SIX NATIONS TEAM OF THE WEEK: Who has one hand on player of the tournament award already? Who had one of the best performances in his country's history? And which unsung Englishman is finally living up to the hype?

The three winners in round three are now full steam ahead for a title showdown in the remaining two rounds as Ireland, France and England all continued their charge.

Ireland wrapped up the Triple Crown at the earliest possible opportunity by coming from five points down to extinguish Welsh hopes of a first win in 15 Tests, while France blew away Italy with the most points in a Six Nations game for 24 years.

And now those two will set their sights on Dublin in two weeks' time for what will be a blockbuster potential title decider at the Aviva Stadium.

England just about remain in the hunt, and have got through the three toughest fixtures with their chances intact - even if they were a Finn Russell conversion (any of the three he missed would have done) away from losing to Scotland.

Prior to that, they beat a wasteful France - and will be hoping Antoine Dupont and Co can do them a favour against favourites Ireland.

So who impressed most in round three? Here, NIK SIMON picks his best XV.

A statement performance from France's back-up full-back that leaves questions about Romain Ntamack's return to the team, with Thomas Ramos cruising in the 10 shirt. Made graceful runs with the power of a flanker, offering a try-scoring outlet off Antoine Dupont's shoulder. Purred in attack.

His one-handed catch and offload was one of the classiest moments of the weekend. Raw speed meant Italian defenders could not lay a hand on him when he found holes all over the pitch.

One of the best support runners in the competition, week after week, scoring Scotland's second try. Central to their flowing attacking plays and edged himself closer to a Lions call-up in front of Andy Farrell.

A huge impact from the bench to wrestle back momentum after Garry Ringrose's red card. Wales had no answer to the power and experience he injected in a full-blooded cameo.

The player of the tournament award is his to lose. Lovely improvisation to set up Jamie Osborne's try, palming the ball into his path like a volleyball player. Oozing confidence.

Did not spark the attack like Russell but played with a defensive resolve that Jonny Wilkinson would be proud of. Topped the tackle count, with a momentum-changing hit on Tom Jordan - and the crucial 50-metre penalty to put England out of reach.

France's great executioner barely broke into a smile as his team scored 73 points. The scrum-half was back at his offloading best, charging around like a baby bull with a point to prove.

A fringe figure under Warren Gatland but exposed his inexperienced opponent as Wales won four scrum penalites. The former weightlifter also a tough jackaller to move off the ball.

Improvised against England's tall lineout operators with a series of short throws and no-jump moves. One of the more mobile hookers in the competition with an appetite for sniping runs.

Quietly becoming one of England's most consistent performers. A solid anchor at the scrum with a clean disciplinary record against opposition packs. Finally living up to his early career billing.

Lurked around Russell as he missed the decisive conversion – who knows if it was intentional gamesmanship but it worked. Credit due to England's 80-minute skipper for turning late defeats into late victories, and having the cool to tell Fin Smith to go for the posts from halfway when a kick to the corner looked tempting.

Set the tone with a turnover in the very first play in Rome and did not take his foot off the throat. Compensated for the loss of Emmanuel Meaffou's weight with hard carrying and a powerful try.

Hailed by Gregor Townsend as one of best games ever in the Scottish jersey. Chased contestable kicks to make Marcus Smith's life a misery and a constant menace at the breakdown.

It takes a certain type of character to come out swinging every week in a run of 15 defeats. He is one of the toughest, grittiest forwards on the circuit and would walk into most Test teams.

This was the sort of performance Faletau delivered in his prime years as the Lions No 8. He topped the carrying charts and gave Wales the punch they lacked in the dying days of the Gatland era.