Murray: The answer is obviously Antoine Dupont, but I’ll go for France lock Thibaud Flament. Which non-Irish player impressed you most? Gavan: There might be more obvious candidates but I’m going to give a shout for James Ryan, here, who I thought had an exceptional tournament and has conspicuously become a real leader in that squad. Doesn’t get many headlines but the lock’s consistent excellence was so important to Ireland’s Grand Slam success – his leadership the week of the France game clearly made a big impression on the squad. Caelan Doris was leading the way before injury against Scotland knocked him off his stride, Johnny Sexton was typically brilliant and Hugo Keenan is becoming increasingly influential, but I’ve been really impressed with James Ryan, who played every single minute across Ireland’s five games. Crucially, his skillset has continued to expand and there’s room for more improvement.Ĭiarán: Very tough to single out just one. At 26, Ryan is playing the best rugby of his career and is more comfortable than ever as a leader. Tight five players like Ryan are undervalued when it comes to awards but their contributions are arguably more important than those who get all the headlines. He played every minute of the Grand Slam campaign in the second row and barely let up in terms of his work-rate. Murray: James Ryan was my player of the championship. Sometimes, while covering a game, you can be buried in your laptop but a first Grand Slam at home felt like a moment to savour, and those final minutes will stay with me. Gavan Casey: It was pretty special to witness in person the final three or four minutes of Ireland-England when the game was put to bed and the crowd began to sing ‘The Fields of Athenry’ continuously. Interviewing the players pitchside straight after the trophy lift was quite the experience too, sights and sounds that will live long in the memory. Hearing the Fields ring around as the clock wound down was just magic. The atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium can be lacking at times but Saturday was a reminder of just how special the place can be. It was a more nervy evening than most would have anticipated, but that only made it all the sweeter when Ireland finally pulled clear of England. I might go watch it again now.Ĭiarán Kennedy: The closing minutes as Ireland secured the Grand Slam in Dublin. The whole game was phenomenal but that opening half was relentlessly entertaining and of the highest quality we have seen in Test rugby for years. Murray Kinsella: This is a long moment, but the first half of Ireland’s clash with France was off the charts. What was the best moment in this year’s Six Nations?
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