sport news Do any England players make Chris Foy's Six Nations team of the week trends now
This line-up changed several times on Sunday afternoon as Italy threatened to pull off a massive shock by beating France. They didn’t quite manage it, but several of their players stood out.
Ordinarily, a composite team largely features players from winning sides, but the Azzurri were so impressive in pushing the champions to the brink that recognition was fully deserved.
There was no way I could omit their new sensation and world breakthrough Player of the Year, Ange Capuozzo, who produced a stunning finish for his try. Poor Gregory Alldritt didn’t stand a chance of stopping him. As they said on the ITV commentary: ‘It’s like trying to tackle a racing snake.’
Of the other Italians, London Irish prop Danilo Fischetti was a strong contender at loosehead, as were lock Federico Ruzza and blindside flanker Sebastian Negri.
There wasn’t room for all of these worthy candidates, but Benetton centre Ignacio Brex was included after a powerful performance in midfield, along with Lorenzo Cannone – a rising star at No 8
Ange Capuozzo of Italy produced a stunning try as Italy pushed the champions to the brink
Luke Crosbie (left) made 20 tackles and missed none during Scotland's win at Twickenham
Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler made the team despite their opening loss at the Six Nations
The latter was a close call in a competitive area. So many back-rowers were superb on the opening weekend, but Ireland’s Caelan Doris was a shoo-in on the strength of his tour de force in Cardiff, so he has been accommodated at blindside.
The entire Scotland trio were immense against England and Luke Crosbie takes the openside slot after making 20 tackles and missing none. Richard Cockerill called him a ‘tough bugger’ and that’s a fair verdict.
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