Team of the Week: June Tests

Editor

After a busy weekend of international action we pick out a XV from the action in the June Tests, including wins for England and South Africa.

15 Israel Folau (Australia): Folau broke his Test try-scoring drought in style on Saturday as he grabbed a brace against Fiji in Melbourne. Opposite number Kini Murimurivalu also impressed but Folau, who ran 129 metres, gets the nod ahead of both the Fijian and South Africa's Andries Coetzee after his strong debut against France. He set up one try and had a big hand in their opening one.

14 Keith Earls (Ireland): The best player on the park in New Jersey, with Earls running in two early tries and also producing three assists against the USA in his 60th cap. Nine clean breaks, seven defenders beaten and making over 200 metres, he truly was a class apart. Denny Solomona's wonder try more than made up for those early missed tackles, and Akihito Yamada finished well for Japan.

13 Jesse Kriel (South Africa): More confirmation that Kriel is better used at 13 than at full-back, after the hugely talented Springbok showed off his speed for his try against France. Kriel made 78 metres from 11 runs before a possible concussion ended his contest, ruling him out of the second Test. Garry Ringrose and Matías Orlando impressed, as did Henry Slade with a spectacular assist.

12 Tevita Kuridrani (Australia): We shift the Wallaby into our 12 jersey as he deserves a spot in the side. Nine carries for 66 metres while he was unlucky not to score in the corner, his partnership with Karmichael Hunt showed plenty of promise. Meanwhile, there is a mention for Jeronimo De La Fuente after his strong showing for Argentina against England. A try and 12 carries in a busy shift.

11 Henry Speight (Australia): After grabbing a brace against Fiji, Speight gets in despite some areas to work on, especially keeping hold of possession. Marland Yarde and Tim Visser stood out in their respective wins but Speight sneaks in as our 11.

10 George Ford (England): One of his best games for his country, as Ford directed England superbly at fly-half in that thrilling win over Argentina. Showed off his pace for his own try to level the game up at 31-31, having earlier set up Marland Yarde. Also made six tackles, missing none, while making over 70 metres in attack. Finn Russell was quality for Scotland, while Elton Jantjies and Japan's Jumpei Ogura also went well.

9 Ross Cronjé (South Africa): Carried on from exactly where he left off with the Lions on his Springbok debut, with Cronjé turning in an accomplished performance. The 27-year-old has arrived late to international rugby but made quite the impact against France, capping his debut with solo score as well as making 81 metres from four carries, beating four defenders. Kieran Marmion and Ali Price miss out.

8 Jack Conan (Ireland): Made a big impression in his side's one-sided win over the USA in New Jersey. The Leinsterman looked comfortable with ball in hand, gaining 39 metres from one clean break with three offloads and crossed the whitewash in the process. Also caught the eye in defence with 11 tackles and edges out England's Nathan Hughes and Scott Higginbotham of Australia.

7 Siya Kolisi (South Africa): The Stormers captain impressed in Pretoria and delivered arguably his best performance at Test level. Kolisi was a constant threat on attack and gained an impressive 56 metres from six runs with three defenders beaten, one clean break an offload and also won a crucial turnover. Did well in defence with 12 hits and beats out Wallaby captain Michael Hooper.

6 Mark Wilson (England): The Newcastle Falcons tearaway made a terrific Test debut and was one of England's stars in a thrilling win over Argentina in San Juan. Did his bit on attack and gained 30 metres from six runs which included one clean break and a defender beaten and delivered a huge defensive shift, making 16 tackles. Comes in ahead of France's Yacouba Camara.

5 Joe Launchbury (England): The Wasps stalwart's experience proved valuable in a hostile environment against Argentina. Was his usual reliable self at the coalface of England's forward effort and finished with 30 metres gained from eight carries with one defender beaten. Also did well in defence with 12 tackles. Adam Coleman also impressed for Australia.

4 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa): The Bok enforcer delivered a superb all-round performance at Loftus Versfeld. Put his body on the line in defence, finishing with 18 tackles, was a wiling ball carrier and made a big impact in the lineouts where he stole two of France's balls.

3 Peni Ravai (Fiji): Despite being on the losing side, Ravai was a huge plus point for Fiji in Melbourne. He made 13 carries for 47 metres against the Wallabies in a physical performance that sees him edge Frans Malherbe and WP Nel as our tighthead.

2 Malcolm Marx (South Africa): Just a wrecking ball who has subtle skills to boot. We have said for a good year that Marx is the future long-term Bok hooker and after Saturday's all-action showing, that saw him set up a try and run 51 metres with ball in hand, he again showed his talents. Marx sees off Scotland hooker Ross Ford who is unlucky to miss out after scoring two tries against Italy.

1 Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa): A solid shift against an always strong French pack from the Beast as he was strong at the set-piece whilst mixing it in open play with short but key carries. Allan Dell gets a mention for his role in Scotland's first try.

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