By Charlie Elliott
England managed to salvage some dignity in their final game against Japan, while Australia failed to continue their form over the home nations.
In the final full weekend of Autumn Nations Series action, there were dominant performances, and some closer-than-expected games.
All in all, it delivered plenty of players and teams who impressed, and here is The Rugby Paper’s Team of the Week to showcase those who did best.
Outside Backs
15 – Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Kinghorn got himself the Player of the Match award after Scotland’s convincing win over Australia.
It may have been slightly generous with a lot of players seemingly deserving of the award, but after getting on with the game and putting in an extremely solid performance, he was certainly good value for it.
He looked dangerous in attack throughout, culminating in two passes to set up Duhan van der Merwe and Finn Russell.
14 – Gabin Villiere (France)
Got himself a try just as the game was getting quite tight, and France never really looked back after that.
Over 35 metres carried with the ball, and a winger’s performance that did all he needed to at a high level, may not get the plaudits of Bielle-Biarrey but is more than capable of mixing it with the best.
13 – Ollie Lawrence (England)
Beat 7 defenders over the course of the game and got himself an assist.
His performance can best be summed up when he bounced off Naikabula and flattened his opponent.
Very physical, very good, but with it being a weaker opposition there will still be questions for England and Lawrence.
12 – Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Back to business for Bundee following a less-than-stellar Autumn.
A trademark hard hit on Luke Tagi set the stool for what was a good performance, but not one of his best. Got himself a try in what was a comfortable win for Ireland.
11- Ollie Sleightholme (England)
Scored a great try from a grubber kick, and in general was just a great player to watch.
Although it was only Japan, he has definitively put forward a very strong case for being a consistent starter for England.
Halfbacks
10 – Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
One of the only All Blacks players who can hold their head high in a surprisingly narrow win against Italy.
Got 14 points overall, nearly half of New Zealand’s total.
He rounded off the scoring with a lovely snatch right at the death to completely put the game to be and flatter his teams scoreline.
9 – Jordan Hendrikse (South Africa)
Played at ten but gets in this team at 9 where his brother Jaden played.
Near perfect kicking from the tee, with one of the most impressive kicks in which he hit it out then in from the left side.
Got his first test try as well in the convincing win over Wales.
Back Row
8 – Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Did just about everything. Got a try, an assist, played at centre for a bit and in general led his team very well.
Ireland had a bit of rotation, but Doris showed his class and just got on with things.
Played the game almost like a kid in a playground, such is the ease that he found this game.
7 – Kitione Salawa (Fiji)
Got a try for Fiji, and although they were well beaten by Ireland, Salawa had a good game.
A very physical performance and if Fiji had 15 of him on the pitch, they would have had more joy.
6 – Jamie Richie (Scotland)
Many saw Richie as the rightful Player of the Match, and although he didn’t officially get the award, his performance still deserves credit.
His first start of the Autumn, and a very good outing in a massive win.
Did well at the lineout and won a penalty at the breakdown, just had a very solid game and the kind that wins test matches.
5 – Tadgh Beirne (Ireland)
Stopped a certain try with a great tackle in the first half, and also was instrumental in the maul that led to their 30th-minute try.
It seems like 5 is more of a natural position, and Ireland should keep him there in future if this game is anything to go by.
4 – Thibaud Flament (France)
Opened the scoring for France after only ten minutes, and led France in tackles and carries.
Helped keep Argentina (relatively) quiet from set pieces, and while he is normally a very consistent figure for France, he excelled and stole the show in a side littered with big-name stars.
3 – Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Absolutely imperious, both in possession and out. Helped Scotland win a couple of scrum penalties and got some crucial yards with the ball in hand.
A dominant force against Australia, and a man who is key to his teams success.
2 – Jamie George (England)
A captain’s performance in which he got himself two tries from the back of a maul.
It was a nice way to end a tough Autumn for George, and despite the poor campaign, it shows huge mental toughness to still put in a shift in a game which was effectively meaningless.
1 – Wilco Louw (South Africa)
Nothing new for South Africa, having an absolute beast on the front row, but Louw’s performance was also a display of rugby intelligence.
Managed to beat a couple of defenders and was just an absolute brick wall. Only played 45 minutes but what a 45 it was.
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