British and Irish Lions: The team of the autumn – according to the data

In the 12 months building up to a Lions tour, the autumn internationals often mark the point at which fans and pundits start to deliberate over their potential Lions XV.

With the final full round of fixtures having just taken place, we take a look at which British and Irish players stood out during the Autumn Nations Series, according to the data.

Using the unique Opta Index – which objectively scores each player’s performances throughout the campaign – we can select the best XV of the series and back up those selections with some key stats.

Seven Scotland players make the team, perhaps benefitting from a slightly easier schedule, with England and Ireland contributing four players apiece.

Wales’ miserable autumn means they have no players who made the line-up, although the likes of Jac Morgan, James Botham and Dewi Lake were not far off selection.