Six Nations Team of the Week: Scotland edge representatives as all sides feature in Round Four selection

Stan Wilson

After yet another weekend of blockbuster Six Nations action, we bring you Planet Rugby’s Team of the Week, which features a more even representation of the nations involved following three excellent Round Four matches for fans.

Team of the Week on Planet Rugby is sponsored by Sportsbreaks.com, the Official Travel Agent for Rugby World Cup 2023. Join them in France for an unforgettable tournament with England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales fixtures available, as well as knockout fixtures including the Rugby World Cup Final itself. Packages include an official match ticket and a minimum two nights hotel accommodation at a handpicked hotel.

15 Hugo Keenan (Ireland): Keenan brought a phenomenal work rate with him to Twickenham which resulted in his team flying home victorious. His energy and effort led to his fifth international try to bolster Ireland‘s lead. All day, the full-back was exceptional under the high ball for Andy Farrell’s side. Had it not been for this performance from Keenan, Liam Williams of Wales would have likely got this spot.

14 Ange Capuozzo (Italy): With two tries scored on his debut, Capuozzo was a shoo-in for our Six Nations Team of the Week. The small back was phenomenal in attack when he entered the game just after half-time and displayed outstanding balance, speed and determination in both of his tries. The Grenoble player provided Italy the spark they needed to attempt to get back into the game. Across the field in a blue jersey, Darcy Graham also put in a great performance for Scotland and was in contention for this jersey but we went for Italy’s youngster.

13 Chris Harris (Scotland): Usually recognised for his brilliant defence, Harris instead shone for his attack against Italy. He made two breaks in the first half before becoming the beneficiary of a chip from Kyle Steyn to score himself. In the second half he finished a fantastic open play move from the Scots to score his second of the game and his fifth international try. Garry Ringrose is an honourable mention for his outing against England in Ireland’s hard-fought victory. Ringrose has been fantastic this tournament but this week it had to be Harris.

12 Jonathan Danty (France): In a game where the backline received hardly any attention, Danty excelled when required. He delivered thumping carries when needed and brought about a couple of big jackle turnovers – not bad for a centre. Danty also had an interception to suffocate a Welsh attack and keep France in the driving position. In Scotland’s win Sam Johnson gets an honourable mention for his shift.

11 James Lowe (Ireland): The winger had acres of space when he found himself with ball in hand due to the mismatch in numbers. He used this to engage his pace and capitalise through great yardage gains and a try of his own. Later in the game Lowe was influential in the final score to end England’s chances for good. Italy’s Monty Ioane and France’s Gabin Villiere were similarly impressive in their run-outs.

10 Dan Biggar (Wales): Biggar did the unthinkable on Friday… he nailed a 22:22 kick to land Wales great field position from absolutely nowhere, simply amazing. The veteran delivered another fantastic kick, this time it was cross-field to Taulupe Faletau, but Jonathan Davies wasn’t able to finish off, but it was efforts like these from Biggar that kept Wales alive versus arguably the best team in the world right now.

9 Ali Price (Scotland): This was a tough call to make. Despite Jamison Gibson-Park’s outstanding play for Ireland, possibly his greatest international outing so far, Price gets the nod after having the best Test match of his career versus Italy. His interception in the first 40 dug Scotland out of a sticky situation in their own 22 and instead turned it into a try through a lob pass to Steyn, who then delivered a chip to Harris to finish the move. Later in the game, Price was able to use a break he made to set up Stuart Hogg for Scotland’s fifth try of the day.

8 Taulupe Faletau (Wales): Back from injury and back to his old ways, Faletau proved to be invaluable for Wayne Pivac’s side against France. He was able to conjure opportunities and make difficult tackles all game and carried for over 100 metres too. Perhaps Wales would have been more successful thus far if they had had the magician posing as a number eight for the entire tournament. Just an unreal player.

7 Josh van der Flier (Ireland): Openside flanker Van der Flier continued his hot streak as an Ireland international with another outing to be proud of. Van der Flier was seemingly everywhere and did his best to fight fires all game as he dealt with England’s undying resistance. The Leinsterman helped set up Lowe for a try. Overall, another influential day for the flanker as he gets in ahead of Francois Cros (France).

6 Rory Darge (Scotland): Coming into the Six Nations, there was uncertainty as to whether Darge’s size would hinder him when playing Test rugby. The answer is a clear no. Like it is at Glasgow, his size (or lack thereof) is an advantage when jackling as it creates a lower centre of gravity for him, and makes him a smaller target for attackers clearing out the ruck. Versus Italy he did much of the same as he did against France, winning two key turnovers from steals along with 13 tackles. Giovanni Pettinelli and Anthony Jelonch came close after strong games.

5 Paul Willemse (France): With Cameron Woki stealing the limelight for most of the tournament, this week it was Willemse’s time to shine. The monstrous lock bullied Welsh forwards for the duration and was very effective across the field. His work rate stayed remarkably high throughout the game in Cardiff and he delivered 13 crunching hits, with his reputation in the world game receiving a significant boost.

4 Maro Itoje (England): All tournament Itoje has been putting on a clinic for viewers to see. His improved timing at the breakdown has helped him come on leaps and bounds as a player. Taking on Ireland, it was much of the same story as he was a pest at the breakdown and a defensive wall alongside Jamie George and Ellis Genge. His lineout ability has also been on display in recent rounds as he continues to make opposing jumpers life nightmarish at the set-piece. Will Rowlands is also well worth a nod due to his excellent form continuing for Wales.

3 Zander Fagerson (Scotland): Tighthead prop Fagerson was awesome in the scrum for Scotland, creating a solid set-piece throughout the game against Italy. He also provided great carries when required, allowing the Scottish attack to set up well in the five-try triumph. His presence was welcome across the field in what was a fantastic Scottish Six Nations performance. A mention too for France’s Uini Atonio.

2 Jamie George (England): Minus one jumper for 78 of the 80 minutes due to Charlie Ewels’ red card, George was still able to execute a solid lineout throughout the loss to Ireland. George played a vital role in England’s feisty bid for a surprise win as part of the front-row that dominated the scrums. The Saracens hooker was a defensive pillar throughout too, providing 14 tackles, one of which led to a key turnover. Julien Marchand of France and George Turner of Scotland also performed well enough to enter our consideration following the weekend.

1 Ellis Genge (England): England’s loosehead had yet another superb outing versus Ireland on Saturday. At the scrum, he had arguably the world’s best tighthead in Tadhg Furlong in his back pocket all game. Defensively, Genge made 12 tackles throughout and helped lead England in what was mostly a close affair. The final score of 32-15 does not reflect the graft that the England pack, led by Genge, put in.

Sportsbreaks.com are delighted to be an Official Travel Agent for Rugby World Cup 2023. Join us in France for an unforgettable tournament with England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales fixtures available, as well as knockout fixtures including the Rugby World Cup Final itself. Packages include an official match ticket and a minimum two nights hotel accommodation at a handpicked hotel.

READ MORE: Six Nations: Five takeaways from Round Four as England are defiant against the odds

 

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Ellis Genge anchors our Six Nations Team of Round Four

We've selected our Six Nations Team of Round Four.