15. Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Check out this season’s stats and Kinghorn’s name is prominent in every backline category. Most metres gained, most line-breaks, most offloads … the long-striding full-back is a serious athlete and is clearly enjoying his time at Toulouse. His clubmate Thomas Ramos was the tournament’s golden boot but Kinghorn’s pace earns him the nod.
14. Tommy Freeman (England)
Could conceivably have been picked at 13 after his assured display against Wales in Cardiff. A try in all five games of a single championship is a rare feat and Freeman’s ability to be in the right place at the right time is fast becoming his calling card. Also strong in the air, which just nudges him above Scotland’s Darcy Graham.
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
This has been another what‑might‑have-been season for Scotland but Jones’s contribution has again been excellent. His pace in the wider channels keeps defenders guessing and he also possesses a sharp footballing instinct. The firm grounds of Australia should suit him nicely on the forthcoming British & Irish Lions tour.
12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy)
In a more successful team Menoncello would have enjoyed more plaudits but the Italian centre further underlined his credentials with a fine display against Ireland. He missed the 2023 World Cup through injury but, at 22, is fast emerging as a player good enough to enhance any midfield. He and Juan Ignacio Brex are a potent combination.
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
The speedster’s record speaks for itself. His eight tries broke the record for a single Six Nations campaign, eclipsing Ireland’s Jacob Stockdale who scored seven in 2018. The 21-year-old also equalled the all‑time championship record, set previously by England’s Cyril Lowe and Scotland’s Ian Smith in 1914 and 1925 respectively. All hail King Louis.
10. Fin Smith (England)
Within the space of a month, the younger Smith has gone from fringe candidate to England’s tactical controller. Yes, it helps to be surrounded by fellow clubmates from Northampton but the 22‑year‑old’s poise, decision‑making and goal-kicking has more than justified his promotion. Has surely played his way into Andy Farrell’s Lions plans.
9. Antoine Dupont (France)
Such a shame for all concerned when his knee buckled at the back of that ruck against Ireland in round four. Still makes the teamsheet, though, for his sheer class when he was available. Had he caught that ball against England – on closer analysis Thomas Ramos’s end-over-end pass did him no favours – France would surely have completed a grand slam.
1. Jean-Baptiste Gros (France)
Another member of France’s so-called “golden generation” and destined to be around for years. The 25-year-old loosehead must be seriously good to be starting ahead of the excellent Cyril Baille and his set-piece strength and unselfish attitude have already earned him 37 caps for his country. Plays his club rugby for Toulon.
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
This has not been a vintage Irish year, for a change, but some things stay the same. If the fit-again Sheehan is not already the best hooker in the world he is definitely knocking on the door, with a hat-trick of tries against Italy at the weekend just his latest contribution. Nailed on to be the Lions starting hooker in Australia, injury permitting.
3. Will Stuart (England)
after newsletter promotion
It seemed for a while that the 28-year-old Stuart might not fulfil the potential obvious to all who watched him play as a (big) kid at Salisbury RFC. Time spent training with South Africa’s Thomas du Toit at Bath, however, has helped him to find a new lease of life and the tighthead prop now has 50 Test caps to his name. Another Lion in waiting.
4. Maro Itoje (England)
Maybe England should have trusted Itoje with the captaincy long ago. Or maybe the long wait has had the desired effect. Either way, he was at the heart of everything England did well and looks to be back to his commanding best. Has even added a few more carries and offloads to his customary defensive excellence and lineout prowess.
5. Thibaud Flament (France)
The true sign of a top forward is how visibly they are missed in their absence. Les Bleus looked more assured when Flament returned from injury and he would have made a difference to France’s levels of composure and accuracy against England. Not bad for a player who, back in the day, played at fly-half for Loughborough University 5ths.
6. Tom & Ben Curry (England)
Let’s bend the rules slightly and give the Curry twins half a game each. For differing reasons – injury for Tom, non-selection for Ben – both have had to show immense character and the family significance of them starting in the same England side was huge. They seem to play even better in harness and could both now tour with the Lions.
7. Paul Boudehent (France)
By no means the flashiest player in the French team but his workrate allows others to thrive. Even when France picked a 7-1 forward‑dominated bench for their must‑win game in Ireland, the 25-year-old flanker stayed on the field throughout. Nicknamed “Pony” at La Rochelle in tribute to his older brother Pierre, who answered to the name of “Horse”.
8. Grégory Alldritt (France)
Never seems to have a bad game and sets the tone for France with and without the ball. Gets through so much work you wonder how his body can possibly absorb it all. France have an exciting generation of young forwards coming through but, injury permitting, Alldritt looks to have several more years in him.