Two whole teams virtually discounted themselves from being selected making things a bit easier, the rest balanced out the side nicely in the final round’s selection.

1 – Gethin Jenkins (Wales) Celebrated his record-setting day with a strong performance around the pitch. Might yet make the World Cup if he can keep it up.

2 – Dimitri Szarzewski (France) Had a big match when his country needed it most. Fortunate to be awarded the try but deserved it for his efforts.

3 – Mike Ross (Ireland) Crucially outwitted Thomas Domingo at the scrum, legal or not, and a rock all day on the post. One of his country’s unsung heroes.

4 – Pascal Papé (France) Botched the pass to Chouly but led from the front throughout. One of the main reasons his team were in it at all.

5 – Paul O’Connell (Ireland) His best match of the tournament at the most important time. Absolutely inspirational in all facets of his performance.

6 – Peter O’Mahony (Ireland) Another blood and guts display from the Munster hard-man. Iain Henderson is hot on his trails but in terms of pure passion he has few equals.

7 – Chris Robshaw (England) Underrated but certainly appreciated by his teammates. His try on the final whistle was just rewards for another fine match.

8 – David Denton (Scotland) One of very few from his country who walk away from the match, and the tournament, with their reputation intact. Never gave up and carried tirelessly.

9 – Maxime Machenaud (France) Improved service and accurate kicking played a big role in his team’s resurgence. A shame he was taken off with more to give.

10 – Owen Farrell (England) His best performance of the tournament nearly helped his side achieve the impossible. Indelibly flawed but absolutely committed.

11 – George North (Wales) Finally looked like his normal self, albeit against subpar opposition. Looks ready to test his wares in South Africa.

12 – Jamie Roberts (Wales) Took route 1 and did so with great effect, and bagged two tries for his troubles. Will be absolutely vital when they head south.

13 – Mathieu Bastareaud (France) The real man-of-the-match in Paris. A beastly, brutal performance that included two key turnovers in defense.

14 – Andrew Trimble (Ireland) An unlikely source of excellence throughout the tournament, his break led to Sexton’s second try. The question is, can he keep his place?

15 – Mike Brown (England) Another near-perfect game from the form player in the northern hemisphere. Two tries and beat half of Italy with his running.