Six Nations: Two Cents Rugby picks his top five players of Round Four

two cents rugby mack hansen antoine dupont josh van der flier france ireland wales rhys webb Credit: Alamy
two cents rugby mack hansen antoine dupont josh van der flier france ireland wales rhys webb Credit: Alamy

With the fourth week of the Six Nations complete, Two Cents Rugby picks his five standout players of the round as Wales, France and Ireland all won.

In no particular order, the YouTube star makes a selection of three backs and two forwards so without further ado, here they are. Leave your comments below.

Two Cents Rugby’s top five players of Six Nations, Round Four

Rhys Webb (Wales)

It was a first start for Rhys Webb in Wales colours for a long time and he’s given Warren Gatland a lot to think about with his performance.

He had a hand in two of Wales’ tries. Firstly, the kick-through for Rio Dyer just when their attack was starting to look flat, and secondly the classic Webb snipe which set up Taulupe Faletau for his score.

His passing was crisp and kicking game overall was excellent, with one of the highlights being his 50:22. Even on defence he made six out of seven tackles and was awarded Player of the Match. Top shift.

Antoine Dupont (France)

Another scrum-half and another top performance. Other teams substitute players when they’re performing poorly or tired; France substitute Antoine Dupont when they’re so far ahead they don’t need to risk him anymore. Against England he was replaced for the first time this year.

Highlights of his game included a left-footed 50:22 and a quick pass to an onrushing Thibaut Flament for France’s second try.

Aside from that though Dupont was everywhere; quick distribution, great support lines and even pushing Marcus Smith back into his goal area.

10 from 10 tackles was the most of any scrum-half this week as he still looks like the best player in the world.

Mack Hansen (Ireland)

Ominous start when he copped a big fend from Scotland number eight Jack Dempsey but it didn’t take long for Mack Hansen to get into the game.

He scored Ireland’s first try out on the right wing with an amazing finish to stay in-field despite Duhan van der Merwe’s best effort to push him out.

He continued to demonstrate his athleticism by gathering a Jamison Gibson-Park chip over the top and later had the final pass to Jack Conan for Ireland’s third try.

His 11 carries were the most of any Irish backline player, which shows great work rate.

Gregory Alldritt (France)

Often touted as the best number eight in the world, this week Gregory Alldritt certainly looked like it.

It’s no surprise he finished the weekend as the top ball carrying forward with 71 metres. Alldritt just seems to be everywhere and showed his prowess when picking from the back of scrum and offloading for Charles Ollivon’s first try.

Aside from the flashy stuff he made eight from nine tackles and helped force a turnover on his opposite number Alex Dombrandt from the restart, as right after England got three points Alldritt helped them get three back.

Josh van der Flier (Ireland)

When Josh van der Flier was named World Player of the Year last year, it sure wasn’t for his lineout throwing. But with both Irish hookers injured against Scotland, Van der Flier stepped up confidently and for the most part was able to keep the lineout going strong.

He didn’t get to carry as much as usual, but the fact he managed 26 metres from only two carries is pretty incredible.

Aside from that, his usual incredible work rate sees him as Ireland’s top tackler with 18 from 18 and even bagged a turnover to cap off what was a great effort from the flanker.

READ MORE: Six Nations: Five takeaways from Scotland v Ireland as Andy Farrell’s charges continue Grand Slam bid

The article Six Nations: Two Cents Rugby picks his top five players of Round Four appeared first on Planetrugby.com.