A blockbuster Six Nations came to an end with Ireland again crowned champions. 

Andy Farrell’s side survived a nervy showdown against a defiant Scotland to retain their title, forcing England to settle for third after their pulsating defeat by France.

England narrowly lost out in Lyon after Thomas Ramos kicked a penalty in the final minute, although their two bonus points saw them finish above Scotland.

But which players stood out at the tournament and who scored the best try?

Here, Mail Sport‘s NIK SIMON reveals his picks…

Ireland retained their Six Nations crown after beating a defiant Scotland in Dublin

Ireland retained their Six Nations crown after beating a defiant Scotland in Dublin

Ireland retained their Six Nations crown after beating a defiant Scotland in Dublin

England were forced to settle for third place after their last-gasp defeat by France

England were forced to settle for third place after their last-gasp defeat by France

England were forced to settle for third place after their last-gasp defeat by France

Best try

Duhan van der Merwe 

No one in Murrayfield could quite believe their eyes as Duhan van der Merwe scorched down the left wing against England. A man of his size should not be able to move that fast. It was a display of freakish athleticism that Jonah Lomu would have approved of.

Duhan van der Merwe scorched down the left wing to score a memorable try against England

Duhan van der Merwe scorched down the left wing to score a memorable try against England

Duhan van der Merwe scorched down the left wing to score a memorable try against England

Best atmosphere

England v Ireland 

Twickenham has been a sorry old place for the last few years but it jolted into life when Marcus Smith kicked his winning drop goal. There was premium half-time entertainment with Rag ‘N’ Bone Man – as opposed to a low-rent DJ – but most importantly a winning feeling.

Moment of magic

Nolann Le Garrec 

It was a chef’s kiss moment as Antoine Dupont’s replacement whizzed out an incredible 40-yard reverse pass in Cardiff. It was a time to mute the BBC commentators claiming it was a fluke and embrace the sort of individual skills that will inspire the next generation.

Nolann Le Garrec produced a chef's kiss moment after whizzing out a 40-yard reverse pass

Nolann Le Garrec produced a chef's kiss moment after whizzing out a 40-yard reverse pass

Nolann Le Garrec produced a chef’s kiss moment after whizzing out a 40-yard reverse pass

Sucker punch

Paolo Garbisi’s missed kick

Every neutral in the rugby world was praying for Garbisi to slot his last-minute kick against France to seal a famous victory. So it felt like the Gods had conspired against him when the ball fell off the tee and he had to rush his kick to avoid being timed out. He missed, which meant Italy had to settle for a draw.

Controversy

Scotland disallowed try

For five agonising minutes the video refereeing team bungled their way through the review process before ruling out Sam Skinner’s last-gasp try against France. It was a questionable decision.

Sam Skinner's late try against France was ruled out after a review by the video refereeing team

Sam Skinner's late try against France was ruled out after a review by the video refereeing team

Sam Skinner’s late try against France was ruled out after a review by the video refereeing team

Best ambassador

Jamie George

Press conferences can be soulless but Jamie George’s Thursday night sessions have been brilliant. England’s new skipper has been a breath of fresh air: open, honest and engaging. The way he spoke about his mother’s death in Edinburgh was very moving.

Best youngster

Jack Crowley

The young No 10 assured the Irish there is life after Johnny Sexton. He slotted straight into the side with a calm assurance, dominating opponents until his team slipped up against England. Tommaso Menoncello, the Italy centre, also deserves a special mention.

PLAYER OF TOURNAMENT

Bundee Aki

The Connacht centre is a menace. Packed with power and pace, he constantly gets Ireland over the gainline. He excelled throughout the tournament.

Ireland's Bundee Aki was a menace and excelled throughout the entirety of the tournament

Ireland's Bundee Aki was a menace and excelled throughout the entirety of the tournament

Ireland’s Bundee Aki was a menace and excelled throughout the entirety of the tournament

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