With one round of matches to go, the contest for Player of the Six Nations is hotting up and approaching a crescendo.
So who are the frontrunners at the moment?
Rugby correspondent Simon Thomas has come up with a six-man shortlist. See if you agree with his selection and have your say in the comments section.
Gregory Alldritt (France)
After the opening three rounds of the tournament, the La Rochelle No 8 was the clear favourite for this prize and he remains out in front in terms of carries (52), while he’s also high up on turnovers and tackles. But, having been outplayed by Taulupe Faletau at the weekend, he will need a big display against England to edge his way back in front.
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Maro Itoje (England)
No-one has won more turnovers (six) than the Saracens lock who is also second on the lineout chart with 21 takes. Played a key role in wrecking the Welsh breakdown and then went on to have an immense game against Ireland where he led the defiant rearguard action from 14-man England, having a huge influence on proceedings.
Caelan Doris (Ireland)
There are few more dynamic carriers in the world game than the Leinsterman who can be devastating when he gets into his stride. A tight call between him and fellow Ireland back row Josh van der Flier, with both players having had excellent tournaments, but the turnovers Doris has won, along with the ground he has made, just gets him the nod.
Cyril Baille (France)
Along with Alldritt, plenty of other contenders among the French pack, with locks Paul Willemse and Cameron Woki, flanker Anthony Jelonch and hooker Julien Marchand all catching the eye. But in terms of consistent excellence across the four matches, it’s Toulouse prop Baille for me. A rock in the tight and like another back row around the park.
Ellis Genge (England)
There are few greater feathers in the cap of a loosehead than getting the better of Tadhg Furlong in the scrum, but that’s what Leicester’s Genge did against Ireland at Twickenham. On top of that, he ran and tackled himself to a standstill in a hugely pumped up performance that capped what has been a very positive campaign from him so far. A player growing in stature.
Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
A scrum-half on the short-list and it’s not Antoine Dupont. What’s going on? Dupont has had his moments of magic, but hasn’t dominated proceedings as he did last year. Instead it’s the livewire Gibson-Park who has really hit the heights. He’s scored two tries and produced assists for three more, while also emerging as the tournament’s pass master. A close call between him and French full-back Melvyn Jaminet for this final spot.
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