Halfbacks:
10. Johnny Sexton – Ireland
He wrote: “He had a tremendous Six Nations campaign and like a good wine seems to be getting better with age. He runs Test matches like a chess grandmaster – he has plenty of time on the ball and is excellent at making the right decisions in terms of when to run, pass or kick.”
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – Ireland
Front-row:
1. Ellis Genge – England
He wrote: “I could have gone with an all-Irish front row but I really like what Ellis gives you around the field in terms of his energy and carrying – but Andrew Porter is unlucky.”
2. Dan Sheehan – Ireland
3. Tadhg Furlong – Ireland
Second-row:
4. James Ryan – Ireland
5. Maro Itoje – England
He wrote: “I feel Maro has plateaued in the last few years since his upward curve when he burst onto the scene, but I still think he is a world-class lock. His line-out and mauling are top class and I still think there is more growth in him – another level.”
