The final week in the tournament saw some outstanding individual efforts, particularly from the Italians and, of course, the Welsh. Also, for the first time there are no English players!
1 – Gethin Jenkins (Wales) A true captain’s effort that assured his place on the Lions tour. It will be good to see him back in Cardiff colours next season.
2 – Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy) Another superb game from arguably the best hooker in the northern hemisphere. On another team he would be a household name by now.
3 – Adam Jones (Wales) Saved his best for last. Absolutely dominant in the scrum and critical in the tight-loose.
4 – Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) Has taken no time to get back in stride. Class player.
5 – Ian Evans (Wales) The quiet workhorse of the pack. Where once he was making 40 metre line breaks, he now does so much of the dirty work.
6 – Alessandro Zanni (Italy) Like Ghiraldini, criminally unappreciated, though highly rated by those in the know. Another brilliant game to beat out Sam Warburton.
7 – Justin Tipuric (Wales) The stats won’t show it, but he was everywhere you wanted him to be. Didn’t put a foot wrong all game.
8 – Sergio Parisse (Italy) Another good game from Louis Picamoles, but again he loses out to the Italian talisman. Utterly ubiquitous.
9 – Mike Phillips (Wales) Proved once again the he is a big game player. If he had the same performance week in, week out, his spot would never be in jeopardy.
10 – Dan Biggar (Wales) Outplayed Owen Farrell and yet still may be overlooked for Lions selection. Controlled the game for the third consecutive week.
11 – George North (Wales) Didn’t cross the try line but had a big impact with ball in hand. Starting to get back to his best form at just the right time.
12 – Jamie Roberts (Wales) Smashed his way over the gainline to keep his team on the front foot. Made some thumping tackles in defense.
13 – Mathieu Bastareaud (France) Like Roberts, provided the go forward his team needed. Proved himself worthy of a spot in the squad.
14 – Alex Cuthbert (Wales) An easy choice, though one could argue that any real international winger should have taken his two chances. A strong performance regardless of difficulty level.
15 – Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) Absolutely superb in all aspects, another nearly faultless performance.
