The 2026 Six Nations kicked off with a bang, but it’s Italy and France who are stealing the spotlight—leaving England in their wake. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some teams celebrated home victories, the real story lies in the standout performances that are reshaping the tournament’s narrative. Let’s dive into our Six Nations Team of the Week, where individual brilliance and tactical masterstrokes take center stage.
Six Nations Team of Round One
15. Thomas Ramos (France): The undisputed volley king delivered yet another masterclass, setting up a memorable try for Louis Bielle-Biarrey while racking up nearly 100 meters, another try assist, and 11 points off the tee. Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit had his moments at Twickenham, but Ramos’s performance was in a league of its own.
14. Henry Arundell (England): Choosing the best winger this round felt like splitting hairs. Bielle-Biarrey’s consistency almost guaranteed his spot, but Arundell’s hat-trick sealed the deal—though Louis Lynagh’s Azzurri heroics and Theo Attissogbe’s all-round excellence in Paris deserve a shoutout. And this is the part most people miss: Arundell’s club-favored right wing performance edged out the competition, but the debate is far from over.
13. Nacho Brex (Italy): Predicted as the key matchup, Brex outshone Huw Jones with a brilliant two-way display, creating a try and anchoring Italy’s defense. France’s Nicolas Depoortere and England’s Tommy Freeman impressed, but Brex’s leadership made him the clear choice—though Freeman’s passing game needs polishing if he’s to cement his spot.
12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy): Partnering seamlessly with Brex, Menoncello scored a stunning try and was a defensive stalwart. Yoram Moefana and Fraser Dingwall were instrumental for France and England, but the ‘Brexoncello’ partnership was unstoppable.
11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France): Is there a week he doesn’t make our team? His opening try was pure class. Monty Ioane’s slippery runs kept Scotland on edge, but Bielle-Biarrey’s consistency is unmatched.
10. Matthieu Jalibert (France): Jalibert’s execution of France’s ‘Vertical Threat’ strategy was flawless, complete with a try and improved defense. England’s George Ford was a close contender, but Jalibert’s precision tipped the scales—though Ford’s brilliance could’ve easily earned him a spot on another weekend.
9. Antoine Dupont (France): The Jalibert-Dupont partnership silenced doubters with a near-perfect display. Dupont’s pace and precision earned him a standing ovation, though England’s Alex Mitchell and Italy’s Alessandro Fusco were standout performers in their own right.
The Forwards
8. Ben Earl (England): Earl dominated the stats with carries, clean breaks, turnovers, and a try, silencing critics who question his ‘eight’ credentials. Italy’s Lorenzo Cannone and France’s Anthony Jelonch were immense, but Earl’s impact was undeniable.
7. Oscar Jegou (France): A rare traditional seven for Les Bleus, Jegou’s 15 tackles, turnover, and carries edged out Italy’s Manuel Zuliani. Scotland’s Rory Darge shone in defeat, but Jegou’s value was undeniable.
6. Michele Lamaro (Italy): The Italian skipper’s passion and leadership were on full display. England’s Guy Pepper and France’s Francois Cros were unsung heroes, but Lamaro’s fearless play deserved every accolade.
5. Mickeal Guillard (France): Our Player of the Round, Guillard’s 16 dominant carries, turnovers, and lineout perfection gave France their momentum. England’s Ollie Chessum and Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne were unlucky, but Guillard’s performance was majestic.
4. Niccolo Cannone (Italy): With 25 tackles, four lineout steals, and breakdown dominance, Cannone matched his brother’s heroics. France’s Charles Ollivon was outstanding, but Cannone’s impact was seismic.
3. Simone Ferrari (Italy): The 131kg veteran dismantled Scotland’s front row, proving he’s Italy’s true ‘Purosangue.’ England’s Joe Heyes impressed defensively, but Ferrari’s performance was career-defining.
2. Giacomo Nicotera (Italy): Known as ‘the bull,’ Nicotera’s 17 tackles and scrum dominance secured his spot. England’s Jamie George led masterfully, but Nicotera’s power was unmatched.
1. Danilo Fischetti (Italy): Italy’s front-row dominance was key to their victory, with Fischetti outmuscling Zander Fagerson. England’s Bevan Rodd made a strong bench impact, but Fischetti’s performance was unstoppable.
Thought-Provoking Question: With Italy and France dominating, is England’s traditional stronghold in the Six Nations under threat? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your take on this shifting rugby landscape!
