Six Nations: Team of the Week
Round 4 of the 2024 6 Nations proved to be the most thrilling since the start of the competition, with some upsets and generally speaking, 3 sumptuous fixtures where all teams stood up and were counted. Bet Central brings together an XV of the best performers and it was tough.
15: George Furbank (England)
George Furbank had a tough game in their loss to Scotland, but it went completely the opposite way against Ireland as he proved solid under the high ball and was an immense contributor on attack. He also showed good tactical awareness all around.
Ange Capuozzo was in fine form as Italy beat Scotland in a thriller, he was unlucky, but Furbank grafted hard in a superb win for England.
Honourable mention: Ange Capuozzo (Italy)
14: Damian Penaud (France)
A very tough selection to make as there were 2 clear standouts on the right wing this week. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was outstanding on the wing for England.
But this time we have to go with Damian Penaud who after a few quiet weeks was back to his best this week, he is so slippery and has such great awareness. Not on the try scorers list this time, but he had a hand in 2 for France.
Honourable mention: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
13: Juan Ignacio Brex (Italy)
Juan Ignacio Brex was massive for Italy in their win. He brought so much calm to the midfield with his leadership and intelligent defensive plays. He was nimble on attack as well and was a big contender for player of the week.
Gael Fickou was just as influential, but as France’s captain of the defence, he lost a few points for the French’s defensive frailties.
Honourable mention: Gael Fickou (France)
12: Ollie Lawrence (England)
Another English who had a torrid time against Scotland, but absolutely brought it this time around. Ollie Lawrence scored the 1st try for England and his game took on an upward trajectory since that moment. Big, physical, and quick in midfield throughout, also getting the better of a tough Bundee Aki is no easy feat.
Aki himself was Ireland’s best player despite the loss but for his role in Italy’s win Tommaso Menoncello bubbles under Lawrence.
Honourable mention: Tommaso Menoncello (Italy)
11: Rio Dyer (Wales)
One of the Welsh players who exposed the French defensive frailties on a number of occasions is left-winger Rio Dyer who was a standout for Wales. His pace and movement are so hard to deal with and France had their work cut out for them on Sunday.
Tommy Freeman is a superb player for England and even if a shift to the left wing didn’t change that.
Honourable mention: Tommy Freeman (England)
10: Paolo Garbisi (Italy)
Simply superb at 10, Paolo Garbisi had a game to remember after the last-minute disappointment against France 2 weeks ago. He controlled proceedings beautifully and his kicking was sublime. A huge part of Italy’s win over Scotland, outplayed Finn Russell which is not a walk in the park.
Coincidentally none of the flyhalves in the other 2 games ever really took control. Thomas Ramos had a few neat moments, but Russell was still the best of the rest.
Honourable mention: Finn Russell (Scotland)
9: Nolann le Garrec (France)
Over the past few weeks as Maxime Lucu has struggled to assert himself in the game, it has been clear when Nolann le Garrec came on that the Racing 92 scrumhalf could have something to offer as a starter and he got that opportunity against Wales. He did not disappoint and ended up winning Player of the Match after making some good tactical plays and showing he has vision as well. Should be France’s starting scrumhalf for the foreseeable future.
Alex Mitchell was outstanding for England as his tactical acumen made things difficult for Ireland. Jamison Gibson-Park can also be proud of his performance.
Honourable mention: Alex Mitchell (England)
8: Ben Earl (England) – Player Of The Week
England’s big win over Ireland was a huge team effort, but undoubtedly the biggest part of that effort belonged to Ben Earl who was simply a menace in every aspect. A willing and brutally effective ball carrier at times, and an uncompromising defender at other times – the Saracens man was destructive on both sides of the ball. A worthy Player of the Week.
Ross Vincent has his finest outing in an Italian jersey, it’s just unfortunate for him it came during a week where Earl was unstoppable.
Honourable mention: Ross Vintcent (Italy)
7: Michele Lamaro (Italy)
Michele Lamaro is undoubtedly a leader of men, it’s evident in the way his team follows him on the field of play. But beyond being an excellent captain, he is a superb player, and it was all there to see against Scotland, a menace at the breakdown throughout. He is such a good carrier for an openside flanker.
Despite both being on the losing side, Josh van der Flier and Tommy Reffell were very good for the respective sides.
Honourable mention: Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
6: Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
Despite being entrusted with captaincy at such a young age, Dafydd Jenkins seems to be thriving under the pressure. This week he was thrown on the flank instead in an effort to beef up the pack to counter the monster French pack. He was outstanding, his defensive shift where he made a whopping 26 tackles stood out.
Francois Cros and Sebastian Negri hardly ever have bad games, but it was another lock-cum-flank who impressed behind Jenkins – Ollie Chessum gets an honourable mention.
Honourable mention: Ollie Chessum (England)
5: George Martin (England)
Many expected that he may be the one to play the Courtney Lawes role on the flank, but instead, George Martin was put in to bolster the pack in the 2nd row and he put his 120kg frame to good use with a physical showing against one of the most physical packs in world rugby. He was an all-around contributor with a huge work rate throughout.
Emmanuel Meafou made his long-awaited French debut and did not disappoint. He was a huge physical presence as well and Wales struggled to deal with him. France’s 2nd-row depth is growing.
Honourable mention: Emmanuel Meafou (France)
4: Thibaud Flament (France)
The return of the man who was arguably the find of the 2023 6 Nations. Thibaud Flament had a terrific game in which he was busy and used his mobility to good effect. He is such a troublesome player in the trenches and makes so many good interventions for his team. The lineout also operated much better with him in tandem with Julien Marchand.
Maro Itoje stood up as a leader and player in their win against Ireland. He gets the nod behind Flament.
Honourable mention: Maro Itoje (England)
3: Uini Atonio (France)
Not a lot has gone right for Fabien Galthie of late, but the one thing that was a masterstroke was him talking Uini Atonio (and Romain Taofifenua) out of international retirement because he still has so much to offer. There is a plethora of talented young tighthead props waiting in the wing in France, but they need to bide their time as Atonio still adds massive value to the French cause.
We’re tempted to include rookie prop Georges Henri-Colombe who made such a huge impact after coming on for Antonio on his debut, but we’ll be the backup spot to Dan Cole who is another player not playing like he’s on the wrong side of 30.
Honourable mention: Dan Cole (England)
2: Jamie George (England)
His best performance in an England jersey in a long time, captain Jamie George fought hard against Ireland. He carried with vigour and showed his stripes in the set piece. It was a pleasing performance from the veteran hooker, and he will hope to build on that.
Marchand’s return meant the set-piece was a lot more stable, he is also a menace at the breakdown. It was a good return to the starting lineup.
Honourable mention: Julien Marchand
1: Ellis Genge
The man nicknamed the Baby Rhino carried outstandingly well against Ireland. He was an effective scrummager against the challenge of Tadhg Furlong. His ball skills also helped in tough situations. It was a good performance from a player who needed it.
Cyril Baille loses out on account of him facing off against a less accomplished scrummaging opposition in Wales tighthead prop Keiron Assiratti.
Honourable mention: Cyril Baille (France)
