Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ben James

The Six Nations power rankings as Liam Williams, Dan Biggar and Marcus Smith make top 10

We are just about recovering from a second weekend of the Six Nations that pretty much had it all.

A thrilling Wales win over Scotland, a remarkable match in Paris which France just edged - and the usual debates about Italy and relegation.

But who were the people who really impressed?

We've sorted out the power rankings as things stand in the Six Nations...

10. Wales' bench

With the game in the balance, Wales' replacements did an incredible job of keeping the Scots at bay in the final quarter.

Dillon Lewis made an impressive eight tackles in the final 20 minutes - just five less than Wales' leading tackler, Tomos Williams, managed across the 80.

Read more: The latest Six Nations headlines are here

Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake, Seb Davies and Aaron Wainwright all offered something in defence - whether big hits or smart breakdown work.

Callum Sheedy, while barely getting a touch of the ball after replacing Dan Biggar late on, still had to make his hits, while the impact of centurion Jonathan Davies brought more confidence in Wales' line speed.

Stellar work from the bench. They helped win the game.

9. Joey Carberry

When Johnny Sexton was ruled out of Ireland's clash with France, the bookmakers' odds on Andy Farrell's men winning in Paris became a little longer.

However, the man who stepped into the No. 10 jersey did more than an admirable job in trying circumstances.

There's certainly rugby after Sexton for the Irish.

8. Liam Williams

After a quiet performance in Dublin, Williams would have been chomping at the bit to prove his worth against Scotland.

A vehement believer there's no one better in the air than himself, he outshone his Lions full-back rival Stuart Hogg in Cardiff - not letting the wet conditions affect his bomb defusing.

Throw in an improved performance all around the park and you had a marvellous return to form for the Scarlets full-back.

7. Dan Biggar

There's perhaps nothing quite as dangerous in Test rugby as Dan Biggar with a point to prove.

Few would have taken defeat in Dublin as hard as Biggar. While frustration from some fans throughout the week would have been aimed elsewhere, such as the WRU's management of the game in this country, he'd have no doubt taken any slings and arrows personally.

And on his 100th cap, he delivered. On one knee, he willed Wales to victory with the sheer-minded determination and composure we've come to accept as run of the mill.

6. Darcy Graham

While Scotland once again failed to match up to their billing as favourites heading down to Cardiff, one Scottish player who came out with credit was Darcy Graham.

The winger has likely never had better games for his country, being a constant threat with his elusive footwork and surprising physicality.

He embarrassed Louis Rees-Zammit to score, while on one occasion, he carried two Welsh tacklers back into their own 22. Just hugely impressive.

5. Marcus Smith

The Marcus Smith hype train is starting to veer into hyperbole at the minute.

Sunday's performance was another promising one from the young Harlequins star, but it was against Italy.

Tougher tests lie ahead. Like Wales next up.

He certainly is a 10 with talent though.

4. Ryan Elias

It's not always been easy for Ryan Elias, being in the shadow of one of Wales' all-time greats, Ken Owens.

Whenever the 'Sheriff' has been unavailable, the deputy has received unfair flak simply for not matching up to his fellow hooker.

Hopefully those days are well behind us now. Saturday marked a new high point for Elias. His best performance in a red jersey and a man of the match award to boot.

3. Gabin Villiere

The tournament's top try-scorer and a testament to the power of will.

Once a second choice scrum-half in France's second division, he's now a key component to their side. As well as a knack for scoring tries, he's also nabbed seven turnovers to demonstrate his all-round ability.

Such a shame he's now been ruled out of the next fixture against Scotland through injury.

2. Antoine Dupont

Is he the best player in the world? Almost certainly.

His first-minute try set the tone against Ireland. Beyond that, he brought the same usual zip to proceedings.

Just a joy to behold.

1. Gregory Alldritt

The French captain was named man of the match for the fourth time in 13 Six Nations appearances.

If that, and a nomination for player of the round, wasn't enough recognition of his importance to the cause, being just one of two French forwards who went the full 80 certainly was.

A devastatingly powerful carrier, every millimetre of his 57 metres made was earned the hard way.

It would take something special to top Dupont, but Alldritt led by example once again this weekend.

To get the latest rugby news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for our Welsh rugby newsletter.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.