We pick our starting XV to take on the Springboks based on performances from each round of the Six Nations.

After week one, these are the men in possession of the shirts

1. Gethin Jenkins

A destructive afternoon’s scrummaging for the Cardiff man was matched by a tireless work rate in defence, capped by a tap tackle on the full-flowing Hugo Southwell

2. Jerry Flannery

In a weak position for the Lions Flannery was at the heart of a scrum that did better than expected against the French.

3. Adam Jones

Made minced meat of the Scots and carried well for Wales.

4. Alun Wyn Jones

Scored a try and made 13 tackles to finish as the joint top tackler across all three games. The most athletic lock in the British Isles.

5. Paul O’Connell

A totemic performance from the Munsterman, carrying and tackling with all his usual ferocity.

6. Jamie Heaslip

A huge performance from a player who grows in stature with each international he plays.

7. Martyn Williams

Just shades Ireland’s David Wallace with a display of all the usual ground skills and handling work. Unlucky to get a yellow card.

8. Andy Powell

Takes such a long run up for his carries into midfield that he starts in the car park. Unflinching strength and determination.

9. Mike Phillips

Back in the groove after such a long lay off. His passing has improved and his size was put to good use around the fringes again.

10. Ronan O’Gara

Stood flatter in attack than he has for a long time and it paid dividends as the catalyst for Irish line breaks.

11. Shane Williams

With limited ball he always went forward, took the right options. Finished his own try well and offloaded beautifully to Leigh Halfpenny for his score, as well as linking with Lee Byrne to create Tom Shanklin’s try.

12. Jamie Roberts

Galloped over the gainline at will all afternoon and never let the Scots past.

13. Brian O’Driscoll

Memories of the Lions in 2001 came flooding back after his superb try. Back to his best on Saturday.

14. Rob Kearney

Played full-back on Saturday but was a towering presence all afternoon in the face of some dazzling French attacking, so he gets in here on the wing.

15. Lee Byrne

Picked up where he left off in the autumn, picking some great lines and posing a constant threat. Safe as the crown jewels in defence.