6 Nations: Best Players So Far

-By Ed Wade

It has been a great six nations tournament so far with the European teams showing gritty determination and strength. We have had flashes of brilliance and skill as well, with George North scoring a wonderful try against Scotland. But which players have performed best for their countries so far?

England: Jonathan Joseph

Jonathan Joseph has arguably been the standout player for England. The bath man was fantastic against Italy scoring a hat-trick, proving that he is now back to his best form. The world cup was an unfortunate time for Joseph who injured his chest during the tournament and perhaps didn’t get into top gear. But Joseph has been strong so far in the tournament both defensively and offensively, and he is also odds on to repeat the feat of finishing as the leading try scorer. Fly-half George Ford has also been lavishing the praise on Joseph calling him a world class player. ‘I think he world class and is eager to learn and get better every day.’ George Kruis has had a great tournament, but Joseph consistently creates so much more for this England side.

Ireland: CJ Stander

It has been a difficult tournament for the Irish as they haven’t hit top gear and have a squad which is plagued with injuries. Because of this it is difficult to pick out a top player so far, it would be easy to say Jonathan Sexton has been their most vital player because of his 20 points, but CJ Stander has provided more attack and verve overall. Destructive when running with the ball, Stander leads the way with carries in the tournament at 42 and managed an incredible 23 in the first game against Wales. Considering he is the new boy in the Ireland squad he has made a massive impact, his importance has now grown further due to the injuries in the team.

Wales: Taulupe Faletau

There are two standout players for Wales, as George North and Talupe Faletau have been fantastic for Warren Gatland’s side. North is perhaps finding his best form topping the charts for metres made and defenders beaten, whilst Faletau has put in the most successful tackles of the tournament so far with 33 over two games. After perhaps a understated campaign a season ago, Faletau has returned with a vengeance, increasing his workrate dramatically. With Dave Denton, Billy Vunipola, Jamie Heaslip, and Faletau all playing better than ever, No.8 will be a tight call when the time comes for a Lions side to be selected.

Scotland: Tommy Seymour

A hard pick considering that Scotland have hardly got going at all in the tournament. The scots are on a nine match losing streak despite the success they had in the 2015 world cup reaching the quarter finals. Tommy Seymour was the best player against Wales and took his try really well. He was superb under the high balls which were a huge part of the Welsh game plan. John Hardie is the other contender as their best player so far, he has been a shining light in the squad. Hardie is quickly turning himself into a candidate as the top openside in the northern hemisphere. He has given the Scottish backs so much go forward and has been solid defensively. But Seymour has brought the most attacking intent for Scotland, which is why he is their most valuable player.

France: Virimi Vakatawa

France have edged it so far in both their games against Italy and Ireland. I think they are still finding their groove and there is more to come from then. It is hard to say who has been their best player so far, but due to attacking prowess you would have to go for either Virmi Vakatawa or Maxime Medard. Both have one try between them, but Vakatawa has more carries, clean breaks and has beaten eight defenders. Whereas Medard takes the lead with more offloads, meters made and has beaten one more man than Vakatawa. I still feel as though sevens player Vakatawa is finding his feet, he hasn’t played 15-man rugby in three years so he has well and truly been thrown in at the deep end.

Italy: Sergio Parisse

Rooted to the bottom of the table, it’s safe to say they haven’t had the best tournament so far. It makes picking out their best player difficult, their squad just simply lacks talent. Sergio Parisse and Carlo Canna are the only two Italians to have scored a try. But in the dark, captain Parisse has been a shining light and their best player. He has made the most carries, most metres and won the most lineouts out of the Italians. He was defiant despite losing against France and the ugly loss against England, he will continue to be the driving force and motivation in the squad.