NEIL BEST His physicality and aggression set him apart on the park and both are traits that will be needed in abundance in France.

World Cup? Certainty SIMON BEST Might not have been the most inspirational captain but he and Bryan Young stood up impressively to the Argentinean scrum.

World Cup? Certainty PETER BRACKEN It's short-sighted in the extreme to think that he didn't get one minute's action in Argentina.

You have to feel for him.

World Cup? No chance TONY BUCKLEY Eddie O'Sullivan seems to like something in Buckley and admittedly, he did look lively during his two substitute appearances.

World Cup? Will only feature if injuries strike LEO CULLEN Appeared to go missing for large tracts of that second test and that will count against him.

World Cup? Has a chance but it may come down to game against Scotland STEPHEN FERRIS Was just growing into the second test nicely when he had to go off. A clear O'Sullivan favourite and a fine player.

World Cup? Has a slight chance but it may be just too soon for him JERRY FLANNERY (below) Excellent performance in the first test could mean that he's Ireland's first choice hooker once more.

World Cup? Certainty KEITH GLEESON The first test didn't suit his style of play and he didn't get any chance to make an impression. Could be the end of his international career.

World Cup? Slim JAMIE HEASLIP Continues to climb up the levels with confidence. An intelligent number 8 in the Anthony Foley mode.

World Cup? Certainty TREVOR HOGAN The most naturally gifted of the three second rows going for just the one slot. Lack of experience may hurt him in the final shake-up.

World Cup? Read Leo Cullen BERNARD JACKMAN Didn't start either test so that would suggest he's viewed by O'Sullivan as Ireland's fourth choice hooker. It's difficult to argue with.

World Cup? No chance SHANE JENNINGS Like Gleeson, the second test didn't suit his style of play and he made little or no impression. A great pity he hasn't been given an opportunity before now.

World Cup? Slim, but not impossible MICK O'DRISCOLL Got reasonable game time but still hasn't nailed down the fourth second-row spot.

World Cup? Like Cullen and Hogan, the Scotland game will tell a lot MALCOLM O'KELLY Proved in the first test that he's not only still good enough, but also that he still wants to play international rugby.

World Cup? Certainty ALAN QUINLAN Enjoyed a superb second test and proved that in the physical stakes, he's as intense as he's ever been.

World Cup? Not a certainty but he's at least half way to France FRANKIE SHEAHAN His line-out throwing was excellent, while he worked his socks off around the park. He still has it what it takes at this level.

World Cup? Certainty BRYAN YOUNG (below) Did exceptionally well bar one act of stupidity in the first test. Has developed well over the past six months.

World Cup? Certainty BACKS ISAAC BOSS Was competent in the first test rather than anything else but is clearly a step below the Heineken Cupwinning Eoin Reddan in terms of raw talent.

World Cup? Certainty TOMMY BOWE Did alright in the first test in Santa Fe but the promise of a couple of years back hasn't really blossomed.

World Cup? Only hope is if injuries strike BRIAN CARNEY Played well in both tests despite getting little ball but you get the sense his conversion from League has come too late for France.

World Cup? A slim chance if O'Sullivan's takes a gamble GAVIN DUFFY The big winner of the tour. Played well at both full-back and first centre and his versatility will be important in France.

World Cup? Certainty LUKE FITZGERALD Got about three minutes to prove himself and it wasn't enough. This World Cup has just come too soon for his undoubted talent.

World Cup? No chance ROB KEARNEY Performed well under pressure in the second test but like Fitzgerald, he just doesn't have enough experience right now to go to France.

World Cup? No chance KIERAN LEWIS Underperformed in the first test but so did many around him.

Has suffered from lack of regular action.

World Cup? No chance BARRY MURPHY Made a couple of errors in the second test but proved that he still has the ability to beat a man on a higher stage.

World Cup? No chance GEORDAN MURPHY (left) Stood out clearly in both tests as a regular international and will make a big impression in France if he's allowed.

World Cup?

Certainty TOMAS O'LEARY Was barely on the field over the course of the tour and has some development to do as a scrum-half.

World Cup? No chance EOIN REDDAN Coped well in the second test despite having to dig ball out of the ruck for half the game. The only real alternative to Peter Stringer at the moment.

World Cup? Certainty JEREMY STAUNTON His missed kicks will be remembered but after six weeks out of action, he did as least as well as Paddy Wallace in open play. Just a pity he couldn't be more accurate with the boot.

World Cup? Slim ANDREW TRIMBLE (below) His poor first-test efforts were systematic of a dip in from over the past six months but his on-field experience, and the trust O'Sullivan clearly has in him, will count when in comes to France.

World Cup? Certainty PADDY WALLACE Did reasonably well in the first test but he still doesn't inspire.

Delivered on the goalkicking front, however, and that's what puts him ahead of Staunton.

World Cup? A near certainty