A grand slam win for Wales. A Championship win built on substance over style. Wales' victory was founded on Shaun Edwards' stubborn defense, but when they needed to they turned it on to score the tries, more often than not through the use of clever kicks. Maybe this Wales team would do well in rugby league?
On another day this would have been England's championship, but Wales outperformed them in Cardiff, and they switched off in the second half at Twickenham against the resurgent Scottish team. In the end Wales were deserved winners, their control of the game, resolute defence and ability to put themselves in good positions and capitalise, saw them through as comfortable champions.
Here is my team of the tournament:-
1 - Allan Dell (Scotland) - Dell had an impressive tournament amongst a changing lineup, he got through a stack of work, in terms of carries but particularly tackles, making the 5th most tackles of anyone in the tournament.
Notable mention: Rob Evans, he's been a perennial performer for Wales, solid in the scrum and effective in the loose.
2 - Jamie George (England) - England were seemingly stronger without their captain, such was George's tournament, Dylan Hartley wasn't even thought of. George carried well, made the 3rd most tackles, and was dependable in his lineout throwing.
Notable mention: Stuart McInally - Ghiraldini, Guirado, Best and Owens are all top level hookers. McInally stood out with some great carries in the loose.
3 - Demba Bamba (France) - Amidst an inconsistent and disappointing tournament, Bamba was one of the young guns who stood out, with some impressive carries and offloads.
Notable mention: Kyle Sinckler, he had a strong tournament, with the only blemish being when he was riled by the Welsh game plan to get under his skin.
4 - George Kruis (England) - He was impressive particularly in calling the lineouts, working well in tandem with club mate Jamie George.
Notable mention: Grant Gilchrist - He played nearly every minute for Scotland, carrying well, securing ball in the lineout and making numerous tackles.
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| Wyn Jones is the only member of the 2008 Grand Slam winning Welsh squad to win the Grand Slam in 2019 |
5- Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) - Wales were epitomised by Wyn-Jones' industry, endeavour and street smarts. He lead from the front, and his leadership, lead Wales to a grand slam.
Notable mention: James Ryan - He was very unfortunate not to make the team. No one had more gain line success, Ryan is the leads by example for Ireland.
6 - Josh Navidi (Wales) - He has gone from strength to strength and his speed at getting to the breakdown causes the opposition problems in securing quick ball. He made the second most tackles of anyone in the tournament.
Notable mention: Peter O'Mahoney (Ireland) - In a poor tournament for Ireland O'Mahoney and Ryan were the only ones who maintained a high level. O'Mahoney was dominant in the lineout and won the second most turnovers in the tournament.
7 - Tom Curry (England) - Despite a yellow card in the game against Ireland, Curry made himself a valuable member of the England team. He filled a back row position England had been lacking and lead the tournament in tackles made.
8 - Billy Vunipola (England) - A tough call for the No.8 position as Vunipola seemed to tire as the tournament went on. Moriarty was ok for Wales but Vunipola had more gain line success.
Notable mention - Braam Steyn - If this was Parisse's last tournament then Steyn has shown he can be the man to step into Parisse's large boots. No-one had more gain line success than Steyn and he had the most lineout steals also.
9 - Ben Youngs (England) - There was no stand out scrum half in the Championship, but Youngs played accurate rugby, showing he has not lost his speed and has improved the accuracy of his kicking, greatly helped by the quality and speed of his chasers.
Notable mention - Tito Tebaldi showed some impressive glimmers in a tournament that should have ended with a win for Italy.
10 - Gareth Anscombe / Dan Biggar (Wales) - Anscombe spent the most time for Wales at fly half an played well, but it's hard to separate him from Biggar, who excelled when he came on. Between them they helped Wales to the grand slam, Biggar playing a key role in helping Wales to see out games.
Notable mention - Ntamack - The young fly half showed great promise with some beautiful plays. Both Sexton and Farrell were below their best, Russell was impressive in patches, particularly in the 2nd half of the England game. Tommaso Allan took a step forward, demonstrating more control.
11 - Josh Adams (Wales) - The Worcester winger was clinical in his three tries, including a fantastic finish against Scotland and a crucial catch and score against England.
Notable mention - Damian Penaud was impressive for France, although his defence was lacking against Jonny May, he showed not just speed and power but the nous to see players outside him.
12 - Hadleigh Parkes (Wales) - An impressive tournament for Parkes, epitomised by his performance in the win over Ireland, with a try and a try saving tackle on Stockdale.
Notable mention - Manu Tuilagi - It had been a long time since Manu last played in the Six nations and if you had forgotten what he brought to the table, Tuilagi provided plenty of reminders throughout the Championship, but Parkes kept him quiet in Cardiff.
13 - Henry Slade (England) - Slade added guile to England's grunt. Eddie Jones likes a ball carrying option at 12 with either Tuilagi or Te'o, Slade is able to utilise the space to create tries.
Notable mention - Jonathan Davies - He marshaled Wales' line well alongside Parkes but didn't or wasn't able to show his usual flair in attack.
14 - Jonny May (England) - The top try scorer, May used his pace to devastating effect, he's become a clinical finisher and has made a habit of scoring early.
Notable mention - Jacob Stockdale - After a standout tournament last year, Stockdale maintained his standards, but suffered from the lack of support around him.
15 - Liam Williams (Wales) / Elliott Daly (England) - It was really hard to split the two, Daly provided England with sparkle in attack, running excellent support lines and hitting the line at angles that created problems for the defence. Williams was superb particularly under the high ball.
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