The 2023 Guinness Six Nations may be over, but the defining moments of Rugby’s Greatest Championship will stay with fans for years to come.
However, supporters are not the only ones who will remember 2023 fondly.
Breitling’s ‘Squad Members’ is a world-class collective of current and former players, and they have been voting for their top four #DefiningMoments of the Championship.
Wales, England and Scotland are well represented in the squad by George North, Kyle Sinckler, Hamish Watson, Sam Warburton and Stuart Hogg.
The squad also has Gael Fickou, Conor Murray and Paolo Garbisi flying the flag for France, Ireland and Italy. So, without further ado, here are the top four #DefiningMoments of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
Duhan dances through England
Even by the standards of a Guinness Six Nations Try of the Championship, Duhan van der Merwe’s sensational solo effort against England was something special.
The winger showed his typical pace and skill to step four defenders on his way into England’s 22.
That alone would have made it a memorable score, but then Van der Merwe brought his power to the party, handing Alex Dombrandt off before crossing the whitewash.
The win meant Scotland recorded back-to-back triumphs at Twickenham for the first time, and Van der Merwe was crucial to his side from the word go.
Keenan cuts through
Ireland against France in Round 2 was played at a ridiculously high standard, with world-class talents across every position.
Nowhere was that more true than at full-back, where Thomas Ramos came up against Hugo Keenan.
It was Keenan who came out on top, inspiring his side to an impressive 32-19 win over the defending champions, thanks in part to his excellent first-half finish.
The full-back hit a perfect line to burst through a gap in France’s defence before crossing the try line.
The result meant Ireland entered pole position in the race for the Grand Slam, and the rest, as they say, is history.
French flair from Jalibert
Picture the scene, it is Italy against France at Stadio Olimpico, and only two points separate the sides.
It is not the time to drop one of the most outrageous pieces of skill of the Championship.
However, Matthieu Jalibert did not get the memo.
The France fly-half was cool as a cucumber inside Italy’s 22, collecting the ball at full pace before stopping, stepping his defender and nonchalantly diving over the try line.
The score wrapped up the win and was just another mouth-watering moment from this exciting France side.
Herring seals the Slam
Ireland needed a win against England on Super Saturday to wrap up the Grand Slam, and Steve Borthwick’s side pushed them to the limit.
With four minutes left on the clock, the game still hung in the balance.
However, Rob Herring crossed the whitewash from the back of a driving maul to wrap up the win and secure the Grand Slam.
It was an immense achievement for Andy Farrell’s side, but who knows what could have happened if Herring had not popped up in that defining moment.
