10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Inspirational. Set Ireland’s tone for the tournament with his last-gasp 45-metre drop goal for the win and Paris and never looked back from then on in. The fly-half steered Ireland to the title with a round to go, mixing his game between accurate passing and creative kicking. Goalkicking surprisingly his one weakness.
9. Maxime Machenaud (France)
The scrum-halves dead-eye goalkicking punished England and Italy and his athleticism and industry to lead the breakdown assault is very unique with him winning four turnovers during this year’s competition. Conor Murray has also, as expected, been world-class every game.
1. Cian Healy (Ireland)
Has come back to Test rugby with a vengeance this year. Rated as the best loosehead in the world back in 2015, Healy is once again the vanguard of a powerful Irish pack. Despite his combative style, he also brings dynamism in the loose and never fails to make yardage.
2. Guilhem Guirado (France)
Has developed into not only an inspirational leader but one of the modern day greats. Led like a man possessed and is never less than outstanding for Les Bleus.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Unarguable. The genuine strongman with size and power to dominate any scrum. Very agile in the loose, Furlong is quickly, following the Lions tour, becoming one of the very best players in the world.