A mad tournament so far!

Barely anyone came out of the French game with their stock improved, but there were green shoots after victory against Italy.

Then suddenly, the optics and feeling towards the Irish rugby team were flipped on its head following a record away win at Twickenham, with a host of players looking back to their best.

Winners

Stuart McCloskey

After years of struggling for international recognition - behind Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw - the 33-year-old has now become Ireland's best player.

Carrying on his superb form from November, he has somehow gotten better each game, culminating in an all-round domination of England.

His carrying, offloading, passing range and last-ditch defending has given Ireland a new dimension.

Robert Baloucoune

We knew about his speed and finishing ability, but his defence and aerial play has been just as good.

Ireland have been crying out for pace in the backline and the Ulsterman gives it in spades.

However, a turnover at the ruck, try assist, and covering tackle against England showed he is so much more than just a speedster out wide.

If he can stay fit, Ireland will have a world class operator on their hands.

Jeremy Loughman

While we haven't been overly kind to the loosehead in our player ratings, he is one of Ireland's most important players.

Yes, our scrum did falter in the last two games, but it may have been a lot worse without the Munster prop.

He was Ireland's fourth-choice ahead of the Six Nations, but injuries have given him a chance to show his worth.

If he can keep improving at set-piece, he could become a Mike Ross-type figure.

Jack Crowley

There is an argument for James Ryan or Nick Timoney in this spot, but given the spotlight that is shined on the No 10 jersey, the Corkonian takes it.

He added a much-needed impetus to the Irish attack against Italy, and took advantage Sam Prendergast's woes off the tee by nailing his two attempts against the Azzurri.

He followed this up with another decent goal-kicking display against England, as well as some fine defending on the line, which is where he really excels over his rival for the 10 jersey.

Four who lost ground

Craig Casey

There was talk, deserved it must be said, that the 26-year-old was not far off pushing Jamison Gibson-Park for the starting jersey.

He had taken his game to the next level last season and captained Ireland on their summer tour of Georgia and Portugal.

Things looked promising after Gibson-Park's performance against France was littered with errors, and Casey was given the starting shirt against a strong Italy.

He failed to put in a statement performance and looked ponderous, inaccurate with his kicking, and generally unthreatening.

With JGP's all-timer showing against England, he has lost ground.

Sam Prendergast

After impressing in November, he didn't build on it against France and left his goal-kicking boots at home against Italy.

There may have been more sympathy to his performance against the Azzurri had his team finished off some more of their try-scoring opportunities, but Crowley was brought in early with the game at 10-10 and helped Ireland to victory.

The battle for the 10 jersey has been a game of swings and roundabouts and it looks like it will stay that way.

Jacob Stockdale

The king of 2018 was unfortunate to be put in against France; on a wet day and in a game that did not suit his good traits.

Like Prendergast, he did not get to experience the good times and dominance against England, where performing to the best of one's abilities was a lot more achievable.

With injuries etc., he will be back.

Bundee Aki

There weren't many options for a fourth player here, so Aki - who was suspended for ref abuse ahead of the tournament - will have to suffice.

Given McCloskey's form and Aki's age, he may be coming to the end of his Ireland career.