Sky Sports rugby union writer Tony Curtis names his Lions line-up based on the opening weekend in the RBS Six Nations
Monday 4 February 2013 11:49, UK
The RBS Six Nations got off to a rip-roaring start with three memorable games - and with the lure of the British and Irish Lions tour in the summer who can blame the players from the Home Unions for raising the bar.
Helped take apart the all British and Irish Lions Welsh front-row in the scrums in Cardiff. His work rate around the park was second-to-none while he crossed for his second Test try.
Was simply awesome in Cardiff and was seemingly everywhere. The sin-binning will have blotted his copybook but he did his best to make amends with some big hits in defence.
It is hard to believe that Cole is just 25, however he has emerged as one of the world's top tighthead props. Superb in the scrum and pilfers better than a lot of back-rows.
Another player who had a debut to remember, the Dragons lock took his chance - as well as plenty of lineout ball - with both hands. He made the hard yards with the ball in hand as well to make light of Wales' second row woes.
The Connacht second row was a solid brick in the Irish defence as Wales threw everything at Ireland in the second half. He tackled himself to a standstill and is staking a serious claim to be involved with the Lions.
Wood is arguably England's best No 6 since Richard Hill. Covered every blade of grass at Twickenham and got stuck in on the deck to disrupt Scotland's hopes.
The Leinster man completely outclassed opposite number Sam Warburton at the Millennium Stadium. He made the hard yards with the ball in hand while his defensive efforts were heroic.
The powerhouse No 8 was one of the few Welsh players to emerge from Cardiff with his reputation intact. Was a constant threat going forward.
