Six Nations team of the weekend: Just one Irishman makes the cut

Five players from England make it, five from Italy, four from France, one from Ireland and nobody from Scotland or Wales

Upsets in Rome and at Twickenham mean some new faces this week after two excellent wins for Italy and England. See who made our selection below.
Not perfect but he transforms how this England side can play with his running, and that’s now two tries in as many games. Finally getting a longer run in the side and the potential is intriguing. Thomas Ramos went well for France and Blair Kinghorn at times looked sharp.
Would England make the most out of his attacking abilities on his first start? Well, yes. His vital run at the death outside Bundee Aki put England in position to win the game. Louis Lynagh took his debut try for Italy very well in Rome and there were glimpses of Damian Penaud at his best in Cardiff.
Doesn’t immediately look like a 13 with a subtle kicking game but Brex is great in that area and has been crucial for Italy, taking his try well in the first half and adding a dozen tackles.
More like it from Ollie Lawrence at Twickenham but in Menoncello, Italy have some player. Brutal ball-carrier, while also making a superb tackle on Van der Merwe. Should have been player of the match.
A down day for Ireland where their attack just couldn’t get going, but Lowe still grabbed two tries in the corner, including one impressive diving finish. Tommy Freeman mentioned purely for that brutal run into Calvin Nash.
Lots of competition. Had his goalkicking been better this might have been George Ford, while Finn Russell was excellent even in defeat (and Marcus Smith took the drop goal well). But this Italy team’s fortunes will always hinge on how well Garbisi plays, and bar one missed conversion he was exciting against Scotland. Brilliant grubber to create Lynagh’s try.
Italy are right back in this one! 💥A lovely kick from Garbisi sees Louis Lynagh touch down on his test debut!#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N | @Harlequins | @Federugby | @premrugby | @LynaghLouis pic.twitter.com/KgLYDXbN1n
A sharp return for Alex Mitchell, with England’s increased attacking intent suiting his game. But Nolann Le Garrec was superb on his first start, flinging one outrageous pass out the back and scoring a first Test try. Must continue next week.
Wales’ scrum has been a problem all championship and Baille feasted on the set-piece as France eventually pulled clear in Cardiff. Danilo Fischetti and Mirco Spagnolo did their bit in that area for Italy as well.
Two appearances in a row now in this selection for the Azzurri hooker, who always makes good ground with his carries and is a dominant tackler. Jamie George had a great day with ball in hand too. You could feel his pride at England’s win.
See above with Baille – if your scrummaging technique is even slightly suspect then there cannot be a worse tighthead to have to contain than Atonio, particularly given the weight in that France pack. Simone Ferrari was also strong for Italy.
What a debut, delivering on the hype. The subtle pass in the lead-up to Gael Fickou’s try was fantastic and you would have better luck trying to tackle most statues. Maro Itoje was very good for England.
Monster game from a player who will disrupt every ruck you present to him, which was a huge reason why Ireland could not create their usual attacking momentum. Not to mention the damage to the Irish lineout either. Fourteen tackles, the most by an England player (tied with Lawrence). Federico Ruzza was imposing.
There was one carry in the second half in Rome which was astonishing, breaking clear and weaving into space with real speed. On his second start. No Italian player made more ground, plus he beat three defenders and made 18 (!) tackles. What a find. Ollie Chessum a contender too along with Scotland’s Andy Christie (in his good moments).
Very little separating Underhill and Italy’s captain Michele Lamaro, who finished with 26 tackles and like George looked as though he might explode with pride. But this renaissance from Underhill has been hugely enjoyable and he was at his disruptive best against Ireland.
Some picks are straightforward. Perhaps the best performance of his career. Would not be contained, powering over a try, beating eight defenders and making just shy of a ton of metres with ball in hand, plus a dozen tackles. Wanted to prove people wrong and, well, did just that.