The Six Nations is now over, and Ireland have been crowned Champions for the second year in a row.
Andy Farrell’s men steamrollered through the opening three rounds, but a slight hiccup against an inspired England side cost them a second Grand Slam on the spin. They came back firing though and recorded yet another good win over Scotland to wrap up the title.
There was a slight doubt over Ireland this year, following their World Cup heartbreak after coming into it as tournament favourites; but they have clearly put it behind them to march to their fifth title in 10 years.
Whilst the headlines will be dominated by the Irish triumph, England’s late tournament resurgence, France’s return to the power game, Italy’s remarkable improvement, Scotland’s free-flowing attack and Wales’ first wooden spoon in 21 years also provide plenty of talking points.
There were also a number of players who stole the limelight; so with that in mind here is the Rugby Nause News Team of the Championship.
Six Nations Team of the Championship
15: Cam Winnett
It was a baptism of fire for this young Welsh team, but fullback Cam Winnett has seen his stock rise this Championship. The young Cardiff back was outstanding in his maiden Six Nations, and stepped up to become a key player in the Welsh side.
14: Duhan van der Merwe
It might not have been the ending Scotland would have wanted, but van der Merwe was again at the heartbeat of their attack. The powerful winger notched five tries in the Championship, ending joint top of the try scoring list, and he was overall very impressive-especially in their win over England.
13: Juan Ignacio Brex
The Italian resurgence was something to behold this year, and Brex was very much at the heart of it. The talented centre was brilliant for the Azzurri, and notably picked up two Man of the Match gongs for his troubles.
12: Bundee Aki
Every year Aki seems to get better and better. Arguably the Player of the Championship, the Connacht man was pivotal in getting his side over the gain line consistently and he also grabbed a few tries himself.
11: James Lowe
Yet again proved why he is regarded as one of the best wingers in the world. His kicking game took a lot of the pressure off Jack Crowley, and his work on both sides of the ball was so effective in steering Ireland to yet another title.
10: Jack Crowley
Jonny who? There was a lot of pressure thrust on Crowley ahead of the tournament, but he took it all in his stride and guided Ireland around the park beautifully in all games. He seamlessly fitted into the Irish attacking system, which undoubtedly helped get them the title.
9: Jamison Gibson-Park
Another fantastic Six Nations from Gibson-Park. The Leinster 9 was brilliant throughout the tournament, providing Ireland with consistent quick ball and a well orchestrated kicking game. He also combined well with new partner Crowley.
1: Andrew Porter
Porter has always been physical, but it’s improvements in the scrum that get him onto our list. Ireland’s scrum hasn’t been a solid weapon for them in recent years, but this year it took on a life of it’s own, particularly against Wales, and most of this was down to the work of Porter.
2: Dan Sheehan
Dan Sheehan was consistently brilliant for Ireland yet again this Six Nations. His abbrasive carrying in the wide channels was a huge part of his teams attack, and he also ended as joint top try scorer alongside Duhan van der Merwe.
3: Uini Atonio
France didn’t deliver in every aspect of their game, but the scrum was a real high point for them. Uini Atonio’s prowess saw France dismantle their opponents in the scrum.
4: Tadhg Beirne
Tadhg Beirne was incredibly consistent this Six Nations. He isn’t a headline grabbing player, but his work rate is so crucial to this Ireland team, and he yet again delivered for his country.
5: Maro Itoje
Itoje seems to be capturing his best form for England again. He was a huge part of England’s set-piece, and his defensive work was also a big part of their late improvements.
6: Michele Lamaro
A one man tackling machine. Italy skipper Lamaro made plenty of work for himself in defence, leading the tackling stats with 103 across the Championship. His leadership was also vital in getting Italy over the line in their best ever Six Nations.
7: Tommy Reffell
Another bright spark in the dark year for Wales. His work at the breakdown was exceptional. The Leicester flanker finished top of the pile for defensive rucks and turnovers, and he proved a constant nuisance to his opposition.
8: Ben Earl
He might have come under fire for his comments pre-tournament, but his displays throughout the Six Nations showed he is quickly emerging as one of the best in the world. Earl led the way for carries across the tournament, and also made the most meters out of the England squad. He is the perfect new-age number eight.
Honourable mentions:
Aaron Wainwright
The Wales number eight had a really solid Six Nations, but was just edged out by Ben Earl.
Tommaso Menoncello
The centres were a real strong point for Italy this year, but Menoncello was pipped to the post by his partner Brex. Probably the surprise package of the Six Nations though.