Filed under: Rugby Union, Six Nations, Internationals, England Rugby, Ireland Rugby, Wales Rugby, France Rugby, Scotland Rugby
The series of highly unscientific FanHouse rugby rankings continues with a surprise entry at No.1 - and one few would disagree with our choice. Just as the biggest shock in Six Nations history means the winners leaps to top spot, the losers must prop up the latest charts. 1. Italy
Last five: WLLLW
Star man: Mirco Bergamasco
They may be one off the bottom of the Six Nations table but only the most churlish of Home Nations or Ireland supporters would deny Italy and coach Nick Mallett their time in the sun after their historic - and fully deserved - win over France. There have been many false dawns concerning their arrival proper on the Six Nations stage - mostly involving wins over Scotland - but surely this is the point where teams truly begin to approach a Rome fixture with trepidation.
2. England
Last five: LWWWW
Star man: James Haskell
They played well below their best against Scotland, but their Six Nations winning run was preserved - just. Some may point to the harsh sin-binning of John Barclay as a catalyst for the win, after which even Martin Johnson mentioned the possiblity of a Grand Slam. Others may wonder whether Tom Croft's try came as a result of a forward pass. But you cannot deny their resilience (and luck) in overcoming a dogged Scotland, a fortnight after getting past a difficult France team.
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