The Six Nations is under way after an opening round of compelling action over the weekend.



France recorded an impressive win in Rome in the first of Saturday's matches, while Jonny Wilkinson's sensational comeback hogged the limelight at Twickenham.


And Sunday brought us a breathless contest in Cardiff, where pre-tournament favourites Ireland withstood a Welsh onslaught to get their Grand Slam bandwagon up and running.


So which players impressed, and who failed to deliver? Who's hot... and who's not?





JONNY WILKINSON, England & Newcastle fly-half


He missed two conversions from the touchline against Scotland and there is a rumour he fell off a tackle as well, but apart from that it was a stunning comeback.


He offered immediate leadership and guidance to the England back division.


Give him a few games under his belt and, provided his body holds up, who knows what he can produce?


Our verdict: BLAZING


HARRY ELLIS, England & Leicester scrum-half

The combative Leicester scrum-half produced a superb display in the win over Scotland.


He was a constant menace around the fringes and made several searing breaks, but also showed good composure.


After several games out of the side, he looks ready to establish himself as England's scrum-half for the long term.


Our verdict: HOT

Follow up:

MARCUS DI ROLLO, Scotland & Edinburgh centre

The Scotland centre was totally outgunned by the England midfield and although he competed bravely he looked short of Test quality.


He could do little to contain Mike Tindall as the England centre barrelled enthusiastically around.


And on the few occasions Scotland moved the ball he lacked the pace and power to cross the gain line.


Our verdict: COLD


DENIS LEAMY, Ireland & Munster number eight
The Munster number eight was the star man in Ireland's back-row.


Facing the formidable challenge of Wales' Ryan Jones and Alix Popham, Leamy proved that he had the superior all-round game.


Ireland's tactics at the breakdown have been criticised, but Leamy's ball-stealing was flawless and his turnovers proved crucial to their win.


Our verdict: HOT


GORDON D'ARCY, Ireland & Leinster inside centre


The Leinster man has been in sparkling form all season and he continued to shine in the win against Wales on Sunday.


He gave young Welsh opposite number James Hook a torrid time.


The news he has a groin problem will strike fear into Irish hearts but he should be fit to face France next Sunday.


Our verdict: HOT


ALUN WYN JONES, Wales & Ospreys second row

The young lock delivered beyond all expectation in his first Six Nations game.


He surprised everyone by outshining Ireland's vaunted Lions second rows, and still had the energy to pop up all over the field.


Wales' 2005 Grand Slam was allegedly "built on sand" but Wyn Jones may provide much more secure bed-rock in the future.


Our verdict: HOT


CHRIS CZEKAJ, Wales & Cardiff Blues wing
Had a nightmare start, putting Stephen Jones under pressure with a pass that led to Rory Best's first-minute try.


He rallied and would have scored a superb try had it not been for Simon Easterby's illegal tackle.


But he could have ushered O'Driscoll towards touch before the second try and D'Arcy came through him to set up the third.


Our verdict: COLD


SEBASTIEN CHABAL, France & Sale number eight

France coach Bernard Laporte has never quite trusted the Sale warrior, but his performance at the Stadio Flaminio should change that.


Italy's pack could not cope with his immense power, as shown by his first try when he battered his way over with three tacklers hanging off him.


Chabal said later he had played his best game in a French shirt.


Our verdict: HOT


DAVID SKRELA, France & Stade Francais fly-half
The latest player to get a chance at number 10 for France, Skrela took the opportunity with both hands.


The 27-year-old ran the game with genuine authority, and his subtle passing skills set up Cedric Heymans for his try.


His kicking from hand also punished Italy territorially time and again, and his towering cross-kick created Yannick Jauzion's try.


Our verdict: HOT


PAUL GRIFFEN, Italy & Calvisano scrum-half

It may be harsh to single out a scrum-half playing behind a beaten pack, but Griffen's performance did his side few favours.


One horrible box-kick went straight to Clement Poitrenaud and killed a promising attack stone dead, while his service was hesitant.


Found himself replaced by Alessandro Troncon late on, and it was no surprise.


Our verdict: COLD


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Source: BBC Sport