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The second round of Six Nations action drew to a close today as England beat Italy 40-9 in Rome, joining France and Wales as this weekend’s winners.
Eddie Jones' men got off to a shaky start and went into half-time only leading 11-9, but came out looking a different side for the second half. Jonathan Joseph scored a quickfire hat-trick before Owen Farrell capped off a fine day at the office with a late try of his own.
Saturday’s action kicked off with France beating Ireland 10-9 in Paris, courtesy of a Maxime Medard try, before Wales played out an enthralling 27-23 win over Scotland at the Principality stadium.
So who stood out this weekend and made it into the team of the round?
Click on the gallery below to find out.
Show all 15 1 /15Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 15. Maxime Medard (France) The French fullback scored the only try in his side’s 10-9 win over Ireland and was a constant threat throughout. Medard’s try came at a crucial time in the game, with Ireland still very much in the match when it was scored. Furthermore the Frenchman was solid defensively and his kicking game kept Ireland pinned back.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 14. George North (Wales) He’s back. The winger made a total of 106 metres and scored what could become the try of the tournament – stepping past four tacklers on his way to the line. North has struggled for form at both club and country so far this season, but this was reminiscent of his performances during the 2013 Lions tour and he will hope for more of the same in the next round.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 13. Jonathan Joseph (England) England’s hat-trick hero. Joseph had a largely quiet first half in Rome, but took his chances with ruthless efficiency when they came in the second half. The centre has made the 13 jersey his own and neither Elliot Daly or Manu Tuilagi can offer the same combination of pace, power and footwork.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 12. Jamie Roberts (Wales) Always seems to be there when Wales need him most. Picked a superb line and ran with power when scoring his try and he also won the knock down that led to Gareth Davies sprinting clear for his score. Roberts was a brick wall in defence and on his day is still without doubt one of the best centres in Europe.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 11. Andrew Trimble (Ireland) Ireland’s game with France was not one for wingers and Trimble couldn’t get his hands on the ball often, but defensively – for the second week running – Trimble was brilliant. He stopped a certain try when Plisson broke the Irish line and tried to find Bonneval and was a safe pair of hands under the high ball.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 10. Dan Biggar (Wales) Since the world cup, Biggar has become a real leader for this Welsh side. His kicking was spot on yet again and he consistently shows that his aerial prowess when chasing his own kicks. The flyhalf played a role in both Davies’ and North’s try and has become a vital cog in Warren Gatland’s back line.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 9. Gareth Davies (Wales) The scrum half is just so dangerous when he’s got quick ball. He didn’t match the same heights last week in Dublin but was at his brilliant best this weekend. He scored a long range try, his sixth in his last seven tests, and played a vital role in organising his pack when they were camped on the Scottish line. Sometimes decides to run himself when there are better options, but called the shots perfectly yesterday.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 1. Rob Evans (Wales) Once again Evans held his own at scrum time and had WP Nel marching backwards on more than one occasion. Furthermore the prop was an effective ball carrier and made a nuisance of himself in defence.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 2. Scott Baldwin (Wales) There weren’t many hookers that stood out this weekend, but Baldwin was certainly the pick of the bunch. The hooker put in a grafting performance and was always offering himself to crash the ball up the field.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 3. Dan Cole (England) Dan Cole has become so consistent for England that his performances are almost swept under the rug if nothing spectacular occurs. The Leicester man had the upper hand at scrum time and was the last of England’s front three to be replaced against Italy.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 5. George Biagi (Italy) Despite being on the losing side, Biagi can return home pleased with his performance. The second row was everywhere, making 14 tackles, and judging by his effort didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 4. George Kruis (England) Kruis was England’s standout forward throughout the game against Italy. Yes, England’s lineout was faltering hugely in the first half but he can’t be held solely responsible. Two of Jonathan Joseph’s tries came as a direct result of Kruis’ defensive work and it’s good to see England having options at lock with both Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury experienced internationals.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 6. CJ Stander (Ireland) Stander continues to impress for Ireland with physical performances at blindside flanker. He continues to work ruthlessly in defence and has real pace for a man of such size and power.
Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 7. John Hardie (Scotland) Scotland’s openside is quickly turning into one of the premier flankers in Europe following another impressive display for Vern Cotter. Hardie was constantly making a mess at the breakdown, slowing down Welsh ball and forcing a few turnovers.
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Six Nations 2016: Round 2 team of the weekend 8. Sergio Parisse (Italy) Has such a great player ever had such a bad winning record? Parisse was everywhere once again, even popping up to chase a cross field kick at one point. The Italian captain is such an inspirational figure to his team mates and has all the attributes of a world class loose forward, but needs help from his colleagues if they are to ever record their first victory over England.
Who would be in your team of the weekend? Let us know in the comments section.
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