For some players it was a tournament to remember, while others had less positive experiences.
A good one for . . .
Takudzwa Ngwenya
Cracking tries against Samoa and South Africa, when he showed a clean pair of heels to Alesana Tuilagi and Bryan Habana. Eddie Jones ensured Saracens came a-calling.
Eoin Reddan
Arrived third in the queue and is now the first-choice Irish scrumhalf. Proved his London Wasps form was transferrable to the highest level - all the more impressive considering the absence of go-forward ball and lack of game time before coming in cold against France.
Andy Gomarsall
England's third-choice scrumhalf in 2003 and again here, until Peter Richards and Shaun Perry flopped, he kept the English juggernaut motoring forward. Just shows how a player can improve as he matures, because Gomarsall wasn't up to much four years ago.
Juan Martín Hernández
When Marcel Loffreda named the Stade Français fullback at 10 against France it looked like a serious risk. Hernández lit up the finals with his left and right boots and handling skills, and, most memorably, outjumped Geordan Murphy to catch his own up-and-under before delicately offloading to Martín Scelzo. Magic.
Fourie du Preez
Produced the individual display of the tournament against England and, against the Pumas, copperfastened his status as the game's foremost number nine.
A bad one for . . .
Ronan O'Gara
Was far from his best, and management's lack of trust in Paddy Wallace meant the Munster man was exposed in all four games. Disappointing when one considers six months ago O'Gara looked primed to reach the peak of his powers at this tournament.
Gordon D'Arcy
Was fed static ball throughout, and the opposition had their homework done and duly gang-tackled him. Nevertheless, his excellent Six Nations and Leinster form was mystifyingly absent in France.
Luke McAlister
At times magnificent but his failure to drop into the pocket against France, until it was too late, left everyone scratching their heads.
Stirling Mortlock
Best centre in the game but his missed kicks against England ensured the Wallabies' worst nightmare came to pass. A pity as it overshadowed a tour-de-force against Wales and during the Tri-Nations.
Rory and Sean Lamont
The "Lament Brothers" would surely have studied the Argentinian tactics against France and Ireland so they knew an aerial bombardment was coming. Best-laid plans and all that...
