Players of the Rugby World Cup: Sean O'Brien (Ireland)

Sean O'Brien was one of the stars of the pool stages in helping Ireland top Pool C. The Leinster flanker, who was named European Player of the Year last season, announced himself on the world stage with his turbo-charged performance in Ireland's shock 15-6 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park.

O'Brien is far more at home operating at blindside or No 8 but was moved to openside flanker for the tournament after regular number seven David Wallace was ruled out with a knee injury. Along with his backrow colleagues Jamie Heaslip and Stephen Ferris, O'Brien formed one of the most impressive loose forwards trios in the tournament.

A ferocious and powerful ball carrier, O'Brien was named man of the match in Ireland's 36-6 victory over Italy and was a menace in the loose in his side's rout of Russia.