Gerry Thornley’s Six Nations Team of the Tournament (and more)
Five Irish players included, nine from the winning French team, and Maro Itoje
Gerry Thornley: Six Nations hits high notes on pitch but Aviva atmosphere lacks again
Using the PA system at times to awaken the ground was a little embarrassing
Owen Doyle: Wayne Barnes’ loud continuous communication is over the top
Scotland captain Stuart Hogg could learn a lot about leadership from the Italians
Ireland’s impressive defensive record a testimony to Simon Easterby’s work
The Offload: Ireland conceded just four tries during the Six Nations
‘He doesn’t even look like a rugby player’: Italian press heralds new hero Capuozzo
Fullback’s try-making break dominates the headlines as Italians celebrate historic win
Chris Harris’s first-half double puts Scotland on the road to Rome win
Two late tries from debutant replacement Ange Capuozzo narrowed scoreline
Matt Williams: Scrum turkeys won’t vote for Christmas and reform the law
Only two teams benefit from the importance placed on scrums while the rest run the ball
Farcical law ruins spectacle as Ireland run in nine tries against Italy
Visitors ended the game with 12 players on the pitch after early red card
Gerry Thornley: Italian rugby needs help as opposed to being cut adrift
The Azzurri now paying the price for the lack of an academy structure throughout the Noughties
Matt Williams: Every great outhalf requires a proper consigliere to really shine
The role of the inside centre is letting the No 10 flourish is one of the game’s key combinations
Leinster determined to set the record straight at Montpellier’s expense
Cullen’s side will be highly motivated by controversial walkover which still rankles
Record-breaking New Zealand comfortably see off Italy
Ian Foster’s side notch the most test points and tries scored in a calendar year in Rome
Benetton claim Connacht’s scalp to maintain their recent momentum
Error-strewn display from Friend’s side who had replacement Papali’i sent off
Connacht name strong side for key Benetton clash in Treviso
Bundee Aki returns to midfield after four-match ban for England sending off
Wales secure bonus-point against Italy after just 30 minutes
Italy’s 31st Six Nations defeat in a row saw them offer little resistance at Stadio Olimpico
Craig Casey and Ryan Baird give a glimpse of Ireland’s future in Rome
Scrumhalf’s commitment and speed of pass could see him usurp Conor Murray soon
Ireland’s defence points the way forward in Rome
Ireland were much quicker to adapt to referee Mathieu Raynal’s breakdown mantras
Ireland find their clinical edge to put 48 points past Italy
Andy Farrell’s team win their first match against ragged and ill-disciplined hosts
Six Nations: Time for Ireland to deliver in style against Italy
Return of Sexton and Ryan should help ensure a more clinical attacking display
Gerry Thornley: Ireland must not underestimate inventive and ambitious Italy
For Andy Farrell’s side it’s a must-win, but Italy’s young guns could seize the moment
Antoine Dupont enjoys genius trait of thinking quickly but never being in a rush
Rugby Stats: The gifted France No 9 showed the vast array of his skills against Italy
Antoine Dupont and France lay down early Six Nations marker
Les Bleus were ruthless in Rome but there was enough to give Ireland encouragement
France make explosive start with 50 points in Italy
Italy kicked of their 2021 campaign by suffering a 28th consecutive Six Nations defeat
Six Nations: Italy need Paolo Garbisi to be Dominguez and Baggio rolled into one
20-year-old represents Azzurri’s best chance of ending their Championship drought
Six Nations 2021: A bluffer’s guide to Italy
Young squad light on experience - with 15 players who have less than 10 caps
Wales finally pull clear of Italy’s grip in another lacklustre display
Wayne Pivac’s side ran three tries in the final 22 minutes in Llanelli
Scotland given a fright in Florence but Italy are beaten again
Gregord Townsend’s side come from behind to notch their fifth-consecutive victory
Autumn Nations Cup offers a chance of hope in the toughest of years
England are warm favourites in a tournament that could be a global event in future
Jacob Stockdale confident he can put Paris performance behind him
Fullback fully aware that magnifying glass of Test rugby will remain on him
Gordon D'Arcy: Ireland must go after victory by frightening France into mistakes
We have the chance to banish ghosts of 2019 and play one hell of a game against France
Gibson-Park, Earls and Kelleher all in race to make Ireland’s French finale
John Cooney called in as scrumhalf cover; Earls likely to take 23 jersey in Paris if fit
Plenty of positives for Farrell as Ireland hit the ground running
Impressive debuts from Connors and Keenan add to feelgood factor as Italy are outclassed
Ireland’s Garry Ringrose suffers broken jaw in Italy win
Andy Farrell confirms centre is facing up to six weeks out and will miss trip to France
Ireland out to make a bold statement of intent against callow Italian side
It may well be a no-win situation for Ireland but a strong performance could raise spirits all round
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