A thrilling Six Nations is at an end with Ireland champions again after a tense final weekend win over Scotland.
Andy Farrell’s side may not have secured back-to-back grand slams but were, again, too good for the rest, setting the tone with an opening night victory over France and retaining their crown.
Their hopes of another clean sweep were derailed by England, who took great strides in this tournament, while France will also be pleased with their progress in the final two rounds after a rough start to the championship.
But perhaps the side happiest with their campaign will be Italy, securing two wins and a draw to comfortably avoid the wooden spoon, condemning Wales to a bottom-placed finish with victory in Cardiff on Super Saturday.
Loosehead prop: Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
The sole Scot in our selection, Schoeman is rock solid in just about every facet. He may lack the sheer dynamism of some other looseheads but he is a really good frontline carrier with the ability to shift at the line, while his jackal work is sometimes overlooked.
Hooker: Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
It seems impossible to stop Sheehan from impacting on a contest. His ability to scorch even backs in wide channels catches the eye but he has the nuts and bolts needed of a topclass hooker, too.
Tighthead prop: Uini Atonio (France)
And to think that Atonio had hoped to retire ahead of this campaign. Persuaded back by Fabien Galthie, the hulking prop was better than ever, providing plenty of punch as a carrier alongside his destructive set piece work.
This story is from the March 20, 2024 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the March 20, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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