Six Nations Team of the Week: Round three

OPINION: After Wales’ win over England, it’s no surprise their players lead the way in @rugby365com’s famous weekly selection.

Saturday’s result ensured that Warren Gatland’s men maintain their bid for a Grand Slam and also claim six spots in our starting XV.

France are second best with four players.

In the backline, we have Liam Williams at fullback with George North and Jacob Stockdale on the wings. Taking the midfield spots are Gael Fickou and Jonathan Davies.

Gareth Anscombe is this week’s prefered flyhalf with Tito Tebaldi taking the No.9 spot.

In the pack, Louis Picamoles at No.8 with Justin Tuperic and Peter O’Mahony at No.7 and No.6 respectively.

In the front row, we have Ben Moon, Guilhem Guirado and Demba Bamba, while Alun Wyn Jones and Courtney Lawes take up the second-row spots.

https://youtu.be/R9OpSC2z03s

Team of the Week Round Three:

15 – Liam Williams (Wales)

The fullback produced a sensational performance against England. His impressive aerial skills nullified England’s kicking game. He was vital on attack – getting 52 running metres and beating four defenders.
Bubbling under: Thomas Ramos (France)

14 – George North (Wales)
North caused massive problems for England’s back three. He was constantly seeking work making 49 metre and played a crucial role in Cory Hill’s crucial try.
Bubbling under: Keith Earls (Ireland)

13 – Jonathan Davies (Wales)
The centre was a vital link on attack, however, it was his defensive display that really made an impact – making seven tackles and not missing one.
Bubbling under: Mathieu Bastareaud (France)

12 Gael Fickou (France)
The centre had a very busy shift against Scotland. He made 54 metres, racking up 15 carries and six defenders beaten. Defensively he was just as impressive, making 15 tackles during his team’s win.
Bubbling under: Hadleigh Parkes (Wales)

11 Jacob Stockdale (Ireland)
One of the best players for Ireland on the day, the wing put in a solid performance against Italy. Despite a little defensive concerns, his attack (151 metres, 10 carries, nine defenders beaten) was clinical enough to finish off an opportunistic try.
Bubbling under: Sean Maitland (Scotland)

10 – Gareth Anscombe (Wales)
His kicking from the tee kept Wales’ fightback alive and certainly handed Dan Biggar a perfect platform to build on.
Bubbling under: Romain Ntamack (France)

9 – Tito Tebaldi (Italy)
Going up against Conor Murray, one of the best scrumhalves in the World, the Italian No.9 produced a sensational performance. He made a few breaks and his kicking games certainly impressed.
Bubbling under: Antoine Dupont (France)

8 – Louis Picamoles (France)
Earning his spot in the team of the week with yet another solid performance. He made nine carries and was a monster in defence before leaving the field in the 70th minute. The hard-working loose forward certainly set the tone for France’s winning-display.
Bubbling under: Ross Moriarty (Wales)

7 – Justin Tipuric (Wales)
The flank played a key role to halt the England attack and was a nuisance at the breakdowns. He made one silly no-arms tackle but an overall impressive performance from the Ospreys loose-forward.
Bubbling under: Tom Curry (England)

6 Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
He played a vital role in the line-outs, poaching one or two steals. And like always his superb breakdown work disrupted the Italian team. He made 11 tackles and five carries.
Bubbling under: Josh Navidi (Wales)

5 Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales)
Always very reliable, he stepped up at crucial moments and lead his team to a historic win over England. His presence certainly helped alleviate Wales’ line-out concerns. The lock tops the Wales tackling charts with 16 tackles against England.
Bubbling under: Félix Lambey (France)

4 Courtney Lawes (England)
A very physical performance from England lock. He made massive hits and racked up 16 tackles.
Bubbling under: Cory Hill (Wales)

3 – Demba Bamba (France)
The 20-year-old really impressed with powerful scrummaging against Scotland. Nonetheless, it was his display with ball in hand that proved to be France’s lethal weapon.
Bubbling under: Tadg Furlong (Ireland)

2 – Guilhem Guirado (France)
The captain produced a sensational performance, as per usual, he made big tackles and his set-piece work was excellent. Also instrumental on defence with 16 tackles.
Bubbling under: Jamie George (England)

1 – Ben Moon (England)
The prop produced a solid performance in the absence of Mako Vunipola. Carried the ball well and his tackle rate was well into double figures.
Bubbling under: Rob Evans (Wales)

Our individual selections:

Paul Dobson XV: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Sam Johnson, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Félix Lambey, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Tadg Furlong, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ben Moon.

Jan de Koning XV: 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 Demba Bamba, 2 Guillhem Guirado, 1 Ben Moon.

Leezil Hendricks XV: 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont , 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Josh Navidi, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Cory Hill, 3 Demba Bamba, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Rob Evans

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