Who has made RUCK's Autumn Nations Series team of the week? - Ruck
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Who has made RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series team of the week?

17 November 2024
Rugby Rucker

The Autumn Nations Series team of the week is in. This weekend delivered a collection of thrilling matches, upsets, and brilliant individual efforts.

Here’s a breakdown of the most impressive players lighting up the rugby world.

RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.

Autumn Nations Series team of the week:

15. Tom Wright (Australia) – Fullback

Wales 20–52 Australia (40′)
First on the scoreboard, Tom Wright kick-started Australia’s early dominance. Though he suffered a fumble that set up a Wales try, his athleticism more than compensated. In the 60th minute, Wright sprinted from the Welsh 22, securing Australia’s momentum with a dazzling solo try and capped it off with another score in the 80th minute to match Faessler’s hat-trick heroics. A crucial presence!

14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) – Wing

England 20–29 South Africa
Kolbe had a shaky start with two missed kicks, but once he found his rhythm, England were powerless to stop him. The world-class winger sliced through the English defense for two stunning tries, proving once again why he’s a thorn in England’s side. Steward made aerial battles interesting, but Kolbe left his mark as the match-winner.

13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland) – Outside Centre

Ireland’s attacking architect was up to his usual tricks, pulling the strings and creating chaos for Argentina’s defense. His anticipation and rugby IQ disrupted play effortlessly. As always, he made the complex look simple.

12. Damian de Allende (South Africa) – Inside Centre

Quiet but deadly, De Allende slipped free to create Kolbe’s try. His big-game consistency shone through as he held his ground and delivered when it counted. Steady, dependable, and impactful.

11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France) – Wing

France 30–29 New Zealand
A quieter evening than his Player of the Match showing against Japan, but the speedster remained sharp. His acceleration in the build-up to his try was electric, and he showed grit in defensive stands that halted the All Blacks’ momentum. A flash of brilliance when needed!

10. Marcus Smith (England) – Fly-Half

The creative spark against Australia, Marcus Smith showed his magic touch once more. His vision was superb, delaying his pass perfectly to set up a score. A charged-down kick marred his game, gifting Du Toit a try, but Smith had England poised for victory before things slipped away.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – Scrum-Half

Once again, Gibson-Park orchestrated Ireland’s attack with pinpoint precision. He disrupted Argentina at every chance, keeping the tempo high and opponents on their toes. What a player!

1. Jean-Baptiste Gros (France) – Loosehead Prop

Gros was colossal, dominating the early scrums and cementing his presence. He smashed through tackles, effectively acting as a brick wall in defense that didn’t just stop attacks but hit back. An awe-inspiring shift from the French prop.

2. Matt Faessler (Australia) – Hooker

A hooker with a hat-trick? Faessler turned in a career-best performance, racking up 15 points. Clinical in finishing, he spearheaded Australia’s attacking masterclass against Wales. Exceptional, indeed.

3. Wilco Louw (South Africa) – Tighthead Prop

Brought in to shore up the scrum, Louw did more than that. Winning crucial penalties and working tirelessly in defense, he topped the tackle count with 11. A slight defensive lapse allowed Underhill through, but overall, Louw’s physicality and presence were immense.

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) – Lock

The Sharks lock was at his destructive best, applying constant ruck pressure and even managing a charge-down that led to a try. His seamless lineout work with Snyman was a tactical masterstroke, and his physicality was palpable throughout.

5. RG Snyman (South Africa) – Lock

Given a starting nod, Snyman didn’t disappoint. The lock showcased offloading flair and imposing physicality, key to the Springboks’ lineout dominance. Energetic and effective, he maximized his opportunity.

6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa) – Blindside Flanker

Kolisi’s hit on Ben Earl would have registered in Durban! The Bok captain set the tone defensively, making a game-high 15 tackles and leading with ferocious intent. He was an indomitable force on the pitch.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa) – Openside Flanker

Phenomenal. After being benched in the early autumn games, Du Toit returned with a vengeance. He ran a perfect line for his try and terrorized England at the breakdown. A game-changer.

8. Gregory Alldritt (France) – Number Eight

Alldritt was instrumental, securing two vital turnovers and bulldozing his way through the All Blacks’ defense. Despite leaving early, he led the team in carries and notched up 16 tackles. France’s heartbeat in attack and defense!

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