Player of tournament
Although France won the Grand Slam, their success relied on a collective team effort rather than individual brilliance. Maybe you could make a case for goal-kicking scrum-half Morgan Parra, whose 61 points scored with his boot proved crucial in Les Bleus’ success. But what gets my pulse racing is sidestepping wingers and bulldozing forwards. So how about a mixture of both? Step forward Tommy Bowe. The Irish wing was one of the few players who maintained his British and Irish Lions form of last summer throughout this tournament. His pace and power, added to his magnificent finishing ability make him one of the top wingers in the world currently. He bagged three tries for the Irish and his finish against England to win the game was the perfect example of his world-class ability.
Standout game
Not only was the Wales v Scotland clash at the Millennium Stadium the standout game in the 2010 tournament, it has to be knocking on the door of one of the greatest Six Nations match of all time. Scotland led by 12 points with 22 minutes left on the clock, but tries from Leigh Halfpenny and Lee Byrne, added to a Stephen Jones penalty, drew the teams level with the 80 minutes almost up. Scotland chose not to kick the ball into touch from the restart and Wales stole the ball, surged towards the Scottish line and Shane Williams scored under the posts to complete an incredible comeback. It really was a breathtaking last few minutes with Scotland losing two men to the sin bin between the Jones penalty and Williams’ winning score.
Biggest flops
Has to be Martin Johnson’s England. The system is currently not working; players are not producing the performances at international level. Aside from the France game, England were lacking in every department and had to rely on the players of yesteryear to pull them through some tough clashes, most notably Mike Tindall and Simon Shaw. It is no use Rob Andrew banging on about the promise shown by the reserve and age-group teams – England need to start producing fresh talent or it could be a dismal few years for English rugby.
Best try
England scored only six tries in five matches but Ben Foden's superbly worked first-half try against France was the best of the 48 tries scored in the 15 games.
Comedy value
Andy Powell’s attack of the drunken munchies at half-six in the morning. Powell was arrested after he was found three-and-a-half miles away from his hotel driving a golf buggy towards the M4, allegedly towards a service station.
Maverick
Any man that would risk his life and professional career for a Big Mac – Andy Powell you are an inspiration to many.
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