Fly-half: Johnny Sexton – Ireland
Despite an outstanding performance against England, Finn Russell will need to prove he can play like that consistency to have any chance of displacing Sexton from this XV. The Ireland playmaker has been wobbly from the tee but his overall performances and that epic drop-goal against France gets him into our XV. A world-class operator.
Scrum-half: Conor Murray – Ireland
The Munster scrum-half demonstrated that he is a step ahead of his rivals. Always probing and assessing what is in front of him, Murray is the general that makes a very effective Ireland backline tick. Wales playmaker Gareth Davies and Scotland’s Greig Laidlaw can count themselves a tad unlucky, it was a close call.
Prop: Cian Healy – Ireland
The powerhouse loosehead has regained his place in the Irish front-row and has gone about doing as much damage to opposition front rows as possible. His scrummaging stood up well against France and Wales, but it was his work with the ball – including his try against Wales – that has really stood out.
Hooker: Guilhem Guirado – France
Hats off to Guirado for his performances so far. The France skipper has been the standout hooker in the tournament so far with his reliable lineout throwing, astonishing tackle counts and industry around the pitch.
Prop: Simon Berghan – Scotland
Another brilliant display against England from the tighthead who is really coming on as an international Test player. His scrum battle with Mako Vunipola, in particular, was an intriguing one to watch with neither giving away an inch.