Six Nations team of the week: Usual suspects included

13.03.2023 - 17:01 rte.ie

Ireland's Grand Slam dream lives on with England aiming to become the party-poopers on Saturday. Andy Farrell's side recorded a 22-7 win in Edinburgh killing off the Scots' title hopes.France, who beat England by a record 53-10 scoreline in London, are the only team who can nick the title off Ireland but they'll need Steve Borthwick's side to win in Dublin.Wales got their first win of the competition, beating Italy 29-17 in Rome.

Here's our Guinness Six Nations team of the week. 15 Hugo Keenan Made a try-saving tackle on Duhan van der Merwe when Scotland were on the front foot.

As usual, he was dependable on the back line and mixed up his kicking and counter running well. Incredible pass set up Mack Hansen's try. 14 Mack Hansen Got a 10 in the RTÉ Sport ratings and was the clear player of the match.

Took his try incredibly well, keeping control of the ball under severe pressure. Was hungry for work all day and his Garryowen and collect set up James Lowe’s try.

Six Nations Sport Rugby James Lowe Andy Farrell Steve Borthwick France Italy Scotland London Ireland Rome Dublin

France captain Antoine Dupont has been named the Six Nations player of the championship for the third time in four years. Dupont becomes just the second player to win the award three times (2020, 2022 and 2023) after former Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll (2006, 2007 and 2009), with the scrum-half winning 26 per cent of the fan vote on the Six Nations website. Ad The 26-year-old beat team-mates Thomas Ramos and Damian Penaud to the prize as well as Ireland Grand Slam winners Caelan Doris, Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen.

Antoine Dupont named Six Nations Player of the Championship

Antoine Dupont has been named Six Nations Player of the Championship for the third time in four years.

Six Nations verdict: dominant Ireland and super Dupont take the plaudits

France may not have won the title but, once again, they possessed the best player in the tournament. Antoine Dupont was so good against England it was almost laughable: sharp, clever, strong, able to kick off both feet … if he looked slightly weary at the start of the championship, he was back to his best by the end of it. Damian Penaud, Jonathan Danty, Hugo Keenan and Caelan Doris also deserve honourable mentions.

Grand Slam a fitting Six Nations finale for Ireland's 'greatest' Sexton, says Farrell

Head coach Andy Farrell said it was "unbelievably fitting" that "the greatest player to play for Ireland", Johnny Sexton, ended his Six Nations career by captaining the Irish to the Grand Slam.

Six Nations 2023 team-by-team review: Ireland dominate as Wales hit low ebb

A James Ryan knock-on away from the perfect tournament. Five wins, each by a margin of 10 points or more, demonstrates just how dominant Andy Farrell’s side have been. Immediately after victory over England cemented their fourth ever grand slam – and first to be won at home – they were looking towards the World Cup with confidence, embracing the expectation that has traditionally laid heavy. This is not a criticism but there is something brutally mechanical about Ireland. A system working with maximum efficiency, no wastage, with everything and everyone in unison. There is strength in depth too – burnished on the five-game tour of New Zealand last summer – and though their route is daunting they have every right to head to the World Cup final as favourites. But, while it is a truism, they will need a slice of luck with Johnny Sexton’s fitness if they are to become only the second side from the northern hemisphere to be crowned world champions.

Andy Farrell hails captain Johnny Sexton as Ireland's best ever after Six Nations triumph

Andy Farrell declared Johnny Sexton as the best to ever play for Ireland as they capped off a dominant Six Nations campaign with a Grand Slam title.