Six Nations team of the weekend: Three England players and more Scots than French

Scotland have the same number of players in this week’s Six Nations XV as Ireland after round two’s enthralling matches

Heartbreak for Scotland, a cagey meeting at Twickenham and a rotated Ireland nilling Italy in Dublin led to an evenly spread selection this week, with four apiece from Ireland and Scotland (sorry, Azzurri fans, no joy here).
Here are the players who stood out in round two of the Six Nations…
Huge credit to Scotland’s Harry Paterson for an impressive Test debut. One of the few positives for England at Twickenham was Steward’s aerial superiority.
Darcy Graham’s return may cost Rowe a place in the side, but he has played well in the past two weeks and has the kind of electric footwork which fans love to watch. Beat seven French defenders.
Occasionally flies under the radar but he’s some player, capable of either linking together Ireland’s attack with some excellent passes or leaving defenders clutching at air with ball in hand.
Player of the match after he had almost the whole of Murrayfield to canter into for his try. His sharp break earlier in the first half was special, denied by a questionable Duhan van der Merwe tackle.
Delivered a moment of real quality during a dreadful second half at Murrayfield, executing a perfect chip and chase. Still just 20 and full of potential. James Lowe was lively as ever for Ireland.
Looks composed, doesn’t he? The first senior try was a nice moment but the no-look pass really stole the show. Finn Russell was excellent as well for Scotland, showing great control.
Still unsure how he managed to keep control of the ball on his shoulder while two tacklers closed in, but the scrum-half did just that to score the opening try. Sharp box-kicking, what an addition he has been. Craig Casey fizzed about for Ireland.
Sometimes you just need to come up with a clutch scrum penalty, and Baille did just that at the end of the first half when France were under the pump. Denying Scotland at that moment proved to be pivotal.
Even with his spell off the pitch for a HIA the Scotland hooker was hugely effective at Murrayfield, one of Scotland’s best ball-carriers. Dan Sheehan was sharp.
Getting the nudge on Danilo Fischetti, an excellent loosehead, means that Bealham deserves some recognition. Embraced the chance to start with Tadhg Furlong rested.
Relentlessly hunted the Italy fly-half Paolo Garbisi, flying out of the defensive line to give him no room to breath. Seems so tricky to tackle with his athleticism.
Included really for his defensive work, with one timely tackle when Wales were pressing as he went on to finish the game at Twickenham with 13.
Like Turner, constantly delivered strong, physical carries with the ball to get Scotland over the gain-line and build momentum in attack. Fifteen carries and 13 tackles – the co-captain was busy. Alex Mann (Wales) and Ryan Baird (Ireland) both notable.
The best player on the park at Twickenham by a mile, with his superb jackalling skills and sharp line to set up the break for Mann’s try. What do Wales do when Jac Morgan returns?
Impressive leg-drive to get over the line despite the efforts of many Welsh tacklers, with one of England’s best players from the Rugby World Cup continuing his form. Jack Conan rarely lets Ireland down.