There was ample drama on the opening weekend of Six Nations action with Wales, England and Scotland all landing big victories. On this week's World in Union podcast, we selected our team of the opening round.
15. Stuart Hogg
The Scottish full-back is a powerhouse on both sides of the ball. Scored a try just after half-time as Gregor Townsend's side took maximum points from their Italian encounter.
14. Blair Kinghorn
The winger wore number 11 but can cover across the entire back three and a hat-trick made it impossible to leave him out. In saying that, Scotland did. Kinghorn starts from the bench for the visit of Ireland to Murrayfield this weekend.
13. Henry Slade
Elliot Daly is reportedly keen to play 13 rather than full-back but with the form of Slade, he will find it near impossible to make that dream a reality. A sensational performance including two second-half tries and a brilliant kicking game on top of that.
12. Manu Tuilagi
Last Saturday, Eddie Jones stumbled onto his best midfield combination and much of that is down to the return of Manu Tuilagi. Geordan Murphy must be exasperated to see the difference in form of his Leicester contingent when playing for England.
11. Jonny May
A monster in the air. Got his team off to the perfect start with an early try.
10. Owen Farrell
Captain, leader,...? Drove and directed his team to an exceptional triumph. Whether it be in attack or defence, Farrell was at the centre of everything excellent about England. Gave Robbie Henshaw a fill of it with his accurate kicking while his management of referee Jérôme Garcès was also impressive.
9. Ben Youngs
One of his best games at international level.
1. Mako Vunipola
An extraordinary 27 tackles by the prop. Named Man of the Match. Not only a big presence in defence but carried really strongly in the opening half.
2. Leonardo Ghiraldini
Only two teams hit every lineout perfectly and a big part of Italy's success in the set-piece was Ghiraldini. Alongside fellow Italian leader Sergio Parisse the hooker is a crucial part of the team's success. A position without one stand-out candidate but plenty of decent ones.
3. Kyle Sinckler
The British and Irish Lion was brilliant at the breakdown with his sharp clean-outs consistently ensuring quick ball for his half-backs.
4. Alun Wyn Jones
A huge moment in the Welsh second-half comeback was when Louis Picamoles was held up and turned over. Not only was Wyn Jones crucial in executing the steal, but he also directed it with audible communication with his team-mates. Chipped in with 15 tackle while only missing one, compared to his second-row partner Adam Beard who made four.
5. Grant Gilchrist
A fantastic line-out operator and excellent in the loose.
6. Mark Wilson
England have struggled massively to strike-up a balance in the back-row but Wilson's emergence during the recent November Internationals looks to have solved that problem. He played as an eight then but is equally as impactful from the blindside.
7. Justin Tipuric
18 tackles without missing one. The most traditional openside in the tournament.
8. Louis Picamoles
Took his try well after racking up 50 metres, one clean break, three defenders beaten and two offloads. A welcome return to form.
You can listen to the full show here or on all good podcast services.
