Top 5 Performers from the Weekend

1. Conor Murray

The Munster scrum-half was excellent in Ireland's win over France. Despite a slow opening to the 1st half, Murray burst into life with his 10th international try. 

A line break before HT narrowly failed to conjure a late first-half score. Murray's pinpoint accuracy from the boot, pinned Les Blues deep inside their 22 on many occasions. 

A neat grubber in the 62nd minute, put France on the back foot and dampened any chance of a late come-back. Murray displayed all the attributes required to be considered the best 9 in the world.

2. Joe Launchbury

The Wasps second-row was rewarded with his 2nd man-of-the-match award in as many games. Despite a unconvincing 1st half showing, Launchbury led the 2nd half revival.

Gathering the ball from a re-start, Launchbury ran hard at the Italian defensive line, exposing some soft shoulders before surging through for a large gain that gave his side the 2nd half ascendancy.

He got through a large amount of work, 14 runs for a gain of 58 metres, beating 4 defenders following his clean break. 

3. Finn Russell

With Russell placed with the place kicking duties, the young Scotsman rose to the challenge. The flawless playmaker recorded an impressive haul of 19 points.

The win in Murrayfield sets up a mouthwatering triple crown decider in Twickenham in R4. In the absence of Greig Laidlaw, Russell's game management & decision making was exemplary.

Russell wasn't born the last time Scotland won in Twickenham, but with his distribution and growing confidence - you wouldn't be surprised of an upset.

4. Jimmy Gopperth

The Wasps centre scored a hat trick of tries, including two from the back of mauls to help them bounce back from last week's defeat.

The New-Zealander kicked 10 points to bring his tally for the season above 200.

Gopperth has the ability to play at fly-half or in the centre, he has been one of the most consistent performers for this exciting Wasps back-line.

5. Jack Conan

The Leinster No. 8 scored twice in a comfortable win over Dragons in the Pro 12. 

A quick-fire 1st half double set the tone for Leinster. Conan received an offload from an initial Carbery break to score his first try before some strong forward pressure from a lineout maul led to his 2nd of the night.

Conan made a gain of 123m from 20 carries & made 16 tackles. He was unlucky not to round off his efforts with another try, a piece of quick thinking from McGrath robbed Conan of another hat-trick.