Lock: Donncha Ryan (Racing 92)
Lock: Devin Toner (Leinster)
Flanker: Tadgh Beirne (Munster)
Flanker: Gary Graham (Newcastle Falcons)
England and Scotland will be wanting him for their Autumn Internationals after this imperious display. His 13 tackles were at the heart of Newcastle’s fantastic defensive effort.
Number 8: Jack Conan (Leinster)
Industrious as ever, 14 carries for 50 metres, one, in particular, helped open some space for Luke McGrath’s opening try in first-half injury time. Also Leinster’s top tackler with 10.