With the 2022 Six Nations done and dusted, Shaun Goosen selects his team of the tournament - and yes, it’s dominated by the French. What did you expect?
The front row was the toughest to select, but in the end, France’s Baille and Marchand crack the nod at 1 and 2, with the world-class Furlong at tighthead. Baille was many pundits’ pick for Player of the Championship (POTC) such were the quality of his performances, while Marchand’s all-round strengths, notably at the breakdown, deservedly earn him a spot.
Honourable mention at loosehead to England’s Ellis Genge, who was an absolute beast throughout and caused Furlong all sorts of problems at Twickenham. Also to France’s 152kg tighthead behemoth Uini Atonio.
In the second row, Maro Itoje continues to stake his claim as one of England’s greatest ever players, while the class of Tadhg Beirne was prominent throughout Ireland’s campaign. Shoutouts to French pair Cameron Woki and Monsieur/ Meneer Paul Willemse.
Josh van der Flier, Courtney Lawes and Gregory Aldritt are the loose forwards. Lawes may have missed the start of England’s campaign, but his performances at the backend prove (again) that he’s a Test Match Animal in every sense of the word. The imperious van der Flier was one of three officially nominated for POTC while Aldritt is this writer’s choice for the award. Phenomenal talents.
Nothing needs to be said for Antoine Dupont’s selection at No 9, while Ntamack sees off stiff competition from the revived Johnny Sexton.
The French midfield of Danty and Fickou, who were epic against England, earn their spots. It takes something special to keep Virimi Vakatawa out of the team, but the incumbent duo were rock solid and easy selections for Fabian Galthie to make.
In the back three, Josh Adams remains one of the deadliest finishers in the game while fullback Hugo Keenan looks set for a long international career for Ireland. The uber intelligent Damian Penaud, effectively a centre playing wing, is pure quality and remains one of the world’s very best players.
Melvyn Jaminet gets a mention at fullback for a mightily impressive debut Six Nations, while one of Scotland’s bad boys, Darcy Graham, was also a standout (despite going out and getting pissed with his mates before the loss to Ireland).
Shaun Goosen’s Team of the Tournament
Forwards
1 – Cyril Baille (France)
2 – Julien Marchand (France)
3 – Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
4 – Maro Itoje (England)
5 – Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
6 – Courtney Lawes (England)
7 – Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
8 – Gregory Aldritt (France)
Backs
9 – Antoine Dupont (France)
10 – Romain Ntamack (France)
11 – Josh Adams (Wales)
12 – Jonathan Danty (France)
13 – Gael Fickou (France)
14 – Damian Penaud (France)
15 – Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
