Ireland's Jamie Heaslip showed he could challenge the likes of Andy Powell and Ryan Jones for a Lions back-row spot with a barnstorming display in Saturday's Croke Park thriller against France.

The dynamic Israel-born number eight capped a man-of-the-match performance with a wonderfully taken try from 30m, including a side-step worthy of Brian O'Driscoll.

"Jamie Heaslip played his best game for Ireland. He looked like a leader out there."
Former Ireland hooker Keith Wood

VERDICT: An explosive presence that will revel on the hard pitches of South Africa