Loosehead prop: Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
Hooker: Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Tighthead prop: Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
Second row: James Ryan (Ireland)
They wrote: “The complete lock forward just keeps getting better – and he is still only 26.”
Second row: Thibaud Flament (France)
Blindside flanker: Sebastian Negri (Italy)
They wrote: “Even with a target on his back the world player of the year excelled.’
Openside flanker: Josh Van der Flier (Ireland)
Number eight: Caelan Doris (Ireland)