By Rugby World reader, Stephen Thomas
It’s that time of month where I look over the rugby in February and reward the good things about it. This month it’s going to be about the Six Nations with recognition to domestic affairs later on.
Team of the Month goes to France. They have looked very good, clinical and powerful and they do have two home games to finish off so will they get the Grand Slam? Who knows!
Player of the Month goes to Mathieu Bastareaud. He had his troubles in the summer but has come back for the Six Nations looking to top form with two tries against the Scots and impressive performances against Ireland and Italy.
Coach of the Month goes to Nick Mallet. Whatever he said to those Italians after that Irish game obviously has worked because they were superb against England and even better against the Scots. Fingers crossed they can continue their performances.
There are quite a few moments of the month: the first one is the Welsh. What a comeback against the Scots! I wasn’t expecting that and the players deserve all the credit for digging deep.
Another moment goes to John Hayes. Any player to get 100 caps for your country must be good but John is great and let’s hope he continues for a long time. On the domestic front special credit must go to Leeds who have clawed their way off the bottom of the Guinness Premiership after 3 consecutive wins.
In the Magners League credit has to go to the announcement of two Italian teams entering the league. This will only mean good things for Italian rugby. On a personal front well done to Sale Grammar and winning the Andy Hindle Cup for the first time! See you in April!