10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
9. Mike Phillips (Wales)
1. Mako Vunipola (England)
Garland wrote: “Mako in his prime was simply world class with his ball-carrying and defence and would often make tackle contributions of a back row forward. He was also a highly intelligent rugby player who spoke well and made impactful contributions in team sessions and with the forwards.”
2. Jamie George (England)
3. Adam Jones (Wales)
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (England)
Garland wrote: “This was the hardest selection, given the quality of player I worked with here. I still wonder what a player Stephen Ferris could have been for us if he had not picked up a knee injury on the 2009 tour. I am also a big fan of Courtney Lawes.
“But Tom at his best was an incredible athlete, quick and explosive and a brilliant line-out operator. Not originally selected in 2009 but forced his way into the Test side, scoring twice against the Springboks in the first Test. We didn’t see the best of him in 2013 because of injury.”