By Charlie Elliott
After an Autumn filled with drama, where underperformances from home nations were compounded by Southern Hemisphere brilliance, here is the best XV from the Autumn Nations Series.
Outside Backs
15 – Tom Wright (Australia)
In a campaign that was more successful than expected for the Wallabies, Tom Wright put in some very good performances.
Despite a fatal error against Ireland, he was one of the best players for his country, and his stellar matches against England and Wales mean that his place in this team is well deserved.
His hat-trick against Wales summed up some class attacking that led to a positive Autumn for Australia.
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
Nothing is surprising when it comes to Kolbe. The Springboks winger was immense all Autumn and had plenty of moments of individual brilliance that we have come to know him for.
Despite the quality he has, he showed more of a playmaking side to his game, something that can go under the radar.
South Africa is just a monstrous team, and Cheslin did exactly what his role required.
13 – Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
With doubts going into the campaign about his suitability for captaincy, Tuipulotu silenced the critics.
Was outstanding against his country of birth Australia, and held his own against South Africa, which is no mean feat.
It looks as if he will retain his captaincy, which is a testament to a very impressive Autumn.
12 – Henry Slade (England)
Debate has been had about whether Henry Slade has been properly utilised for England.
Even with a poor team around him, Slade was defensively solid, making key tackles against Australia and New Zealand especially.
May not have stolen any headlines but was a very underrated player for Steve Borthwick’s side.
11 – Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
The highlight for Louis was outpacing All Blacks winger Sevu Reece to an insane degree, making him look as slow as a forward.
His pace was to behold the whole series, and in Les Blues’ huge win against Argentina he showcased it even more.
It always looked as if something was going to happen whenever he had the ball, and he is undoubtedly a future star.
Halfbacks
10 – Thomas Ramos (France)
Showed plenty of class across the games, with some ice-cold kicking at crucial moments in games.
A superb playmaker who has adapted to his new position with ease, and his general play created plenty of chances during the series.
9 – Cam Roigard (New Zealand)
Remained influential even when the All Blacks weren’t at their best. When they played with Ratima they looked a much weaker side, and without Roigard coming off the bench to improve things, Scott Robertson’s side could have lost a couple of extra games.
Back Row
8 – Wallace Sititi (New Zealand)
Was sensational against England and got a brilliant try assist for Mark Tele’a. Played more at six over the campaign but featured here against France (which incidentally was not his best game).
A talented youngster who could go right to the very top, and showed some good credentials over Autumn.
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
The World Men’s Player of the Year could not miss this team. An all-action player who is just relentless.
His best game was against England, where he allowed his opposition absolutely nothing.
Did not actually feature a tonne, only starting against England and coming off the bench against Scotland, but he was so good in the cameo that he still gets in the best XV.
6 – Chandler Cunningham-South (England)
Made some huge hits in an otherwise disappointing campaign, and even notched a couple of tries. One of the shining lights in a poor Autumn and looks to be the starting flanker for years to come.
Kept good energy and grit in a lifeless team, if England had more of Chandler, they would have won more than one match.
Second Row
5 – Emmanuel Meafou (France)
Some huge hits against the All Blacks, and an overall solid game against Argentina earn Meafou a spot in this team.
A tackling machine, and while sometimes he may go under the radar, he was a crucial player for France.
4 – Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
A vital cog in the Springboks machine. Etzebeth is just an absolute beast. Over the Autumn his aerial prowess at the lineout showed yet again, and he very rarely put a foot wrong.
Ended the year as part of the World Rugby Team of the Year, and rightly so.
His ability to rattle opponents is unmatched, and with a presence like his, South Africa may not have been as dominant this Autumn.
Front Row
3 – Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Went toe to toe with the usually dominant Springboks and was crucial to a Scotland team who were somewhat unlucky to lose by the margin that they did.
Plenty of talk about a Lions call-up, which would be well-deserved should he keep up his form.
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (South Africa)
Being outstanding from the lineout is what a hooker is judged on, and Bongi did just that.
Impeccable always (helped by the size of his locks) from set piece and good enough in gameplay to warrant a place in the best XV.
Some good tackles and in general held it down well for the Springboks.
1 – Thomas Du Toit (South Africa)
Du Toit gets in on behalf of all the South African props, who pretty much all could have made it into this side.
Thomas was the best of the lot, due to his consistency, and while his best may not have been as good as his counterparts, he barely ever dropped his performance levels.
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