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.

Ireland 32-19 France. Not just the game of this championship but the best, quality-wise, in many years. The only shame was that it was not a final-weekend title decider. Will there be a compelling sequel at the World Cup this year?

Plenty to choose from, not least Penaud’s final try in the Twickenham rout against England and James Lowe’s flying finish (allegedly) in the corner against France. The try that set the tournament alight, though, was Scotland’s winning score in the 74th minute against England. Duhan van der Merwe had already scored an individual beauty, assisted by some mediocre tackling, but his second, with England leading 23-22, showcased Scotland’s improved all-round attacking game.

Thibaud Flament (France). It is a cliche these days to mention that, not long ago, he was playing in the lower XVs at Loughborough University. The former Wasps forward is increasingly a poster boy for late developers everywhere.

1) Shortly before half-time in Dublin last month Ireland were leading France 19-16. After a kick ahead by Keenan, Mack Hansen picked up the ball a couple of metres out and looked certain to score until Dupont grabbed the winger just above the waist and somehow had the strength to stop him in his tracks. It was like watching Asterix, suitably fortified by the magic potion supplied by Getafix,