Lions watch
Skysports.com rugby union writer Tony Curtis names his Lions XV based on the second weekend of the autumn internationals
By Tony Curtis - Follow me on Twitter: @SkysportsTC
Last Updated: 26/11/12 1:28pm
Ireland once again flew the flag for the northern hemisphere with their win over Argentina, but Scotland were left counting the cost of their humiliating loss to Tonga.
England are also undergoing an inquest of their own following some questionable decision-making during their loss to South Africa, while Wales failed to stop the rot against the all-conquering All Blacks.
However Skysports.com's rugby union writer Tony Curtis delves among the slim pickings to name his Lions XV based on those who did manage to emerge with their reputations intact at the weekend...
15 Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Has been in superb form during the autumn internationals. Solid in defence and a willing runner in attack, he looks to be in pole position for the Lions No 15 jersey.
14 Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
Highlighted his credentials as one of the top finishers in the game with two tries against the Pumas. His work-rate meant he was a menace throughout.
13 Keith Earls (Ireland)
Made the most of his opportunity in the No 13 jersey with an eye-catching display. Facing intense competition for a place on the Lions tour, but he did his chances the world of good.
12 Brad Barritt (England)
Stood up to a physical battering from his native South Africans. Was England's defensive lynchpin and threw his body into everything.
11 Craig Gilroy (Ireland)
Followed up his try-scoring display against Fiji with another score in his first official international outing. Was Ireland's most potent weapon in attack.
10 Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)
The Ireland fly-half was in scintillating form, weighing in with a 19-point haul - including two tries. A class all-round display to throw down a marker to his No 10 rivals.
9 Conor Murray (Ireland)
A lively display from the Ireland No 9 helped provide the platform for the back division to cut loose.
1 Alex Corbisiero (England)
The London Irish prop made an immediate impact on his return to the England front row. Stabilised the scrum and put in a solid shift in the loose.
2 Richardt Strauss (Ireland)
He put the controversy over his selection behind him with yet another top display. Relished the physical confrontation, was a menace at the breakdown and hit his men in the line out.
3 Dan Cole (England)
Along with Corbisiero, Cole helped shore up the England scrum. He made good inroads in the loose, particularly in the first half.
4 Donnacha Ryan (Ireland)
Has risen to the challenge of filling some big boots in Ireland's second row. Awesome in the loose as he kept charging into the heart of the Pumas defence, while he marshalled the lineout superbly.
5 Luke Charteris (Wales)
The lock put in an all-action shift at the Millennium Stadium. He tackled his heart out and won his balls at the lineout.
6 Tom Wood (England)
Showed England what they have been missing at the breakdown as he put his body on the line. A dynamic display that highlighted his importance to the team.
7 Sam Warburton (Wales)
Rose to the challenge of going up against Richie McCaw in the battle of the open sides. Had found his position and captaincy under threat but responded in the best possible way.
8 Ben Morgan (England)
Arguably his best performance for England. He ran at the Boks and defied those who questioned his work ethic.
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