The Six Nations is over for another year, with France emerging as thrilling Grand Slam winners and laying down a real marker ahead of next year’s World Cup on home soil.
There was disappointment for England, who won just two of their five matches for the second campaign in a row, but the Championship ended in elation for Italy, who finally stopped the rot with a first Six Nations victory in 37 matches by beating Wales in Cardiff.
Here, Standard Sport columnist and England international Topsy Ojo nominates his Six Nations awards...
Game of the Tournament?
For moment of the tournament, it is hard to look past that Wales vs Italy game. It was just incredible. I almost think the Six Nations needed that judging by the positive outflowing towards Italy afterwards.
The France vs Ireland game runs it close as well. That was the first acid test for France and they passed it, which probably cemented their confidence to go on and complete the Grand Slam.
Biggest shock?
You would have to look at Italy beating Wales. It was all setup; Alun Wyn Jones’ 150th Test, Dan Biggar’s 100th, Wales at home in Cardiff looking to finish on a high above England. And then to not get over the line, in the manner that they lost, that shocked everyone.
Biggest underachievers?
I would go Scotland. Wales came into the tournament with a whole host of injuries, so we knew it was going to take time for them to find their feet. But Scotland looked like they were going to have a real crack at it after beating England in Round 1. You thought this could be something, but they just faltered really bad after that.
Best newcomer?
I would go with Mack Hansen. I thought he was really good for Ireland. He has come into Test rugby and just looked like he belongs. After the disappointment of missing out against England to come back in and perform the way he did was really encouraging.
