Round two in the Six Nations saw Ireland head to the top of the table with a very comfortable win over Italy.
England further enhanced their title-winning credentials with a hard-fought victory over Wales, while Scotland got over their Cardiff humiliation with a win over struggling France.
But who were the standout players of the weekend?
Mike Brown
Gareth Anscombe
Forget try-gate. Anscombe had a reasonable time at full-back, but when switched to fly-half really shone. Constantly looking to attack the English defensive line, he added an injection of pace that Rhys Patchell had struggled to introduce. Was at the heart of everything good about Wales late on.
Owen Farrell
Once again the man pulling the strings for England. Great vision to release Jonny May for that all-important first score, while his partnership with George Ford continues to flourish. Was his usual combative self in defence, and other than an early wobble was more consistent than last week with the boot.
Keith Earls
Didn’t miss a beat all game. Always a threat out wide when going forward, Earls got himself on the scoresheet in the Dublin rout, but it was in defence that he really stood out. A small man, he punches way above his weight in the tackle, and his last-minute chase-down of Mattia Bellini was nothing short of sensational.
Joe Launchbury
Some will remind you that Warren Gatland left Launchbury out of the Lions squad. Those words generally come on the back of performances like this one. An all-round powerhouse of a game with close to 20 tackles, great carrying ability and an offload for Jonny May’s second try that was simply sumptuous.
Greig Laidlaw
A misjudged bounce aside, Laidlaw was exactly what Scotland needed after last week’s defeat against Wales. Calm and consistent, his delivery from scrum-half was always precise, and a metronomic boot that always kept the scoreboard ticking over. Even filled in at 10 late on for a struggling Finn Russell.
Huw Jones
Was given the freedom of Murrayfield for his try in the first half, but was still coming off the type of line that encapsulated his day. Strong, powerful running that constantly caused the French problems and took Scotland over the gain line. Can be a real menace with ball in hand and needs better supply.
Rob Evans
Followed up a strong opening week with another good performance at Twickenham. Was everywhere in the loose in both defence and attack, and as the game went on slowly wore down England tight-head Dan Cole to get some joy at scrum-time. Evans is growing well on the international scene.
Jacob Stockdale
The 21-year-old have taken to international rugby like a duck to water. Six tries in six games has helped him replicate the scoring form he shows for Ulster. Tall and powerful, he was too hot to handle for the Italians on Saturday. Will face tougher tests but continues to impress with his work-rate and finishing.
Teddy Thomas
He was the high point for France against Ireland, and followed up with a brace this weekend. Assisted somewhat by some poor Scottish defence, his first try showcased his physical yet evasive running style. The second had more than a hint of Gallic flair with a deft chip over the top and finish. Les Bleus’ danger man.
