The opening weekend of the autumn internationals will not be remembered with any fondness by the home unions after three defeats and a solitary win.
1 Cian Healy (Ireland)
The prop put in the sort of workload that would put many back-rowers to shame. He turned over South African possession and was still running hard late into the game.
2 Tom Youngs (England)
Came into the game with doubts over his lineout abilities but he silenced his critics with an impressive debut. Tougher tests ultimately await the former centre, but the early signs are encouraging.
3 Aaron Jarvis (Wales)
Another man who caught the eye on his debut. One of the very few positives to come out of an abject display from the Welsh, Jarvis did everything that was asked of him and more.
4 Geoff Parling (England)
The Leicester man might not gain the same headlines as some of his team-mates, but he is a crucial cog in the England side. His lineout work gave England a platform to build.
5 Mike McCarthy (Ireland)
A late bloomer on the international stage, the 30-year-old was rightly named man of the match against the Springboks. Taught the Boks one or two things about tackling, while he showed willingness with the ball in hand.
6 Tom Johnson (England)
An assured and comfortable display from the Exeter blindside, capped off with a well-deserved try. Johnson now has a fantastic chance to cement a regular place in the side.
7 Dave Denton (Scotland)
Staked a claim for a starting spot after impressing off the bench, although not a natural openside. He ran hard at the All Blacks as he put his shaky domestic form behind him.
8 Toby Faletau (Wales)
Like Jarvis, Faletau could walk off the Millennium Stadium pitch with his head held high. He took the fight to the Pumas in defence and attack and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
