What a great Super Saturday with three games full of excitement, drama and incident.
Now that the dust has settled, the final standings are a fair reflection of where each team sits relative to one another.
What’s interesting to reflect on is who has progressed (+), who has stood still (=) and who has gone backwards (-) since the RWC:
- Ireland + they were able to stay ahead of the rest while making the transition to a new Number 10
- France = looked very shaky at times, especially without Dupont
- England ++ appears that Borthwick’s game plan is emerging and is based on pace and power
- Scotland – stalwart defence against Ireland has saved Gregor for now, but core resilience is missing
- Italy ++ best in a while, structures look good and strong players in multiple positions
- Wales — Gatland is managing the rebuild narrative, but it looks a long road back
Now my team of the tournament:
- 15 Ramos – played out of position and showed his versatility
- 14 Van der Merwe – who can forget the hat trick vs England?
- 13 Menoncello – part of a strong Italy centre pairing
- 12 Aki – ultra reliable and as tough as teak
- 11 Lowe – scores tries and has a massive left boot
- 10 Russell – controversial, would be so good behind a dominant pack
- 9 Gibson Park – Ireland are a lesser team when he is not guiding events
- 8 Earl – Mr. constant motion, still not convinced he is a number 8!
- 7 Refell – never stopped trying to defeat the odds
- 6 Lamaro – over 100 tackles during the tournament
- 5 Martin – his availability gave England grunt and a front foot
- 4 Beirne – just a great all round game
- 3 Atonio – monster, dominant at set piece, carries well
- 2 Sheehan – almost scores as many tries as Johnny Mathews
- 1 Porter – not my favourite but his contribution is immense
Coach of the Tournament: a toss up between Borthwick, although I do wish he would drop the management speak, and Quesada for restoring faith in Italian rugby.
Overall an intriguing 2024 Six Nations, with lots of ups and downs and shifts of momentum.
A final word as we say goodbye to George North, who has brought great times to both Wales and the Lions (and Northampton Bob).
ps Don’t forget that last Saturday’s game in Dublin also marked the end of Dr. James Robson’s time with Scotland and the Lions.