On a weekend packed with excitement, great tries and a couple of big home wins, the 2020 Guinness Six Nations was blown wide open.
Thanks to their win over Wales on Saturday, it is England who sit just above France in the table on points difference, with Les Bleus having seen their Grand Slam hopes evaporate thanks to defeat in Scotland.
And as we reflect on Round 4, it is time to select the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Round, with three Scots, two Englishman and one Welshman in contention.
VOTE FOR YOUR GUINNESS SIX NATIONS PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Ben Youngs (England)
On the occasion of his 99th cap for England, Ben Youngs had a day to remember and was named Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match for his performance in the 33-30 victory. It was Youngs’ perfect inside pass that put Anthony Watson in for England’s first try, while his snipe then moved England into position to send Elliot Daly over for their second. And Youngs was at it again in the second half, with another darting run setting up Manu Tuilagi for what proved a crucial third try.
Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
A typically abrasive performance from Jamie Ritchie as the Scotland flanker helped his team slow down France for the first time in the 2020 Championship. Along with back-row colleague Hamish Watson, Ritchie was able to wreak havoc at the breakdown, while he also proved a valuable target for the Scotland lineout and carried with intent.
Hamish Watson (Scotland)
Two weeks after he starred in Rome, Hamish Watson was again an influential figure in Scotland’s 28-17 win over France. He started well with an early carry down the right, and perhaps his most crucial intervention was a turnover on the Scotland line immediately after half-time that led to Scotland’s second try.
VOTE FOR YOUR GUINNESS SIX NATIONS PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Justin Tipuric (Wales)
Justin Tipuric finished on the losing side, but still deserves recognition for a stunning display at Twickenham. He was everywhere against England, finishing off a brilliant team try from the restart in the second half. And he continued right until the final whistle, going over for a second in the corner from the final play.
Adam Hastings (Scotland)
Adam Hastings impressed against France – in front of his family, with his mum, dad and sister all in attendance – kicking three penalties and two conversions, as well as making the break that led to Scotland’s first try. The fly-half pulled the strings as Scotland produced their most fluent attacking display of the Championship to date, while also making 18 tackles in defence.
Maro Itoje (England)
Maro Itoje led the way in a dominant defensive effort from England, racking up the tackles as they smothered Wales’ defence. The second row finished with 19 tackles in total, while also being a go-to man for England in the lineout in their victory over Wales.
VOTE FOR YOUR GUINNESS SIX NATIONS PLAYER OF THE ROUND
