Each week we will be asking rugby journalists as well as Lions legends to review all the action from the leagues and competitions to see which players are putting their names in contention for the Lions Tour of Australia this summer. This week’s Lions Watch is written by Paul Martin.
The final weekend of the Guinness Six Nations saw France win the title, with England and Ireland also winning to finish with four victories from five matches.
Super Saturday marked the final chance for British & Irish Lions hopefuls to impress on the international scene before Andy Farrell names his squad on May 8 - and plenty of them seized it…
Freeman sets England record
Tommy Freeman concluded an excellent Championship in fitting fashion with a try as England defeated Wales 68-14 in Cardiff.
The Northampton Saints star therefore became the first England men’s player to score in every game of a Six Nations campaign, with Freeman adapting seamlessly to a change in role after lining up at outside centre, as opposed to the wing.
He has thrust his name into contention for a spot in the Lions backline while several other candidates impressed over the weekend.
Darcy Graham scored a superb try for Scotland in Paris, hitting a great line to latch on to Finn Russell’s pass and streak clear, while Blair Murray was a livewire for Wales at Principality Stadium and looked electric when given space to run.
His opposite number Marcus Smith impressed in the No.15 jersey once more while Hugo Keenan crossed in Ireland’s victory in Italy.
Sheehan inspires Ireland triumph
Dan Sheehan scored the remainder of Ireland’s tries in Rome, the hooker crossing for a hat-trick to take his tally for the Championship to five.
The 26-year-old has been a consistently lethal performer in the green jersey over several years and has picked up where he left off since an ACL injury, capping an impressive competition in some style.
England’s front row were dominant in Cardiff, with Ellis Genge delivering a powerful performance and Will Stuart marking his 50th cap with a try.
Behind them, Maro Itoje enhanced his captaincy credentials after leading England to a record-breaking victory which secured their highest finish since they lifted the trophy in 2020.
Scrum-half battle heightens
The race to wear the No.9 jersey this summer is among the more intriguing sub-plots with each of the home nations holding a genuine contender.
Alex Mitchell delivered perhaps the most eye-catching Super Saturday display, keeping England on the front foot and showing off his footwork for a second-half try as Steve Borthwick’s side turned the screw.
Jamison Gibson-Park had a typically strong tournament for Ireland while Ben White started all five matches for Scotland, scoring three tries in the process.
Tomos Williams was similarly ever-present for Wales and his name is firmly in the frame to tour despite his country’s tough campaign.
