Fly-half: George Ford (England)
The edge goes to Ford ahead of Rhys Patchell, because of his added experience at this level, but it’s a close one and both are capable of proving to be game-winners for their sides.
Scrum-half: Gareth Davies (Wales)
Care can be an asset off the substitutes’ bench but he is yet to prove himself as a Test starter. Meanwhile, Davies, who broke English hearts at the last Work Cup, has scored more tries than any other scrum-half at Test level with 10 since the beginning of 2016.
Prop: Mako Vunipola (England)
There’s not much to choose between Vunipola and Rob Evans with both being skilled, mobile and powerful. Vunipola was a Lions Test starter, meaning the Saracens man edges into our XV.
Hooker Jamie George (England)
He can’t get into the England starting XV but he is on our team. He’s better than Dylan Hartley and kept Kevin Owens out of the British & Irish Lions Test team.
Prop: Dan Cole (England)
Scarlet tighthead Samson Lee has shown his best form in years at the scrum. But Cole, twice a Lion, is vastly experienced and is one of England’s main men. Eddie Jones has tipped the No.3 to become the best tighthead in Europe.