All four home nations were in action yesterday, offering plenty for British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell to consider.
Scotland kicked off their summer tour on a high note, edging out the Maori All Blacks 29-26 in New Zealand—a result that left head coach Gregor Townsend pleased with a promising start.
Wales, meanwhile, saw their record losing streak stretch to 18 Tests after a narrow 24-19 defeat to Japan in sweltering conditions in Kitakyushu.
In Tbilisi, debut tries from Tommy O'Brien and captain Craig Casey helped a youthful Ireland side cruise to a convincing 34-5 win over Georgia.
And in Argentina, England turned on the style in the second half to claim a dominant 35-12 victory in the first Test at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata.
#1. George Ford (England)
Rugby Pass 8/10: "Dictated proceedings with his boot – shown perfectly in the build-up to his drop goal with his probing kick to the corner. In a tight first half, his drop goal was just enough to give his side the mental edge, and then he turned it up a gear in the second half, turning to the boot far less. The timing and precision of his pass for Steward’s try was scrumptious. Near-flawless from the tee."
Planet Rugby 8/10: "Copped a big hit early on in his 100th Test and then made a Horlicks of gathering a ball in his 22. But such is the measure of the man, Ford bounced back with that well-taken drop-goal to open the scoring before making the right calls with an assured kicking game out of hand and off the tee in a 15-point haul. His assist for Steward was a thing of beauty too."
RUCK 9/10: "Started unsettled under Argentina’s pressure but adjusted well. Orchestrated a far more structured and dangerous England attack in the second half."
#2. Tommy O'Brien (Ireland)
Rugby Pass 8.5/10: "Electric opening 10 minutes, scoring two tries and looking a constant threat. Fell off somewhat as the game wore on and botched a hat-trick chance late on, but still a quality showing."
BALLS 8/10: "Two tries in his first eight minutes of Test rugby. Great line and ball-juggle for his first. Didn't panic and showed good strength for his second. Great leap and pass back to Jimmy O'Brien. Forward pass scuppered one attack. Made three clean breaks."
#3. Jamie George (England)
Rugby Pass 9/10: "A not straight lineout may have been the only mistake made by the co-captain. In a first half where England were defending for the most part, England’s co-captain topped the tackle charts for the half with 16 and made a further five in the second half. Part of two huge efforts to hold a Puma up over the line when England were on the ropes, particularly against the robust from of Pedro Delgado."
#4. Arron Reed (Scotland)
The Offside Line 8/10: "remendous kick-chasing helping in the creation of two tries, good composure not to snatch at Smith’s kick for his own score, and then threw the last pass for the try that proved the match-winner. Pretty good day all round"
#5. Tom Willis (England)
RUCK 9/10: "Made a statement performance—possibly targeting Lions selectors. More than proved his case for higher honours."
Rugby Pass 8/10: "Sensational performance. His Herculean 20 carries during his hour on the field means many may gloss over his 17 tackles, but both were heroic. Add to his display a couple of turnovers on the floor, and that was not the only great work he made on the ground as he held a try up from close range when England were down a man in the pack."
Planet Rugby 9/10: "Picked up a great breakdown steal in the first half for a confidence booster but it was with ball in hand he really caught the eye. His ability to make metres after contact was on show as he outshone one of the best back-row trios in the world game. Knocking on the Lions’ door?"
EDITORS PICKS:
Can you name every member of the 2017 British and Irish Lions?
From thrilling tries to hard-fought battles against the All Blacks, this squad etched their names in rugby history by securing a memorable drawn series.
Think you know everything about this iconic group of players? Test your knowledge with our quiz and see if you're a true Lions fan! Whether you're a casual supporter or a rugby fanatic, it's time to roar with pride and prove your Lions IQ.
Get ready to dive into questions about the players, their clubs, and the unforgettable tour moments. Let’s kick off!