Centres

Has had more than his share of setbacks but keeps bouncing back, much as he does, literally, off the midfield leviathans. He's blessed with phenomenal footwork and strength in contact, and so much of Ireland's play revolves around him that he's now as vital as some bloke called Brian.

His facial injury is a serious concern but if fit, the midfield maestros bring the X-factor to Ireland's A-game. All opponents know this, but containing them is another matter. The formula-one model of centres needs some more fine-tuning but a vintage tournament from the Great One and who knows where Ireland could go in France.

A big, strong, physical, hard-running player who is adding more subtlety to his game, he cannot be evaluated too forensically on the evidence of the match against Scotland, when he was unexpectedly thrown in almost an hour from being 23rd man. Outstanding against the Boks last November, can cover wing and midfield.

Resurrected himself from Harlequins fringe player to World Cup squaddie by dint of end-of-season return to Connacht. Footballing ability saw him cope with fullback and midfield roles in Argentina, but not much chance to shine there or against Scotland at Murrayfield.