HALFBACKS:
10 Johnny Sexton (Ireland): Sexton will turn 36 years old in July but he is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Fresh from signing a new contract with the IRFU until 2022, he weighed in with 15 points from the boot in Scotland and his 76th-minute penalty goal – a real pressure kick – was ultimately the difference between the two sides.
9 Antoine Dupont (France): The best player in the world right now? Though France came up short at Twickenham, his try after just 65 seconds showed us all what he can do.
He evolved into one of the best players on the pitch, showing exactly why he is thought of as one of the very best at providing that crucial link between forwards and backs. Still just 24 years old and with his best years ahead of him, France will become a scary prospect with Dupont in their side for years to come.
FRONT-ROW:
1 Mako Vunipola (England): England’s battering ram, his 62-minute performance against France helped his forward pack get on top throughout.
Perhaps not his greatest performance on the international stage, but such are the standards we’ve come to expect from Mako that he can go under the radar despite being so influential.
2 Ken Owens (Wales): Is Ken Owens the best hooker in the northern hemisphere right now? Luke Cowan-Dickie may have something to say about that, but the 34-year-old Scarlets legend was at his best against Italy. Though the Italians couldn’t put up much of a fight this weekend, Owens’ two-try performance on the road only helped enhance his reputation as a modern great. He should be top of the list to start as hooker for the Lions.
3 Tadhg Furlong (Ireland): What. A. Step! Furlong showed his fleet of foot mid-way through the first half, and his hour-long shift on the pitch, which included seven runs, helped lay the platform for Sexton to take control. But we really, really enjoyed the step. Thanks, Tadhg.