2022 Six Nations Team of the Tournament so far

WITH round two of the tournament behind us we take a look at the best performers of the tournament so far.

A weekend of excellent rugby was had in the second round of the 2022 Six Nations. with some mesmerising performers such as Marcus Smith for England.

France and Ireland clashed in a box office affair at the Stade de France. Ireland ultimately came up short against a French side full of confidence and energy from the home crowd. Mack Hansen and Antoine Dupont were top performers for each side.

England took on Italy in a game where ninety-nine percent of viewers had already decided England would have it won. By the final whistle England were victorious and Italy were once again dissapointed.

The third game played was between last years champions Wales and Scotland who had been riding high off the back of a great win against England. Scotland were in the drivers seat for large portions of the game but Wales through Dan Bigger managed to grind out a 20-17 victory.

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As it stands, France top the table with two wins from two while England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have all picked up a solitary win while Italy prop up the table.

Check out our Team of the Six Nations so far

Fullback – Melvyn Jaminet (France)

The French Fullback has been in frightening form. Jaminet has really shown his quality for France off the kicking tee as his points against Ireland proved to be too much to mount a comeback. His defensive positing also nullified both Irish and Italian kicking strategies

Winger – Gabin Villiere (France)

Another French back, Villiere opened up his first round with a wonderful hat trick of tries against Italy. He continued his excellent form against the Irish as he shut down much of the Irish attack down his channel.

Outside Centre – Gary Ringrose (Ireland)

Proving himself to be of the worlds most dynamic backs, Ringrose opened his Six Nations with a wonderful performance against Wales scoring an excellent try. Against the French, Ringrose tackled extremely well and was a bright light in a disappointing result

Inside Centre – Gael Fickou (France)

Hard not to pick Fickou as he is the engine that helps run the French backline. A constant scoring threat and a dogged defender, Fickou’s flair is an amazing asset to this French outfit.

Winger- Mack Hansen (Ireland)

Hansen started his tournament off with a Player of the Match performance against Wales setting up a try for Aki. Against the French the URC top scorer notched a beautiful try off the kick-off. Hansen has pretty much carried his club form with him to the national team.

Fly-Half – Marcus Smith (England)

The young successor to Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith is really proving himself for Harlequins and England. Scoring whopping 127 fantasy points at the weekend as he is scoring for fun and setting up the others around him.

Scrum Half – Antoine Dupont (France)

Player of the Tournament last year, Dupont is in fine form and is looking to make himself a back to back awards. His performance against Ireland just showed his value as he set up a try and finished one off.

No. 8 – Gregory Alldritt (France)

Alldritt is one France’s most important players as when he plays good, France are well on their way to a victory. Alldritt’s dominance in the pack is nothing to be scoffed at as he has made 19 tackles in only two games.

Flanker – Taine Basham (Wales)

While Wales seemed to have bounced back with their win over Scotland, Taine Basham has been in fine form since week one. Scoring Wales’ only try against Ireland and being one of Wales standouts against Scotland, Basham seems to be an integral part of the Welsh side.

Flanker – Josh van der Flier (Ireland)

The Leinster Rugby man has been in the form of his life and he has certainly brought that to international Rugby. Recording a massive thirty tackles in only two games, van der Flier makes his presence known on the pitch. He also bagged himself a try against the French.

Second-Row – Johnny Gray (Scotland)

The picture of consistency, Johnny Gray has always been a reliable choice for Scotland’s team. With a tackle percentage of almost 100% with 29 tackles made in two games, Gray is a stalwart in the Scottish pack

Second-Row – Will Rowlands (Wales)

Like Basham Rowlands has been a shining light in the injury hit Welsh side this season. Averaging 14 tackles a game, Rowlands has been everywhere for his team. The big second-row also is averaging 42 meters in his two games.

Prop- Tadgh Furlong (Ireland)

One of the best, if not the best in his position, Furlong has impressed in Irish green since his first performance. A strong display against Wales that showcased some excellent skill with his feet and hands helped solidify this position. His 70 minutes played against France also show how fit the prop is.

Prop- Cyril Baille (France)

Baille broke onto the scene in the last Six Nations and since then he has only gone from strength to strength. Averaging five tackles a match he uses his power around the pitch. His try against Ireland also gave France valuable time to quell the Irish comeback.

Hooker – Ryan Elias (Wales)

Elias is probably the most secure player on this list and has he has been heads above the other players in his position. Over the two games played he averages a whopping 45.5 meters with the ball. This is coupled with an average of 8.5 tackles a game also. A man of the Match award also adds to this.

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