Three who boosted their World Cup chances

Keith Earls:

Returned to Test rugby after a 27-month absence and grabbed his chance. Being picked at outside centre might have been a poisoned chalice but Earls looked at home and was generally strong in defence and potent in attack, showing blistering pace to score his breakaway try. As a genuine midfield option in tandem with his obvious class as a wing, Earls’ versatility adds to his case for squad selection.

Donnacha Ryan:

Another back from the wilderness in his first game since the 2013 Six Nations, Ryan brought industry and abrasion to the party as well as his leadership of an effective lineout that second-guessed the Welsh more than once. Led the tackle count with 17 in an impressive 80-minute shift.

Andrew Trimble:

After a season lost to a toe injury, Trimble reasserted his claim to a wing berth in a bright 34-minute spell before giving way to a mild foot sprain. Was only slated to play 40 minutes but twice went close to scoring during a rampant opening period and put in a massive, clean hit on opposing wing Eli Walker to free the ball and hand Earls a breakaway try.