Lots of strong performances this week that made it difficult to pick a winner in several positions. Let’s hope that trend continues for the coming rounds!

1 – Alberto de Marchi (Italy) Gethin Jenkins returned with a vengeance in Cardiff but the Italian loosehead gets the plaudits. Rambunctious in the loose and gave Moray Low a torrid time in the scrum, prompting his removal before the half.

2 – Leonardo Ghiraldini (Italy) The middle of an excellent Azzurri front row. Had some problems against Jim Hamilton in the lineout but was otherwise outstanding around the pitch.

3 – Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy) Can’t be left out as he also put in a huge effort around the fringes and dominated the scrum. His side were still winning when he was on the pitch.

4 – Devin Toner (Ireland) Several excellent candidates to choose from but Ireland dominated the set pieces in London and the Leinster giant was the key component. Memorably smashed Courtney Lawes off a maul in the second half.

5 – Joshua Furno (Italy) By far his best outing in the Italian shirt, scored a great try and seemed to be ubiquitous in all things positive. Has surely locked down the no5 jersey for the foreseeable future.

6 – Dan Lydiate (Wales) Quiet and one-dimensional, but a near-perfect display of defensive excellence. One of those charged with underperforming who got back to some good form.

7 – Sam Warburton (Wales) A monumental match from the captain. Silenced any critics with a defining performance, scoring a try and even dominating the lineout.

8 – Ben Morgan (England) Came on when Billy Vunipola went down and proved a more than adequate replacement. Put in several bone-crunching hits that sent the Irish reeling.

9 – Danny Care (England) Another great match and a well taken try. One of the players of the tournament so far.

10 – Tommaso Allan (Italy) The best of a bad bunch. Fell off a couple tackles but scored 13 points in a good first half effort.

11 – Sean Lamont (Scotland) Set up Alex Dunbar’s second try. His best match for his country in some time, the big winger defended well and offered himself as a strike runner on numerous occasions.

12 – Matt Scott (Scotland) Gets the nod for his huge effort with ball in hand. Crucial in holding the Italian defense honest and kept his side moving forwards. Honourable mention to Gordon D’Arcy.

13 – Alex Dunbar (Scotland) It had to be, for his two tries alone. Not the finished article yet but part of the most promising Scottish midfield in more than a decade.

14 – Jack Nowell (England) Not a great week for right wingers but the young Chief ran hard and kept his head up despite a couple mistakes. Seems a great character to have in the squad.

15 – Mike Brown (England) Another world class performance to outstrip his opposite number. The best player to miss out on Lions honours? Certainly looks like it.