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.
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