Scrumhalves

Super passer, ultra-competitive, director of pack, phenomenally consistent, and now part of the furniture - Ireland just don't seem the same without their second-most-capped player. In fact, they usually lose when he's not there. Hasn't played much competitive rugby since March.

A European champion with curiously little recognition or game time as yet in his native country, he's heralded at Wasps as a major decision-maker and playmaking pivot. Lacked protection in Buenos Aires but, with real pace and a crisp pass, could add something to the mix in France.

A good, competitive footballer who has the versatility to cover the wing quite adequately, he's the most physical of the Irish scrumhalves around the fringes and has a good box kick but his pass is the slowest.