Rough guide to Ireland: Jonny Sexton still best in the business
1 Cian Healy
He has seen off the challenge of Jack McGrath, at least for the moment, and found his second wind.
2 Rory Best
Not as dynamic as he once was but a solid scrummager and accurate thrower.
3 Tadhg Furlong
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Hide AdHe should be back in harness after missing the Welsh game due to injury. Andrew Porter will come off the bench and hope to finish off what Furlong started.
4 James Ryan
The Leinster man is being touted as the “new Paul O’Connell”. Them’s big boots to fill but Ryan is a Lion in waiting. Watch this one.
5 Iain Henderson
Perhaps unfair on Devin Toner who played well against Wales but Henderson is a better all-round option.
6 Peter O’Mahony
He was Lions’ skipper last year, maybe hasn’t hit the heights in this tournament just yet although he remains a fearsome competitor.
7 Dan Leavy
Scored a try against Wales and while he may not be an out-and-out loosie he will prove a much tougher challenge to the Scots at the breakdown.
8 CJ Stander
The Saffa breakaway has another gear just as soon as he locates it. A little less effective with the ball in hand than in his first season.
9 Conor Murray
Started this tourney as the best scrum-half in Europe and he remains there after three rounds. Kicked a goal against Wales.
10 Jonny Sexton
Still the best stand-off in the business, although that quickly-taken tap penalty against Wales was probably unwise. Scored a brilliant winning drop goal against France.
11 Jacob Stockdale
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Hide AdVery tall winger who made that all-important interception without which Ireland could so easily have lost to Wales while enjoying 75 per cent of possession.
12 Bundee Aki
A solid competitor, scored an important try against Wales and look out for him appearing on Sexton’s inside shoulder in phase play.
13 Garry Ringrose
Injury to Chris Farrell opens the door for Ringrose who brings some much-needed cutting edge and excitement to the Irish back line.
14 Keith Earls
Something of an Indian summer for the Munster winger who has been in excellent form for his country, popping up all over the pitch.
15 Rob Kearney
No longer quite so secure under the high ball, as Finn Russell might have noted, poses little danger on the counter but boasts a big boot.