British and Irish Lions selection will be a constant talking point throughout this Six Nations Championship. So who will have impressed Andy Farrell on the opening weekend – and whose chances of touring Australia will have gone down after their round-one performances?
Players who impressed
Rory Darge, Scotland, back row
The tone-setter of a Scottish victory which was by no means a foregone conclusion. Turnovers aplenty in the first half and the winning co-captain. Will the flanker tour anyway? Perhaps, but performances like this do his chances no harm.
Jack Crowley, Ireland, fly-half
There is an argument for Sam Prendergast having a higher ceiling but it was Crowley who came in initially to successfully replace Johnny Sexton last year and it was Crowley who came on against England in Dublin to steady a wobbly ship. He might have played only 20 minutes but his arrival was influential.
Dan Sheehan, Ireland, hooker
Last season, Sheehan was a shoo-in for the Test hooker jersey but an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Ireland’s first summer Test in Pretoria dented his hopes. Many wondered if he would come back the same beast, having played only one match for Leinster, but he returned with aplomb.
Players who are on shaky ground
Finn Russell, Scotland, fly-half
If Russell does not tour with the Lions – injury aside – I will eat my hat but, despite the Scottish victory over Italy, the fly-half did not enjoy the finest day at the office. The spill, the interception, the sealing off, the offload into touch: Russell’s game is risk-reward but too little of it came off against the Azzurri on Saturday. That said, I am sure he will be back, and I am sure he will be touring.
Tomos Williams, Wales, scrum-half
Harsh, perhaps, given that Williams has looked exemplary all season for Gloucester and the Lions do not bat deep at nine. Harsh, too, given that the Welsh pack was comprehensively beaten up by the French on Friday. However, the zip and zest were missing in Paris. Thankfully he has credit in the bank.
Alex Mitchell, England, scrum-half
Another scrum-half who would have been a contender – and, really, still is – but who did not enjoy their best night at the office. It was not a commanding performance from Mitchell in Dublin and defensively, at times, he was found wanting, especially for Jamison Gibson-Park’s try.
