10. Romain Ntamack (France)

Barely anything to separate Ntamack from England’s Marcus Smith, whose assist for Steward’s try against Australia and nerveless winning penalty against South Africa underlined that he is going to be here for a long time. But Ntamack was out of this world against New Zealand, launching an audacious counter-attack from behind his own line and also scoring. 

9. Antoine Dupont (France)

Should really win the men’s player of the year award in the coming days, capping off a remarkable 12 months which saw him win a Top 14 and Champions Cup double with Toulouse before captaining France to a first win over the All Blacks since 2009. Jamison Gibson-Park for Ireland must start in the Six Nations.

Forwards

1. Ox Nche (South Africa)

Ireland’s Andrew Porter was right in the mix, along with Scotland debutant Pierre Schoeman. And while Steven Kitshoff is arguably the better loosehead prop, Nche has arguably been South Africa’s most-improved player on this tour, helping to demolish Scotland’s front row in particular. The starter-replacement combination between Nche and Kitshoff has worked a treat.

2. Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)

Pushed hard by France’s Peato Mauvaka, who scored five tries in three Tests benefiting from his side’s impressive maul. Malcolm Marx has been brutal off the bench too for the Springboks. But Kelleher has emerged as Ireland’s hooker for the next decade. Incredibly strong too, holding Peter O’Mahony up in the air for one restart as if the flanker was a lightbulb.

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

Still the best tighthead in the game, which is some statement given the competition from Vincent Koch, who marmalised Joe Marler in one scrum at Twickenham. Furlong’s all-round ability is extraordinary: still destructive in the scrum, a huge carrying threat but with a superb set of hands. Peerless.

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

A quite bizarre omission from the player of the year shortlist given his form, with the sight of Etzebeth charging into space in the final minutes against England a thrill to see. Playing better than ever, after just turning 30 last month. He’s not going anywhere. Iain Henderson continues to dominate at the heart of Ireland’s pack.

5. Maro Itoje (England)

What a treat if you were at Twickenham on Saturday to see Itoje’s duel with Etzebeth. Gives away penalties, yes, but his work-rate, physicality and increasing influence on this England side are going to be vital for their future success under Eddie Jones. Adam Beard, before he was knocked out against Australia, stepped up for Wales in the absence of Alun Wyn Jones.