AFTER FIFTEEN INTENSE games across seven weeks, the Six Nations Championship finally came to a close with a heart-stopper in London. Ireland have the only prize that matters (again) but here are a few other gongs we feel should be handed out.
Player of the Championship
Before the final day explosion, the Six Nations was a tournament under fire for its attritional nature. Perfect hunting grounds for a self-respecting lock but Paul O’Connell pounced on everything that came across his path.
He passed his 100th cap at the age of 35 and yet played all 400 Championship minutes. He remains undecided on whether to attempt to make it three-in-a-row for Ireland, but he’ll be irreplaceable whenever he decided to hang up his boots.
Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Coach of the Championship
There’s a big push to share this award to one of the runners-up, but in guiding Ireland to a first back-to-back win in 66 years, Joe Schmidt deserves nothing but immense praise – so here he is celebrating a try for Manawatu.
The42
The42
Despite the convincing wins over England and France, the Kiwi came under fire from certain quarters for his style of play in the first half of the tournament. He showed off another great strength in changing those tactics; not because of pressure from outside, but because he wants his team to be able to play different versions of the gameplan depending on the opposition and what’s required from the game.
Most surprisingly low-key retirement
We have to split this award between two worthy contenders. Two men who are equally good looking and who will leave our rugby airwaves a less colourful place than they made them over the past number of years.
We’ll miss you, George Hook and Steve Walsh.
INPHO
INPHO
The Gordon D’Arcy award for best beard
G is for great beard, Geoff Cross.
'You've got a long way to grow, Henshaw kid'. Inpho / Billy Stickland
Inpho / Billy Stickland / Billy Stickland
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Most impressive pick-up
Sorry, Taulupe Faletau, Cian Healy’s got this one.
https://vine.co/v/O9EFQKgYb9l
James Haskell could have gone anywhere, but he chose to go through George North. He might have gotten away with it, if it hadn’t been for that pesky post.
‘What a try that would’ve been’ of the tournament
This was chalked off for Sam Hidaldo-Clyne’s knock on, Mark Bennett didn’t deserve that.
The42's big 6 Nations awards extravaganza
AFTER FIFTEEN INTENSE games across seven weeks, the Six Nations Championship finally came to a close with a heart-stopper in London. Ireland have the only prize that matters (again) but here are a few other gongs we feel should be handed out.
Player of the Championship
Before the final day explosion, the Six Nations was a tournament under fire for its attritional nature. Perfect hunting grounds for a self-respecting lock but Paul O’Connell pounced on everything that came across his path.
He passed his 100th cap at the age of 35 and yet played all 400 Championship minutes. He remains undecided on whether to attempt to make it three-in-a-row for Ireland, but he’ll be irreplaceable whenever he decided to hang up his boots.
Coach of the Championship
There’s a big push to share this award to one of the runners-up, but in guiding Ireland to a first back-to-back win in 66 years, Joe Schmidt deserves nothing but immense praise – so here he is celebrating a try for Manawatu.
Despite the convincing wins over England and France, the Kiwi came under fire from certain quarters for his style of play in the first half of the tournament. He showed off another great strength in changing those tactics; not because of pressure from outside, but because he wants his team to be able to play different versions of the gameplan depending on the opposition and what’s required from the game.
Most surprisingly low-key retirement
We have to split this award between two worthy contenders. Two men who are equally good looking and who will leave our rugby airwaves a less colourful place than they made them over the past number of years.
We’ll miss you, George Hook and Steve Walsh.
The Gordon D’Arcy award for best beard
G is for great beard, Geoff Cross.
Most impressive pick-up
Sorry, Taulupe Faletau, Cian Healy’s got this one.
https://vine.co/v/O9EFQKgYb9l
The more whiplash than the movie Whiplash award
Courtney Lawes mowed. Jules Plisson. DOWN.
Most honest prediction
Asked before the first round of games what we could expect from France, head coach Philippe Saint-Andre said, “I don’t know.”
He delivered on that bold prediction too.
The award for the saddest looking Sean O’Brien goes to…
Sean O’Brien looked even more disappointed than the rest of us after his hamstring stopped him facing Italy at the last minute.
Best celebration of a Man of the Match award
A triumphant Sean O’Brien sees the camera in his face and instantly switches his pose from ‘wrecked on the bench‘ to ‘do you like the new fireplace?‘
Poor Mike Ross can’t see the game, Seanie.
Optical illusion of the tournament
Is Sean O’Brien an incredible player? Yes. Did he heave four French forwards out of this ruck on his own? Not this time.
Half the credit must go to Jamie Heasllip as the tin opener.
The epic smackdown award
For an outstanding (and invaluable) right hand smackdown to deny Stuart Hogg a late points gap-sapping try, we salute you, Jamie Heaslip.
Best celebration on Ireland’s behalf after you’ve been beaten by 20 points
Top man, is Rory Kockott.
We’ve been through the tries of the tournament, here
Worst finish
James Haskell could have gone anywhere, but he chose to go through George North. He might have gotten away with it, if it hadn’t been for that pesky post.
‘What a try that would’ve been’ of the tournament
This was chalked off for Sam Hidaldo-Clyne’s knock on, Mark Bennett didn’t deserve that.
Surprising accent / Emmerdale audition of the tournament
Eee, bah gum, George Ford lad!
Best suit of the year
Great to have Al Capone on our screens even when Boardwalk Empire isn’t.
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6Nations Six Nations Gongs Ireland Joe Schmidt Paul O'Connell Player of the Championship Rugby