After a weekend of thrills, spills and a fair share of controversy, Round 3 of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations will live long in the memory.
Scotland may have fallen to a 32-21 defeat at Stade de France, but Huw Jones claimed Player of the Round with 14% of the vote after touching down twice in Paris.
That makes the centre the third Scot to win the prize in this year’s edition of Rugby’s Greatest Championship, following in the footsteps of fellow backs Duhan van der Merwe and Finn Russell, who picked up the prize in Rounds 1 and 2, respectively.
Jones is one of three Scotland stars included in the Team of the Round this week, with Russell selected at fly-half after an outstanding display against France.
George Turner completes the Scotland contingent at hooker.
Despite recording their second win of the Championship, France only have two players in the XV.
Thibaud Flament made 15 carries and 15 tackles during an industrious display against Scotland, and fans have rewarded him with a place in the Team of the Round.
He is joined by compatriot Antoine Dupont, who was as impressive as ever in his side’s crucial win.
England have four players included in the Team of the Round after beating Wales 20-10 at Principality Stadium.
Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler complete the front row after putting in dominant displays in Cardiff.
In the backs, Ollie Lawrence starts at inside centre for the second time in as many rounds after following up his try against Italy with another against Warren Gatland’s side.
And that game’s Player of the Match Freddie Steward starts at full-back after neutralising Wales’ threat underneath the high ball.
Ireland are the last team left in the Championship that can end 2023 with the Grand Slam, and they took one step closer to that prize with a 34-20 win over Italy.
James Ryan scored in Rome and has found himself starting at lock in the Team of the Round as a result.
He is joined in the pack by Ireland teammates Caelan Doris and 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year Josh van der Flier.
And Ireland are also well represented out wide.
James Lowe starts on one wing while Mack Hansen, who scored twice in the win over Italy, is named on the other.
Italy pushed Ireland to the limit last weekend, with Lorenzo Cannone particularly impressive throughout.
He has been recognised with selection in the side after making 108 metres with the ball in just eight carries, while also contributing in defence with 15 tackles at Stadio Olimpico, 13 of which were dominant.
Guinness Six Nations Team of Round 3:
1 Ellis Genge 28% 2 George Turner 28% 3 Kyle Sinckler 44% 4 Thibaud Flament 33% 5 James Ryan 57% 6 Caelan Doris 33% 7 Josh van der Flier 43% 8 Lorenzo Cannone 43% 9 Antoine Dupont 61% 10 Finn Russell 64% 11 James Lowe 40% 12 Ollie Lawrence 36% 13 Huw Jones 46% 14 Mack Hansen 62% 15 Freddie Steward 31%
