Opta Data Drops Bombshell on Who Should Make the British & Irish Lions XV
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The Autumn Nations Series has delivered its usual mix of high-octane action, unforgettable tries, and moments of pure brilliance.
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As teams fine-tune their line-ups and tactics for the upcoming Six Nations, certain players have risen above the rest with their commanding performances.
Using data from Opta, the BBC compiled a list of the standout players from this year’s autumn campaign, showcasing their key contributions and statistical achievements.
From record-breaking try-scorers to tireless workhorses in the pack, these are the stars who shone brightest under the autumn spotlight.
Check out the selection below:
British & Irish Lions XV (Opta)
15. Tom Jordan (Scotland)
Tom Jordan made his Scotland debut this autumn at full-back, impressed with his versatility, and will join Bristol next season after excelling at Glasgow.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
Darcy Graham returned from injury to score five tries, the most in the series, while topping line breaks and defenders beaten among British and Irish players.
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
Huw Jones delivered two tries and two assists, leading all players in combined line breaks and try assists during another standout series.
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Bundee Aki proved indispensable at 34, ranking second in line breaks per game among Lions-eligible players.
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Duhan van der Merwe became Scotland's top try-scorer this autumn while leading all players in defenders beaten with 22.
10. Marcus Smith (England)
Marcus Smith was the Autumn Nations' top point-scorer with 53 and matched France's Thomas Ramos for 50-22 kicks.
9. Ben Spencer (England)
Ben Spencer, in his first England start, led all Lions-eligible scrum-halves in line breaks while showing a strong kicking game.
1. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
Pierre Schoeman shone defensively with 36 tackles at a 100% success rate and remains one of Scotland's most consistent performers.
2. Jamie George (England)
Jamie George boasted the best line-out success rate among hookers and contributed two tries and 67 metres with ball in hand.
3. Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Zander Fagerson topped front-row players in rucks hit and contributed to seven scrum penalties for Scotland.
4. Maro Itoje (England)
Maro Itoje led all players in turnovers won (5) and attacking rucks hit (27.3 per game) during England's campaign.
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Tadhg Beirne starred in the line-out with 11 claims and was among Ireland's leaders in tackles, turnovers, and rucks.
6. Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
Matt Fagerson hit 78 rucks and made 45 tackles, ranking among Scotland's best in both metrics this series.
7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Josh van der Flier showcased his work rate with 101 rucks hit and 72 combined carries and tackles, the most in the series.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Caelan Doris led Ireland in carries (36) and made 43 tackles, underlining his Player of the Year nomination credentials.
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