RUCK’s Six Nations Team of the week: powered by Charles Tyrwhitt.
The opening weekend of the 2023 Six Nations is in the books. Ireland presented why they are the number one ranked team in the world, with a dominant 34-10 win over Wales. The Calcutta Cup once again remained in Scottish hands, as England began their Six Nations campaign with a 23-29 home defeat.
Italy were moments away from providing a shocking upset victory over France, as their unexpected efforts provided an entertaining contest in Rome. Finishing 24-29 in favour of France, the Italians looked strong, and won’t be taken lightly for the remainder of the competition.
But who impressed the best? Here is RUCK’s Six Nations Team of the week for the opening weekend of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
Six Nations Team of the week:
Back-Three:
15. Ange Capuozzo
Italy’s pocket rocket lit up the Stadio Olympico with an exciting performance against France. An incredible outing by the fullback personified the Italians’ underdog spirit. Capuozzo’s tricky footwork and explosive pace put Italy on the front-foot in attack. Capuozzo helped his side compete and even lead the match, which many believed to be a walkover French victory.
Italy fought valiantly up to the very end to secure a losing bonus point, with Capuozzo’s try being a a definite spark, keeping the Azzurri in the fight. Just after the half hour mark, Stephen Varney changed the direction of attack, shipping the ball to the blindside left wing. Capuozzo gathered, and stepped his way passed Gregory Alldritt. The number eight tried to tackle Capuozzo into touch, yet the Toulouse star dived for the line, grounding the ball with one hand.
The 23-year-old was pivotal in Italy’s inspired performance, against the reigning Six Nations champions. His unpredictability in attack, and ability to beat opponents was crucial in Italy’s attacking fight. His contributions were important for Italy, as they fought valiantly, and proved the doubters wrong who expected France to dominate.
It was a tough call for the fullback position this week. Honourable mentions go to Liam Williams, who helped spark Wales’ creative comeback against Ireland and Hugo Keenan, who won Man of the Match in Ireland’s opening Six Nations win,
14. Max Malins
One of the saving graces’ for England’s third consecutive Calcutta Cup defeat to Scotland. Max Malins performed excellently in attack for England, presenting his versatility as a finisher out wide, and a heavy ball carrier in from the wing. The Saracens’ star scored England’s first try, keeping them in the fight and Scotland’s early opener. Malins expertly gathered Marcus Smith’s cross field kick mid-dive, and grounded the ball in one swift movement.
Malins waited well and didn’t overcommit in attack, to ensure he scored his second try. Malins ran a great line into the right corner to execute the two-on-one with Lewis Ludlam. Scoring an important try to keep England within 2 points of the visitors, as the sides headed off for the half time break.
11. Duhan van der Merwe
Not only did the Scotland winger scored one of the greatest Six Nations Try in recent history, Duhan van der Merwe dominated England in attack. He deserves the inclusion after a stand out performance for Scotland, and he has now scored in his last two matches at Twickenham for his country. Beating six men in the outstanding solo effort, van der Merwe provided a roof-raising score for the Scots at Twickenham.
Van der Merwe also had no right to score the second try, as he fought his way through the England defenders from the 22m. An explosive first step brushed off the tackle attempt of Marcus Smith, and the bruising winger forced his way over the line despite the tackle attempts of Max Malins and Mako Vunipola. A powerful finish for his winger
An honourable mention to the number 11 jersey goes to Ireland’s James Lowe. The winger scored a fantastic breakaway try against Wales, after intercepting a pass, and charging away along the left wing, for Ireland’s third score. Also imposing in defence, Lowe secured a handful of turnovers to halt Wales’ attacking momentum. A depth touch from the boot, Lowe gave Ireland good backfield positioning, and a reliable clearance kick under pressure.
Centres:
13. Huw Jones
Dynamism from the early goings, Huw Jones started off Scotland’s victorious trip to Twickenham on the attacking foot. Crossing over after 15 minutes, Jones scored Scotland’s first try of the match. Running on to Sione Tuipulotu’s grubber kick, Jones won the foot race against the back-peddling England defenders, and grounded the ball first.
Jones linked up well with Tuipulotu, sending the inside centre into space, and reading his partner’s running lines. Jones read the tempo of England’s defensive line speed, and distributed passes well to his back-three, suppling the ammunition for van der Merwe to run roughshod at Twickenham. He also attacked confidently with ball in hand, tacking the fight to England with heavy carries up front.
12. Gael Fickou
A consistent cool head in France’s hard-fought fight, as the plucky underdogs of Italy refused to roll over. Fickou’s stutter steps and feints when carrying the ball, made the Italian defenders second guess his every move. These hesitations allowed Fickou to play in his teammates, or carry by himself for extra yards over the gain-line, achieving 66 yards in total.
With all eyes on Dupont and the hard-fighting Italians, Fickou’s performance flew slightly under the radar. Yet the centre deserves the adulation for team of the week. Consistent in defence, Fickou made 15 tackles as his opponents refused to quit, making him a stand out in the backs defensively.
