RBS Six Nations 2016: Best XV from Matchday 1
The opening weekend of this tough-to-predict 2016 RBS Six Nations saw three tight encounters that leave us no closer to clues as to where the grand old trophy will end up.
The sides who gorged themselves on tries during that frantic final day of the 2015 edition played with more caution and care, but there were still some outstanding displays.
Here is your XV for Week 1.
Back Three
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15. Simon Zebo
There may be some questions about Simon Zebo's defensive positioning, but he looked like a real line-breaking threat for Ireland whenever he had a few yards of space. One lovely arcing run in the first half cracked Wales open right down the middle and deserved better.
14. Jack Nowell
Jack Nowell looked hungry to prove himself to new England coach Eddie Jones and took his try well against Scotland. He displayed a footballing intelligence that not many English wings possess, and that is a major string to his bow.
11. Virimi Vakatawa
France's new wing Virimi Vakatawa, plucked from the sevens circuit, made an impressive start to international 15-a-side. He danced inside the last Italian defender for a classy finish and also showed silky hands with a deft offload in heavy traffic. His strength was also put to good use with some muscular charges infield. A busy shift.
Centres
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12. Jonathan Danty
Jonathan Danty was France's most influential back in terms of making ground. He played well and had a big hand in one try by drawing defenders before making the pass. It was a promising start to his Test career, despite the lethargy in France's general play. An honourable mention, also, for Jamie Roberts' huge defensive display for Wales in Dublin.
13. Jonathan Davies
The Welsh badly missed Jonathan Davies' quality during the Rugby World Cup, but he looks back in the groove this season for Clermont Auvergne and was a threat to Ireland on Sunday. If he re-establishes his partnership with Jamie Roberts, they will make Wales hard to beat this year.
Half-Backs
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9. Conor Murray
Conor Murray is one of the leaders in the Irish side and played with great authority against Wales, showing speed of thought to take his try well and executing his kicking game with the usual quality.
10. Jonny Sexton
In a game that was often played in a suffocating tension, Jonny Sexton showed glimpses that he is keen to expand Ireland's horizons this season with some lovely breaks and the usual high standard of passing.
And when he had to stand up and be counted, he displayed great nerve to slot the equalising penalty with the game nearing its conclusion.
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Back Row
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8. Billy Vunipola
Billy Vunipola won the man-of-the-match award for his display against Scotland, having "rampaged around the field like a startled elephant scared by a mouse," according to the Guardian's Andy Bull. The Saracens man carried powerfully for England from the first minute to the last.
An honourable mention must go to Italian captain Sergio Parisse. The Azzurri leader was once again totemic for his side in Paris, carrying powerfully and at the heart of so much of what was good about his side's performance. He was desperately hard done by not to walk off as the winning captain, but he will regret attempting that drop goal.
7. John Hardie
John Hardie justified his Scotland selection with a tremendous display that caused much of the strife England endured at the breakdown. "[He has the] potential to be one of the players of the Championship," said the Telegraph's Dan Schofield.
6. CJ Stander
A brilliant debut from Munster's South African-born back rower CJ Stander, who carried like a lion for Ireland and was a constant threat to Wales.
Second Row
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5. George Kruis
Saracens lock George Kruis has had a strong first half of the season for his club and carried that form into this start for England. He marked his performance with a well-taken try, using his long limbs to reach for the line. He was also solid in the lineout and strong in the carry.
4. Devin Toner
Devin Toner took over the job of running Ireland's lineout with Paul O'Connell bowing out, and he did the job superbly. He was one of Ireland's best players, as he dominated against a world-class Welsh duo.
Front Row
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3. WP Nel
In his principle role as destructive tighthead, WP Nel gave Joe Marler hell. The Harlequin won't be the last in this championship to have trouble with the ex-Cheetah.
2. Rory Best
Taking on the captaincy from Paul O'Connell was never going to be easy, but Ireland hooker Rory Best did not let the extra burden impact on his lineout work or carrying. A solid start by the new skipper.
1. Alasdair Dickinson
Alasdair Dickinson, the other Edinburgh prop in the Scotland front row, was equally impressive in the scrum up against Dan Cole, and he also carried well for the home side. His quality was underlined when he was taken off, and his replacement Gordon Reid struggled.
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