The conclusion of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations has been left in the air due to the coronavirus outbreak, but a number of players excelled for their countries during what action was possible.
Here, the PA news agency identifies some of the stand-out performers.
Maro Itoje (England)
Antoine Dupont (France)
Nick Tompkins (Wales)
“It’s a dream. Hopefully I can step up and do what I can. I was very nervous against Italy, but I got to run around and expend a lot of nervous energy.”
Nick Tompkins reflects on his Wales debut and says he expects a ‘good battle’ today in Dublin: https://t.co/ODQfcR38j8 pic.twitter.com/n5ExLHz4uG
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 8, 2020
If there was a Six Nations prize for newcomer of the season, then Saracens centre Tompkins would be a major contender. The 25-year-old former England youth international qualifies for Wales through his Wrexham-born grandmother, and new Wales head coach Wayne Pivac produced a masterstroke when he named Tompkins as the surprise selection in his Six Nations squad. Tompkins started all four of Wales’ games, scoring a try against Italy and being an attacking catalyst during narrow losses to France and England. Pivac has unearthed a gem.
Rory Sutherland (Scotland)
Romain Ntamack (France)
Justin Tipuric (Wales)
“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever…” #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/7vz4R6uAOQ
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 9, 2020
Wales flanker Tipuric might have turned 30 last year, but there is no sign of his powers waning. He scored the try of this season’s Six Nations against England, before adding a second touchdown, and he also crossed for a try in Wales’ defeat to Ireland. A prolific tackler and brilliant support-player, who is also a master at the breakdown, Tipuric’s all-round game has few weaknesses. And such quality once again came to the fore this season when it mattered most.
