Six Nations awards 2022: France dominate top honours, Italy’s brilliance remembered and England disappoint

The French team was stacked full of ridiculous talent this tournament, but no player was better than Alldritt. The number eight carried the French attack on his back all tournament with a whopping 65 touches of the ball (for reference the next highest carrier was Stuart Hogg with 56). His reliability as a thumping carrier provided a brilliant platform from which the French backs could work from, allowing Antoine Dupont the time and space to execute. Along with fellow French back-rowers Francois Cros and Anthony Jelonch, Alldritt was also one of the best tacklers in the tournament whilst offering six turnovers won as well – tied for first overall.

It’s a real shame that this game happened so early in the tournament as going into the Six Nations it was clear that these would be the two teams contending for silverware. Although the contest occurred somewhat prematurely, we were still treated to a fantastic fixture by both sides. The result was a 30-24 win to France that ultimately decided the tournament. Les Bleus struck early with Dupont going over after just 67 seconds with Melvyn Jaminet adding more to the scoreboard from his boot to give the hosts a 12-point lead going into the break. Another penalty was added for France just after the half to stretch, but Ireland struck back with tries from Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park. This wasn’t enough for Ireland, however, who couldn’t withstand the relentless French side. It was an outstanding contest and, in terms of overall quality, was the best match of the Six Nations.

When all seemed lost for Italy on the final play of the game, a tenacious run from Ange Capuozzo set up Edoardo Padovani for a walk-in try to bring the visitors a successful conversion away from