Ireland coach Declan Kidney must be commended for the manner in which he orchestrated his team's Grand Slam triumph in the 2009 Six Nations, but the stark reality is he could not have achieved that success without having such an outstanding group of players at his disposal.

Kidney's main feat was surely to get centre and talisman Brian O'Driscoll firing on all cylinders again. O'Driscoll had looked a forlorn figure at the 2007 Rugby World Cup as his team struggled from the off, but since Kidney took over the reins he has looked totally rejuvenated and can again lay claim to being one of the best centres in international rugby union.

Paul O'Connell was handed the 2009 British and Irish Lions captaincy for the tour to South Africa and quite right too. O'Connell is an outstanding exponent of second-row play and also an inspirational pack leader, even though it was O'Driscoll who captained Ireland in the 2009 Six Nations tournament.

Fly-half Ronan O'Gara, meanwhile, seems to have been around for ever and his importance to the team should never be underestimated.

O'Gara is cool under pressure, very astute tactically and is also a prodigious goalkicker. His contribution to the 2009 Grand Slam success was immense and much of the criticism that comes his way for the perceived conservatism in his game is wide of the mark.

An honourable mention too for wing Tommy Bowe, who enjoyed an excellent 2009 Six Nations which was rewarded with a Lions call-up.