The 2024 Six Nations Championship: A Thrilling Conclusion

The 2024 Six Nations Championship concluded with Ireland once again emerging as the victors. Andy Farrell’s side managed to hold off a determined Scotland team to retain their title, leaving England to settle for third place after their narrow defeat against France.

In a thrilling tournament, several players stood out for their exceptional performances. Here are Nik Simon’s top picks from the 2024 Six Nations:

Best Try: Duhan van der Merwe

The Scotland winger produced a stunning display of pace and power as he scorched down the left wing to score a memorable try against England. Van der Merwe’s size-defying speed left the opposition in awe, drawing comparisons to the legendary Jonah Lomu.

Best Atmosphere: England vs. Ireland at Twickenham

Twickenham has been a challenging venue for England in recent years, but the atmosphere was electric when Marcus Smith kicked the winning drop goal against Ireland. The crowd was further energized by a rousing half-time performance from Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, creating a memorable occasion for the home fans.

Moment of Magic: Nolann Le Garrec

The France replacement scrum-half produced a “chef’s kiss” moment with a stunning 40-yard reverse pass during their match against Wales. Despite initial claims that it was a fluke, the skill and vision displayed by Le Garrec captivated rugby enthusiasts and inspired the next generation of players.

Sucker Punch: Paolo Garbisi’s Missed Kick

Every neutral supporter was rooting for Italy’s Paolo Garbisi to slot the last-minute kick against France, which could have sealed a famous victory. However, when the ball fell off the tee, Garbisi was forced to rush his kick, ultimately missing the target. It was a heartbreaking moment for the Italian team and their fans.

Controversy: Scotland’s Disallowed Try against France

In the closing stages of the match between Scotland and France, Sam Skinner scored a potentially game-winning try for the Scots. However, after a lengthy review process, the try was disqualified, much to the frustration of the Scottish team and supporters.

Best Ambassador: Jamie George

England’s new captain, Jamie George, has been a breath of fresh air in press conferences, offering open, honest, and engaging responses. His moving discussion about his mother’s passing during the Edinburgh match was particularly poignant.

Best Youngster: Jack Crowley

The young Irish fly-half, Jack Crowley, has assured the Irish fans that there is life after Johnny Sexton. Crowley slotted seamlessly into the starting lineup, dominating opponents until Ireland’s slip-up against England. Italy’s Tommaso Menoncello also deserves recognition for his impressive performances.

Player of the Tournament: Bundee Aki

The Connacht center, Bundee Aki, was a constant menace throughout the tournament. His power, pace, and ability to consistently get Ireland over the gainline made him a standout performer, cementing his status as a pivotal player in Andy Farrell’s side.

“Bundee Aki’s power, pace, and ability to consistently get Ireland over the gainline made him a standout performer, cementing his status as a pivotal player in Andy Farrell’s side.”

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