RBS 6 Nations 2016: Best XV from Matchday 2

The second round of the 2016 RBS Six Nations saw a contrast in quality across all three games, with Ireland and France serving up a dour affair in Paris compared to the high-octane stuff on show in Cardiff.

Wales and Scotland went hammer and tongs at each other in a match that definitely provided value for money, and England eventually gave their fans something to cheer about in Rome after sparking into life in the second half to put Italy to the sword.

There were a number of stand-out displays from some of the big names in the tournament this week, so here's your first XV from Week 2.

Back Three

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15. Maxime Medard

There was very little by way of quality on offer in Paris, but Maxime Medard's try at least lit up a grey day in the French capital. The Toulouse man flew through a hole in the Irish rearguard like a whippet to score from a set scrum move.

14. George North

North looked like the 2013 version of himself at times against Scotland. The giant wing scored a brilliant try, picking a sumptuous line off his fly-half and snaking past the wrong-footed Scottish defenders.

11. Tommy Seymour

Didn't play left wing on Saturday but has to be the other wide man. Scored a fine try when he latched on to Finn Russell's chip and was a threat down the flank all night, taking anything that came his way out of the air.

Centres

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13. Jonathan Joseph

A hat-trick for the England centre that showed off his strength, raw pace and intelligence earns him a spot this week. This display might be what he needed to shake the ring rust off from an indifferent club season. Ireland beware.

12. Jamie Roberts

One of the best performances in his entire Welsh career. Scotland will have nightmares about Jamie Roberts. The Harlequins man seemed to be everywhere they tried to go with ball in hand, and poor Blair Cowan felt his presence more than most. He was never going to be stopped for his try, haring in to steam over at close range.

Half-Backs

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10. Dan Biggar

Rated as a major doubt all week for Wales' game against Scotland, Biggar somehow recovered from the injury that ended his involvement against Ireland early in the piece. For a man who wasn't supposed to be fit, he played well, underlining his status as the best chaser—and catcher—of his own chips in the business.

9. Danny Care

Gareth Davies deserves a mention for the raw pace that helped to another international try, but Care's introduction for England in Rome was the catalyst for a sharp upward curve in the team's performance. His grubber for Jonathan Joseph's second try was world class.

Back Row

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6. John Barclay

Barclay is validating Vern Cotter’s decision to bring him back. The Scarlets man, playing in the country where he earns his money, was impressive once again. He made plenty of ground with ball in hand and was a source of constant frustration to Wales at the breakdown.

7. CJ Stander

Ireland didn’t do an awful lot right on Saturday, but CJ Stander was at the forefront of their ball-carrying efforts. He played in the No. 6 jersey but assumed the responsibility of making metres after No. 7 Sean O’Brien’s early departure.

8. Taulupe Faletau

Consistent excellence will be carved into this man’s headstone one day. He always makes metres for his team, even from a standing start.

Second Row

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5. Alun-Wyn Jones

A huge shift in defence from the Ospreys leader, who made 13 tackles against Scotland.

4. George Kruis

Did his burgeoning reputation no harm at all in Rome with an equally impressive defensive shift. Thirteen tackles for the Saracens man, too.

Front Row

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1. Jack McGrath

You don’t pick a 24-stone prop without expecting him to bully his opposite number in the scrum. But then France and Uini Atonio probably weren’t counting on Jack McGrath, a mere slip at 18.5 stone, having his finest game in an Irish jersey. Cian Healy’s position as the first-choice loosehead for Ireland is no longer a done deal.

2. Guilhem Guirado

Ignoring the debatable hit on Dave Kearney, France’s new captain put in a good shift around the field. Not his best day in the scrum but very effective everywhere else.

3. Rabah Slimani

France were second best in the scrum until Guy Noves brought his replacements on. Slimani at tighthead did what Atonio couldn't and established dominance on his side of the engagement.