The third round of the Six Nations saw England’s Grand Slam hopes shattered at Murrayfield, while a bonus-point win for Ireland over Wales cemented their place at the top of the standings.
On Friday, France got back to winning ways after seeing off Italy – but which players stood out over the weekend?
HUW JONES
Scotland centre Huw Jones dives over for his first try
A constant thorn in England’s side, especially in the first half. His line breaks caused Owen Farrell and co. problems all afternoon as they struggled to stop his incisive lines and deceptive pace.
Capitalised well on a loose ball for his first try, hit a great line for his second and contributed a lung busting carry in the build-up to Sean Maitland’s wonder-try.
Outstanding.
FINN RUSSELL
Scotland’s fly-half Finn Russell
Much-maligned over the course of the first two weekends, Saturday saw a little more of the real Finn Russell.
Aided by his forwards securing front-foot ball, Russell was awarded more time on the ball than in previous round and capitalised.
Put in two brilliant passes in the lead-up to Maitland’s try and also rediscovered his form with the boot. Controlled and confident throughout, Russell was the orchestrator of all things good from Scotland.
JOHN BARCLAY
Scotland’s underrated star John Barclay
His work may not be 60-metre runs, or 20-metre miss passes, but John Barclay’s contribution to Scotland’s win over England cannot be underestimated.
A turnover machine on the floor, he was a constant nuisance to Eddie Jones’ men putting his head in where it hurts.
A phenomenal work-rate from first whistle to last carrying, tackling, helping boss the back-row battle. Typified the heart that had been called for before the game.
MATHIEU BASTAREAUD
France’s centre Mathieu Bastareaud
Any enigma, wrapped in a mystery, all tied up with a riddle. Bastareaud is the epitome of the ‘which France will turn up’ cliché, and on Friday night it was the good one.
For a man of his size, he can be accused of not punching his weight at time, but not this time. Excellent in attack and defence, and capped the performance off with a try.
CHRIS FARRELL
Chris Farrell breaks from the tackle of Samson Lee
On the face of things, the task of replacing Robbie Henshaw in the Irish centre is a thankless one.
The Munster-man more than deputised for his more illustrious team-mate with an outstanding all-action display.
There had been questions of the gap Henshaw would leave in defence, there aren’t now. Also notched a well-deserved try.
KEITH EARLS
Keith Earls and Leigh Halfpenny wrestle for the ball
Creative in attack and solid in defence – how Earls remains so underrated is one of life’s little mysteries.
He was in typical form against Wales with two notable line breaks, one lacked support, the other saw some great interplay with Conor Murray that helped produce Ireland’s third try.
Not the biggest, but pound for pound he’s one of the best around.
ANDREW PORTER
Andrew Porter was instrumental for Ireland in the scrum
Another man deputising in the Irish ranks, but also putting in a fine display.
In for the injured Tadhg Furlong, Porter did everything asked of him as part of a dominant pack performance.
Scrummaged well and brought a strong intensity to his carrying game in the loose. To think he’s switched for loosehead to the tight is incredible.
YACOUBA CAMARA
France’s flanker Yacouba Camara
An outstanding display but, as with all things French this championship, there’s a caveat.
Why was he withdrawn so soon? A dominant display in the loose was capped off by some outstanding work at lineout time.
One of the highlights for France this campaign, he could become the fulcrum of their back-row for years to come.
SEBASTIAN NEGRI
Italy’s flanker Sebastian Negri
On another day of very little for the Italians to celebrate, Negri stands out as one of their shining lights.
At 23, the Zimbabwe-born back-rower is the closest thing Italy have seen to a long-term replacement for talisman Sergio Parisse.
He has the rampaging strength to constantly make yards with ball in hand, and the deftness of offload to bring in others. One to watch.
CONOR MURRAY
Conor Murray tackles Dan Biggar
While his half back partner Jonny Sexton gets the bulk of the plaudits, it is Murray who is orchestrator in chief.
On Saturday against Wales, he marshalled his forward pack brilliantly, and released the backs incisively when given the opportunity.
With a keen eye for a break, he ensures the men in green are always on the front foot. A master of his art
