The penultimate weekend of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations provided a number of standout performances and now it’s time to decide on your Player of the Round.
Only two teams remain in the title hunt as France remain on course for the Grand Slam after defeating defending champions Wales 13-9 at Principality Stadium on Friday.
Ireland can also still win the Championship after prevailing in their must-win encounter with England, who they now need to do them a favour when they face Les Bleus in Paris.
Andy Farrell’s men take on Scotland on Super Saturday as Gregor Townsend’s side bid for back-to-back victories after defeating Italy 33-22 in the other Round 4 game.
Four men have made the cut for the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Round shortlist following the weekend’s action. Now it is your chance to vote below:
Julien Marchand (France)
In what turned out to be France’s toughest assignment yet, Julien Marchand was named Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match for his display in the 13-9 win over Wales. Despite being taken off after 53 minutes, Marchand made a significant impact during his time on the pitch. He turned over the ball once, slowed it up on several other occasions, and was successful in all four of his attempted tackles, as well as beating one defender and completing seven carries as he made 14 metres.
Ali Price (Scotland)
Scotland scrum-half Ali Price was at his sensational best against Italy in Rome, picking up the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match award for his superb contribution in the 33-22 win. His support play was crucial in setting up Sam Johnson’s opener, before an intercept in the Scottish 22 three minutes later led to a Chris Harris score, arguably a 14-point swing with Italy looking like they would get over. Price’s break in the second half also started the move that led to Stuart Hogg’s 61st-minute try in a game in which he beat seven defenders, made three clean breaks and kept the Italy defence on their toes with the ball in hand throughout the contest.
Ellis Genge (England)
While England’s title chances were dashed at Twickenham on Saturday, Eddie Jones’ men put in a remarkable performance after being reduced to 14 men after just 82 seconds following a red card for Charlie Ewels. And no man typified their effort more than Ellis Genge. The loosehead was dominant as well as clever at the scrum, getting on top of Tadhg Furlong in the first half, while he was also hugely influential around the park as well. He made 13 tackles including one dominant tackle in a massive defensive effort, while he also made four carries for 16 metres with the ball.
James Lowe (Ireland)
Jamison Gibson-Park may have got the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Match award for Ireland but James Lowe was undoubtedly the standout man for Andy Farrell’s side. No one came close to matching the winger for metres carried, with Lowe finishing with 211 from 13 carries, while he was also clever with the boot as he launched four kicks. He also opened the try-scoring for Ireland, racing in for a solo score just after five minutes, and relieved the early pressure on the visitors in the second half before they eventually emerged comfortable winners.
