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.
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