With the 2023 Six Nations over, fans and pundits alike are discussing their teams of the tournament. But do the numbers tell the same story? Using Fantasy Rugby, we have comprised an XV of the best performers statistically.
Of course, this isn’t perfect, but Fantasy Rugby does consider a wide range of factors from tries to metres made, to lineout steals and 50-22s. Only those who played three or more games were considered. At least one of the names on this list is likely to surprise you.
Six Nations 2023 Team of the Tournament (with their average Fantasy score per game in brackets)
1. Danilo Fischetti (31.8)The prop’s presence in this team is further evidence of Italy’s progress. The London Irish forward had a tremendous work rate, making 10 dominant tackles across the tournament.2. Dan Sheehan (45)The Leinster hooker is one of the best players globally in his position and carried an average of over 35 metres per game. Scotland’s George Turner was next with just under 27 points, arguably one of the most improved players in the tournament.3. Finlay Bealham (27.4)With Furlong injured for most of the tournament, Bealham’s excellence reveals how Ireland is starting to build depth in key positions. His most memorable moment will of course be his slick inside pass to set up Hugo Keenan’s try against France.4. Thibaud Flament (48.6)Flament was so excellent that when Cameron Woki returns from injury, he will probably need to shift to the back row or start on the bench. The Toulouse lock scored three tries and made an average of 15 tackles per game.5. James Ryan (50.5)The highest-scoring forward in Fantasy with two tries, five lineout steals, and 46 metres carried per game. It’s great to see the lock at its best.6. Justin Tipuric (41.5)One of the real surprises in the team, with the Welshman not making any of the pundit teams of the tournament. He was especially great in Wales’ vastly improved performance against France and shows why he is keeping the likes of Tommy Reffell and Christ Tshiunza out of the number seven shirt.7. Josh van der Flier (42.4)World Rugby’s Player of 2022 continues to impress, edging France’s Charles Ollivon for a place in the team.8. Caelan Doris (42.9)The Irish number eight finished the tournament with 273 metres carried, four breakdown steals and a Man of the Match award.9. Antoine Dupont (46.6)This will hardly be a shock to anyone. Four try assists and running over 50 metres per game reveal yet another class tournament from one of the best players on the planet. Perhaps most memorable was his unbelievable try-saving tackle on Mark Hansen.
Finn Russell outshines Sexton on stats
10. Finn Russell (59.7)Whilst pundits are fairly split on Russell vs Sexton for the team of the tournament, the Fantasy points have a clear winner. The Scotsman achieved an average of over 17 fantasy points more than Sexton per game. Russell achieved four try assists, two 50-22s, and an average of 84 metres with the ball in hand.11. James Lowe (66.1)The stats of the Leinsterman are impressive. Lowe ran an average of 100 metres per game, scored three tries, nailed two assists, and made two 2 like breaks. Whilst he only made 13 tackles, five of them were dominant.12. Gael Fickou (47.6)The centre has been so consistent for such a long period that his class barely makes headlines anymore. The Racing player made 61 metres per game, assisted one try and scored two.13. Huw Jones (50.4)It is so refreshing, almost nostalgic to see Huw Jones back in his best form. He was so explosive with his running lines, scoring four tries across the campaign.14. Mark Hansen (58.1)A relatively quiet opening two rounds from the winger meant he wasn’t one of the most valued players early on. But those who backed him reaped the rewards, as the Connacht back scored three tries and made seven line breaks. Perhaps more surprising was that he managed 3 breakdown steals, a decent number for most back-row players.
🏉 Guinness Six Nations Player Of The Championship Nominee: Mack Hansen ☘️
Multiple Player Of The Match awards, tries and much more. Will he get your vote? 🤔
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 22, 2023
15. Thomas Ramos (70.9)The MVP of this year’s fantasy tournament. Ramos has put the 15 jersey beyond doubt over the last year. As well as being a reliable goalkicker, Ramos ran an average of over 100 metres per game, made five line breaks, and won a Man of the Match award.
No English players in the Six Nations 2023 Team of the Tournament
There are four players who retain their spots from the Six Nations team of the tournament last year: Sheehan, Van der Flier, Dupont, and Lowe. It reveals how important these players still are for their teams.
It’s grim reading for England fans, being the only nation not represented on the list. Numbers don’t tell the full story, but this team is still a useful insight.
Photo Credit: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland Guinness Six Nations Facebook Graphic on March 18, 2023.
