Autumn Nations Series: Team of The Week

It was another fantastic weekend in the Autumn Nations Series with some superb matches and interesting results. Italy toppled Australia, France edged world champions, South Africa and New Zealand were ran close (at times) against Scotland and much more.

But this article is about individual players so we select our best XV from the weekend action.

15. Ange Capuozzo (Italy)

Dynamite in a small package. Ange Capuozzo is not only elusive and quick, but he has a steel about him that makes him a tough player to contain. His brace and all-round performance inspired Italy’s historic victory.

Freddie Steward was world-class against Japan, but Capuozzo was far too good.

Honourable mention: Freddie Steward (England)

14. Mark Talea (New Zealand)

A dream debut for Mark Talea who dotted down twice as the All Blacks won against Scotland. He dealt with the attacking threat of Duhan van der Merwe well and showed he has something to offer at Test level.

Darcy Graham will also reflect on a memorable game, result aside, he was fantastic and a handful for the All Black defenders.

Honourable mention: Darcy Graham (Scotland)

13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland)

A name that is often missing when the best outside centres in the world are discussed. Criminally underrated, but so effective and efficient for the no.1 team in the world. Garry Ringrose had another influential outing against Fiji.

Guy Porter is another of the new generation in England who will have a big role to play if Eddie Jones is to evolve their attack.

Honourable mention:  Guy Porter (England)

12. Yoram Moefana (France)

Forced to revert back to his more natural position of inside centre due to an early head injury to Jonathan Danty, Yoram Moefana showed why he is so highly regarded at 12. He was strong on the carry, ferocious on defence and got the all-important turnover that secured the game.

Moefana saw off the brilliance of English captain Owen Farrell who was excellent against Japan

Honourable mention: Owen Farrell (England) 

11. Duhan van Der Merwe (Scotland)

Terrible that Scotland ended up on the losing side in their Sunday afternoon clash with the All Blacks largely due to how well their players performed and no one caused more problems with ball in hand than Duhan van Der Merwe. His combination of pace and power is incredible. 

When Super Rugby Pacific kicks off next year, a lot of eyes will be on new Melbourne Rebels recruit Monty Ioane who is having a fantastic Autumn Nations Series with Italy. 

Honourable mention: Monty Ioane (Italy)

10. Finn Russell (Scotland)

Finn Russell gave Scotland renewed energy. He was clever with his kicks and distribution was fantastic. Quite simply a must for Scotland if they are to close the gap on the rest of the Tier 1 nations.

Marcus looked so much better with van Poortvliet on his inside – dynamic in all facets.

Honourable mention: Marcus Smith (England)

09. Jack van Poortvliet (England)

If the English attack is to progress, then Jack van Poortvliet needs to partner Marcus Smith in the halfbacks permanently. A bundle of energy who gave England a lot of impetus on attack. 

Tomos Williams also performed well for Wales at scrumhalf.  

Honourable mention: Tomos Williams (Wales)

08. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

Quickly moving into the realm of all-time greats in the back row. Taulupe Faletau on his worst day is a 6/10 player and that has helped Wales enormously over the course of his career. He put in a world-class performance against Argentina. 

Ardie Savea was a monster on the defensive end, he wasn’t quite at his best on the offence, but still good enough to get an honourable mention

Honourable mention: Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

07. Justin Tipuric (Wales)

Justin Tipuric seems to be enjoying the added responsibility as captain of Wayne Pivac’s side. One of the main reasons Argentina could never string any sort of momentum together through due to breakdown work and defensive duties. A great performance to inspire Wales. 

Nick Timoney got an opportunity at openside flanker against Fiji and Andy Farrell will be more than satisfied with his output.

Honourable mention: Nick Timoney (Ireland)

06. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)

Tackled himself to a standstill, carried with reckless abandon. Left everything on the field in a tough battle against France. Scored a wonderful try off the back of a maul. A leader the Boks can ill-afford to lose.

Hot on Kolisi’s hill was Scotland skipper Jamie Ritchie who was outstanding against the All Blacks.

Honourable mention: Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)

05. Niccolo Cannone (Italy)

Niccolo Cannone was amongst those who tackled themselves to a standstill in trying to repel the Wallabies’ efforts to secure victory. A gladiator in a heated battle. He gets the nod for the team of the week 

English lock Jonny played well against Japan and is growing into the no.5 role at international level.

Honourable mention: Jonny Hill (England)

04. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

Even when South Africa lose, Eben Etzebeth is always amongst the top performers. A monster at the contact point whether defensively or offensively. He makes the Springbok pack tick and his added leadership elevates the team. Phenomenal against France and almost drove Springboks to victory. 

Will Skelton’s hulking frame caused all sorts of problems for Italy, but Etzebeth was a little bit more influential in getting South Africa close. 

Honourable mention: Will Skelton (Australia)

03. Tadgh Furlong (Ireland)

Captain Fantastic in his 1st Test as skipper of Ireland. Tadgh Furlong is an outlier when it comes to the common perception of tighthead props – his ability on and off the ball is exceptional away from the set piece which he is very competent at. It was no different against Fiji. 

Taniela Tupou may bring a bit more flash at tighthead for the Wallabies, but Allan Ala’alatoa continues to prove he is the more sensible and reliable option. Had a great duel with Danilo Fischetti.  

Honourable mention: Allan Ala’alatoa (Australia)

02. Gianmarco Lucchesi (Italy)

A warrior whose grit and determination personified everything good about the Italian performance in Florence. Gianmarco Lucchesi was incredibly industrious in a hard-fought battle. He was accurate with his lineout and added power at the scrum.

All Blacks powerhouse, Samisoni Taukei’aho had a great outing in a largely flat All Blacks side. Continues to show he is the best hooker in New Zealand.

Honourable mention: Samisoni Taukei’aho (New Zealand)

01. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)

Carried with a vigour that embodied the fight and resolve of a Scotland side who almost secured a first win over the All Blacks. Pierre Schoeman also caused all sorts of problems for Nepo Laulala at the scrum. A superb performance from the South African-born loosehead. 

Special mention must be made of Danilo Fischetti of Italy who was brilliant in their historic win.

Honourable mention: Danilo Fischetti (Italy)

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