A bucket load of tries, a late winning penalty and one of the best matches we’ve seen – Round 4 of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations certainly delivered.
The action began in Rome, where Wales stayed on course for a Grand Slam with a comfortable 48-7 win away to Italy thanks to two Ken Owens tries – his first since 2016.
Another man unaccustomed to scoring tries, Maro Itoje, was at it three minutes from time at Twickenham as England bounced back from a Round 3 defeat at Wales to beat France 23-20 in an all-time classic.
Then, on Sunday, Ireland saw off Scotland 27-24 thanks to a late Johnny Sexton penalty at BT Murrayfield.
Plenty of individuals put in impressive performances and we’ve selected four men to be in the running for the Guinness Six Nations Player of Round 4.
Now it’s up to you, the fans, to decide who earns the gong by voting below. And here’s a reminder of what they did on the fourth weekend.
JOSH NAVIDI – WALES
Players throughout the Wales team shone as Ken Owens got his two tries and Dan Biggar brilliantly pulled the strings from No.10 but it was Josh Navidi who was named Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match.
The back-rower did a lot of unseen work to keep his side in control, while also brilliantly assisting Callum Sheedy’s try with a neat offload, making 33 metres on seven carries and completing a team-high 18 tackles.
His work-rate was relentless and after missing the autumn through injury, the 30-year-old is back to his world-class best once more.
TOM CURRY – ENGLAND
No player has made more dominant tackles than Tom Curry’s six in this Championship and the England flanker was again at his relentless best against France.
The openside made arguably the play of the game by winning a penalty right on England’s line, preventing France from extending their four-point lead before half-time.
He also beat three defenders and made 38 metres with the ball. It was only right he ended up on the winning team.
MATTHIEU JALIBERT – FRANCE
With 2020 Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship nominee Romain Ntamack fit again, there was more pressure on Matthieu Jalibert to perform. And he certainly did that.
The 22-year-old had made the No.10 jersey his own in this Championship and he played a key part in France’s stunning second try.
Cut straight from the training ground, Julien Marchand’s long lineout throw cleared the jumpers and deliberately hit Gael Fickou in stride, and from there France moved it right.
Jalibert drifted across field, threw a dummy to create space, and then lofted a perfect pass for the wide-open Damian Penaud to score in the corner.
Excellent off the tee, Jalibert’s all-round game was impressive and there is no doubt he has developed into a fine Test fly-half.
ANTHONY WATSON – ENGLAND
It was a 50th cap to remember for England’s Anthony Watson and the winger put in a Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match performance at Twickenham.
Watson scored a try in the first half, dotting down from a fizzing George Ford pass, as England made a fast start to the game.
Watson was bright all game with the ball in his hand and was steady defensively as England bounced back to win.
