
Share
29th June 2018
06:20pm BST

Credit: Natwest 6 Nations[/caption]
Incredible first full season in the Irish squad. Kicked on from his tour success, last summer, to blaze a trail through the November internationals and set a try-scoring record in the Six Nations. Was our star player of the November games and Ireland's Grand Slam triumph but was less effective Down Under. Intercept try king.
JAMES RYAN (9 matches, 594 minutes, Average rating - 8/10)
[caption id="attachment_152071" align="alignnone" width="631"]
Credit: Natwest 6 Nations[/caption]
Has made himself a fixture in the Irish second row. It is now up to the likes of Henderson, Toner, Dillane and Beirne to play at their very best to get a spot beside him. Took to the November challenges well, was excellent in the Six Nations and was Ireland's best player Down Under.
TADHG FURLONG (10 matches, 533 minutes, Average rating - 8/10)
Features like an extra loose forward, and one with great handling and passing. Scored his First Test try in Australia but featured in many set-plays - such as for CJ Stander's Twickenham try - for scores. So often asked to do his worst to opposition teams for 50 minutes before the cavalry is called on but went to the well in Australia.
CONOR MURRAY (10 matches, 747 minutes, Average rating - 7.75/10)
So consistently good. Was only really rattled in Brisbane and that was during Ireland's only Test loss of the season. Was solid without being spectacular in November, pure class on the Grand Slam charge and managed the final two Tests in Australia so well.
JOHNNY SEXTON (10 matches, 673 minutes, Average rating - 7.75/10)
Georgina Robinson of the Sydney Morning Herald called Murray and Sexton "peerless as half back partners" and there are no arguments from us. Sexton was the playmaker and shot-caller for his side, kicked out of hand so well and got over mini goal-kicking jitters to close out big wins over Australia and England. Plays such a threatening, high line and is brave as hell.
CJ STANDER (11 matches, 778 minutes, Average rating - 7.75/10)
Joe Schmidt flogged Stander like a redoubtable pack horse and yet the Munster back-row still found it within himself, 10 and a half months into a post-Lions season, to pull out a man-of-the-match performance in Sydney. Ireland's top ball-carrier, tackler and top man for ruck involvements too.
It is worth mentioning, too, that Garry Ringrose, Dan Leavy and Andrew Conway were all class when called upon but they all took their fair share of injury knocks. All three staying injury clear over the next 18 months would be a huge boost for this impressive Irish rugby squad.Explore more on these topics: