6 Nations Team of the Tournament

As the dust settles on the 2016 RBS 6 Nations, the time for reflection has come. There were standout performances across the board, but after much debate we believe we have settled on the best XV possible. And boy, what a team it is!

1. Jack McGrath:

The 26 year old Leinster and Ireland loosehead has grown immensely over the last 12 months, firmly establishing himself as the favorite over Cian Healy. McGrath has a phenomenal work rate, and his ball carrying has improved dramatically since he made his debut in 2013. While Leinster have some real talent coming through at loosehead, expect McGrath to be around for a very long time.
Honorable Mention: Rob Evans

2. Guilhem Guirado:
Guirado may have choked in France’s match against England, seemingly losing the ability to throw a lineout, but in every other match of the campaign he was superb, often the only bright spot in a mediocre French side. His immense physicality always left a big marker on every match, while his nous and good hands in open play allowed France to play a much more open game.
Hon. Mention: Dylan Hartley

3. WP Nel:

Nel has transformed this Scottish front row, which has allowed Vern Cotter’s side to play the expansive style they have wanted to. The South African born prop is something of a bowling ball when in attack, and he offers plenty of carrying ability on top of his talents in the set piece. Scotland are a totally different animal with Nel in the game, and with Zander Fagerson rising through the ranks, this is becoming a position of strength for the Scots.
Hon. Mention: Samson Lee

4. Maro Itoje:

Much of the world has been waiting since last year to see Itoje make his first appearance, and the former U20’s captain did not disappoint. From the moment he took the field there was a definite sense that he was ready, a clear confidence that saw him take no backward steps and produce excellent performances every time he stepped on the pitch. We hate to burden a young player with expectation, but this young man has certainly earned it
Hon. Mention: Jonny Gray

5. George Kruis:

Kruis made his first cap against New Zealand, and this trial by fire seems to have given the Saracens lock a great mindset for international rugby. Eddie Jones was willing to give him a chance, and Kruis took it with two hands, playing with great confidence and poise. Kruis was superb at lineout time, and then made tackle after tackle in defence, allowing players like Itoje and Billy Vunipola to make big plays in open field.
Hon. Mention: Richie Gray

6. CJ Stander:

Stander has taken no time to endear himself to Ireland fans. He learned Amhran Na Bhfiann, (not easy for someone who doesn’t speak Irish) and was in tears in the pregame huddle before the Scotland game, showing just how much the opportunity Ireland have given him means. Stander made more carries than any other player in the tournament, and got better every single week.
Hon. Mention: John Barclay

7. Chris Robshaw:

The former England captain seemed to take being dropped pretty well. He continued to tackle like a machine, but seemed to thrive without the level of expectation that had seemed to burden him in the past. His work rate was much better, and it was his ability to clean ruck after ruck that helped England win the Grand Slam. Every player knows that clearout speed is the key to quick ball, and Robshaw always seemed to tip the balance in England’s favor in that regard.
Hon. Mention: John Hardie

8. Billy Vunipola:

In a year where Jamie Heaslip and Taulupe Faletau both had career tournaments, it says a lot that Vunipola was head and shoulders above the rest. He finished up with 336 meters with ball in hand, but what was really impressive as those meters came in the toughest games. Vunipola was at his best against Ireland, Wales, and France, when his side needed him most, and that shows real maturity and mental toughness from a 23 year old man.
Hon. Mention: Taulupe Faletau

9. Conor Murray:

Murray seemed to take on more of a leadership role this season for Ireland, and the result was a clear lift in his play. He seemed to have improved his decision making, and consistently provided good service for Jonathan Sexton and his forward pack. In the past, Murray seemed to lose focus during games, but there was none of that this season. Murray was also able to score 3 tries, an impressive tally for a scrumhalf.
Hon. Mention: Gareth Davies

10. Dan Biggar:

Biggar’s importance to Wales cannot be underestimated, and he looked to have expanded his game this season. With Biggar playing flatter and looking to attack the line more, Wales became a much more dangerous side. Biggar’s pinpoint kicking and defensive brilliance did not change however, and he poses a major threat to Owen Farrell or Jonny Sexton’s Lions jersey.
Hon. Mention: Jonathan Sexton

11. George North:

No argument on this one, North was the most consistently dangerous winger in the tournament this season. North had the most clean breaks (10), the most defenders beaten (26), the most meters gained (468), and the most tries (4). Those stats reflect a campaign in which North seemed simply untouchable. The prospect of North back on the wing for the Lions has us counting the days until 2017.
Hon. Mention: Jack Nowell

12. Owen Farrell:

George Ford did not have his best season at 10 for England, but Owen Farrell always seemed to be there to bail him out. As with Saracens, Farrell has looked like a different player in 2016, appearing far more creative and more willing to attack the line. Farrell’s distribution helped England put their playmakers into space, but it must be said that he also provided great solidity in defence. He stood up to the physical test of Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Roberts, but also to the guile of Maxime Mermoz. Farrell may not be a 12 by nature, but he has settled there quite nicely.
Hon. Mention: Jamie Roberts

13. Michele Campagnaro:

With an injury list as long as the Bible, it was always going to be a difficult tournament for Italy, but the one back they would have expected to step up did exactly that. Perhaps the best example came against Scotland, when Campagnaro made 46 meters on 10 carries, while beating 7 defenders. Beating 7 defenders in one match is impressive regardless of the opposition, and when you consider the youth in the Italian side, Campagnaro’s performances become all the more impressive.
Hon. Mention: Duncan Taylor

14. Anthony Watson:

Watson was England’s best attacking player at the World Cup, and he again appeared to be their most dangerous weapon in the 6 Nations. His athleticism makes him hard to defend, but he also has the determination to go up for high balls and chase kicks relentlessly. There are few better than Watson when given the ball in space, and Watson showed that with some excellent finishes as England marched to their grand slam.
Hon. Mention: Virimi Vakatawa

15. Stuart Hogg:

Scotland showed some real signs of improvement, amidst a fairly disappointing campaign. What will not have disappointed however, is the attacking play of their 23 year old fullback, Stuart Hogg. Hogg showed the talent that saw him selected for a Lions tour as a 20 year old time and time again this season, with brilliant finishes against France and Ireland. He also had one of the most memorable assists of the tournament, with his brilliant flick to put Tim Visser away against France.
Hon. Mention: Mike Brown

HHere is the RBP 6 Nations Team of the Tournament!