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 dominated, others left us scratching our heads, begging the question: Are the traditional powerhouses losing their grip? Let’s dive into the Team of the Week and uncover the stars who shone brightest—and the moments that sparked debate.
The opening round saw France, Italy, and England secure home victories, but it was the mainland that truly lit up the tournament. France dismantled Ireland, Italy drenched Scotland in a Rome downpour, and England handed Wales another defeat at the Allianz. Now, without further ado, here’s our Six Nations Team of the Week, packed with standout performances and a few surprises.
Six Nations Team of Round One
15. Thomas Ramos (France): The ‘volley king’ delivered yet another masterclass, setting up a memorable try for Louis Bielle-Biarrey while racking up nearly 100 metres, another try assist, and 11 points off the tee. Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit had his moments at Twickenham, but Ramos’ brilliance was unmatched.
14. Henry Arundell (England): Choosing the best winger this round was no easy feat. Bielle-Biarrey’s consistency almost locked him in, but Arundell’s hat-trick sealed the deal—though Louis Lynagh’s Azzurri performance and Theo Attissogbe’s all-round excellence were hard to ignore. And this is the part most people miss: Arundell’s club-favored right wing play tipped the scales.
13. Nacho Brex (Italy): Predicted as the key matchup, Brex outshone Huw Jones with a stellar two-way performance. He created a try and led a defensive masterclass, though France’s Nicolas Depoortere and England’s Tommy Freeman also impressed—Freeman’s passing, however, needs work.
12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy): Partnering seamlessly with Brex, Menoncello scored a brilliant try and anchored the defense. France’s Yoram Moefana and England’s Fraser Dingwall were instrumental in their teams’ chaos, but the ‘Brexoncello’ duo stole the show.
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 performance for Italy threatened Scotland, but Bielle-Biarrey’s consistency is unparalleled.
10. Matthieu Jalibert (France): Jalibert’s execution of France’s ‘Vertical Threat’ strategy was flawless, adding a try and improved defense. England’s George Ford was close, but Jalibert’s precision won out—though some might argue Ford’s creativity deserves more credit.
9. Antoine Dupont (France): Dupont and Jalibert’s partnership silenced doubters. Dupont’s pace and precision earned him a standing ovation, though England’s Alex Mitchell and Italy’s Alessandro Fusco also shone.
The Forwards
8. Ben Earl (England): Earl dominated with carries, clean breaks, turnovers, and a try, silencing critics who doubt his ‘eight’ credentials. Italy’s Lorenzo Cannone and France’s Anthony Jelonch were outstanding, but Earl’s impact was undeniable.
7. Oscar Jegou (France): Jegou’s traditional flanker play—15 tackles, a turnover, and nine carries—edged out Italy’s Manuel Zuliani. Scotland’s Rory Darge was a rare bright spot in their loss, but Jegou’s value was clear.
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 bravery earned him every plaudit.
5. Mickeal Guillard (France): Our Player of the Round, Guillard’s 16 dominant carries and two turnovers were game-changing. England’s Ollie Chessum and Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne impressed, 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 close, but Cannone’s impact was seismic.
3. Simone Ferrari (Italy): The 131kg veteran dismantled Scotland’s front row, proving he’s Italy’s true ‘mud plugger.’ England’s Joe Heyes was a defensive force, but Ferrari’s performance was career-defining.
2. Giacomo Nicotera (Italy): ‘The Bull’ dominated with 17 tackles and scrum destruction. England’s Jamie George led masterfully, but Nicotera’s power was unmatched.
1. Danilo Fischetti (Italy): Italy’s front row was unstoppable, with Fischetti dominating Zander Fagerson. England’s Bevan Rodd impressed off the bench, but Fischetti’s effervescence sealed his spot.
Thought-Provoking Question: With Italy and France rising, are the traditional Six Nations powerhouses like England and Ireland losing their edge? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
