British and Irish Lions: The team of the autumn – according to the data
In the 12 months leading up to a Lions tour, the autumn internationals often mark the time when fans and pundits start to mull over their potential Lions XV.
With the final round of games over, we take a look at which British and Irish players performed well in the Autumn Nations Series, based on the data.
Using the unique Opta Index – which objectively rates each player’s performance throughout the season – we can select the best XV in the series and back up those picks with some key statistics.
Scotland have seven players in the squad, perhaps benefiting from a slightly easier schedule, with England and Ireland each contributing four players.
Wales’ dismal autumn means they have no players in the starting XI, although the likes of Jacques Morgan, James Botham and Dwayne Lake are all close to being named.
