**In the aftermath of a riveting weekend of rugby, some stars shone brilliantly while others faltered under the spotlight. Here’s our take on the movers and shakers in the latest round of action.**
**THEY’RE ON FIRE!**
**Matthieu Jalibert:** A year ago, Jalibert faced the harsh blow of being dropped post a disappointing Six Nations outing against England. Fast forward to today, and he's the talk of the tournament. Stepping in for the injured Romain Ntamack, Jalibert has seized the spotlight, dazzling with his Bordeaux flair. Leading in offloads (10), try assists (4), and kick bounces (13), while tying for the top in defenders beaten (10), Jalibert’s stats speak volumes of his resurgence. A standout moment was his bonus-point sealing try against Wales, underlining his pivotal role in the French setup. “He is finally having a real blast,” reflects the newfound maturity in his game.
**Finn Russell:** There's something about England that brings out the best in Russell. His recent showcase was a masterclass in manipulation, making the English defence seem almost amateur. His slick one-handed assist and a clever kick ahead leading to a try were just snippets of his expertise. Russell’s performance didn’t just dazzle; it reaffirmed his crucial role under Gregor Townsend, who must be breathing a sigh of relief after this tactical triumph.
**Stuart McCloskey:** At 33, McCloskey’s rugby prowess is peaking. A decade into his international career and only recently becoming a regular starter, his influence was undeniable in recent matches against Paris and Dublin. Key assists and a vital turnover against Italy underscore his importance. "His overnight success has been 10 years in the making," showcasing a career of perseverance and skill.
**Hollie Davidson:** Kudos to Davidson, who marked her debut in the men’s Six Nations with a commendable performance. Italian captain Michele Lamaro’s praise post-game underscores her impact, “She has been doing so much for world rugby and our game, and it’s an important thing to say," he acknowledged.
**COLD AS ICE!**
**Steve Borthwick:** From a 12-match winning streak to a sobering defeat in Edinburgh, Borthwick's strategy seemed missing as England succumbed early and couldn’t recover. The loss has reignited doubts about England's defensive solidity and hunger in the fray. It's a significant setback that has many questioning Borthwick’s acumen at this level.
**Irish keyboard warriors:** The vitriol online reached new lows this weekend, with debates turning nasty and personal. Coach Andy Farrell didn’t mince words post-match, addressing the toxicity head-on. "People need to ask themselves, ‘Are we Irish? Do we want people to do well or not?’" urged Farrell, calling for support rather than scorn.
**Steve Tandy’s Wales:** Another dismal performance by Wales under Tandy, with defensive woes allowing the French to dominate. The lack of effective tackling and strategic nous was glaring as Wales suffered yet another heavy defeat, raising serious questions about Tandy's suitability for the role.
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**In the aftermath of a riveting weekend of rugby, some stars shone brilliantly while others faltered under the spotlight. Here’s our take on the movers and shakers in the latest round of action.**
**THEY’RE ON FIRE!**
**Matthieu Jalibert:** A year ago, Jalibert faced the harsh blow of being dropped post a disappointing Six Nations outing against England. Fast forward to today, and he's the talk of the tournament. Stepping in for the injured Romain Ntamack, Jalibert has seized the spotlight, dazzling with his Bordeaux flair. Leading in offloads (10), try assists (4), and kick bounces (13), while tying for the top in defenders beaten (10), Jalibert’s stats speak volumes of his resurgence. A standout moment was his bonus-point sealing try against Wales, underlining his pivotal role in the French setup. “He is finally having a real blast,” reflects the newfound maturity in his game.
**Finn Russell:** There's something about England that brings out the best in Russell. His recent showcase was a masterclass in manipulation, making the English defence seem almost amateur. His slick one-handed assist and a clever kick ahead leading to a try were just snippets of his expertise. Russell’s performance didn’t just dazzle; it reaffirmed his crucial role under Gregor Townsend, who must be breathing a sigh of relief after this tactical triumph.
**Stuart McCloskey:** At 33, McCloskey’s rugby prowess is peaking. A decade into his international career and only recently becoming a regular starter, his influence was undeniable in recent matches against Paris and Dublin. Key assists and a vital turnover against Italy underscore his importance. "His overnight success has been 10 years in the making," showcasing a career of perseverance and skill.
**Hollie Davidson:** Kudos to Davidson, who marked her debut in the men’s Six Nations with a commendable performance. Italian captain Michele Lamaro’s praise post-game underscores her impact, “She has been doing so much for world rugby and our game, and it’s an important thing to say," he acknowledged.
**COLD AS ICE!**
**Steve Borthwick:** From a 12-match winning streak to a sobering defeat in Edinburgh, Borthwick's strategy seemed missing as England succumbed early and couldn’t recover. The loss has reignited doubts about England's defensive solidity and hunger in the fray. It's a significant setback that has many questioning Borthwick’s acumen at this level.
**Irish keyboard warriors:** The vitriol online reached new lows this weekend, with debates turning nasty and personal. Coach Andy Farrell didn’t mince words post-match, addressing the toxicity head-on. "People need to ask themselves, ‘Are we Irish? Do we want people to do well or not?’" urged Farrell, calling for support rather than scorn.
**Steve Tandy’s Wales:** Another dismal performance by Wales under Tandy, with defensive woes allowing the French to dominate. The lack of effective tackling and strategic nous was glaring as Wales suffered yet another heavy defeat, raising serious questions about Tandy's suitability for the role.
**Henry Arundell:** After impressing in the