Are you ready for a Super Saturday? Well France’s failure to grab the try bonus point on Friday night combined with Ireland’s superb display at Twickenham has left Les Bleus with a narrow lead at the top of the table going into the final round.
But, in a thrilling weekend of drama, who stood out as our Six Stars of Round 4?
Ireland: Hugo Keenan
Another week, another Irish full-back on the list. Following Mike Lowry’s outstanding two-try debut, Leinster man Keenan needed to prove worthy of a return to the starting line-up.
His try was well-taken, but what Keenan brought was an attacking dynamic in broken play that increased the game’s tempo, contributing to England crumbling in the final ten minutes. His standout performance at Twickenham should be enough for him to secure his starting position against Scotland on Super Saturday.
Scotland: Darcy Graham
Already one of Scotland’s most impressive players this Six Nations, Graham showed off his fine attacking form in the Italian sunshine.
His work rate around the park to always appear as an option makes him well-deserving of a second week in our Six Stars selection, though Ali Price deserves a mention for his fine return to form on cap #50.
England: Ellis Genge
Losing a forward to a red card within 90 seconds of kick off usually spells disaster. However, it was England’s scrum that kept the home side in contention for so long against Ireland.
As the English pack pushed their way to six scrum penalties over the 80 minutes, Genge was at the heart of everything. Although technically not everything was perfect, his actions did enough to warrant reward from the referee.
Wales: Taulupe Faletau
Faletau’s speedy return to international rugby from injury led many to question whether he was being rushed back. How wrong we were.
In all aspects of the game, Faletau was the glue that held the Wales team together; ultimately putting them within a dropped pass of beating the seemingly invincible French. What a difference this man makes to the national team.
France: Julian Marchand
80 minutes of rugby. That’s all that stands between France and a first Championship since 2010. In the pack, Marchand put in a colossal effort to ensure his side stayed in control on Friday night in Cardiff.
After England’s impressive scrum performance at the weekend, the battle of the packs will be one of the key matchups on Super Saturday in Paris.
Italy: Ange Capuozzo
Two weeks ago he watched Mike Lowry bag a brace of tries on debut against his side. On Saturday, the 22 year old got his own opportunity to create a debut to remember.
While his double may not have been enough to get Italy within bonus point territory, the young full back announced himself onto the international stage in spectacular style. He’ll hope for more opportunities building towards Rugby World Cup 2023.
Three rounds of rugby left and everything is to play for! But will France hold off England for a historic title win or will Ireland slip under the radar for a Super Saturday upset? We’ll find out very soon.
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