BBC.co.uk

Team of the Tournament

  • Mark Orlovac - BBC Sport journalist
  • 20 Mar 07, 01:45 PM

m_orlavac_6666.gifLondon - So after five weekends of thrilling action, the dust has settled on another Six Nations campaign.

Before the tournament started, our team of BBC Six Nations bloggers sat down to select a combined team of the tournament and we did the same three games in.

Now hostilities have come to an end, the votes have been painstakingly counted and we can exclusively reveal what we think is our definitive starting XV.

Triple crown winners Ireland provide six of the team, with champions France and Italy having four players apiece.

Youngster David Strettle is England's only selection while Wales and Wooden Spoonists Scotland miss out altogether.

Six players from the original team have kept their places, and interestingly five of them are in the pack.

Let us know what you think of our selections, what we've got right, what we've got wrong, and let us know how your Six Nations XV would look.

Team of the Tournament15: CLEMENT POITRENAUD (Fra) (selected by Gareth Lewis, James Standley, Rob Hodgetts, Mark Orlovac)
“The Frenchman was effective in attack, joining the line well, and solid enough in defence, though England exploited a few weaknesses” – Rob Hodgetts

“Not infallible in defence - see Scotland's first try on Saturday - but a silky runner who looks to be getting back to his best” – James Standley

Also received votes: Kevin Morgan (Wal) (Andrew Cotter, Bryn Palmer); Girvan Dempsey (Ire) (Phil Harlow, Sean Davies, Jim Stokes)


14: DAVID STRETTLE (Eng) (GL, BP, James S, RH, MO)
“Thrown into the cauldron of Croke Park against Ireland for his debut and handled the pressure superbly. He looks as if he has been playing on the international stage for years” – Mark Orlovac

“Makes the frame for his Twickenham debut against France. Hungry, pacy and a threat every time he got the ball” – Rob Hodgetts

Also received votes: Sean Lamont (Sco) (AC, PH); Shane Horgan (Ire) (SD); Vincent Clerc (Fra) (Jim S)


13: BRIAN O’DRISCOLL (Ire) (GL, AC, BP, James S, PH, SD, Jim S, MO)
“Not a vintage tournament for the Lions skipper but his influence on the Irish side cannot be understated” – Mark Orlovac

“Ireland’s captain was not quite at his brilliant best during this tournament, but still head and shoulders above any rivals for the position. His class allows those around him to operate at full throttle, while his defensive game is up there with the best in the world” – Phil Harlow

Also received votes: Yannick Jauzion (Fra) (RH)


12: GORDON D’ARCY (Ire) (All)
“The outstanding back of the championship. Not the biggest but has dazzling footwork and great vision in attack and pound for pound he hits as hard as most in defence” – James Standley

“Nobody else was close at inside centre. D’Arcy almost always crosses the gain-line, and you can’t have enough skilful, entertaining players like him in a team. A pleasure to watch” – Phil Harlow

11: VINCENT CLERC (Fra) (GL, SD) (Selected because he also received a vote for best No 14)
“Scored the try that ended Ireland's Grand Slam dream” – Gareth Lewis

“Just holds off the challenge of Shane Horgan who had a bad day against Scotland. Clerc has been a threat throughout” – Jim Stokes

Also received votes: Dominici (Fra) (AC); Chris Paterson (Sco) (BP); Sean Lamont (Sco) (James S); Denis Hickie (Ire) (RH, Jim S); Jason Robinson (Eng) (PH, MO)


10: RONAN O’GARA (Ire) (AC, BP, James S, PH, Jim S)
“The tournament's leading points-scorer. Tries, penalties, conversions. Just not quite enough of them” – Andrew Cotter

“David Skrela was a reassuring presence for France, but the Munsterman raised his game when it mattered” – Bryn Palmer

Also received votes: James Hook (Wal) (GL, RH); David Skrela (Fra) (MO, SD)


9: PIERRE MIGNONI (Fra) (GL, AC, BP, James S, SD, Jim S)
“Clever, resilient and pacy and kept the back-rows busy. Should have been used throughout the Championship” – Jim Stokes

“For his break on the final Saturday which set up Jauzion's try” – Gareth Lewis

Also received votes: Harry Ellis (Eng) (RH, PH); Alessandro Troncon (Ita) (MO)


1: ANDREW LO CICERO (Ita) (GL, AC, BP, PH, SD)
“Italy’s success was very much based on their excellent pack, and Lo Cicero was at the heart of their forward effort. Never gave an inch in the scrum, and showed huge appetite in the rucks and mauls” – Phil Harlow

“What a selection of props Italy has! His absence from the Ireland game with flu doesn't detract from the rest of his tournament” – Andrew Cotter

Also received votes: Olivier Milloud (Fra) (James S, RH, Jim S, MO)


2: RAFAEL IBANEZ (Fra) (GL, AC, BP, James S, RH, PH, Jim S, MO)
“France will be thanking their lucky stars that the 34-year-old came out of international retirement. Provided superb leadership, and was a real menace with ball in hand, while his throwing was a key part of the best line-out unit in the tournament” – Phil Harlow

“The evergreen championship winning skipper survived a monstrous Alix Popham tackle without even blinking” – Gareth Lewis

Also received votes: Rory Best (Ire) (SD)


3: CARLOS NIETO (Ita) (James S, RH, Jim S)
“An uncompromising tight-head with a penchant for the grittier aspects of the game. A formidable scrummager and bloodthirsty defender who leads Italy from the front – literally” – Rob Hodgetts

“Italy have unearthed a front row to compete with anyone and Nieto was an admirable deputy for Martin Castrogiovanni” – James Standley

Also received votes: Sylvain Marconnet (Fra) (GL); Martin Castrogiovanni (Ita) (AC, MO); John Hayes (Ire) (BP, PH); Pieter de Villiers (Fra) (SD)


4: MARCO BORTOLAMI (Ita) (BP, RH, MO, AC, James S, Jim S)
“Paul O'Connell had a monstrous game against England but was otherwise muted. Bortolami was superb throughout” – Bryn Palmer

“The Italian captain is a pain in the neck – in a good way. Bortolami is an imposing line-out presence, a thunderous tackler and enjoys a good romp in the loose. Wales’ Alun Wyn-Jones also had a good series but was shaded by Bortolami’s magnetism” – Rob Hodgetts

Also received votes: Martin Corry (Eng) (GL); Lionel Nallet (Fra) (PH, SD)


5: PAUL O’CONNELL (Ire) (GL, RH, MO, James S, Jim S)
"The critics were on his back but he showed how much heart he has by producing a ferocious display against England" - Mark Orlovac

"The Irishman is developing into a true warrior and the Irish line-out is a shadow of itself when he’s not there. O’Connell is a talismanic force for his forwards and helps the Irish pack become greater than the sum of their parts" - Rob Hodgetts

Also received votes: Alun-Wyn Jones (Wal) (BP, PH, SD); Nathan Hines (Sco) (AC)


6: SIMON EASTERBY (Ire) (GL, BP, RH, PH, SD)
“A breakdown bandit that infuriated the opposition; also proved his fitness and support skills in the rout in Rome” – Bryn Palmer

“The Irishman comes out on top after a consistent tournament as a member of a formidable back-row” – Rob Hodgetts
Also received votes: Serge Betsen (Fra) (AC, James S, MO); Mauro Bergamasco (Ita) (Jim S)


7: DAVID WALLACE (Ire) (AC, BP, James S, RH, PH, SD, Jim S, MO)
“Everywhere for Ireland. Up there with the very best in world rugby” – Andrew Cotter

“Pace to burn, reads the play beautifully and always first on the scene at the breakdown, Wallace is integral to Ireland’s success” – James Standley

Also received votes: Mauro Bergamasco (Ita) (GL)


8: SERGIO PARISSE (Ita) (GL, AC, BP, James S, RH, Jim S, MO)
“Strong and athletic he has been the real find of the Championship” – Jim Stokes

“The Italian shades a competitive division with a combination of brute force, an appetite for the ball and an eagerness to get involved at the breakdown” – Rob Hodgetts

Also received votes: Denis Leamy (Ire) (PH, SD)


Comments  Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 05:36 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Mutt wrote:

Not going to nitpick about team selection, but wasn't Chris Paterson the tournaments leading points scorer? Or did he just beat the Scottish tournament points record? 61? 65? something like that?

  • 2.
  • At 05:38 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • coops18 wrote:

Good line up, there can't be too many real complaints about that - though I think Jason Robinson should get in at 11.

Ellis, Leamy, Dempsey, Wyn Jones and Castrogiovanni are all victims of very close calls, so could probably count themselves as in the 'championship squad'. Was impressed by Skrela and Corry as well.

  • 3.
  • At 05:40 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • AodhODuinn wrote:

If flannery was fit, he would have made a difference to Ireland, for his line out alone. Ireland for revenge against France in paris in sept, then the french to knock the all blacks out on a back-lash...

  • 4.
  • At 05:49 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Lewis wrote:

Can't argue with the forwards though surprised Taylor and Chabal weren't in the frame.

Sean Lamont and Horgan were the best wingers by a mile.

Strettle was good against france (and the french didn't even show up that day) but that was about it - How can you include him, especially when you justify excluding Horgan on the basis of just one bad game in which nobody played well?

Would of included Paterson for his goalkicking too (although i'm not sure in what position) especially after ROG's misses against Italy and how important they turned out to be.

  • 5.
  • At 05:57 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Jackraskal wrote:

1: Lo Cicero
2: Ibanez
3: Nieto
4: Nallet
5: O'Connell
6: Wallace
7: Rees
8: Parisse
9: Ellis
10: Skrela
11: Hickie
12: Darcy
13: O'Driscoll
14: Strettle
15: Dempsey

I no that Wallace is out of position and is usually an openside but I couldn't split Rees and Wallace. They where both world class and no blindside really impressed me. Plus I have seen Wallace play blindside for Munster in the past (though he is a natural openside).

  • 6.
  • At 05:58 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Simon Evans wrote:

Mostly agree with that but not even a mention in voting for Martyn Williams ? Alun-Wyn Jones just shaded as he was Wales' player of the tournament

  • 7.
  • At 05:58 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Steve Smith wrote:

I'm inclined to agree with Mike Cleary in the Telegraph who goes for Jason Robinson.

Is there also a question mark about the front row - the Italians sometimes relied on 4 props per game,so were the performances of the duo picked watered down by that fact, especially as Cleary's team picks a third Italian prop?

Agree with O'Gara overall - let's see how James Hook develops in a pressure situation which England didn't create at the weekend.

  • 8.
  • At 05:59 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Ronan wrote:

I would have to say, that you've done a good job in that team selection. Excellent Italian props & back-bone, Irish back-row, & a great leader hooking.

Backs almost write themselves. I think that Strettle really was the find of the tournament.

Of the nearly's, Allesandro Troncon, Girvan Dempsey & Sean Lamont had fine tournaments, and would consider themselves unlucky not to be in this team.

I wonder how this 15 would stand up in comparison to the All-Blacks. Thank God the AB's always bottle it at the World Cup, or there'd only ever be the one winner.

  • 9.
  • At 06:03 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • steve wrote:

How can you leave out the leading try scorer from the starting line?

  • 10.
  • At 06:04 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • steve wrote:

How can you leave out the leading try scorer from the starting line up?

  • 11.
  • At 06:06 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • CC wrote:

Pretty spot on in my opinion.

I would go for Morgan at FB, Poitrenaud is still too flaky for top class international rugby.

Glad Easterby got the nod, he is such a class and consitent performer and his link up play against Italy was a great contrast to how he ruled the breakdown against Wales.

4 Italians in the Pack! - Parrise is an awesome find for this year

  • 12.
  • At 06:09 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Owain Chick wrote:

Martin Williams must be the most under rated player on the planet!

He's top notch! Always first man there!

  • 13.
  • At 06:16 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Aled wrote:

Can't belive Popham didn't even get a vote! and that Paul O'Connell got in ahead of A.W. Jones after one immense game against England he was fairly poor for the rest of the Championship and missed the last game through injury. Horgan has also got to be in ahead of Strettle, as great a talent as he is Horgan scored more tries, created more and played more games. Other than that I agree with the selction fully. Also, I would like to add that even though Poitrenaud fully deserves his place as the best FB it strikes me the lack of talent and calibre of player who play in that position for each nation and that this is probably the weakest area of the 6N with regards to personnel on show. Can't belive Kevin Morgan got some votes - wot a one trick pony at internatinal level if I ever saw 1 he just catches it and hoists an up and under!

  • 14.
  • At 06:25 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • steve wrote:

England don't get carried away with Strettle. At the minute he's a one hit wonder and one to watch for the future, the only englishman who should be included is Robinson, back from retirement - 4 games 4 try's - in a terrible english side

  • 15.
  • At 06:27 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • The Trin wrote:

No major complaints about that, other than: -

* Maybe Horgan in for Strettle..... sorry England! I think Horgan's physicality, aerial skills and ability to offload out of the tackle have been VITAL to the success of Ireland's backline.

* Paul O'Connell is probably picked based on reputation and A-W Jones could count himslef unlucky

  • 16.
  • At 06:31 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Graeme Harrington wrote:

I think that Hickie had a great tournement. Look at the tackle against Scotland and attacking was better than he has been for a while. otherwise cannot complain, generally good selection. Wallace was my player of the tournement only just ahead of D'Arcy.

  • 17.
  • At 06:33 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Derek Fallon wrote:

My Team:

Poitrenaud
Horgan
Jauzion
D'arcy
Clerc
O'Gara
Mignoni
Same Pack as above. Don't think O'driscoll played enough to get into the team. He missed out against France, and was taken off against Wales and Italy. But Ireland definately missed his leadership. Strettle did well but to have him in instead of Horgan? Eh I think not.

Interesting to see if a Lions team picked today would be all Irish?....

  • 18.
  • At 06:40 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Massif Heed wrote:

From a Scottish perspective, hardly anyone comes close to a team of the tournament. However, I'm very surprised Simon Taylor didn't receive votes for the back row. He was excellent all championship, outstandingly consistent, and after a run of injuries is finally developing towards being considered a world class player.
Sean Lamont recovered well from his abysmal first game against England. That's it from us I'm afraid!

P.S. Hines shouldn't have received votes over Murray - you only realise how much Scotland need Scott Murray when he's not there eg against England in the opening game. Al Kellock is an able replacement for Hines, no-one can replace Murray.

  • 19.
  • At 06:43 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • cac wrote:

agree with all, but strettle?? great performances but not the best 14 of the tournament.

  • 20.
  • At 06:46 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • dai wrote:

not sure how you could leave out kevin morgan, dwayne peel and maybe hook who i think proved themselves despite an unlucky tournament. then again i am obviously biased ;-)

  • 21.
  • At 06:47 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Alan wrote:

Much the same except perhaps Paterson or James Hook at fly-half - leaning more towards Paterson for the goal-kicking. Incredible how the team is all but made up from three teams - and I wouldn't even have included Strettle, with Shane Horgan and Denis Hickie both with better claims.

  • 22.
  • At 06:56 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • John Tyrrell wrote:


Vincent Clerc and POITRENAUD? come on. Hickie and Dempsey were far more threatening in attack overall and certainly Dempsey was head and shoulders above Clement at fielding the high ball.
Strettle just about deserves his place above Horgan.
The rest of the selection above looks solid, but including Clerc and Poitrenaud just reeks of making sure the 6 nations champions were suitably represented.
Ireland were the best team in the Championship, and Hickie and Dempsey deserve their inclusion.

  • 23.
  • At 07:02 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • John wrote:

You may be interested to know, as an expert, that Scotland weren't "wooden spoonists".

  • 24.
  • At 07:12 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • rory wrote:


almost perfect but i can't ever see strettle nonchantly push a kiwi out of his path. you can be sure that horgan is the man for that! and don't expect the kiwi wingers to be perfect gentlemen in pursuit of the scores. tit-fot-tat i say!

  • 25.
  • At 07:16 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • dugs07 wrote:

Can't agree more with Parisse at no8. He was a constant threat, head and shoulders above the rest.
On current form I would put him as the best No8 in the world.

  • 26.
  • At 07:18 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • thomas wrote:

John Tyrell, if Ireland were the best team in the tournament, why didn't they win?!
I have to disagree about Nieto, he was dominated in the first match and Castrogiovanni proved himself to be a far better prop. Personally I also thought that O'Connell didn't do enough but it's a good team overall.

  • 27.
  • At 07:18 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Marty wrote:

11: VINCENT CLERC (Fra) (GL, SD) (Selected because he also received a vote for best No 14)
“Scored the try that ended Ireland's Grand Slam dream” – Gareth Lewis

No need for it lads, no need. Poor justification.
Denis Hickie should be there.

  • 28.
  • At 07:22 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Greg wrote:

I think a pretty good selection at the top of this article. A couple of issues though:
1. ROG - I think the Kiwis and Aussies are right when they say he is a lemon. Great when he is protected, but awful flaky when he isn't. Even when protected, a liability in defence. I think Wilkinson has shown that fly halves today must be able to tackle; certainly looking at the young talent (bar Ian Humpreys)in Europe, this seems to be a consistent point - even the tiny Ryan Lamb tackles like a centre. Deep down, I think ROG lacks spine and whilst he has had a good tournament, to turn a blind eye to his glaring deficiencies is a mistake - they have been on show too often when the heat is on. For this reason, I would have plmped for Skrela with Hook a late contender.

2. Great call on Bortolami - I think too many underrate this guy. He, Thion and O'Connell the standard setters at the moment.

3. Surprised at Harry Ellis not being the first choice scrum half - he was England's only consistent source of imagination and go forward, all the more impressive given that he played behind a variety of No. 8's and often behind one going sideways or backwards!

Looking to the World Cup, I have been touting France for 3 years now as I genuinely believe that France has the greatest pool of talent to pick from; they have some sensational players across teh park bar depth at fly half. That said, I think French rugby will be that much better off without Laporte. However, for teh time being, I have come up with this summation: "France are an unbelievably talented side that steadfastly refuse to consistently play to their abilities". There you go, my excuse come November ready made!

  • 29.
  • At 07:24 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Ceri wrote:

Wouldn't really complain about most selections, there were plenty of good players on show if very few good teams, but think that Strettle and Ellis vastly over-rated- Strettle had a few good runs, but much less impact and effectiveness than Horgan or Lamont, and I think people are makingthe mistake of judging Ellis on a few good breaks- a lot more to scrum-half than that, and he just is not good enough at international level

  • 30.
  • At 07:30 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Brian Molko wrote:

Where is Andy Farrell?

  • 31.
  • At 07:46 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Jordan wrote:

Jackraskal:

Tom Rees at 7? really? He had a fantastic game against the French but was completely outclassed by Martyn Williams in Cardiff.

David Wallacehas been the most outstanding forward this season. Has to be first choice at openside.

Overall, the BBC team is pretty fair. My main contentions would be how Skrela was not picked at 10 (notice how England gained the ascendancy when he left the field at Twickenham) and 11-15 has to be entirely Irish.

Gordon D'Arcy without any doubt the player of the tournament. Rarely failed to break the gain line; formidable in defence and at the breakdown; and that half volley pass that made Dempsey's try against England was the play of the season.

  • 32.
  • At 07:48 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Jordan wrote:

Jackraskal:

Tom Rees at 7? really? He had a fantastic game against the French but was completely outclassed by Martyn Williams in Cardiff.

David Wallacehas been the most outstanding forward this season. Has to be first choice at openside.

Overall, the BBC team is pretty fair. My main contentions would be how Skrela was not picked at 10 (notice how England gained the ascendancy when he left the field at Twickenham) and 11-15 has to be entirely Irish.

Gordon D'Arcy without any doubt the player of the tournament. Rarely failed to break the gain line; formidable in defence and at the breakdown; and that half volley pass that made Dempsey's try against England was the play of the season.

  • 33.
  • At 08:06 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Gary wrote:

The 1st of the non-latin teams overepresented as usual (dude, it's the BBC)...although unusually the Italians are as well...as usual France is given what's left...and as usual they don't mind because they're champions...

A tad harsh to exclude Hook/Skrela. O'Gara was consistent but nothing spectacular. Easterby and Wallace, nothing to shout about. Betsen and Bonnaire got France their defence and lineout clicking which was a big part of them being champions. O'Driscoll makes it on reputation, we didnt see that much of him. O'Connell was disappointing at times. Nallet was immense throughout. But really my only complaint is not seeing Andy Farrell at 12. His prestation was, er, illuminating.

  • 34.
  • At 08:14 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Jeff Smith wrote:

Wouldn't it be great to see this team against the best of the Southern Hemisphere players in a North Vs South game?

  • 35.
  • At 08:16 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • edd wrote:

I Dont thin strettle shud be there, agree that most of the players are french irish or italian as they were the best teams, mabye a little harsh not 2 have Alun Wyn Jones in there... if the results ahd gone wales's way people wud be raving about him, still a great talent unearthed

  • 36.
  • At 08:21 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Ed2003 wrote:

The selected 15 is fair enough. These things are always hard to judge because average players are made to look good when playing in good teams and vice versa.

Strettle or Horgan take your pick really. For me Strettle has impressed literally every time he has had ball in hand so I think he just edges it.

What you have to remember is that most of the time Horgan or Hickie recieve the ball they are already in yards of space with the defence on the retreat. Also, since when has the amount of tries scored become the measure by which players are judged? Most tries which wingers score are just finishing off a team move.

  • 37.
  • At 08:22 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Mike wrote:

I have to agree with most of the people in the ream of the six nations, but it is hard to see that some players go a mention when they were OK at best. I am Welsh but a think Mr K Morgan cant do it for Wales and seeing him voted for ,when Martin Williams had none. Shocking. That also goes for Alix Popham who was so good for Wales. Stood out as Wales best.

Would have liked to see Sean Lamont in the staring 15 but you cant have everything. Who would have guessed in January that Italy would have 4 in the starting team with another 3 waiting in the wings. Well done Italy

  • 38.
  • At 08:24 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Jackraskal wrote:

Jordan agree with alot you say and you obviously know what your talkin about but Reesy was in a pack goin back and still was the England stand out player against Wales. UI agree totally with the fact that Darcy is player of the tornament. But I can't think of any blindsides. Any sugestions Jordan?

  • 39.
  • At 08:30 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Peter L wrote:

Pretty good team though I feel Horgan would be a better bet than Strettle!

  • 40.
  • At 08:38 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Rob wrote:

1. lo Cicero
2. Ibanez
3. De Villiers
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. O'connell
6. Betsen
7. Wallace
8. Parisse
9. Troncon
10. O'Gara
11. Strettle
12. Darcy
13. O'driscoll
14. Clerc
15. Poitrenaud

  • 41.
  • At 08:38 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • dafyd wrote:

these always create good debate, in the backs i agree that robinson should have been in - a strike rate of a try per match. think lamont would gain a place on the bench for his powerful running and all round game, wish we had a winger like him in the wales side, one of ours is a greedy glory hunter who needs to think more of the team. in the forwards i would have included john hayes at tight for his scrummaging and work at the ruck/maul - he does what a prop should be doing!! also simon taylor maybe for the back row for some thumping tackles and never say die attitude - a cert for the lions in south africa

  • 42.
  • At 08:43 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • McZinzan wrote:


Being Scottish I like to be pedantic, so.....according to the stats, the Scots were the best line-out unit of the championship, not the French, although I would would not contend that they should be part of the team! Strettle's selection is a joke in front of Robinson, Horgan and even Lamont, who all worked their socks off through the whole championship.
I too think ROG is over-rated and Scotland were the only side to target him directly in a game and it showed in the Irish performance. The Kiwis will not be so forgiving should they meet in France! I also think the French back division would have more players in the team if Laporte had not used so many! Jauzion in particular is at least as good as Darcy.

  • 43.
  • At 08:52 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Chris Bayliss wrote:

What an interesting set of selections, and I would scarcely argue with any of them, even though a couple are pretty marginal. I think Jauzion was good and might have made the team if France had been a little more adventurous, especially against England.
It says something that Italy have far more players selected than England, but their forwards were certainly excellent. Like several other people, I'm especially glad Parrise is in, I thought he was outstanding in every game and probably the player of the tournament - can't we find him a qualification for England?!

  • 44.
  • At 09:29 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Peter L wrote:

36 McZinzan
target him they did with late hits and sly off the ball stuff!!!!

  • 45.
  • At 09:53 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Robert Brown wrote:

Sean Lamont should be in the team, there is no better player in the 6 nations at breaking through the line.

He should be first pick, although probably the only Scottish pick, with maybe Simon Taylor on the bench,

  • 46.
  • At 09:59 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • kav086 wrote:

for goodness sake, as well as strettle did play in the 3 games he was in (1 good move against ireland) surely he didnt deserve to get in ahead of horgan or lamont?

  • 47.
  • At 10:06 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • kav086 wrote:

for goodness sake, as well as strettle did play in the 3 games he was in (1 good move against ireland) surely he didnt deserve to get in ahead of horgan or lamont?

  • 48.
  • At 10:10 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Robert Brown wrote:

Sean Lamont should be in the team, there is no better player in the 6 nations at breaking through the line.

He should be first pick, although probably the only Scottish pick, with maybe Simon Taylor on the bench,

  • 49.
  • At 10:11 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Chuck wrote:

" * 1.
* At 05:36 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
* Mutt wrote:

Not going to nitpick about team selection, but wasn't Chris Paterson the tournaments leading points scorer? Or did he just beat the Scottish tournament points record? 61? 65? something like that?"

Think must've been the Scottish tournament record. I've said enough on these blogs, ROG was top points scorer as mentioned above - 4 tries (joint with Robinson), top scored in all his games etc etc...

  • 50.
  • At 10:18 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • spencer wrote:

Although o'gara did play well throughout the six nations im suprised james hook isn't there. He proved against England that he is as the commentators were saying, He's a old head on young shoulders. His place and out of hand kicking thoughout kept England under presure.

Also another player people don't seem to rate much. Tom shanklin. He sets such a high standard every game no-one realises how good he is.

Martyn williams i think was probably better than easterby but easterby was good. tough call.

  • 51.
  • At 10:18 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Brian Crowley wrote:

Andy Farell???
That's oviously a comment just to wind people up.
Dennis Hickie was the player of the tornament for me. Think that tackle on Lamont. Think pace. Do you remember him covered in so much of his own blood that he couldn't see and he still managed to get tackles in before play stopped?

  • 52.
  • At 10:30 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • spencer wrote:

Although o'gara did play well throughout the six nations im suprised james hook isn't there. He proved against England that he is as the commentators were saying, He's a old head on a young body. His place and out of hand kicking thoughout kept England under presure.

Also another player people don't seem to rate much. Tom shanklin. He sets such a high standard every game no-one realises how good he is.

Martyn williams i think was probably better than easterby but easterby was good. tough call.

  • 53.
  • At 10:36 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • Brian Crowley wrote:

Andy Farell???
That's oviously a comment just to wind people up.
Dennis Hickie was the player of the tornament for me. Think that tackle on Lamont. Think pace. Do you remember him covered in so much of his own blood that he couldn't see and he still managed to get tackles in before play stopped?

It's hilarious the amount of folk on here saying how surprised they are that certain Welsh players didn't get the vote. Come on now, lads. Wales were on the cusp of winning the wooden spoon. A bit of perspective here.

  • 55.
  • At 11:55 PM on 20 Mar 2007,
  • ulster am wrote:

I think Dempsey earned a place at fullback and would have picked Skrela and AW Jones/one of the French locks instead of O'Gara and O'Connell respectively. Otherwise agree. Player of the tournament David Wallace.

  • 56.
  • At 12:09 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Mark wrote:

Andrew Lo Cicero?

Strettle's selection is nonsense. Horgan was head and shoulders above him.

  • 57.
  • At 12:14 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • dafr wrote:

I know as a pair, you don't get better than D'Arcy and O'Driscoll, but Tom Shanklin? A class player. Like Shane Horgan, their defencive play is amazing. Robinson had a good 6 nations finishing everything.
A Wyn Jones? can't get better, while O'Connell was average for what he can do. Really impressed with H.Ellis, stuck out with a pack under so much pressure.

  • 58.
  • At 12:24 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Ryan Cullen wrote:

The team is pretty much right for me...not sure bout Poitrenaud or Bortolami, would have Dempsey and Alun Wyn Jones personally, however that is not my point.

You look at that team and you ask yourself...how many would even get into the New Zealand team...O'Driscoll and Darcy perhaps, O'Connell maybe and Wallace at a push alhto the NZ back row is quite truly awesome. Apart from those few players nobody else could really put up a reasonable argument for me anyway. Does this scare everybody else as much as it does me for the prospects of the world cup when the sum of Europe's talent can barely compare with New Zealand's emabarassment of riches.

  • 59.
  • At 12:26 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Rick wrote:

Troncon, Hickie, Jauzion, at 9,11,13 respective.
Strettle wouldnt be there for me either, probly will next year though!

  • 60.
  • At 12:31 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Ryan Cullen wrote:

Sorry forgot to mention...James Hook at fly-half. App people think one performance against a none too impressive England team qualifies him for the team of the tournament. He without doubt is a talented player and the Paterson calls are absolute rubbish. Paterson is a great goal kicker, however without that he really isn't even in the same league as the others for me, light weight and doesn't really break the line on a regular basis. Severely overrated.

  • 61.
  • At 05:54 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Ben Morgan wrote:

Strettle is of course in there as tokenism? I must have missed half the games then because I don't remember him doing much apart from looking fast. Sure he has promise but team of the tournament? Don't make me laugh. Not even a mention from anyone for Martyn Williams or Alix Popham either? They've been as good as anyone on the flanks in this tournament and frequently playing without much help from anyone else.

I've no real objection to Wallace or Easterby, they were both good too but not even in the "others receiving votes" part? Ridiculous. I'd say categorically Martyn Williams has been the best openside in this tournament and Popham has been right up there with Easterby or anyone else you'd care to mention.

O'Connell seems to be in on reputation as by his standards he's been pretty inconsistent. He was comfortably outplayed in Cardiff by 21 yr old Alun Wyn-Jones playing out of position, that should at least cancel out his stormer against England.

Perhaps your lot only watched England's games though.

  • 63.
  • At 07:56 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Martin wrote:

Fair enough i suppose. However if one was to pick a six nations team today to play new zealand would parisse honestly be ahead of leamy and would strettle be ahead of shane horgan. I'm english so this isn't any form of bias on my part. Serge Betsen would probably get the nod over easterby also.

  • 64.
  • At 08:00 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Dom wrote:


I would take out clerc and put robertson (Italys winger) in. If he was getting good ball he is an brillant zippy player.

  • 65.
  • At 08:10 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Stuart wrote:

Can't disagree with many of the selections (without putting my Welsh goggles!) but isn't Gordon D'Arcy the most over-rated player in the SN?

One try this season to add to his burgeoning tally of 3 - I know a centre does so much more but BO'D controls games, D'Arcy drifts in and out.

An average SN with few World Class performers (hence so many Italians in the XV, they did only finish 4th); Skrela was immense for France and should be in; Strettle is in because he is English (did he come to Cardiff??); Farrell in for D'Arcy (well you started it!) and Ellis is unlucky to miss out as was a constant threat for England.

And for Wales? AWJ and Popham unlucky but fair... but if Corry gets close then things are getting silly!

  • 66.
  • At 08:45 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Louis Parperis wrote:

Morgan
Jones
Shanklin
Thomas
Williams
Hook
Peel
Jones
Williams
Popham
Gough
Wyn Jones
Jenkins
Rees
Horsman

I think this is the only team to satisfy the blinkered chauvinism of a significant proportion of those posting to this site. The fact that, both as a team and as individuals, the Welsh players weren't good enough is already being discounted by the myopic Taffia. The best team of the tournament, which managed to overcome the enormous handicap of the most bizarre coach in world rugby, was France by some distance. They did a number on Ireland not because of the last minute or so of one game, but because the focus and composure of the team was undimmed throughout. In Gordon Darcy, Ireland had the stand out player of the tournament, but the team looked sub-standard against both Wales and Scotland and seemed unable to adjust its game plan to cope with what was happening on the pitch and had referees been more accurate in penalising the Irish forwards for entering rucks & mauls from the side, both games would have been lost. Kiwi forwards won't worry too much about referees missing infringements - they'll sort matters out for themselves, nor will O'Driscoll be accorded the deferential respect shown to him by the Home Nations' centres once Ireland meet any of the southern hemisphere teams. Based on what we've just seen, a long overdue second RWC is destined for the Land of the Long White Cloud, unless Monsieur Laporte joins the and of the living.

  • 67.
  • At 08:46 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • LeXVdeRob wrote:

For all those complaining about the selection, it's just a very difficult choice to make, I think it's a fairly good 6N team. I'm French but I wouldn't have gone for Poitrenaud, he can be a very good runner, but he worries me in defence, he's lost us a few games in the past, we need Blanco back or something. I would have gone for Hickie or Morgan.

I think Strettle is over-rated, players will have figured him out by now, he's like J Robinson, he's good on the wing with some pace, but otherwise he'll just sidestep to no avail and dive into the forwards. He's also very annoying and I think he will be a target for hard tackles and possible injuries if he is chosen for the WC. I know BOD is untouchable, but he didn't impress during this edition, maybe he is good at leading Ireland, whatever his performances, but I'd like to see him lead French and Italians.

You can't argue with the forwards selection, unless you base yourself on Wales' last match.

Anyway, it was a very close tournament, I'd be curious to see what would happen if we started a new 6N in a couple of weeks...

  • 68.
  • At 08:52 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Philip wrote:

Close to my ideal team, so no complaints. I would say that a number of people posting on this board appear to have quite a narrow field of view about their own nations players...

A statement like "I'd say categorically that Martyn Williams has been the best openside in this tournament..." suggests blinkers worthy of the Grand National. Martyn Williams is a good player, but David Wallace, Mauro Bergamasco and Serge Betsen all have much better claims to the team.

  • 70.
  • At 09:17 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Ross wrote:

Thats a good team and probably the only thing i would say is thast Hickie deserves a spot. That being said the two wingers picked did have a great tournament. Who do the pundits reckon for player of the tournament. Wallace and d'Arcy i cannot separate

  • 71.
  • At 09:18 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Simon P wrote:

I like the team. Just about what i would have picked with, perhaps, room for Lamont on a wing and Kevin Morgan at FB.
Honorable mentions for Wyn-Jones and Leamy. Interesting that back 5 of the scrum is a real pool of strength in the NH i think.
What about a new game - Lions vs NH non-Lions (Fra & Ita)

  • 72.
  • At 09:21 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

This team has obviously been chosen with team performances masking individual performances. Martyn Williams the Welsh flanker was outstanding throughout the tournamount obviously the irish flankers played well but that is too easy when you have a good team behind you. The Welsh front five looked shakey in almost all performances bar at the millenium statium against England. For Williams still to perform well without a platform is a true hard fought performance.
How can D'Arcy be justified against the tried and tested Yannik Jauzion who makes the other French backs look plain no competition between the two, is he there simply to complete the pairing with o'Driscoll? Crazy selection.
Also being English there is no reason i would pick Strettle over Horgan who had a blistering tournamount. Strettle played well in his games but no better than Lamont in his or even clerc.

  • 73.
  • At 09:26 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • coops18 wrote:

Jees judging by some of the comments here you would think that the Welsh won the championship! Sorry but overall there were four better sides than you.

Having said that, Popham, M Williams, Peel, Hook and Mark Jones all had good tournaments - everyone except Hook missed out because they were shaded by two or three players in very competitive positions, whilst I reckon Hook might have been pushing if he had played more than one game at 10.

Re Post 29:
Ellis and Strettle overrated?! Perhaps you failed to see how Ellis still provided good service and made breaks even when playing behind a pack that was often going backwards - I think Mignioni edges him as 1st choice 9, but he would be the Lions scrum half based on the tournament.

Strettle on the other hand is not the finished article, but it is very difficult to overrate his talent. He made yards every time he got the ball and stood up well in tackles - he is more of a threat than Horgan or Lamont with the ball in hand, although both of them impressed as well.

  • 74.
  • At 09:34 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • griff wrote:

Wheres Mike Tindall, an astute rugby brain,great outside break,pass off either hand,pace to burn and game breaker of the highest order...YES-I'm JOKING

  • 75.
  • At 09:37 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Michael Ryan wrote:

Forgive me if I am wrong but the team selected seems to show a short term memory lapse on the part of the selector. Although Wales had a disastrous six nations i seem to remember Ireland's back row being played of the park as were England's by the welsh i.e. Martyn Williams, it was not easy to perform to his incredibly high standards as part of a retreating pack at times but still head and shoulders better than anyone else in his position in the Northern Hemisphere. Kevin Morgan was superb played on to half time with a broken jaw always sound under the high ball, a corner stone in defence and instrumental in many an attack.

Do not mind our players being totally underated though as they always are (Tom Shanklin the best player on Lion's tour prior to injury). As this can only have a positive result with them going out to prove a point when it comes to the World Cup. The team of so called nobody's will become somebody's.

Was Strettle actually playing against Wales because I did not see him as per many members of the Irish side when they came to the millenium the only difference that day was one Brian O'Driscoll otherwise Ireland would have been beaten i am sure of.

  • 76.
  • At 09:41 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • patrick wrote:

In reposne to 65..

D'Arcy the most over-rated player in the 6N? He was the stand-out back all tournament, even when Ireland weren't playing well he was. He has far more influence on directing Irish play these days than BoD, he provides go forward ball and he controls the defensive line.
As for half-back there was only two that truely delivered. Mignoni and the auld boy Troncon.

  • 77.
  • At 09:43 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • chief wrote:

62.

whats ridiculous is that welsh are still one eyed enough to think that their wooden spoon wonders should get in a team of the tournament. Wales were a joke.

  • 78.
  • At 09:49 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Mick wrote:

Not a bad selection.

I think Martyn Williams, Alun Wyn Jones, Simon Taylor, Sean Lamont, Harry Ellis, Jason Robinson, Serge Betsen, Imanol Harinordoquoy, Christophe Dominici, Shane Horgan and Dennis Hickie all had excellent tournaments and could easily have scraped in.

I think had Hook started at fly half, he might have been there, but O'Gara scored 4 tries and bar the Italian game kicked perfectly, so his choice is probably fair.

Great six nations. I don't think any team played consistently well, but it made for very exciting stuff.

Roll on the world cup. Hopefully the NH rugby can pull a few surprises like last time.

  • 79.
  • At 09:51 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Beef wrote:

Strettle?? Cant be serious. Lamont, Horgan, Robinson and Hickie all ahead of him. To those touting Hook, one game and out half is not enough to get that position in a team of the tournament! Skrela, O'Gara is a close call but ROG prob just shades it.
Stuart #65, Gordon D'arcy is arguably the best centre in world rugby at present. You abviously know SFA about Rugby to suggest he is overrated. Centre is all about breaking the gain line and putting your team on the front foot. D'arcy does this every time.

  • 80.
  • At 09:51 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

Some really insightful comments fellas. An englishman selected, and all of a sudden the team's a joke, the pundits have only been watching the english...absolute drivvle. One or two chips on shoulders that need removing. Shane Horgan is a bosh ball centre, with a serious lack of pace...not, on any day, a world class winger. This is supposed to be a team of the tournament. The fact that Ireland were the pick of the home nations is no justification for selecting their players per se. Strettle has looked electric and dangerous everytime he has been given an inch of space. Anyone who has the ability to make the Twickenham "faithful" make a little noise must be doing something pretty special. It is the selection of Vincent Clerc on the other wing that more concerning. Surely Sean Lamont should get the nod.

  • 81.
  • At 09:52 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • davido wrote:

AodhODuinn states that Jerry Flannery would have made a difference, especially in the line out. Just looking at the stats, Ireland won 78 out of 88 lineouts during the tournament, which equates to 88.64%. If you take out the Italy game, where admittedly Rory Best had a bad day in the line-out, the stats are 66 won out of 72 which equates to 91.7%. If Flannery is so good that he would make a difference SEPECIALLY IN THE LINE-OUT, he should take up darts!! I think the weakness against Italy is much the same for Rory Best as it was for O'Gara, the different ball used. Oh, sorry, I'm an Irish supporter and I just said O'Gara has a weakness!! Will I ever be forgiven for this grave error...

  • 82.
  • At 09:56 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • drum'n'bass wrote:

CALL ME BIAS...but i think its a little harsh that Wales dont get a look in this side. Not one team beat them convincingly, we even led the champions by 13 points away until they pulled away in the second half. Ireland could of been a different story, a lack of finishing and referring decisions cost us, the better team did however win. I would say O'Connel got in this side on reputation and surely Wyn Jones deserves that spot.

No that ive had my Welsh rant i think Dempsey is more relaible and a better technical fullback than Poitneaud. I also want to reinterate a point made earlier, surely you cant pick props that only play half a game. You wouldnt pick a player who missed two games of the six nations for this team. Horsman, Milloud, Marconnet all looked destructive over more than 60 minutes of rugby. The wings could be a throw up between 6 players all have been mentioned knowone really standing out.

Stanout player of the tournamnet was D'arcy. The world is now scared of that centre divison

  • 83.
  • At 10:02 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • C. Jones wrote:

#33

"...Wallace, nothing to shout about"

Are you being serious? Did you watch any of Irelands games? He was absolutely outstanding throughout the tournament, and probably the only pick most people would agree on.

And as a Welsh supporter, no national bias clouds my appraisal.

  • 84.
  • At 10:07 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • emerald star wrote:

i'd put denis leamy in at no 8. he was outstanding throughout! even though i'm irish i'd probably pick strettle over horgan- horgan played very well but strettle was one of the few englsih to play well v ireland and was outstanding against france. he's quicker than horgan too (not by much) but those few seconds are crucial!

  • 85.
  • At 10:11 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Ross wrote:

Matt (comment 72) your only excuse for having jauzion above d'arcy is either blindness or sheer stupidity.. D'Arcy was the player of the tournament for most people, something that could not be said of jauzion who was slightly below his own (very high) standards. D'arcy now looks like the best 12 in the world. Also Michael (comment 73) if memory serves our backrow did outplay yours with Leamy and Easterby to the fore. You couldnt score a try against us and yet the only reason we won was BOD?

  • 86.
  • At 10:16 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Ireland Forever wrote:

I do agree with most of the selection although Strettle should not be there, Horgan is head and shoulders above him in talent and for his towering performance this year. Do we really need a token englishman in this lineup. Strettle is an outstanding player but doesn't come close. Alex Popham unlucky not to be there.
Overall though, a good and fair selection.
Roll on the world cup !!!

  • 87.
  • At 10:20 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • ulster am wrote:

Anyone saying D'arcy is overrated; did you watch Ireland v Italy? Jauzion is probably better all round on his day but in this tournament I'd pick D'Arcy.
Agree with the Welsh claims that M Williams and Popham at least deserve mention, if not inclusion.
If O'Connell gets in based on one immense performance, perhaps Hook should be there at flyhalf too...? I'd go for Skrela though.
Wings are a tough call.

  • 88.
  • At 10:37 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • emerald star wrote:

matt no 80. i agree with you! i'm irish and i'd pick strettle over horgan any day. strettle stood out in a team of mediocrity! french game aside! he is a real jem and a great find for england. also would have picked leamy at 8 as him and wallace were both outstanding!

  • 89.
  • At 10:44 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • jamie wrote:

everyone has there favourite players, but why do you insist on swapping players positions to get them in the team?

why does bergamasco get mentioned for 6 and 7 when he only played 7? and o'connell has a mention for 4 and 5 when he only played 5? Lamont and Patterson were mentioned for both wings when they never swapped through the tornament.

wouldn't it be fairer to say the best 15 was... and the best 14 was... and so on.

  • 90.
  • At 10:51 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Martin Bailey wrote:

Easterby was great but he is a tenth of the player Simon Taylor is. Let's ignore the Scots once more.

  • 91.
  • At 10:53 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Derek Fallon wrote:

Re Post no 65:-"Farrell in for D'arcy". Oh sweet Lord...

  • 92.
  • At 10:55 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • FERGUS wrote:

Interesting selection - few will crib about most nominated.

Cannot understand how Matt(72) can argue against D`Arcy - he was - by a mile- the most effective and classy centre in the 6N. Dave Wallace was clearly the outstanding forward.

Great to see Italy come of age - time to bring Argentina on board to establish the best tournament of all.!!!!

Being Irish I must congratulate the French team on winning the championship - they were the best squad by far. Had Ireland won on Saturday - we would have been very fortunate. We are happy with our considerable squad to face the WC without the unrealistic burden of being one of the main contenders - I cannot see ANY of the teams looking forward to meeting us.

Cannot finish without thanking Mc ZINZAN (42) for confirming, what we all recognised, that ROG was targeted by the Scots.Our respect for the Scots. has been jaundiced by the incident - Hadden is a very poor and ungracious host, Scotland may well languish in the lower regions of the 6N if such attitudes are allowed to fester.Is Hadden suggesting that ROG was felled by one of his own team mates or - possibly? - the referee??? Play hard but play fair!!!!! The Scots are assured of a WARM welcome in Dublin next year.!!!!!

  • 93.
  • At 10:58 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Beef wrote:

#80 Matt

I suppose Lomu, Sailor, Tuqiri were all "Bosh Ball Centres" too!

  • 94.
  • At 11:01 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Big Col wrote:

What's all this about James Hook?!

C'mon boys, one reasonable performance at 10 is hardly going to qualify him for inclusion in a team of the tournament over ROG. England weren't exactly the best we've seen them at in that game either.

But, of course, we've beaten the English and that, for some of you, may be enough to paper over the cracks but the truth of the matter is that we grossly under-performed in this years 6N. A-W Jones, Popham & Martyn Williams had great tournaments and in better teams may have warranted inclusion but aside from that we have very little moan about and very little to hope for going into the RWC.

  • 95.
  • At 11:03 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Shmunkie wrote:

I'd much rather have Robinson or Lamont on my team than Strettle (at the moment at least).

Thing that gets me is people suggesting Betsen for team of the tournament - were you watching the French games. In comparison to what he is capable of (world class performances) this tournament was probably his worst. For the first time he didn't top the French tackle count and, almost unheard of, he missed two easy tackles at key moments.

Shame about Popham and Taylor as well - both deserve a mention, but not the team

  • 96.
  • At 11:14 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • William Johnson wrote:

Poitrenaud
Strettle
Darcy
Jauzion
Horgan
O'Gara
Mignoni
Lo Cicero
Ibanez
Nieto
Bortolami
O'Connell
Taylor
Wallace
Parisse

  • 97.
  • At 11:15 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Ian Blanchard wrote:

Generally agree pretty much with the selected team, although query the selection of Strettle based on three games, one of which he hardly got the ball (Wales). I think he will be a very good player, but think Lamont played better in a poorer side (edges Horgan because of his pace).

As an Englishman, I can't make a serious case for any of the England pack, given how they capitulated against both Ireland and Wales. We badly need a more dynamic front row (Stevens Thompson? Sheridan, with a fit Vickery as back-up). The young back row has promise but needs more experience and nous (Rees is not yet the new Neil Back)

Martin Williams was unlucky to be fighting for the same position as Wallace. Both extemely good players, but on this 6N Wallace looked better; possibly helped by being in a better team.

Hook looks good, but falls into a similar category to Strettle; may well be the outstanding 10 of the future but didn't have enough chance to show that yet.

Overall though the tournament was a bit of a mixed bag from all the teams, and there were few consistently outstanding performers, so a case can be made for a few players based on their better games and against on their poorer performances (e.g. Paul O'Connell)

  • 98.
  • At 11:23 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Howard Poth wrote:

My Six Nations Team Of The Tournament

15 Clement Poitrenuad (Fra)

14 David Strettle (Eng)

13 Yannick Jauzion (Fra)

12 Gordon D’Arcy (Ire)

11 Jason Robinson (Eng)

10 Ronan O’Gara (Ire)

9 Harry Ellis (Eng)

1 Olivier Milloud (Fra)

2 Raphaël Ibañez (Fra, capt)

3 Martin Castrogiovanni (It)

4 Donncha O’Callaghan (Ire)

5 Marco Bortolami (It)

6 Simon Taylor (Sco)

7 David Wallace (Ire)

8 Sergio Parisse(It)

  • 99.
  • At 11:24 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • mello wrote:

anyone care to suggest a six nations worst team of the tournament? Or maybe a most disappointing team of the tournament?

  • 100.
  • At 11:25 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • bob wrote:

agree with most of line up... corry is a much better at lock than the backrow. i think strettle did just about enough to get into the team, his defence was superb and he put in some great hits. Hook would probably get into team if he played more games at flyhalf but o'gara had some great games. surprised that chabal didn't play that well, he was closed down in the england game.

  • 101.
  • At 11:26 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • seb bench wrote:

my team forwards: ibanez,nieto castrovani bortalami, o'connel leamy easterby wallace backs: ellis o'gara o'driscoll d'arcy strettle robinson morgan

  • 102.
  • At 11:27 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Mark, Paris wrote:

This is all so subjective it's untrue, as people see different things in different players. No-one knows the ins and outs of every position, and therefore for an ex fly-half, centre and full back like myself, my forward picks are always going to be of less value than my back picks, but here goes.

Essentially a lot of the team I would agree with, but:

Dempsey outshone Poitrenaud for me at full back. More consistent and more dangerous overall.

Clerc would be on the bench and Hickie has to play, as does Strettle, on the wings. My French friends agree with me here, Strettle was the find of the tournament, Hickie was possibly the player of the tournament.

Centres and half backs no problem at all.

Up front, Ibanez has the hooker slot sewn up, and I'd not even try to pick props.

Second row O'Connell was anonymous for the first two games and out for the last one so how does he get in there? Bortholami and Nallet/Thion for me.

Back row I'd agree with Parisse is sheer class, Wallace was outstanding and Easterby tops the blindsides.

  • 103.
  • At 11:31 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • gordon clark wrote:

how did Hook do against France? or Ireland? was he a factor in those games? ROG wasn't vintage during the 6N I'll give u that but David Skrela was by far the best 10. probably the missing part of the puzzle for France. Wales fans have to stop building up their players before they achieve anything. Gavin Henson anyone? as for Strettle he was very impressive but would he have stood out as much in the Irish side? he was the only English back to try things early on against France and that's what gave they confidence to go on and win the game but hickie was amazing throughout the tournament.

  • 104.
  • At 11:40 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • phil Mckenzie wrote:

15 Poitrenaud
14 Clerc
13 Jauzion
12 D'Arcy
11 Robinson
10 O'Gara
9 Troncon
8 Parisse
7 Wallace
6 Bergamasco
5 O'Connell
4 Thion
3 Horsman
2 Ibanez
1 Lo Cicero

  • 105.
  • At 11:43 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • triple crown "chokers" wrote:

a bit surprised marcus horan didnt get at least a mention! was one of ireland's most consistent. also i know bartolami was exellent and it's great more italian players are getting recognised but o callaghan wasnt even mentioned! maybe there should be best subs too- geraghty, flannery etc!

  • 106.
  • At 11:43 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • John White wrote:


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Previewing your Comment
1. Milloud
2. Ibanez
3. Castrogiovanni
4. Bortolami
5. O'Connell
6. Taylor
7. Wallace
8. Parisse
9. Ellis
10.O'Gara
11.Robinson
12.D'Arcy
13.O'Driscoll
14.Horgan
15.Dempsey

16.Best
17.de Villiers
18.Nallet
19.Popham
20.Troncon
21.Skrela
22.Hickie

Squad for best for 6N.

Strettle was no way as good as Horgan. Fact. Tries, runs, off-loads, they all point to Horgan.

Castrogiovanni should get the nod instead of Nieto.

Second row, Nallet was better than Wyn Jones, hence his bench position. Wyn-Jones has given himself a great platform to move forward from though. Comparable to someone like O'Callahan.

Fly-halves pick themselves - Hook played at 12 for most of the tournament, and against England his performance was set-up by forward dominance.

Dempsey scored more tries than the other full backs, so has to be included. I'm fond of Paterson at full-back but he didn't play there until Southwell got injured.

Robinson has to be included for pace, tries and the electricity he creates when he gets the ball.

Taylor was a rock for Scotland and is an under-rated player in my opinion. Popham played very well and is an able ball carrier, hence his bench position.

  • 107.
  • At 11:53 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Patrick wrote:

Hmm, some dodgy selection there in my opinion.

Strettle played how many games? Scored how many tries? Hard to see him in a head of Sean Lamont, Horgan, or Hickie. Certainly one for the future, but I dont think he merits team of the tournament.

In the pack, dont see how Nieto got ahead of DeVilliers, he had another great year, and Paul O'Connel, though undoubtedly a classy operator, did not have a vintage year. Nor did Easterby, though I felt Wallace was certainly immense this year.

Team of the tournament really, in my opinion looked something like this:

15.Poitrenaud
14.Lamont
13.BOD
12.D'Acry
11.Clerc
10.O'Gara
9.Troncon
8.Parisse
7.Wallace
6.Taylor
5.Bortolami
4.Thion
3.DeVilliers
2.Ibanez
1.LoCicero

  • 108.
  • At 11:53 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Michael Ryan wrote:

Comment 73

Four better teams than Wales. I agree four teams finished higher than Wales, one of which was played of the park at the millenium and I genuinely saw nothing to fear from them in the distant future. The Italians would have finished below wales if it had not been for a number of momentous unjust refereeing desicions (draw perhaps fair result there) Bergamasco the try scorer still being on the field in order that he could bring down a supporting man off the ball when a try was beckoning as well as score the try, never lone the most shocking call of all time by Chris White even he would have found it difficult to make England win against wales.
So two teams now better than Wales the Irish were worried at the Millenium as were the French at the Parc.
Although Wales had a bad six nations I still saw enough to give me hope that there maybe a shining light at the end of the tunnel. Can the same be said for others.

  • 109.
  • At 11:53 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • AP Marshall wrote:

i think williams at 7 if just for the england game

  • 110.
  • At 11:54 AM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Jon Jenkins wrote:

Sorry but a French no9 ....France dont even know who is best at that position ! and for Strettle sorry what did he do again ????

  • 111.
  • At 12:00 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • .......... wrote:

not being biast seeing that im welsh but where is James Hook he should be on there because he does what a fly half does (which isnt kicking but hes effective at that) but being creative on the field for the backs to play off and play rugby!! and where is Martin Williams he has shown for the last few years he is a world class flanker up with the best like Richie McCaw fair do's the others have showed there rugby and are amazing players but don't be a moody english about us beating you by leaving the Welsh out of it

  • 112.
  • At 12:02 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Jacky Mann wrote:

Could anyone please comment on the ammount of forward passing, which as a result of poor control by officials has corupted international rugby. It beggars belief that at local club level this is punished, while international it seems to be acceptable.I felt heart sorry for the Itaian team against Ireland as four of the tries Ireland scored had forward passes involved.

  • 113.
  • At 12:12 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Tim Sims wrote:

If you _have_ to pick an England back then it should be Robinson, not Strettle. But I'd go for Lamont ahead of either. And I'd have thought Horsman was worth a mention at tight-head.

How about a team of under-performers (ie reputation not fulfilled)from the 6N?:
15: Lewsey
14: Dominici
13: Jauzion (harsh, I know, but he can do a lot better)
12: Farrell
11: S Williams
10: S Jones
9: Cusiter
1: D Jones
2: ??
3: Vickery
4: Grewcock
5: Murray
6: Worsley
7: Betsen (see Jauzion)
8: R Jones

Bit stuck on a hooker: even Matthew Rees hit his jumpers more often than not...

  • 114.
  • At 12:12 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Alistair Vant wrote:

I think Hook should be at 10, if only for his performance against England. No outstanding 10's in the tournament until the last game where he made Toby Flood look like he was back playing schoolboy rugby again. Northern Hemispheres answer to Dan Carter!!!

  • 115.
  • At 12:17 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

Not going to complain too much about the side but as a Welshman I am amazed that neither Martyn Williams or Ian Gough get a mention. Now I know Wales lost 4 games and in certain games struggled for possession but Williams is the best openside in the northen hemisphere by a country mile. He didn't set the tournament alight like in previous seasons but he's still the best and would be the Lions 7 if that team was picked tomorrow. And as for Gough he was immense in defence and his workrate for a lock forward is superb. Not saying they should definitely make the final team of the tournament but definitely should have been in contention and deserving of a mention.

  • 116.
  • At 12:20 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • MadAboutEwe wrote:

Not sure why Kevin Morgan received votes, he was very poor this tournament.

And Dave Strettle? Great talent, but he didn't even play in the first 2 games, and was pretty quiet against Wales.

And for the guy who wanted to see how James Hook coped in pressure, he obviously didn't see him bring Wales back from a 20 point deficeit to clinch a draw against Australia, or kick the winning conversion against Sale in the Heinekin Cup.

O'Connel gets in on reputation alone. Suprised Popham didn't receive votes, Parise was a non-factor against France and England.

  • 117.
  • At 12:25 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • David wrote:

On the whole a fair selection. However, while selection here is based largely on what a player has done in certain matches you also need to look at those moments when a team's back is to the wall. When England were suffering in Cardiff there wasn't an awful lot coming from Strettle - it was Jason Robinson who delivered and (unless we're gettin pedantic about right & left wing) gets my vote for this and other great performances. There was also a mesmeric moment when JR & Shane Williams came face to face - the Northern Hemisphere's two Billy Whizzes - where's the slo-mo replay!
There's also the odd comment about Kevin Morgan being a one trick pony!!! Sorry but he chooses great angles of running, generally good hands, has pace, excellent under the high ball, brave and most of all intelligent. While I don't think he quite makes the 'tournament team' (one poor pass I remember) he's a quality player - so you're entitled to your opinion - but I'm afraid you're wrong.

  • 118.
  • At 12:27 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Houlet wrote:

Far too many Englishmen in the side again!

  • 119.
  • At 12:31 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Quatermass wrote:

As a level headed Welshman can't have too many complaints about the team selected. Front row spot on. Second row also (although O'Connell was not at his imperious best IMO and AW Jones excelled - would make bench). Parisse has no competition at 8, Easterby superb at 6 but Bergamasco is a real pain in the backside and I would probably put him there for nuisance value. Wallace a shoe in at 7 despite M. Williams consistent high standard.
Troncon would have to be my 9 for his control more than anything but Mignoni and Ellis offer real options. 10 I am really struggling with, just cannot bring myself to pick ROG (I like a bit of flair at 10), agree it is too early for Hook, which only really leaves Skrela who hasn't really set the place on fire either.
BOD is BOD and D'arcy is his perfect foil. Disagree with both wings. Any two from Horgan, Hickie, Robinson would do me. Full back, Poitrenaud probably shades it.
4 Italians and no Welsh - what have I done??

  • 120.
  • At 12:38 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • jim wrote:

I agree with the post that suggested that outstanding individual play may have been lost in the team's mediocrity.

Agree that Martyn Williams should be in.

I think that Ellis or Troncon are both higher than Mignoni.

Disagreed that O'Gara should be picked over Skrela particularly after his disaster off the tee on Saturday.

Disagreed that O'Connell should be in at all. I think that England aside, his performances were average this tournament, borne out by Ireland's struggle to put away Wales and Scotland.

On the whole though, a good assessment of the tournament. My reaction of "surely not" to some of the selections was tempered when I considered the opposition. A clear case of "best" not necessarily meaning "any good".

Given the problems that Australia and SA are having too at the moment, my only concern is that this WC will not be remembered for being won by one of the best AB sides ever but for the mediocrity of all the other sides.

  • 121.
  • At 12:39 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • gfrazer wrote:

Post #90 - you HAVE to be joking re Easterby & Taylor. & "Let's ignore the Scots"? Well you did claim the wooden spoon this year, so exactly how many Scottish players would you say deserve to be in the team of the tournament? I'll answer for you - NONE!

  • 122.
  • At 12:43 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • bigpony wrote:

As an Englishman I can't believe I'm going to say this, but Alix Popham shone for me throughout the tournament, playing in an under performing team. Certainly should have been considered.

  • 123.
  • At 12:44 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • LarneUlsterFan wrote:

Reading these blogs gets on my nerves, Jason Robnson is the only England player worthy of a place in this team, he is the only world class player left in that team! Tom Rees is one for the future but should not be in this team when u look at the amount of outstanding back rows in the 6N. Had Mike Catt played more then maybe he could have sneaked it but the English can not say much about us Irish making our team out to be better than we are, we know how good we are and yes it is better than every other team in the tournament!
Wales don't deserve anyone though a few were unlucky ie Ryan Jones, Dwayne Peel. the Italian pack is overrated as they only won 2 matches and got hammered in 2 of the others! France are strong but i don't think they played well enough consistently to win the tournament!

D'Arcy was by far and away the best player of the tournament and ppl who are discrediting O'Dricoll's influence on a rugby pitch should look back at the lions tour of 2005 which fell apart after his injury. Is it a coincidence that Ireland lost the only game of the 6N which he didn't play in and Ireland were running in tries for fun against Italy until he came off then Italy beat Ireland by 2 tries to 1 withgout him (though Eddie O'Sullivan didn't help with his team selection)

Anyone who would like to argue against D'arcy being the star man of the tournament please do so as i am bored in work at the minute and would like something to make me laugh!

  • 124.
  • At 12:45 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Granty wrote:

McZinzan, good to see that you know your positions. Darcy plays 12 and Jauzion plays 13.

  • 125.
  • At 12:46 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • kenboss wrote:

lads strettle is there for the soft english input into a pathetic season and set up, if anyone in their right mind could have their pick of wingers the lad would not get a mention, as for him above horgan well its a serios case of man against boy, but this is a BBC site so a token few gestures towards england are always necessary, just remember the bbc published in the fantasy team that worsley was the best 6 in the tournament before hand, am apart from best, easterby, leamy, and wallace and thats only the irish contingent, lads i wouldnt look to much into it, there is no english player capable of making the irish or french teams and they are the only teams that will do anything in the world cup, its just a shame that ireland france and argentina are in the one group while minnows england, scotland, wales and italy all get it handy enough

  • 126.
  • At 12:48 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Adieb wrote:

I am 100% english but i totally agree i would have definetly picked horgan or maybe lamont above strettle also i think i would have picked alix popham at 6 above easterby and maybe a.w jones instead of o'connell. He had one big game against us the rest he was entirely average. I think Wallace is one on the best 7's worldwide but Tom Rees will be up there with him in a couple of years

  • 127.
  • At 12:57 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • grandslam Gav wrote:

Ref Fergus article no 92.

Fergus what planet are you on??

There was no malice in what happened to O'Gara, it was only your manager shouting his mouth off without thinking, (WITH NO PROOF!!)after his game plan was severly tested.
And as for being bottom of the 6 nations, you should know that "every dog has it's day!"you were crap for 10 years"
As for a warm reception in Dublin next year" Bring it on" i and many more thousand Scots will be there looking forward to the warm hopitality we always get from the Irish!
Fergus dont be bitter i am sure boy wonder will get worse at the World Cup.

  • 128.
  • At 01:01 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Chris Watts wrote:

Brian O'Driscoll has clearly been picked in this team on reputation. In my eyes he had his most non-effective 6 nations yet, admittedly this was due to injury.
No James Hook? Surely one of the tournaments biggest plus points!
Harry Ellis was Englands most attacking threat, head and shoulders above any scrum half in the competition.

  • 129.
  • At 01:04 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Alistair wrote:

I don't think it very sensible to pick players in positions that did not play there but realise the issue. What I think most interesting would be how your team would change if it was best on individual game performance.

here's my selection:(tournament best first, individual-game best second)

15: Dempsey, Morgan (v Ireland)
14: Clerk, Lamont (v France)
13: O'Driscoll, O'Driscoll (v Wales)
12: D'Arcy, Jauzion (v Scotland)
11: Hickie, Dominici (v Wales)
10: O'Gara, Wilkinson (v Scotland)
9: Mignoni, Ellis (v Scotland)
8: Parisse, Leamy (v England)
7: Wallace, Williams (v England)
6: Easterby, Taylor (v France)

Don't know much about front five but full marks for Corry agreeing to play there.

Best individual in the tournament - O'Gara, proved once and for all he can handle the hits and big games and dominated behind a weak platform (v France for example). Best individual game - Wilkinson v us, heartbreaking but outstanding

  • 130.
  • At 01:05 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Philip wrote:

A lot of people seem to be anti-Strettle on here, saying he didn't do much, or only stood out in a poor team. Admittedly, England were poor this year, but every time Strettle got the ball he looked dangerous and made ground. If he had been in say the Irish or French teams, then I feel we would not be having this argument as he would have been the top try scorer in the tournament.

  • 131.
  • At 01:10 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Y DDRAIG COCH wrote:

Reply to 77.
If Wales are a 'joke' how come we beat England?

Which team was a joke that day??

I think the selection is pretty spot on by the way. Nice to see that some Italians feature.

  • 132.
  • At 01:16 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Mark Chalmers wrote:

I think the likes of O'Driscoll and O'Connell seem to be in the side based on reputation rather than their actual performances this tournament. Apart from his game against England, O'Connell looked pretty average in his other performances, would definitely pick A Wyn Jones over him based on this tournament. At 13 can you honestly say that O'Driscoll was more impressive than Jauzion or even Shanklin this tournament, while Jauzion played at 12 it would be worth shifting either himself or D'Arcy out to 13 to include the two best centres of the tournament.

For those of you who think that Horgan or Lamont deserve a place on the wing over Strettle, Horgan had poor games against both the French and the Scots and Lamont had a shocker that led to Robinson's try in the England game. Strettle looked a threat pretty much every time he had the ball in hand.

I would give the other wing spot to Hickie over Clerc, would put Betsen ahead of Easterby, Milloud ahead of Lo Cicero and Castrogiovanni ahead of Nieto. And while their weren't any stand outs at 15, I feel that Poitrenaud's poor defence means the shirt should go to either Morgan or Dempsey.

Player of the tournament has to be between Wallace, D'Arcy and Ibanez.

  • 133.
  • At 01:19 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Bill wrote:

Good selection, and the same "nearlys" as most.

Poitrenaud's attacking threat just about justifies his inclusion. Dempsey would be my choice though.

Calls for Martin Williams are probably based on his past performances. In this tournament the only 7 really challlenging Wallace was Bergamasco.

James Hook would be at 10 if he'd had more time in that position. He is the category of player who can "win games by himself" and there are only a few of those around. He will be a great.

I thought Simon Taylor was outstanding for Scotland and in a better side would get to show the attacking abilities Graham Henry recognised 7 years ago. He's also better at 8...

I also thought Martin Corry was very good for England in the second row and is benefiting from all the changes in the England setup.

Strettle is clearly a talented finisher but have to agree that Hickie was the outstanding winger. Lamont is untouchable for his ability to run the ball back from his 22. He seems to just waltz through tackles... However a winger's first job is as a finisher, so surprised not to see Robinson in there.

As a Scot I was pretty shocked when I heard what happened to O'Gara. I hope it was not deliberate.

  • 134.
  • At 01:24 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • mczinzan wrote:


My reference to ROG being 'targeted' by the Scots seems to have been picked up by several posts. By this I meant the back row pressured him throughout the game, I saw nothing irregular in anything that the Scots did, neither did the ref, touch judges, nor citing commissioner!! Certainly no different from Dan Parks being targeted by the Irish back-row in Dublin last year. Lot of one-way streets in Ireland lads? The incident at the end is utter nonsense and if you look very closely at the television footage, Hines is not in contact with ROG long enough to have done anything devious. As for the utterances from O'Sullivan, merely an attempt to hide a poor Irish performance. Mr McCall and Mr Collins will not be as forgiving!

Can I also refer you to the 70/80/90s 5-Nations games being shown ESPN Classic, there you will see some true targeting of stand-offs! Ahh the good old days.

  • 135.
  • At 01:24 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • John wrote:

I think the team is fair, cannot really disagree. A sign of the wind of change to see only 1 Englishman in there, and a kid at that.

Somebody asks:
'Where is Andy Farrell?'
Answer: WHO???

DAVID WALLACE was without doubt the man of the tournament. A lot say Darcy but we expect that from him, as he has (along with King Brian) set the bar so high for himself, but Wallace has always being good, but his 6 Nation performances where world class. Even George Hook was raving about him!!!

  • 136.
  • At 01:30 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Mark, Paris wrote:

# 103

Gordon, Skrela has no power in either his kicking, running or defence. He was controlled but not "the missing link" for France, that will be Beauxis, who will start in the World Cup with Mignoni I think.

I think a lot of the suggestions are just ill-conceived as people played 1 decent game in those positions (Hook at 10, Corry and O'Connell in the 2nd Row) but it's what makes it all the more fun I guess

  • 137.
  • At 01:32 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Alistair Vant wrote:

In reply to Tim Sims how can you possibly say that Ryan Jones was dissapointing. He was the best ball carrier in the tournament. If you were to select a lions team now he would be in it, without doubt.
Can't believe Dwayne Peel hasn't been mentioned either, even the southern hemisphere big guns would have him in their teams!

  • 138.
  • At 01:34 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Joshua Edge wrote:

I think this team is a load of rubbish. It has no Welsh players init which is a joke. It makes a change that there is only 1 english player init and he is a joke anway. You didnt pick any welsh players? why? i dont get it there are a few class players in that team that are better than most of the players in that team.

  • 139.
  • At 01:36 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Philbert wrote:

John Hayes? John Hayes???? I wouldn't pick John Hayes in a John Hayes look-a-like XV!! I can't believe that he even got a mention!!

Ok, rant over!!

I am pleased at the inclusion of many Italians. They certainly had their best 6N tournament so far and I hope that they can build from here to make this THE premier championship: north or south of the equator!!

I agree that Strettle was probably the only Englishman to leave the tournament with his head held high, I would choose Jauzion over BOD to partner Darcy in the centre and I think that Troncon was the outstanding scrum half of the 6N.

I think that the looming RWC had a big effect on the 6N's this year. The only team, for my money, that improved their credentials during the tournament is Italy. They have built on their performances from previous years and showed their dogged determination to full effect, and got the results to match.

Ireland need to address their reliance on a couple of key individuals. Their whole game plan, cohesion and decision making capability seems to go out of the window if these players are missing!

France only really woke up in the final game: when they knew exactly what they needed to do! Again, the French seem to react to the performance of a few key individuals e.g. Chabal, Ibanez, although they don't have the same level of reliance on these players as the Irish.

The Scots started well but never grew to fulfil their early potential. If Patterson gets injured or doesn't perform, then they struggle to even compete in matches!

The English? As the team selection above reflects, there were not enough stand-up-and-be-counted performances. There were some good performances from some players new and old, but not enough to suggest that the corner has been turned. Reports of retaining the RWC are pie in the sky!!

The Welsh just didn't make the grade this year. Before the tournament, they were being billed as the strongest challenge to the Irish title hopes. Unfortunately, they struggled to make it out of the blocks! They were unlucky with the confusion at the end of the Italian match but, in truth, they should never have got themselves into that position in the first place. All credit to the way that the whole team addressed what must have been a devastatingly disappointing situation!

How long ‘til the RWC . . . ??

  • 140.
  • At 01:43 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • john wrote:

i think that johnny wilkinson woz the best player in hte 6 nations

  • 141.
  • At 02:00 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • triple crown "chokers" wrote:

grandslam gav talking about fergus being bitter is really rich coming from some scottish fans who cant stop banging about eddie os. dont want to bring this up again but while i feel the whole o gara thing was more than likely an accident something definitely happened to make sure ronan had to be put in the recovery position. come on! m not calling the scottish team dirty or whatever i'm just saying clearly players dont get put into recovery positions unless something happened. as for eos he shouldnt have spoken out the way he did but if your player was blue in the face the concern is only natural.as for the scots coming next year, they're always welcome in ireland! here's to a less controversial match next year!

  • 142.
  • At 02:11 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • dafyd wrote:

who are we trying to kid- dwayne peel and ryan jones were nowhere near their lions form and havent really been since the tour. I personally still think cusiter was the best scrum half on the lions tour. anyway to the present GIVE MIKE PHILLIPS A CHANCE PLEASE!! oh and popham at 8 and charvis or j thomas at 6

  • 143.
  • At 02:13 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Fogarty wrote:

Anyone who mentions Olly Morgans name in this debate about team of the tournament needs their head seen to. He was awful!

Antway here is my team of the tournament:

15. Dempsey
14. Robinson
13. O'Driscoll
12. D'Arcy
11. Hickie
10. O'Gara
9. Troncon
1. Milloud
2. Ibanez
3. Castrogiovanni
4. AW Jones
5. Bortolami
6. Easterby
7. Wallace
8. Parisse

O'Driscoll only in, cause lets face it who else really played well at 13 this season? Skrella and leamy were quite unlucky to be left out!

Player of the tournament - David Wallace

  • 144.
  • At 02:15 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • mz wrote:

I feel like some justice has to be done to the French team over here (I'm not French, even though I am currently in France). No offense to the Home Nations, but they won... However I will start by challenging this nonsense about Skrella. The only way he got into the team is that his father is a former glory and in the management of the French Federation. This guy is awful, Johnny Wilkinson type but without the kicking abilities, which comes to awful, like I've said (same to Andy Goode and Charlie Hodgson, especially the English will understand what I mean). You should have seen Ibanez at the end of the game against Ireland... luckily France won, otherwise Skrella would have been dropped through "injury". ROG is far better than him and is the right choice for me, Skrella never had a break through the defense line throughout the tournament.

Regarding the pack, I am not a specialist, but when you win 36-3 against Italy (a match I didn't see, but neither the others it seems to me) and you clearly dominate every other pack (the English excepted), it seems like nonsense to have only Ibanez in, luckily for him that he was the captain and/or he plays for the Wasps. Coming back to the England - France game, allow me to say that the great surprise was that the English pack was not destroyed by the French and that wrongly induced the idea of having the things the other way around. The difference has been done by the backs that day, when the English were fed with balls by their own 9 and 10 and also by the French 9 and 10, who kicked almost every ball they had and failed to use their own backs. Regarding the Italian choice in the pack, it seems to be made on the display of the Italian pack against the Home Nations (that don't take away the world class player status of Parisse).

Coming to the backs, I think that the fact France has such an enormous pack, outshines their back line, which is not the case for Ireland, Wales and Scotland. That is why, they are not so decisive as in the Ireland case, and not because they are weaker, although I acknowledge the fact that O'Darcy and O'Driscoll are one of a kind (the "twins" as they call them in France). And that is one of the strong point of the French team, compared to Ireland, which heavily relies on the fitness of everybody in their back line and especially O'Driscoll. As for the full back position, the Poitroneau choice is just consistent with the rest of the choices, which advantage the attacking skills of the players. If you want a world class player, than watch out for Martin Hernandez, you can see him playing in HCup for Stade Français and in WC for Argentina (I'm not Argentinian either).

For the WC I hope that at least Michalak or Traille are fit, so that Skrella takes a break, while the second choice should be Beauxis, which has a huge potential and he already won a world cup with the French U21 team. And to all of you which are worried about the ABs, the fact that they have almost no opposition in their group will be their doom, just like every other time. I would be more anxious about Australia and South Africa, which are far better WC focus teams.

  • 145.
  • At 02:18 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Finlay Gillon wrote:

In my opinion the best player was of the six nations was Harry Ellis. He was awesome in the Scotland match and i think that both defensive and attacking attributes have improved. Being a Scotsman it is hard to admit but England had a decent six nations, unlucky to finish mid-table, but i think that they will put up a gud fight in the world cup. Sean Lamont had a great tournament too.

  • 146.
  • At 02:20 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Mczinzan wrote:

Granty (124)

Will that be the same Jauzion who played inside centre for France in the last three games?

Nice to see you actually watch a match!

  • 147.
  • At 02:23 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

#93 Beef

I'm clearly missing some subtlety in your argument. Jonah Lomu and Wendel Sailor have never played in the centre. Lote Tuqiri has, and was ineffectual. Shane Horgan has regularly been played in the centre, and that is his most effective position, where he can use his attribute to be effect. However, Ireland have a couple of half decent centres who seem to get selected in the centres ahead of him.

  • 148.
  • At 02:38 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Liam wrote:

Philbert mate you clearly know zip about rugby if you don't understand why people are talking about John Hayes. Anyone who knows about rugby knows he is the key to Ireland's lineout being one of the best in the world. But this year he was excellent in the scrum despite being targeted. He was immense against England (who were talking up disrupting ireland's scrum). In the loose he was so much better than previous years.

Also Jauzion for BOD??? Jauzion was anonymous this year the championship in my view and the new guys - Beauxis, Skrela and Clerq eclipsed him. BOD has only lost one international game he has played in since June - that was against France.

Also Troncon whislt he prefromed well lets not get carried away he is not better than Mignoni/Stringer/Ellis/Peel/Cusiter. Troncon gave Italy solidity where they needed it but he wouldn't get into any other team in 6 Nations.

  • 149.
  • At 02:56 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Stuart Wylie wrote:

In a tournament in which it seemed that almost any team, on their day, could beat any of the others I would have expected the selection to have been spread out more evenly between the nations.

Ireland were defeated by France, all but beaten by Scotland, and fortunate to profit from weak refereeing against Wales (a game in which Easterby was, I believe, given three 'final warnings' for illegally killing the ball - perhaps this is why he was selected!),yet have players nominated in 13 of the 15 positions. All I can say is that their other two players must have been incredibly poor!

  • 150.
  • At 03:05 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Philip wrote:

I agree with #142 Dafyd - give Mike Phillips a chance. I've never seen him play badly, and while Dwayne Peel is excellent I've seen him go missing a few times. Would be nice to have the strength in depth of Wales, but I feel that the selection order is wrong!

  • 151.
  • At 03:06 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • gfrazer wrote:

Stop calling for Welsh players to be included in the Team of the Tournament - they won one game! Against an equally poor team of muppets!

  • 152.
  • At 03:13 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Philbert wrote:

Liam 148 (I'm guessing that you're Irish, yes?) John Hayes . . . one of the best in the world . . . I haven't laughed so hard in a long, long time!

John Hayes may fall into the day's gone by mold of a prop: slow, lumbering and only good for lifting in the line and 'taking the hit' in the scrum, but the modern game demands more of its front row!! Carrying the ball into contact, clearing out at the breakdown, forming the defensive line around the fringes . . . in essence playing like the old back row forwards and still doing the dog work in the line and in the scrum.

Too often, Big John arrives at the breakdown just in time to colapse on top of it!

Big John, like George Chuter, suffers from the same problem: they're just not quick enough of mind or body to compete in the modern game of rugby.


  • 153.
  • At 03:13 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Dan lucchese wrote:

champs of the 6 nations:

15 Girvan Dempsey
14 David Strettle
13 Brian O'Driscoll
12 Gordon D'Arcy
11 Chris Paterson (kick)
10 David Skrela
9 Pierre Mignoni
1 Arndrew Lo Cicero
2 Rapheal Ibanez (Capt)
3 Martin Costrogeovanni
4 Marco Bortolami
5 Paul O'Connell
6 Mauro Bergamasco
7 Paul Wallace
8 Sergio Parisse (champ of the tournament)

chumps of the 6 nations:

15 Josh Lewsey
14 Mark Jones
13 Marcus Di Rollo
12 Gareth Thomas (Capt)
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones (chump of the tournament)
9 Dimitri Yachvilli (kick)
1 Duncan Jones
2 Rhys Thomas
3 Adam Jones
4 Robert Sidoli
5 Scott Murray
6 Serge Betsen
7 Martyn Williams
8 Ryan Jones

  • 154.
  • At 03:22 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Philbert wrote:

"BOD has only lost"??? So, Ireland really are the one player team that everyone says they are after all!!!

Ok, answer me this: which of the 6N's teams performed better than their billing this year? Which of the teams stepped up under the direction of their scrum-half? Which scrum-half managed to deliver against all expectation? Yea, you're right: Troncon's probably not worth having in your team after all!!

  • 155.
  • At 03:23 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • ulster am wrote:

Ellis? No. He makes two movements almost every time he passes, which is poor for a scrumhalf at club never mind international level. He is great on the break; maybe England should consider him on the wing.
This 6N Mignoni was equally dangerous in attack (the break for Jauzion's try against Scotland was absolutely superb) and his pass is much better.

  • 156.
  • At 03:30 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Nick wrote:

Surely Ellis should have been there, he passed well, made some great breaks and tackled pretty well too in every game. Glad that Parisse was in there. I thought was the best player in the best pack of the tournament. If Italy had backs as good as their forwards they could be right up there. Not sure about O'Connell though, we all know what a great player he is, but apart from the game against England I thought he was disapointing.

  • 157.
  • At 03:30 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • Beef wrote:

Matt,

I disagree that Horgans best position is the centre. French match a case in point. He has proven in both blue and green shirts that he is an excellent finisher which is a wingers job.
My point is that you dont have to be a twinkle toes like robinson or williams to make a world class wing. Do you not class Lomu, Tuqiri or Sailor as world class?

As usual no-one outside of Ireland even considers Shane Horgan or Peter Stringer.
Too big & slow Shane and too small & predictable Peter, are rated the best in the world by our captain none other than
Brian O'Driscoll.
Maybe he's wrong ??

  • 159.
  • At 03:32 PM on 21 Mar 2007,
  • BA wrote:

Here's my team of the tournament lads:

15. K. Morgan
14. Strettle
13. O'Driscoll
12. D'Arcy
11. Robinson
10. O'Gara
9. Mignoni
1. Milloud
2. Ibanez
3. Castrogiovanni
4. Bortolami
5. Wyn Jones
6. Easterby
7. Wallace
8. Parisse

16. R. Best
17. Lo Cicero
18. O'Callaghan
19. Bergamasco
20. Ellis
21. Skrela
22. Clerc

I don't think there can be any qualms with this team, all of them played consistently well throughout the tournament, something that O'Connell, Hook and Lamont failed o do.

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