Six Nations: Rob Kearney, Hadleigh Parkes, Remy Grosso in the ten best round four performers

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Rob Kearney was in typically assured form for Ireland against Scotland.

    Ireland clinched the Six Nations Championship with a round to spare and it’s no surprise to see three of their players in the standout performers of the weekend.

    Wales and France recorded important wins and also have three men each in our top-10 – but there is no place for any players from England or Scotland.

    Here is the full rundown of the best players from week four.

    Rob Kearney – An absolute colossus at the back for Ireland. Despite getting older the Leinster man never seems to miss a beat. Fielded the high-ball immaculately and counter attacked with real purpose every time he had his hands on the ball. Ever-dependable in defence, a wall Scotland couldn’t knock down.

    Garry Ringrose – If this is what the outside centre plays like having not featured in an international Test since last summer then just wait until he’s in form. In many ways he’s a throwback, not huge of frame, and relies mainly on his speed, footwork, and rugby brain – all of which were razor sharp this weekend.

    Dan Leavy – Another Irishman supposedly filling in for a more illustrious colleague, and while Sean O’Brien may have big boots to fill, Leavy is more than up to the task. Covered pretty much every blade of grass against Scotland and finds a wonderful openside balance of link players and defensive nuisance.

    James DaviesAn all-action debut for the Scarlets flanker. Was busy in the loose, getting turnovers and carrying well on several occasions, but it was his tackle count of 18 that really stood out. Blotted his copybook slightly with a soft penalty but in all can be more than happy with his first outing.

    Hadleigh Parkes – Another stand-out performance from a man making the Welsh 12 shirt his own. Described post-match as someone who doesn’t make mistakes, that was clear for all to see in Cardiff. Passes beautifully, great in the tackle, solid boot, strong runner, denied a deserved brace by the TMO.

    George North – First start for Wales in 12 months and it was like he had never been away. Showed good footwork early on, and excellent support running for his first try. Solid line for his second to really announce his comeback. His work-rate will please Warren Gatland, especially a second-half turnover.

    Matteo Minozzi – On an otherwise dreary day for the Italians, the full-back provided a rare chink of light. A simply dazzling piece of footwork to beat Liam Williams out wide and then the power to get over the line for a score of great quality. Some nice touches throughout on another difficult day for the Azzuri.

    Benjamin Fall – With Teddy Thomas sidelined there were question marks over the French wings, but Fall was constantly on the lookout for work. Denied by Anthony Watson, leading to the crucial penalty try, the 29-year-old Montpellier star carried hard and showed good footwork in enclosed spaces.

    Remy Grosso – Another totemic presence for the French out wide. Managed a game-high 110-metres with ball in hand offering a good threat on the counter and in more structured attack. Add into this half a dozen defenders beaten, a couple of clean breaks and two offloads and you see why the Clermont flyer was man-of-the-match.

    Yacouba Camara – Has been one of the high points for France in the tournament and his abrasive style was perfect for the clash with England on Saturday. A determined runner, he’s tough to bring down and from a defensive perspective, more than played his part in the back row unit that dominated England.

    Recommended