After eight grueling matches it’s finally time to unveil last weekend’s team. Is this the first time ever an All Black hasn’t made the side?

1 – James Slipper (Australia) Solid outing in his 50th cap, amazing to think he’s still only 25. Got through some good work in the loose and didn’t have much trouble with Nicolas Mas at scrum time.

2 – Rob Webber (England) Superb lineout throwing and an impressive all around performance after missing weeks with injury. Seems to lift himself in the big games.

3 – Mike Ross (Ireland) Usual steadfast work around the fringes, an absolute rock in the scrum as Ireland got the edge on the Pumas. Can he last until the World Cup?

4 – Rob Simmons (Australia) One of his better games for Australia, dominant in the lineout and powerful in the loose. Consistency is his biggest problem.

5 – Tomas Lavanini (Argentina) A mountain of a man and still just a puppy. Put in some enormous tackles and relishes the tight stuff. A real find.

6 – Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Fiji) Reminded us of his pace with a stunning individual try. A huge boost to the Fijian pack, he looks in great form after a good season with Brive.

7 – Chris Robshaw (England) Outplayed the out-of-sorts McCaw and seemingly ubiquitous all over the pitch. Amazing to think he wasn’t on the Lions tour.

8 – Benjamin Macome (Argentina) Damien Chouly impressed for a beaten French side, but Macome was brilliant for the Pumas despite a questionable yellow card. Strong runs, countless tackles, and finished the game despite a broken arm.

9 – Nic White (Australia) Not in the same class as Will Genia, but unquestionably better on form at the moment. His quick service gave his outside backs all sorts of chances.

10 – Jonny Sexton (Ireland) Showed his class once again with an excellent performance against a gritty Argentinean side. Kicked well and scored a try before coming off damaged.

11 – Manuel Montero (Argentina) Another hugely impressive showing from the big man. Scored a brilliant try and defended well.

12 – Nemani Nadolo (Fiji) Has improved since moving to the Crusaders. Scored a typical try bursting through tackles and even impressed with his goal kicking. Finally reaching his potential as a player.

13 – Manu Tuilagi (England) The most potent midfielder by a long shot from the weekend. Almost impossible to defend one-on-one, he creates gaps just by being there.

14 – Cornal Hendricks (South Africa) Not a great weekend for right wingers so the newest Springbok gets the nod. Showed his pace and didn’t look overawed at all, now set to win his first cap against Wales.

15 – Israel Folau (Australia) A joy to watch. Can anyone displace him?