Autumn Nations Series team of the week: Two England stars feature
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The Autumn Nations Series wrapped up with plenty of fireworks this weekend, and we’ve rounded up the best performances from the past few days.
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With stunning tries, gutsy tackles, and match-winning contributions, here's your team of the week – and yes, two England stars made the cut!
15. Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Back in his natural position after being shuffled to the wing against South Africa, Kinghorn didn't disappoint. He showed his flair in attack, linking up beautifully with teammates. His highlight? A sublime counter-attack and offload to White, plus assists for Van der Merwe and Russell. The cherry on top? A well-deserved Player of the Match performance.
14. Tommy Freeman (England)
Freeman was everywhere against Japan. His sensational leap for a disallowed try had the crowd buzzing, and he was a constant threat in England’s dominant kicking game. The highlight? A brilliant behind-the-back pass to Furbank for a try. Freeman also showed off his versatility, proving he could shine at outside centre too. He's making a strong case for a bigger role heading into the Six Nations.
13. Ollie Lawrence (England)
Lawrence brought the power and skill against Japan. His link-up with Marcus Smith set the tone for the game, with his brute force helping set up Ben Earl for the opening try. But it wasn't just about power; Lawrence also danced around defenders and set up Sleightholme's try with a perfect offload. He's showing he's much more than just a physical runner.
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Aki bounced back after a shaky performance against New Zealand. He was a menace on both sides of the ball, knocking down the giant Luke Tagi with a massive first-half tackle and then going on to score in the second half. He wasn't perfect, but his performance was solid, and he picked up the official Player of the Match award for his efforts.
11. Louis Bielle-Biarry (France)
The youngster made his mark with a try and a penalty try, showing his explosive potential. Bielle-Biarry earned praise for his tireless work rate and for proving that he's one to watch in the future.
10. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
Barrett was patient in a tough match against Italy but turned the tide in the second half. His slick assists and excellent ball-handling caused chaos for Italy's defence. A classic Barrett try capped off a masterful performance, as he added a brace of assists and capped off his 45th Test try.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
White took a big hit from Will Skelton but kept his head and steered Scotland's attack with poise. His timing and vision were spot-on, especially on the offload to Kinghorn and his clearance of Lolesio's chip. White continues to prove he's Scotland's main man at nine.
1. Pierre Schoemann (Scotland)
Schoemann came alive with ball in hand, carrying hard into contact and getting the crowd riled up. He provided plenty of go-forward for Scotland, making sure they kept the pressure on Australia all night.
2. Gus McCarthy (Ireland)
McCarthy's Test debut was a memorable one, despite a couple of lineout misfires. His offload for Doris' try and his constant support running had Ireland firing on all cylinders. He ended the game playing 80 minutes, contributing with a try, an assist, and his scrumming effort at flanker. A performance to remember!
3. Wilco Louw (South Africa)
Louw dominated the scrum against Wales, taking full control in the set-piece battle. His 144kg frame helped South Africa secure a dominant scrum performance, and he also contributed in open play with 6 tackles and 2 defenders beaten.
4. Thibaud Flament (France)
Flament set the tone early with a try inside the first 10 minutes. His high work rate and physical presence kept the French pack moving forward. A key figure in both attack and defence, Flament proved himself as one of France’s standouts.
5. Franco Mostert (South Africa)
Mostert was everywhere for the Springboks. His rampaging run down the right touchline to score the opening try set the tone. He finished the match with 15 carries, 13 tackles, and 6 lineouts won. A player who thrives in the spotlight, Mostert was named Player of the Match.
6. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
Ritchie worked tirelessly around the park and helped drive Scotland's momentum, particularly as the match against Australia entered its second half. His influence grew as the game went on, and his work rate was crucial to the Scots securing victory.
7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Van der Flier was full of energy in Ireland's win over Fiji. His try and relentless work rate helped seal the deal for Ireland, although he did have one misstep in not finding Aki with a pass that could have led to another score. Nonetheless, another solid display from the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Doris was the rock for Ireland in a game where they needed leadership. He opened the scoring, supported van der Flier for his try, and was a constant threat throughout. Doris was even spotted playing centre at one point in the second half! His all-around game made him a standout performer.
Editors Picks:
- Scotland player ratings vs Australia: Autumn Nations Series
- Eddie Jones included in the contenders to replace Wales boss Warren Gatland
- Former England captain Owen Farrell will return to international rugby in 2025
- Ireland Fans Left Stunned by what Fiji Players' Did Before Today's Match
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
Whether it’s the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let’s see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
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