Lions Watch

Skysports.com assesses which Lions hopefuls shone during the first week of autumn internationals.

Skysports.com's Tony Curtis assesses which Lions hopefuls shone during the first week of autumn internationals

British and Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan will have had plenty to ponder after the opening round of autumn internationals. Two wins for the home nations was negated by two defeats - with England and Ireland racking up the expected victories over lesser lights, while Scotland were brushed aside by a second-string All Blacks and Wales came unstuck against the world champion Springboks. A thrilling weekend's of action, though, resulted in a number of players strengthening their claims for a place in the Lions team. Again skysports.com XV brings you its team based on the weekend's games... Your suggestions are very much welcome, no matter how abusive. Have we missed someone you thought was brilliant this weekend? Or have we picked someone who you felt had a nightmare? Let us know who you think via the form below...

15 Delon Armitage

Not wanting to blow our own trumpets at skysports.com, but Armitage's club form earned him a call-up to our side earlier in the season - and he showed that he does not look out of place on the international stage. A faultless debut for the London Irish ace saw him named man-of-the-match at Twickenham and a place in our side just ahead of the highly impressive Lee Byrne.

14 Leigh Halfpenny

Another international debutant who caught the eye - and he will certainly have impressed Ian McGeechan at the Millennium Stadium. Was not overawed by facing the world champions and was full of running on the wing and showed his coolness by landing a penalty.

13 Brian O'Driscoll

The Irish captain is a different class - and although his afternoon's work was cut short with bigger tests in mind, he was simply too much for the Canadians to handle. Did all the hard work for others to claim the honours.

12 Luke Fitzgerald

The Leinster man is becoming the perfect foil for O'Driscoll at club and international level and their understanding makes them one of the best centre pairings in world rugby. Bigger tests will come for Fitzgerald - starting against the All Blacks on Saturday - but he deserves his place on current form.

11 Paul Sackey

Tough call for the second wing spot with Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney both in the running as well, but Sackey has the all-round game. Teak-tough in defence and silky smooth in attack, he took his two tries superbly well against the Pacific Islanders - despite almost losing his head scoring the second.

10 Ronan O'Gara

Of the current crop of No.10s across the home unions, O'Gara had the best of afternoons - even taking the opposition into account. Danny Cipriani and James Hook might be hammering away on the door, but blotted their copybooks with silly mistakes, while O'Gara was ruthlessly efficient as Ireland closed out the game.

9 Danny Care

The England No.9 is level with Paul O'Connell in picks for the skysports.com XV and for good reason. A class act who looks made for international rugby. Should really have scored, only for the ball to squirt loose, however his fast hands, quick feet and lightning reactions make him a must.

1 Andy Sheridan

The behemoth prop may have been lacking full fitness but you could not tell as he got stuck into the Pacific Islanders. Made good yards in the loose and remains an immoveable force in the scrum.

2 Matthew Rees

The Wales hooker looks a real handful and certainly loved the physicality of the challenge of facing the Boks. Never took a backward step and can be suitably pleased with his performance despite the defeat.

3 Euan Murray

Murray was one of the few highlights at Murrayfield for the Scots as he got well and truly stuck into the New Zealand scrum. All Black Jamie Mackintosh will not want to remember his debut in a hurry as he was taught a few harsh lessons about life in an international front row.

4 Paul O'Connell

The talisman of the Irish pack, O'Connell should be the first name down on the Lions teamsheet - and would be the captain of the skysports.com. A top lineout jumper and a menace in the loose, he gave the Canada pack the run around at Thomond Park.

5 Alun Wyn-Jones

There is no doubt that Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha are the best lineout combination in world rugby, but Wyn-Jones got stuck into the Boks to force rare mistakes - something McGeechan will have taken note of.

6 Stephen Ferris

The Ulsterman was the standout performer for the Irish and remains the man in charge of the No.6 shirt. Got stuck in on the deck to provide Ireland with the platform to rack up a comfortable victory.

7 Martyn Williams

The man you want alongside you in the trenches. Williams got stuck about the South African back row with relish as Wales went toe-to-toe with the world champions. On this form he is a must for the Test team in June.

8 Andy Powell

Like Armitage and Halfpenney, Powell showed no fear on his international debut - and in the heat of the battle against the Boks, he fully deserved to be man-of-the match. He is in the form of his life and if McGeechan remains true to his word and selects the players that are on the top of their game, then Powell is a shoo-in for a start in June.

Unlucky to miss out

Lee Byrne, Keith Earls, Tommy Bowe, Ugo Monye, Rob Kearney, Danny Cipriani, James Hook, Mike Blair, Ross Ford, John Hayes, Lee Mears, Steve Borthwick, Nick Kennedy, John Barclay, Jamie Heaslip.

Stuart Barnes' Lions Mover

Every week in his skysports.com column, Sky Sports' voice of rugby Stuart Barnes will be giving us his unique insight on a Lions contender he has seen at first-hand over the weekend.
Click here for Stuart's latest thoughts