Team of the Week: Autumn Nations Series Round One
Yesterday at 05:24 PM
The first round of the Autumn Nations Series has been wrapped up, with the dust beginning to settle on the two blockbuster matches that kick-started the campaign. England and New Zealand fought to the wire at the Allianz Stadium, with the 22-24 away win for the All Blacks decided by the width of the post, following George Ford’s missed penalty and subsequent drop goal in the final moments.
Scotland achieved a convincing win over Fiji to commence their own series, as Gregor Townsend’s side pulled no punches from the Pacific Islanders, who were lacking their Top 14 star power. Scotland opened the scoring after just nine minutes at Murrayfield, and ran in a total of eight tries. Returning wing Darcy Graham was on fire in his long awaited Test match comeback, as he crossed over for four of the eight Scottish scores.
Ruck writers Tom Sansom and Harrison Clifford covered the action from the Allianz, whilst Harry Tovey watched on as Scotland despatched on Fiji. Here are RUCK’s picks for the Team of the Week, from the opening weekend of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.
TEAM OF THE WEEK: AUTUMN NATIONS SERIES (ROUND ONE)
15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
The crusader was electric against England, and scorched the surface to score a stunning first half try. Jordan’s attacking tempo was exemplary in this high-octane Test match, as he left Ellis Genge no chance of stopping him after commanding a switch play with Beauden Barrett, and running through to score. A strong defensive work rate as well from the New Zealander, who continues to grow from strength to strength.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
Harry Tovey writes; “Having not played international rugby since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Graham began life back in the Scotland jersey with a bang showcasing some brilliant footballing skills and footwork to score four times. Two in first half and then two in the second-half moved him joint top on 28 tries for Scotland but only for a short period of time.”
13. Huw Jones (Scotland)
Harry Tovey added; “A brilliant intercept try was one of two for Jones and like Hastings was involved in the majority of the build-up play to many of Scotland's tries. Solid performance across the park and is definitely one to watch out for this Autumn.”
12. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
A constant threat for New Zealand, whether he devised the game-plan with ball in hand or sent the ball skyward from the boot. Reunited with his brother in the 10-12 axis, the Barrett’s ran the show in the midfield, with Jordie’s influence as much of that as Beauden. Jordie’s crash ball carries kept England’s defence in check, and the centre utilised a neat partnership with back row Wallace Sititi in supporting runs.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Harrison Clifford wrote; “No doubt Feyi-Waboso has inspired a whole new generation of players in his short time playing for England, and tonight is no exception. Being quick on the line, and alway available for support led to him scoring Englands first and only Try of the game. His work ethic was second to none, even taking a solid tackle from Asafo Aumua, he always got back up and made an impact in the game.”
10. Marcus Smith (England)
Harrison Clifford added; “Marcus Smith is a sensational player, there's no doubt. His penalty kicking is what got England within a fighting chance of within their first match of the Autumn Internationals. However, all of his drop goal attempts were unsuccessful, his cross field kicks weren't hitting their marks, and most importantly, he kicked at times when the momentum was towards England to smash through defence and head for the goal line. Is Smith just kicking too much?”
9. Ali Price (Scotland)
Steering the ship in Scotland’s first win of the Autumn Series, Ali Price continues to command the attacking line with great aplomb. Not a step away from the breakdown’s despite riding some powerful hits from the Fijians, who had their targets set on slowing down the nine at any given opportunity. Solid work from the Edinburgh halfback, with an honourable mention awarded to Scotland’s newcomer scrum half Jamie Dobie.
1. Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
It was a delight to hear the chants of “schooooeeee” echo around Murrayfield once again, as Pierre Schoeman did his part in the dismantling of Fiji. Whilst the loose-head did not necessarily have his regular challenges to face up-front due to Scotland’s rapid ball distribution through the backs, his tireless work rate was noticed, with his long locks popping up at the majority of breakdown battles with the Pacific Islanders.
2. Tevita Ikanivere (Fiji)
Harry Tovey was impressed by the hooker, who was a shining light on a difficult day for the Flying Fijians; Even though at the age of 25, he led his side through a dodgy opening period with lots of powerful carries and even managed to cross the whitewash after quickly breaking down the touchline to score.
3. Will Stuart (England)
Harrison Clifford liked what he saw from the tight-head prop; “A highlight of the forwards pack today. Being dominant and creating turnovers in the first half, he controlled his side of the scrum which saw England being awarded penalties. His effort was inspiring to watch with physicality against the all blacks, and every time he was involved the visitors were made aware of his existence.”
4. Maro Itoje (England)
Harrison Clifford was impressed by Itoje’s relentless efforts against the All Blacks: “England lock deserves to be leading the team, and today is proof of why. Itoje was strong in lineouts, and creating efforts with line breaks within the game, he even tried is effort at a grubber kick but sadly ended it ended in the hands of New Zealand. His only failing attribute was fatigue seemed to get the better of him towards the end of the second half, but after 60 minutes of the four time World Cup winners if you're not tired you haven't been trying.’
5. Scott Barrett (New Zealand)
Leading his side to a third consecutive victory over England, Scott Barrett showed once again why he is the hard-nosed New Zealand skipper that can dig his heels in and guide the side to victory. After the match Barrett expressed how he enjoyed the battle with Maro Itoje, with two of the world’s best locks going hammering and tong for their respective nations. Barrett’s leadership and set-piece wherewithal helped calm the All Blacks composure, after a shaky start to their line-out and at scrum time.
6. Wallace Sititi (New Zealand)
It was a challenge to pick between Wallace Sititi and Chandler Cunningham-South for the number six jersey in our Team of the Week, as both blindsides were brilliant in the battle at the Allianz. We give the nod to Sititi due to his formidable line-breaks, and that audacious offload that put in Mark Tele’a for the first half score. Cunningham-South’s crunching hits are well worth a mention, yet Sititi’s Player of the Match performance can’t be overlooked.
7. Rory Darge (Scotland)
With his back row partner Jack Dempsey taking the spotlight for his abundance of carries, Rory Darge led the charge in defence against Fiji. Darge’s shoulders would have certainly been feeling the impact after 22 completed hits, as he impressed all onlookers with a heart-on-the-sleeve performance in the famous Scottish colours. Darge also had a tremendous impact around the rucks, to help seal of the ball away from the Fijian offensive.
8. Elia Canakaivata (Fiji)
Harry Tovey wrapped up the Team of the Week, with his thoughts on an incredible effort from the Fijian number eight Elia Canakaivata; “Was a brilliant ball carrier all game long, topping the tally with 16. Was also one of the main attackers that looked to break through at times a solid brick wall of Scotland defence.”
REPLACEMENTS
16. Asafo Aumua (New Zealand)
17. Fin Baxter (England)
18. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand)
19. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
20. Chandler Cunningham-South (England)
21. Cortez Raitama (New Zealand)
22. Mark Tele’a (New Zealand)
23. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
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