Or perhaps more accurately team of the week-end? Plenty of games and performances to go through, but here are the standouts from the first weekend of the June test programme.
1 – Mako Vunipola (Lions) An excellent all-action performance from the remarkably mobile block. Stood up well in the scrum and well on his way to a test cap against the Wobblies.
2 – Adriaan Strauss (South Africa) It’s hard to recall the last time he had a bad game. Commanding presence in the tight and a try scorer as well. How will Bismarck respond?
3 – David Wilson (England) Really starting to find his feet at the top level. His scrum work has always been class, but his impact in the tight-loose just gets better and better.
4 – Joe Launchbury (England) After tailing off somewhat at the end of the Six Nations, he was back to his best in Salta. May not be a Lion yet, but he will be some day.
5 – Geoff Parling (Lions) Launchbury’s England mate was superb in the lineout and made his fair share of tackles as well. Maybe not a test starter, but could have earned a bench spot.
6 – Samu Manoa (United States) What’s that word that Justin Marshall likes to use? Boompha! Huge impact on both sides of the ball, welcome back to the international stage.
7 – Francois Louw (South Africa) Honourable mention to the brave Beau Robinson, but Flo takes it for his presence at the breakdown. He’s the reason Brussow isn’t in the team.
8 – Ben Morgan (England) One can’t help but wonder if he would have been in a Lions shirt if he’d been fit for the Six Nations. Top performance with ball in hand.
9 – Ben Youngs (Lions) Responded to the challenge laid down by Mike Phillips with a very convincing effort. His untypical try would not have gone unnoticed.
10 – Quade Cooper (Reds) Must be counting down the minutes until Robbie Deans’ reign is over. You take the bad with the good, and when he’s good he’s magic.
11 – George North (Lions) Came on as a replacement for Manu Tuilagi and was suitably at his rampaging best. One of the first names on the team sheet for the tests.
12 – Billy Twelvetrees (England) Produced more moments of class with the ball in one half than Brad Barritt has done in his entire England career. Surely the no12 jersey is his to lose now.
13 – J.J. Engelbrecht (South Africa) Admittedly subpar opposition, but he looked absolutely at home beside Jean de Villiers. Could be a test regular for a very long time.
14 – Bryan Habana (South Africa) Still the best winger in the world. Toulon fans are in for a treat next season, whether they need one or not.
15 – James Pritchard (Canada) Returned from a broken arm to score 23 points in an outstanding individual performance. Now on the brink of becoming Canada’s all-time record scorer.
