Gethin Jenkins

A veteran of the 2005 tour of New Zealand, it will be a surprise if the dynamic prop doesn't start against the Springboks in the test series. Tough as teak, the Welsh international can bed down on either side of the scrum but was used primarily as a loosehead in South Africa.

Outstanding work ethic and intelligence around the field, he can tell everyone from team-mates to grandchildren that he tackled Bryan Habana from behind for a three-pointer in the first Test. Could have assumed more of a leadership role if he came out of his self-imposed shell.