The 2009 RBS 6 Nations had its thrills and spills, throwing up a mix of turgid encounters and epic battles.

Through it all, Ireland emerged victorious to seal their first Grand Slam in 61 years while England claimed an unlikely second place and defending champions Wales ended up fourth.

France again flattered to deceive, Italy never looked like relinquishing the wooden spoon and Scotland disappointed again.

15 - Delon Armitage (England)

The London Irish star rocketed from outside of England's top 64 players right into Lions contention.

14 - Tommy Bowe (Ireland)

It was fitting the Ospreys winger was forced to sing Black Velvet Band at Ireland's homecoming party because he led defenders a merry dance throughout the tournament.

13 - Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

The Irish captain enjoyed another remarkable tournament and inspired his team to end a 61-year Grand Slam wait. He still has that magic touch in attack but also an unbreakable will in defence.

12 - Riki Flutey (England)

Flutey was the creative spark in an England team that finished as the tournament's leading try-scorers with 16.

11 - Thom Evans (Scotland)

Versatile Frenchman Maxime Medard and England's Mark Cueto both have strong claims for selection - but Evans gets the jersey because of the impact he made in an otherwise limited team.

10 - Stephen Jones (Wales)

Ronan O'Gara showed immense fortitude to land the drop-goal that won Ireland the Grand Slam but he did not enjoy a great tournament and so his Welsh opposite number nicks the 10 jersey. Driven by internal competition from James Hook, Jones was consistently the best fly-half performer in the championship.

9 - Harry Ellis (England)

This was not a great tournament for scrum-halves. Ellis was the pick of the bunch on his return to the England starting team. Lively and intelligent with the ball in hand he also contributed heavily to England's defence.

1 - Gethin Jenkins (Wales)

Jenkins will head to South Africa as the Lions' number one number one after an outstanding tournament. Jenkins boasts a huge work rate and combines athleticism in the loose with power in the set-piece.

2 - Jerry Flannery (Ireland)

The shaggy-haired Munsterman just edges out France's Dimitri Szarzewski and England's Lee Mears to claim the hooker's jersey after playing an integral role in Ireland's Grand Slam triumph.

3 - Adam Jones (Wales)

John Hayes may be the emotional pick after breaking Ireland's appearance record in their Grand Slam triumph while Lions favourite Euan Murray missed the opening two rounds. But Adam Jones deserves the selection after shedding pounds and developing into a powerful set-piece exponent.

4 - Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales)

Jones is a fantastic all-round athlete. He is a major lineout threat for Wales, boasts great hands and also has an eye for the tryline. A Lions certainty.

5 - Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

Munster's second row totem was immense, teaming up with O'Driscoll to inspire Ireland to Grand Slam glory. He was masterful in the lineout, particularly in the biggest game of all against Wales.

6 - Stephen Ferris (Ireland)

Ireland's monster blindside edges a desperately close decision to claim the six jersey. Had England's Tom Croft started more than three games his case may have been irresistible. But Ferris' ability to marry brute strength with delicate handling skills made him a key man in the competition's most feared back row.

7 - David Wallace (Ireland)

Wallace's all-round contribution to Ireland's glory - his combative breakdown work, link play and ball-carrying - cannot be underestimated.

8 - Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Ireland's Jamie Heaslip was magnificent and Imanol Harinordoquy eye-catching - but Parisse is quite probably the world's best player in any position right now. Dynamic, athletic, skilful and inspirational, if only he were available to the Lions.