Team of the Week: Opening salvos
Although few predicted a draw, many agree that it is probably a fair result between the tournament's two best teams.
And their showing is reflected in the famous rugby365 Team of the Week.
Between them they have produced more than half of our starting XV, four each, with another seven in our back-up squad.
Scotland (three) and England (two) also have strong representation in our starting XV, while Italy and France (one each) make up the numbers.
Wales and England (five each) totally dominate our back-up squad, with Ireland, France (two each) and Scotland (one) making up the numbers.
Team of the Week – Round One:
15 – Stuart Hogg (Scotland):
It was a tough call, with Ireland's Simon Zebo matching Hogg almost step-for-step. However, Hogg had managed to make 20-odd metres more with ball in hand and also beat more defenders.
Bubbling under: Simon Zebo (Ireland)
14 – George North (Wales):
At times he seemed to beat defenders at will and certainly forced the Irish defence to scramble wildly.
Bubbling under: Anthony Watson (England)
13 – Michele Campagnaro (Italy):
The Azzurri always unearth a couple of real gems. Just a pity they don't have this quality across the entire squad. Not just did he make some great clean breaks, but his defence was solid enough – just a couple of slipped tackles.
Bubbling under: Jonathan Joseph (England)
12 – Jamie Roberts (Wales):
Definitely the most valuable player on defence. Making the most tackles of all players this weekend he played a massive role in keeping the Irish out in the second half.
Bubbling under: Jonathan Danty (France)
11 – Virimi Vakatawa (France):
Like most wings from the Pacific Islanders he is a constant threat with ball in hand. And his defence is not half bad either.
Bubbling under: Jack Nowell (England)
10 – Jonathan Sexton (Ireland):
He may appear to be injury prone, having left the field after another nasty knock, but remains one of the premier flyhalves in the world.
Bubbling under: Rhys Priestland (Wales)
9 – Conor Murray (Ireland):
His combination with Sexton is one of the key reasons for Ireland's successes in recent years and his game at the weekend suggest he is continuing to mature and developing into one of the best No.9s in the world.
Bubbling under: Lloyd Williams (Wales)
8 – Billy Vunipola (England):
We don't agree with Eddie Jones, who has suggested he is the best No.8 in the world, but he is certainly the best in the Six Nations.
Bubbling under: Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
7 – John Hardie (Scotland):
Showed all the qualities that made him one of the best blindside flanks in New Zealand. Now a great asset to the Scots.
Bubbling under: Damien Chouly (France)
6 – CJ Stander (Ireland):
No words needed. Simply the best at the weekend, and that on debut!
Bubbling under: Dan Lydiate (Wales)
5 – Alun Wyn Jones (Wales):
He has developed into the most complete lock on the world circuit and a stalwart for his team.
Bubbling under: George Kruis (England)
4 – Luke Charteris (Wales):
The perfect partner for Jones and the team's enforcer. A real monster on defence.
Bubbling under: Richie Gray (Scotland)
3 – San Cole (England):
The veteran is doing his basics well, even though his workrate can still improve.
Bubbling under: Samson Lee (Wales)
2 – Ross Ford (Scotland):
One of the most dependable players in a team that struggled to reach their heights of their World Cup campaign last year.
Bubbling under: Scott Baldwin (Wales)
1 – Jack McGrath (Ireland):
A real workhorse, both with ball in hand and on defence.
Bubbling under: Joe Marler (England)
Our individual selections:
Paul Dobson XV: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 George North, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Virimi Vakatawa, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Connor Murray, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Damien Chouly, 6 CJ Stander, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Jack McGrath.
Warren Fortune XV: 15 Simon Zebo, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 John Hardie, 6 CJ Stander, 5 George Kruis, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Joe Marler.
Jan de Koning XV: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 George North, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Connor Murray, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 John Hardie, 6 CJ Stander, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Jack McGrath.
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