Back 3 - Rob Kearney (3), Leigh Halfpenny (Kicker - 6) & George North (3)
Well, George North was non-existent out on that pitch against the English, a cripplingly poor performance from him means that I missed out on points that Mike Brown would have secured me with his beautiful grubber kick for Anthony Watson. Watson has shown many people he can play at international level against the best, and may well force his way into the starting line up next week. As expected, Halfpenny was able to use his boot to score some points, missing a simple opportunity though which was surprising for a player of his calibre, again, his place will be looked at, especially if George Ford starts against the Italians, in which case going for the Wales vs England man of the match may be the best choice. Rob Kearney managed 12 carries but Ireland were disappointing against a strong Italian defence, resulting in just 3 points for the fullback. Expecting a bigger performance against the French,
Players who nearly made it: Teddy Thomas, Mike Brown, Simon Zebo, Jonny May
Centres - Michele Campagnaro (2) and Wesley Fofana (3)
Really disappointed here. Fofana was limited by the Scottish team and the French backs looked decidedly average, Basteraud was the better player of the centre pairing. Campagnaro never looked dangerous, it was a risky move punting for the Italian against the Irish, and one that didn't pay off. Jonathan Joseph, who nearly made it, should have started for me.
Players who nearly made it: Alex Dunbar, Jonathan Joseph, Jamie Roberts
Half backs - George Ford (8) & Ben Youngs (5)
High scoring half back pairing this week with 13 between them, and I didn't even have Ford as my kicker, although it didn't matter too much in the end. He will take the kicking reigns next week with Halfpenny being dropped for a different outside back, we shall see who that will be later on in the week. Great performances from both meant that they were in contention for man of the match, and Ben Youngs, as I predicted, got himself an assist to help the team out. I don't think Conor Murray deserved MOTM against the Italians, that honour should have gone to my second row, Paul O'Connell.
Players who nearly made it: Greig Laidlaw, Rhys Webb, Jonny Sexton (injury)
Front Row - Alasdair Dickinson (2), Rory Best (2) & Samson Lee (2)
I said I was taking a punt on a Scottish forward to get me some crucial extra points, but sadly I picked the wrong one. Euan Murray's assist gave him 5 points. Other than that I can't complain too much, Castrogiovanni carried well as did Guirado, they look like they could be useful, although I doubt I will make changes to the front row as they are unlikely to pick up the points.
Players who nearly made it: Dylan Hartley, Ross Ford, Euan Murray
Second row - Jonny Gray & Paul O'Connell
Two brilliant performances from these two, at least one should have picked up man of the match. Strong in the lineout, in defence and carrying well these two could end up with some points next week, although Dave Attwood looked very good and almost snuck in a try. I would not consider including him next week though given that the English backs are likely to be the ones scoring the points.
Players who nearly made it: Alun Wyn Jones
Back row - James Haskell (3), Chris Robshaw (3) & Sergio Parisse (3)
Both Haskell and Robshaw were very impressive against the Welsh, unlucky to only get 3 fantasy points. Haskell showed he is a good runner of the ball, and the only defender that could stop him on Friday was the post! So close to points for that try, and both put in good claims for man of the match, they will be retaining their places in my team, especially as the next match is against Italy. Parisse was one of Italy's best players as expected, and had they held that 6 point deficit they had at half time I have no doubt his leadership would have earned him MOTM. He will have a tough time next week against the English and is unlikely to gain any points, so he may lose his place to a player such as Faletau, who's brilliant assist made him a valuable player to have in the side.
Players who nearly made it: Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahoney, Sam Warburton, Thierry Dusautoir, Rob Harley
POSITION 42952 SCORE 51
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