Lock: Scott Barrett (New Zealand)
Fine showing in his chance in place of Brodie Retallick against France. A beast at the lineout, including an early steal. Great break and offload to brother Jordie to set up fellow brother Beauden’s try.
Lock: James Ryan (Ireland)
The second-row was left nursing the irony of having arguably his finest Irish performance in what proved to be his first defeat as a professional rugby player against the Wallabies. Made a monster turnover in the first-half look frighteningly easy and worked himself into the ground: six carries and a massive 16 tackles.
Flanker: David Pocock (Australia)
How good was it to see Pocock back in Test rugby? Whatever your thoughts might be about his sabbatical, you can’t argue with his form when he is in the Wallabies fold. He finished with 12 tackles, four turnovers and the match-winning try. Absolute star.
Flanker: James Davies (Wales)
Needed a big performance after Ellis Jenkins’ display last week and he produced it. Won three penalties over the ball, including a superb piece of turnover work on his own line in the first half, and provided classic openside support to touch down out wide, while making an impressive 17 tackles in all to earn the official Man of the Match award.
Number 8: Amanaki Mafi (Japan)
The powerful number 8 scored a try as the Brave Blossoms as they floored Six Nations side Italy 34-17 on Saturday in the first game of their two-match rugby series.