Six Nations 2015: Best XV from Matchday 3
Ireland took a step towards the Grand Slam in the 2015 Six Nations with a 19-9 win over England, and their performance helps them dominate this week's team of the week.
Wales were impressive in Paris against France and Italy scored a precious away win over Scotland at Murrayfield to put another epic weekend of Six Nations in the annals.
Here is your team of the round.
Back Three
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15. Leigh Halfpenny
Halfpenny was sublime with his goal-kicking once again for Wales. In the country where he now earns his living, the tears streamed down his face during the anthems, which showed what it meant to the Lions full-back. But he kept that emotion in check when it came to aiming at the posts and nailed five from five penalties.
14. George North
North, back in the Welsh side after a concussion-induced lay-off, was switched to the right wing as Liam Williams was retained on the opposite flank. The big Saints man showed he had shaken off that issue with some eye-catching runs and brave leaps into the air.
11. Simon Zebo
Ireland’s mercurial left wing comfortably fielded the kicks that came his way and countered well when he had the chance. England clearly saw him as a weakness and kept kicking it to him, and he kept proving that they were wrong.
Centres
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12. Robbie Henshaw
Henshaw was immense for Ireland. His chase down of Luther Burrell forced a penalty for Ireland in the first half that handed them three points. He made some coruscating runs throughout the game and made a magnificent leap above Alex Goode to score a fine try.
13. Jonathan Davies
Made more yards than his big, ball-carrying midfield mate Jamie Roberts and made more tackles. Also forced a crucial turnover and never gave his opposite number a sniff.
Half Backs
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10. Jonny Sexton
Sexton was excellent with his territorial kicking once again, and he only missed one penalty attempt at goal.
He brought an intensity to his defence that made his opposite number, George Ford, look like a rabbit caught in the headlights, hunting his man down and forcing errors. World class once again from the Racing Metro man.
9. Conor Murray
Murray and Sexton together must be the best half-back pair in the world at the moment. Murray’s tactical kicking was equal to his partner's.
He also made a fine break in the second half that put England on the rack, and his decision-making ability in the heat of battle was evident in Ireland’s try. He could be seen on the TV replay clearly signaling his intent to hoist the ball over England’s close defence for Robbie Henshaw to chase, and he executed his plan perfectly.
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Back Row
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8. Sergio Parisse
Italy’s captain almost single-handedly willed his team to victory at Murrayfield. For all his skill, what really marks him out is his unrivaled leadership and doggedness that has never dropped off over the years.
Parisse was in the driving seat of the final maul that produced the winning penalty try. His emotion as the decision was awarded summed up the man.
7. Tommy O’Donnell
Ireland’s reserve openside was called upon after little more than 20 minutes when Sean O’Brien was injured, and he took his chance well. He made 10 tackles and ran well with the ball to keep the intensity high and maintain the Irish dominance of the breakdown.
6. Peter O’Mahony
Ireland’s blindside was a devil at the breakdown, getting in and over the ball repeatedly. He made some hard yards when required and was a solid third lineout option, giving England a few problems on their throw as well.
Moreover, when Ireland carried into the tackle and England tried to get in over the ball, it was often O’Mahoney who arrived to bring that white shirt to ground and nullify the turnover attempt.
Second Row
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5. Devin Toner
Toner took a decisive steal in the lineout after England passed on a shot at goal and went for a throw-in five metres from the Irish line. He scuppered their next throw as well and was a willing ball-carrier all afternoon.
4. Alun-Wyn Jones
Jones put in the most hard-working performance of any second row this weekend. The Welsh pack was immense in Paris with powerful rolling mauls and a rock-solid scrum. Jones was at the heart of all of that, and he made a huge contribution around the field.
Front Row
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3. Samson Lee
Lee came back into the Welsh front row for a tough test against the juggernaut French pack and was solid as a rock. His scrummaging was outstanding and he made eight tackles to boot.
A mention for Mike Ross, too, who buried the ghosts of some poor previous showings against Joe Marler with a stoic scrummaging display.
2. Rory Best
Best’s lineout-throwing was on the money for Ireland, and he controlled proceedings at the back of the Irish rolling maul superbly.
1. Gethin Jenkins
Wales’ forward effort in Paris was immense, and Jenkins led it both as a prop and ball-carrier. His battle with Mike Ross will be crucial when Wales meet Ireland on March 14.
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