Nine matches and even more hours later it’s time finally unveil this past week’s honour roll.
1 – Mikheil Nariashvili (Georgia) Did a demolition job on the Japanese scrum and was active in the loose. A key part of a very good Lelos pack, and at 24 his best years are ahead.
2 – Agustin Creevy (Argentina) Had a few yips in the set piece, but his effort around the pitch was superb. A terrific character who is developing in to a top class captain.
3 – David Wilson (England) Good shift in the tight-loose and didn’t give anything to Zac Taulafo in the scrum. Not a star, but ultra dependable in a critical position.
4 – Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) While most of his side were sluggish, the big man was having his best game of the tour. Got around the pitch well and stirred things up at the lineout.
5 – Paul O’Connell (Ireland) Led his side to another massive win. Joe Schmidt will be praying to whatever gods are listening that his captain makes it to the World Cup intact.
6 – Javier Ortega Desio (Argentina) Easily his best performance for his country. Played most of the game bloodied and never shirked a tackle or a ruck.
7 – Blair Cowan (Scotland) After a shaky summer tour, he has found his feet in test rugby. Thrives in the trenches, and never seems to stop.
8 – Kieran Read (New Zealand) The oil in the engine. Keeps the mighty machine working smoothly with some brilliant link play and his usual lineout presence.
9 – Rhys Webb (Wales) Desperately unlucky to come off just before the hour mark with a knock. Challenged the fringes and made all the right decisions.
10 – Jonny Sexton (Ireland) In a league of his own at the moment with the New Zealand trio stuttering a little. His tactical kicking was a thing of beauty once again.
11 – Simon Zebo (Ireland) Maybe not magical, but excellent defensively and scored a key try. Still capable of greater things, next year will define him as a player.
12 – Jamie Roberts (Wales) Thundering performance put his side on the front foot. Deserved to win, it’s a shame his teammates crumbled in the dying minutes.
13 – Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias (Argentina) Replaced Marcelo Bosch and stepped up with some terrific defense. His tackle to halt Mathieu Bastareaud was near legend-worthy.
14 – Tommy Bowe (Ireland) Chased well, ran well, defended well, scored a try. Did everything you could ask for from your winger.
15 – Rob Kearney (Ireland) Absolutely composed at the back, caught everything and kicked well. Great to see him playing with real confidence again.
