Had it not been for Toby Flood, then England could have lost against Italy. He knocked over all of the hosts' points but struggled when kicking for touch. Paddy Jackson is perhaps unlucky to miss out on selection but Flood just edges him.

9. Conor Murray (Ireland)

The Munster scrum-half took much of the pressure off his young half-back partner, box-kicking well and directing Ireland's effective driving mauls. All of which made it very puzzling when he was pulled off with 20 minutes to go.

Jamie Heaslip celebrates his try against France © PA Photos

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1. Mako Vunipola (England)

He got the better of his Italian counterparts and was one of England's main attacking threats. He did his international claims no harm in what was a poor performance by Stuart Lancaster's men and should keep the loose-head shirt for their Grand Slam decider against Wales.

2. Richard Hibbard (Wales)

The Ospreys hooker showed great aggression and dynamism when carrying the ball, epitomised by his crucial first-half try. And for the most part his throwing in at the lineout, his biggest Achilles heel, was on the money against a towering Scottish lineout.

3. Mike Ross (Ireland)

Ross was the cornerstone of Ireland scrummaging effort against a powerful French front-row that laid the platform for what should have been an Irish victory over the French. With Adam Jones and Dan Cole also impressing, the tight-head props are hitting form nicely for Warren Gatland.

4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales)

Warren Gatland need not worry over the fitness of the Ospreys second-row - he was superb against Scotland. He made the second most tackles for Wales and was omnipresent on the field.

5. Donncha Ryan (Ireland)

Another massive performance at the lineout from the Munster lock who dominated the murky skies at the Aviva Stadium. Paul O'Connell is on the comeback trail but he'll face a fight to regain his place in the Ireland team.

6. Sean O'Brien (Ireland)

He made the most yards for Ireland with ball in hand and also outshone opposite number Thierry Dusautoir which is no mean feat.

7. Sam Warburton (Wales)

Apparently a 36/1 shot with some bookies to lead the Lions prior to Wales' win over Scotland - surely that will go down as the miss of the season. When he was recalled by Rob Howley, did anyone expect anything other than a massive performance, especially at the breakdown, from the Wales openside?

8. Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)

The Irish captain has come in for a fair amount of criticism over his form and leadership this tournament but he was at the heart of a fantastic forward effort from Ireland, especially in the first half, and took his try very well.