Six Nations 2018 Team of the tournament: Ireland dominate RUCK's selection
Rugby NewsSunday, 18 March 2018 at 15:34
The 2018 Natwest Six Nations is in the books. The national animosities can be put back in the cupboard until, well, next year. Here is RUCK's Team of the tournament.
15. Matteo Minozzi (Italy)
It can often be hard for players to impress in a struggling side but the pacey fullback lit up the Six Nations with his audacious attacking. Scoring three super tries, he just edges into our selection ahead of Rob Kearney and Stuart Hogg.
14. Teddy Thomas (France)
Despite only playing in two matches due to off-the-field incidents, Thomas scored three tries, two of which were exceptional.Keith Earls, Elliot Daly and Jonny May were also in the running for the shirt.
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
His sensational line-breaks for the Scots make him one of the most dangerous runners in the modern game, and his two tries against England will live long in the memory of Scotland supporters. Incredible pace off the mark and nose for a try.
12. Owen Farrell (England)
The only England player who consistently got going when the tough started. Almost single-handedly saw off the Welsh and attempted to revive the men in white when they were struggling in Edinburgh and Paris. A steely competitor.
11. Jacob Stockdale (Ireland)
Tall, very fast and powerful, the winger went onto break the Six Nations try-scoring record in phenomenal fashion. Quick feet for a big man, a poacher's instinct, safe hands and speed have well and truly put him on the path to greatness.
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Inspirational. Set Ireland's tone for the tournament with his last-gasp 45-metre drop goal for the win and Paris and never looked back from then on in. The fly-half steered Ireland to the title with a round to go, mixing his game between accurate passing and creative kicking. Goalkicking surprisingly his one weakness.
9. Maxime Machenaud (France)
The scrum-halves dead-eye goalkicking punished England and Italy and his athleticism and industry to lead the breakdown assault is very unique with him winning four turnovers during this year's competition. Conor Murray has also, as expected, been world-class every game.
1. Cian Healy (Ireland)
Has come back to Test rugby with a vengeance this year. Rated as the best loosehead in the world back in 2015, Healy is once again the vanguard of a powerful Irish pack. Despite his combative style, he also brings dynamism in the loose and never fails to make yardage.
2. Guilhem Guirado (France)
Has developed into not only an inspirational leader but one of the modern day greats. Led like a man possessed and is never less than outstanding for Les Bleus.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Unarguable. The genuine strongman with size and power to dominate any scrum. Very agile in the loose, Furlong is quickly, following the Lions tour, becoming one of the very best players in the world.
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
The captain skipper has shone brightly once again during this campaign. An efficient lineout operator, Jones continues to offer Wales strength and mobility from minute one to minute 80 - something England wish they could get from their skipper.
5. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
The Scottish lock's work rate has been phenomenal, culminating with him finishing the competition as the top tackler with over 100 hits.
6. John Barclay (Scotland)
The Scottish captain helped his side bounce back after a horrendous opening weekend result against Wales to lead the breakdown assault that was crucial to their wins against England and France.
7. Yacouba Camara (France)
He is a physical specimen and athlete who is beginning to make his presence felt. Just shades it from Dan Leavy and Josh Navidi.
8. CJ Stander (Ireland)
Not the biggest but an absolute workhorse. The number eight carries with ferocious physicality and generally provides a rallying point for the Irish when things look bleak. A shout out to France's new powerhouse Marco Tauleigne who took little time to look at home in Test rugby
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