- Ireland were crowned Six Nations champions, while England settled for third place
- Andy Farrell’s side retained the title after beating challenging Scotland 17-13
- Here, Mail Sport’s NIK SIMON reveals his selections for various awards
A blockbuster Six Nations came to an end and Ireland were crowned champions once again.
Andy Farrell’s side survived a nail-biting clash against challenging Scotland to retain their title, forcing England to settle for third place after their pulsating defeat to France.
England narrowly lost in Lyon after Thomas Ramos kicked a penalty in the final minute, although their two bonus points saw them finish above Scotland.
But which players stood out during the tournament and who scored the best try?
Here, Mailsport‘s NIK SIMON reveals his choices…
Ireland retained their Six Nations crown after beating a challenging Scotland in Dublin
England had to settle for third place after their latest defeat to France
Best effort
Duhan van der Merwe
No one in Murrayfield could believe their eyes when Duhan van der Merwe fired down the left wing against England. A man his size shouldn’t be able to move that fast. It was a display of freakish athleticism that Jonah Lomu would have approved of.
Duhan van der Merwe scorched the left wing to score a memorable try against England
Best atmosphere
England vs Ireland
Twickenham has been a sad old place in recent years, but it came alive when Marcus Smith scored his winning drop goal. There was first class entertainment at half time with Rag ‘N’ Bone Man – as opposed to a cheap DJ – but above all a winning feeling.
Moment of magic
Nolann Le Garrec
It was a kiss-off moment for the chef when Cardiff replacement Antoine Dupont completed an incredible 40-yard back pass. It was a time to silence the BBC commentators who claimed it was a fluke and embrace the kind of individual skills that will inspire the next generation.
Nolann Le Garrec produced a chef’s kiss moment after completing a 40-yard reverse pass
A stupid blow
Paolo Garbisi’s missed kick
Every neutral player in the rugby world prayed that Garbisi would land his final kick against France to seal a famous victory. So it felt like the Gods had conspired against him when the ball fell off the tee and he had to rush his kick to avoid getting a timeout. He missed, meaning Italy had to settle for a draw.
Controversy
Scotland rejected the attempt
For five agonizing minutes the video refereeing team struggled their way through the review process before Sam Skinner’s final try against France was ruled out. It was a questionable decision.
Sam Skinner’s late try against France was ruled out after review by the video refereeing team
Dear ambassador
Jamie George
Press conferences can be soulless, but Jamie George’s Thursday evening sessions were brilliant. England’s new skipper was a breath of fresh air: open, honest and committed. The way he spoke about his mother’s death in Edinburgh was very moving.
Dear young man
Jack Crowley
The young number 10 assured the Irish that there is life after Johnny Sexton. He slid straight into the side with a calm assurance and dominated opponents until his team slipped up against England. Tommaso Menoncello, the center of Italy, also deserves a special mention.
PLAYER OF TOURNAMENT
Bundee Aki
The center of Connacht is a threat. Full of power and pace, he ensures that Ireland continually crosses the winning line. He excelled throughout the tournament.
Ireland’s Bundee Aki was a threat and excelled throughout the tournament