that's why he stamped on Cole's ankle...he couldnt cope with Cole being better than him ...on the day. Otherwise, a good second week team. The best front rows in the world at this point are England and Wales.. Southern hemisphere coaches should be worried.
Posted 17:25 11th February 2013
kybone says...
EddieC- We dont think we're the better football team, we think we're the better rugby team.
Centre12-'I just hope Burns doesn't turn into a Charlie Hodgson, great Premiership player that couldn't cut it at test level'- Are you taking the piss?? He hasn't even played in the 6N yet and his only game time for England so far was 20 mins or so in the win over the AB's (where he did as well as can be expected in 20 mins really). Lets judge him after he's actually played some games shall we!
Posted 17:24 11th February 2013
juliogrant says...
Bullitt, Healy and Hartley are most certainly not the same level of "fiery character", remember Hartley has been banned in the past for eye gouging and biting. That brings him into a class of thug of his own.. In the past you might have someone who has gouged or bitten another player but not someone to do both in a career.
Posted 16:55 11th February 2013
Jhamer25 says...
1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Rory best
3. Euan Murray
4. Donnacha O'Ryan
5. Geoff Parling
6. Sean O' Brian
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Johnnie Beattie
9. Greg Laidlaw
10. Owen Farrell
11. George North
12. Matt Scott
13. Brad Barrett
14. Tim Visser
15. Leigh Halfpenny
Thats on round 2 performance. Quite hard with 7 and 15 cause chris robshaw and Stuart Hogg also had very good games.
Posted 16:30 11th February 2013
NHsaints says...
Rory best claimed the hooker shirt and quelled any chances of Tom Youngs starting a Lions test (bar injury disaster), Wood was again excellent (I expect to see him on the lions tour), Parling was very very good as usual, Lawes was Brilliant for the 20 minutes he was on (if just he can keep himself from getting injured so much), Healey was good but dirty, he needs to cut that out. BOD was very solid but unspectacular against both Barritt and Tuilagi, Robshaw should now almost certainly captain the lions (Warburton sure as hell shouldn't), Cole was still very good despite Youngs having an off-day and certainly scrummaged better than Jones who was roughed up by the french front-row, Launchbury has faded significantly as has Donnacha Ryan, SOB is magnificent and needs a starting jersey on the Lions tour (probably at 6), Marler showed he can actually scrum at international level and mike ross didn't really do his lions credentials any good. Hogg is looking like a late bolter for the Lions 15 jersey especially with Kearney off form but I'd still have halfpenny ahead of him. Owen Farrel definitely showed he's Lions material, I wouldn't write off sexton yet though.
Posted 16:27 11th February 2013