Wales stormed to the Six Nations title and Grand Slam by crushing Ireland 25-7 in Cardiff on Saturday.
It was also a 14th consecutive win, based around a granite-like defence and an ever-improving squad under head coach Warren Gatland and inspirational captain Alun Wyn Jones.
Here, we grade each teams’ performance with a view to the World Cup in September.
WALES
A first Grand Slam since 2012. Wales took their chances at the right time and made better use of their possession and territorial advantage throughout the tournament. They played with a discipline, commitment and hunger that no team could match. Whether it was winning ugly or not, they were the most consistent team in the competition and boasted the best defence by some distance. Could be European rugby’s best hope at the World Cup later this year.
Grade: A
ENGLAND
Won 3, Draw 1, Lost 1
A mixed campaign but definitely an improvement on their disastrous 2018 season. Their energy, chasing game, physicality, consistency and decision-making were strong in comprehensive wins over Ireland and France. But they struggled in the second half against Wales and Scotland – again raising questions about their inability to close out matches when in control. When Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola return from injury, expect the Red Rose to strengthen further in time for Japan.
Grade: B-
IRELAND
Won 3, Lost 2
The Men in Green were bullied in the physical stakes, inaccurate and limited in their attacking exploits against England and Wales. They struggled for large spells against Scotland and Italy, and showed minor improvements in round four against France. With a limited game plan, Joe Schmidt needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with something new, especially if Ireland are to finally break the glass ceiling and make a World Cup semi-final this autumn. Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray also need to step up.
Grade: C+
SCOTLAND
Won 1, Draw 1, Lost 3
Failed to build on their potential from 2018 and lacked composure and detail during the tournament. Their stand-out performance was against England on Saturday, when they scored six second-half tries to seal a draw having trailed by 27 points at the break. The talent is there in Scotland, but confidence seemed low after injuries to key stars during the tournament. Still, despite the lack of consistency, Gregor Townsend’s side have the chance of making a World Cup quarter-final later this year. Their fortunes will turn eventually.
Grade: C-
FRANCE
Won 2, Lost 3
One of the biggest enigmas in world sport. Les Bleus can look sensational at times and then utterly shambolic. Their lack of game plan and general organisation was highlighted in the way they failed to turn up for the first half against Wales and then nearly won the game. They ground out half-decent performances in wins over Scotland and Italy, but then were hopeless in commanding defeats to England and Ireland. Better player management between the French Rugby Federation and clubs is needed for this side to improve going forward.
Grade: D
ITALY
Won 0, Lost 5
Their persistence was one of the big positives for Conor O’Shea. They kept with Ireland and Scotland for large spells of the game and pushed France hard in Rome – a match they really should have won. O’Shea is doing incredible work behind the scenes, but if there are no wins to show for their efforts – 22 successive defeats now in the Six Nations – then it is hard to pinpoint much improvement. More belief and more consistency in attack and defence is needed for the Azzurri players.
Grade: F