Ireland, with a lengthy injury list, were finally worn down by the Springboks but there were positive performances, particularly from second row Mike McCarthy, Scotland proved that in Tim Visser they now have a lethal weapon that can produce on the international stage and Italy survived their arm-wrestle with Tonga.

Here we pick our Six Nations team of the week.

15. Alex Goode
Picked up from where he left off against South Africa and shone the brightest of the England backs. Intelligence is always evident on the pitch – an exciting start to his international career.

14. Charlie Sharples
England were not as clinical as they’d have hoped but Sharples finished his two off nicely. Grew in confidence as game wore on.

13. Manu Tuilagi
Bigger tests to come but there was no stopping him as Fiji tired. Took both his second half tries with typical brutishness.

12. Matt Scott
Made the early interception that put Tim Visser in the clear for Scotland’s first try which subsequently raised the roof at Murrayfield. Looks comfortable at this level.

11. Tim Visser
Everything he touches turns to tries. Two more for the collection and a step closer to a ticket to Australia next summer.

10. Frederic Michalak
Artistry in abundance on his first start for Les Bleus on home soil since 2007 – never more so than in setting up Wesley Fofana’s try – but showed solidity with the boot to back it up. Is he finally ready to deliver on a consistent basis?

9. Maxime Machenaud
One of France's standout performers on their summer tour to Argentina, Machenaud again impressed with his speed of delivery and game control against Australia.

1. Yannick Forestier
The Frenchman finally made his debut aged 30 and did not disappoint, causing mayhem in the Wallaby scrum and being very visible in the loose.

2. Leonardo Ghiraldini
The hooker who started his career at Calvisano scored a try on his return to Brescia as Italy's forward power proved too much for Tonga.

3. Aaron Jarvis
The Ospreys prop had some huge boots to fill in the absence of Adam Jones but more than held his own against a powerful Puma scrum.

4. Richie Gray
Having struggled with injury for much of the season and only passing a late fitness test, there were a few who thought Gray might not hit the heights. The Sale man lasted the whole game and produced a couple of trademark charges.

5. Mike McCarthy
A key cog at Connacht, McCarthy showed he can make the step up to international level and provides a great alternative to the injured Paul O'Connell.

6. Tom Johnson
First got his chance on the summer tour to South Africa, Johnson took his recent good form on to the international stage with a try-scoring performance against Fiji.

7. Chris Henry
Henry's been in outstanding form for Ulster and showed that he is capable of replicating those performances against a powerful Springbok back row.

8. Louis Picamoles
As powerful as any back row in the game, Picamoles was virtually unstoppable with ball in hand against the Wallabies. He didn't even need to be for his try though with no Australian to stop him.