How many England players make CHRIS FOY’S Six Nations team of the week?

This was especially difficult after a weekend when the three winning teams were far from imperious – so much so that an original version of this composite XV featured a different half-back pairing.

The first draft was submitted with France’s Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack chosen in tandem, but on reflection that felt like a mistake. 

Dupont was not as majestic as usual, although the Gallic captain won a key turnover and showed some flickers of his brilliance. As for Ntamack, he scored a try but was unable to impose himself in the second half before being replaced.

A re-think led to the selection of two beaten Scots instead, in recognition of their stirring feats in defeat. Ben White overcame the head-charge by Mohamed Haouas – which led to the home prop’s dismissal – to provide Gregor Townsend’s side with tempo and a sniping threat. 

As for Finn Russell, he could have unravelled after a first-half intercept but kept pulling rabbits from his hat and drove the visitors to the brink of an epic comeback win from 19-0 down.

There were other Scots who made the cut ahead of those who had vanquished them. Huw Jones scored two tries and was a constant threat in midfield with his shrewd running lines. And up front, prop Pierre Schoeman contributed to a strong scrummaging performance, as well as carrying and tackling with relentless gusto against a massive French pack.

Two other players have been included despite being on the losing side. Louis Rees-Zammit’s long-range interception strike against England was a fresh reminder of the Wales wing’s predatory instincts, even when his team were struggling to create openings. And up front, Italy’s No 8 Lorenzo Cannone – who kept rampaging through Ireland’s renowned defence in Rome – edges out Alex Dombrandt, who was combative in Cardiff.

England’s victory may not have been a thrilling spectacle, but it contained one of the weekend’s stand-out individual performances from Freddie Steward – whose aerial authority is considered to be unsurpassed, anywhere in the world game. 

His soaring heroism under fire meant he claimed the 15 shirt in the face of fierce competition from Ireland’s outstanding Hugo Keenan and Thomas Ramos – a try-scoring, goal-kicking mainstay of France’s victory in Paris.

This is not just intended as an assembly of those who touched down in round three, but Irish wing Mack Hansen did so twice, which is what wing’s are there for, so he has to make the cut. And Gael Fickou didn’t just score for France, the Racing 92 centre also marshalled their defence with trademark conviction to be named Man of the Match against Scotland.

There were very few easy picks in the composite pack this week, given that none of the winning teams were utterly dominant. In the front row, Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher did a lot of hard-yards grafting which under-pinned the visitors’ latest success and Kyle Sinckler’s composure, try and set-piece impact for England set him apart on a difficult weekend for other tightheads.

James Ryan takes one lock place having captained an Irish side without Johnny Sexton – as another indication of his revived influence this season. 

Alongside him, Thibaud Flament made a substantial contribution to France’s defensive efforts. He is not one of the marquee figures in the Gallic pack, but his selfless efforts will have pleased Shaun Edwards.

As ever, the back row is a competitive area. Charles Ollivon and Jack Willis are unlucky to miss out, as both opensides were impressive as their teams won, but were just out-done by World Rugby Player of the Year Josh van der Flier. 

Lewis Ludlam’s latest blood-and-thunder display for England means he is preferred to Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie at blindside.

Six Nations Team of the Week: F Steward (Eng); M Hansen (Ire), H Jones (Sco), G Fickou (Fra), L Rees-Zammit (Wal); F Russell (Sco), A Dupont (Fra); P Schoeman (Sco), R Kelleher (Ire), K Sinckler (Eng); J Ryan (Ire), T Flament (Fra); L Ludlam (Eng), L Cannone (Ita), J Van der Flier (Ire).