1. Jack McGrath (IRE)

The Leinster man’s performances were such that Cian Healy’s absence was not felt anywhere near as keenly as it might have been. Made such a good fist of his longest run in an Ireland shirt to date that it will be difficult to wrestle back off him.

2. Guilhem Guirado (FRA)

Two tries against Wales and Scotland don’t do justice to how much the hooker did to keep an under-par French side competitive. The captain led by example in terms of providing the grunt that Guy Noves’ pack must rediscover if Les Blues’ renaissance is to take off.

3. Willem Nel (SCO)

An excellent scrummager who has provided the Scots with a solid foundation in their set-piece. The burly prop is also remarkably mobile – there aren’t many front-rowers in world rugby who can cause quite so much disruption at the breakdown.

4. Maro Itoje (ENG)

Since his introduction from the bench against Italy the 21-year-old was virtually flawless throughout. Few can match him for either athleticism or physicality – both of which were displayed in his line break to create the vital try against Wales.

5. George Kruis (ENG)

The big second row got the ball rolling for England with a powerful scoring drive against Scotland and did more than anyone else to ensure that they got over the line against France. Not only has he shored up England’s lineout with 33 clean takes, but with six steals he is also able to wreck the opposition’s.

6. CJ Stander (IRE)

Some may have questioned the South African’s eligibility but there can be no doubting the flanker’s commitment to the Irish cause. Made more carries with 79 than any other player in the tournament, was voted man of the match on debut against Wales and ended up with two tries to his name. 

7. John Hardie (SCO)

Made more tackles than anyone else with 67 and scored a crucial try to help end Scotland’s nine-match losing streak against Italy. The fact that Vern Cotter’s side lost just 12 rucks all tournament speaks volumes for the influence the openside had at the breakdown. 

8. Billy Vunipola (ENG)

The wrecking ball No. 8 was without a doubt the Grand Slam champions’ player of the championship. His 93 carries were not only more than any other England player has ever made in a single tournament, but were also devastatingly effective with a total of 25 defenders beaten.

9. Greig Laidlaw (SCO)

Conor Murray may have scored three tries for Ireland but Laidlaw’s 62 points for Scotland were more influential. The diminutive scrum-half has been the driving force behind his team’s rejuvenation, with his reaction at the final whistle against France showing exactly how much the cause means to him.

10. Owen Farrell (ENG)

The Saracen may not have worn the No. 10 jersey, but the fact that he would get the nod over team-mate George Ford at fly-half is a testament to the tournament he enjoyed. Superb in defence, top scorer with 69 points and an impressive leader after Dylan Hartley was forced off against France.

11. George North (WAL)

With four tries in the final four games to top the scoring charts, the most defenders beaten and the highest number of metres made, nobody was more devastating in attack than the Welsh wing. Now seemingly back to his best after a difficult period recovering from concussion, it surely won’t be long before it is all-time records that he is breaking rather than just tournament ones.

12. Jamie Roberts (WAL)

With 26 successful carries over the gain line, a total of 154 metres made and two tries to his name, there is still nobody in world rugby who can compete with the battering ram centre in terms of sheer brute force. A towering presence for Wales who is a drain on the opposition in both defence and attack.   

13. Michele Campagnaro (ITA)

Six clean breaks, 12 defenders beaten and five turnovers won – the Exeter centre was the one source of inspiration in an otherwise miserable campaign for the Italians. Conor O’Shea will likely rip the team sheet up and start from scratch, but Campagnaro is one of the few around whom he can build.

14. Anthony Watson (ENG)

The Bath wing was so superb under the high ball that England could often kick the ball away and conceivably expect to win possession back. His three tries may not have showcased the full extent of his finishing ability, but now averaging one every two Tests it is fair to assume we will see it in all its glory soon enough.

15. Stuart Hogg (SCO)

Scotland’s recent recovery has been built primarily on stability, but it is the full-back who once again provided the stardust with three assists – one a stunning backhanded flick against France – and two tries. His sensational score against Ireland proved the perils of allowing him any space whatsoever with ball in hand.

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