Chin up, it’s The42’s Six Nations Team of the Week

November 21, 2022 By BLOGDAELLI

ROUND ONE OF the 2019 Six Nations is in the books, no resets, no back-tracking and no reigning champ in the best XV of the weekend.

15. Liam Williams (Wales)

Was not mired in Wales’ poor overall performance in the first-half. Came agonisingly close to a try from his own excellent break, was brilliant in the air and a constant threat on the counter.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

14. George North (Wales)

Gifted his opening try, but deserves immense credit for his intercept before powering clear to seal a brilliant Welsh comeback in Paris. That city has a way of inspiring visiting teams to great things. 

13. Henry Slade (England)

Took the game and then a bonus point for his side when he scored crucial second half tries. His best international performance to date, delivering on all the potential brilliance he shows week-in week-out with Exeter.

Source: Guinness Six Nations/YouTube

12. Manu Tuilagi (England)

A sensational return to the Six Nations after five years away. Made us all remember the force he is capable of being with bone-shuddering carries into contact.

11. Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)

Hard to keep out a hat-trick scorer and Kinghorn is fast becoming one of the best finishers in Europe. 

Source: Guinness Six Nations/YouTube

10. Owen Farrell (England)

Ice cold off the kicking tee and full of fire when England were in defence, whether it was him or a man within ear-shot who was making the tackle. Expertly exposed Joe Schmidt’s decision to plunge Robbie Henshaw back to his old position at the very deep end.

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

9. Ben Youngs (England)

Excelled in all the areas Ireland hoped Conor Murray would dominate. Dictated the tempo and pulled the strings on England’s terrific kick-chase game.

1. Mako Vunipola (England)

Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

Perhaps the player of the round, constantly made ground carrying into Ireland to help England re-take the title as tournament bullies and denied the champions room to manoeuvre with a jaw-dropping 27 tackles to his name.