Plenty of praise for Ireland and France : PlanetRugby

Following the conclusion of the Six Nations, we take a look back at the Championship and hand out our awards – good and bad – to worthy recipients.

So without further ado, here are our winners and, in some cases, losers.

Best game: Ireland v France

There was plenty of hype leading into this contest and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The first 40 minutes, in particular, was some of the greatest rugby ever played, and the match remained in the balance until the latter stages. Although Ireland gradually took control and eventually ran out 32-19 winners, it was a stunning contest between the best two sides in the world.

Best individual try: Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) v England

No contest here as the gargantuan wing scorched the Twickenham turf, leaving several Englishmen in his wake as he touched down for a stunning try. It wasn’t just the pace, the strength or the fact that he evaded five would-be tacklers, but his skill to readjust and move the ball into a different hand after stepping Jack van Poortvliet, so that he could fend off Alex Dombrandt, was utterly superb.

??????? Duhan van der Merwe v ENG

Vote ? https://t.co/RPkHE0o7yV@Scotlandteam | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/CXBo933iFx

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 20, 2023

Best team try: Thomas Ramos (France) v England

There was some wonderful rugby played by the French throughout the Six Nations, and a few of their scores were in contention, but we’ve settled on their opener against England. It is one thing to put together a great team move against tired legs, but another thing to do it when your opponent is fresh. Their first-minute score, which saw Charles Ollivon, Thibaud Flament and Ethan Dumortier combine to set up Ramos, was absolutely spellbinding.

⚡️ An electric start from @FranceRugby! ⚡️#ENGvFRA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/vvyiyFEsD1

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 11, 2023

Best player: Caelan Doris (Ireland)

The tournament where the number eight went from very good international to one of the best in the world. Antoine Dupont ran him close, putting together a series of fine individual efforts despite France’s inconsistent start to the tournament, but Doris was a cut above from the first to the last game. The Leinster man consistently got over the gain line through his power and footwork, and was a talismanic presence during the Championship.

Biggest disappointment: Wales

Warren Gatland’s return was supposed to signal a change in fortunes, but the reality was anything but for the Welsh, who were probably worse than they were under Wayne Pivac. Although they didn’t finish bottom – a victory over Italy was their saving grace – they were abysmal in every other match, failing to get close in their defeats to Ireland, Scotland, England and France.

Best moment: Record-breaking Johnny Sexton

The Ireland fly-half equalled the Six Nations points record against Scotland…