Six Nations: 5 players who stood out during match week 1

An Irish-Welsh stalemate, a new era for England and a French side that clawed their way out of jail.

Week one of the Six Nations provided plenty of talking points, but who stood out above the rest? With thanks to Panadol, here are 5 players who impressed during the Six Nations' first round of fixtures

CJ Stander - Ireland

Stander really knows how to make an impression. On his Munster debut he scored a brace of tries and won the Man of the Match award. On his Irish debut, he made more carries (23) than anyone else in the Six Nations over the weekend and deservedly picked up another MotM award. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrLIh9CQjds Clip via RBS 6 Nations

Jamie Roberts - Wales

There was an outcry from Welsh fans claiming Roberts was overlooked for the Man of the Match award. We're pretty sure that if the game was played in the Millennium Stadium, the centre would have walked away with the gong. The Harlequins player completed a monstrous 21 tackles and consistently looked assured in defense.  

Did I watch a different game? Who the hell is CJ Stander? Zebo, fair enough. #6nations2016 #IREvWAL

— Alex Feeney (@alfeeney) February 7, 2016

Billy Vunipola

Vunipola rarely put in an 80 minute shift under Stuart Lancaster. His epic performance against Scotland at the weekend makes us scratch our heads and wonder why. He carried brilliantly throughout and was solid during set-pieces.  

and your #CalcuttaCup2016 Man of the Match is...@bvunipola! Congrats Billy, massive performance! #carrythemhome ? pic.twitter.com/fVZj5Ii85r — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 6, 2016

Virimi Vakatawa

It really shouldn't have worked, but it did. Sevens specialist Vakatawa had not played a 15-aside game in over 2 years. He doesn't even have a Pro 12 club, yet he was one of France's shining lights in their narrow victory over Italy. If the winger can continue to improve, he could be the find of this year's Championship.  

Well-worked move from Les Bleus to take the lead. Conversion missed. France 5-3 Italy - 20 minutes played. https://t.co/rQnRCwmKZd

— Sportlobster (@sportlobster) February 6, 2016

Sergio Parisse

For 79 minutes and 50 seconds, Parisse was magnificent. Then he had a massive brain fart and attempted a drop goal so audacious, that most Italian rugby fans were rubbing their eyes in disbelief. Discount that moment of madness and it's easy to understand why Parisse is viewed as Italy's best ever player.  

"Parisse! No way! Can he do it? The captain... No."#6Nations #FRAITA pic.twitter.com/lfbpp9EV0t — SportsJOE.ie (@SportsJOEdotie) February 6, 2016

So there you have it folks, five players who lit up the first week of the 2016 Six Nations. Let's hope there are a few more Irish faces in next week's list.

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