FINAL VERDICT.

Byline: PAUL JONES

ROB HOWLEY Interim coach Perhaps the most impressive performer of all. After eight defeats on the trot, some wanted his head on a spike. Instead, his head will soon be under Warren Gatland's crown. Six Nations Score: 9 LEIGH HALFPENNY 15 Arguably, the player of the tournament. Scored 74 points and hardly put a foot wrong. Nerveless, fearless, faultless and peerless.

Score: 10 ALEX CUTHBERT 14 Nervy opening, but grew in influence as the campaign went on.

Some defensive wobbles, but clinical finisher in big games.

Score: 7 JONATHAN DAVIES 13 Few chances to shine in attack, but huge presence in defence and has improved his tactical appreciation. Worthy Lion.

Score: 8 JAMIE ROBERTS 12 Bossed every midfield confrontation, gave countless interviews and found time to sit final medical exams. Phenomenal.

Score: 9 GEORGE NORTH 11 Key try against France in Paris and moments in every game when his power caused panic in oppositions ranks. A wanted man.

Score: 8 Dan Biggar 10 Hesitant first match against Ireland gave way to growing assuredness and maturity. Not just warming Rhys Priestland's seat.

Score: 7 MIKE PHILLIPS 9 Old Spikey Mikey became so prickly for opponents, they were forced to let him dictate. A ninth forward as well as a scrum-half.

Score: 8 GETHIN JENKINS 1 Was written off by some after Ireland defeat, but came roaring back to prove his worth. Strong and dynamic, despite injuries.

Score: 8 RICHARD HIBBARD 2 'Patrick Swayze' to his teammates, he led England on a hooker's dirty dance to defeat. Delivered some massive hits in defence.

Score: 8 ADAM JONES 3 Everyone knows his scrum power, but he still hits so many rucks and makes so many tackles. Immovable, reliable and humble.

Score: 9 ALUN WYN JONES 4 Ferocious commitment after return from injury. Martin Johnson and Shane WILLIAMS want him Lions skipper. Enough said.

Score: 8 IAN EVANS 5 The 'enforcer' figure Wales have wanted for years. Dishes it out, takes no prisoners. All the cliches, except they're true.

Score: 8 Sam Warburton 6 Even more impressive than his ability was his complete disregard for all the froth over his lost place and lost captaincy.

Score: 8 JUSTIN TIPURIC 7 Could become the most talented back row forward Wales have had since Mervyn Davies. Can do everything - and more.

Score: 8 TOBY FALETAU 8 A man of few words, but many deeds. Has the power to carry ball and tackle, but light feet take him away from contact.

Score: 8 ANDREW COOMBS Started the first three games and made light of the leap from Newport Gwent Dragons to Test level. Has added depth to squad. Score: 7 RYAN JONES When Wales needed an old warrior to pick them up after Ireland defeat, he delivered. Unlucky to miss title clincher. Score: 8 PAUL JAMES Added strength and reliability to front row when Gethin Jenkins was spent. Would walk into most Six Nations' starting XVs. Score: 7 KEN OWENS A hooker purpose-built for the final 20 minutes of matches. Hibbard is built for comfort, but Owens is built for speed. Score: 7

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Title Annotation:	Sport
Publication:	Sunday Mirror (London, England)
Date:	Mar 24, 2013
Words:	519
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