Another blockbuster weekend of autumn internationals delivered statement wins, breakout stars and some truly world-class individual performances.
England led the way with a commanding victory over New Zealand, while South Africa, Ireland, France, Wales and Argentina also produced statement displays.
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After reviewing every clash, here is RUCK’s definitive Team of the Week.
Full-Time Results
- South Africa 32–14 Italy
- England 33–19 New Zealand
- Wales 24–23 Japan
- France 34–21 Fiji
- Ireland 46–19 Australia
- Argentina 33–24 Scotland
Autumn Team Of The Week:
1. Jean-Baptiste Gros (France)
Gros delivered the kind of rugged, heavy-duty shift France expect from him. He repeatedly knocked back Fijian carriers and anchored the scrum with real authority. Sixteen tackles in 50 minutes shows the level of graft he put in. A solid, steel-edged performance from the Toulon prop.
2. Johan Grobbelaar (South Africa)
Grobbelaar’s work rate was immense from first minute to last. He scrummed strongly, hit his man at the lineout and carried with real purpose, including a clean line break. His late breakdown steal under pressure was a huge moment. A hardworking display that strengthens his claim to the jersey.
3. Joe Heyes (England)
Heyes is stitching together the kind of physical, no-nonsense performances coaches love. He hammered into tackles, held firm in the scrum and refused to yield against a powerful All Blacks front row. The tighthead looks more assured with every outing. A young prop on a rapid upward trajectory.
4. Maro Itoje (England)
Itoje bossed the collision zone and led England’s defensive effort with trademark intensity. His 22 tackles set the standard and his breakdown pressure repeatedly disrupted New Zealand. A textbook strip on Codie Taylor sparked one of the game’s biggest moments. Apart from the lineout wobble, he was exceptional.
5. James Ryan (Ireland)
Ryan walked the tightrope of physicality but remained at the centre of everything Ireland did well. He carried hard, tackled relentlessly and kept the breakdown hot with constant pressure. A couple of penalties tarnished the outing, but the intent never dropped. A gritty, full-blooded shift from the Leinster lock.
6. Santiago Grondona (Argentina)
Grondona combined high-intensity defence with smart support play throughout. His line break shifted momentum in Argentina’s favour and he stayed involved in every major passage. He tackled decisively and carried with purpose when required. A complete, hard-edged performance on both sides of the ball.
7. Alex Mann (Wales)
Mann stepped up superbly in Jac Morgan’s absence and never looked out of place. He made 20 tackles, carried strongly and won two crucial turnovers. His involvement in the final defensive stand was decisive. Wales’ standout performer in a tense victory.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Doris may have been out of position on the openside, but his influence was everywhere. He carried with real force, dominated gainline moments and finished the match with a crucial try. His defensive coverage was equally reliable. A typically authoritative showing from one of Ireland’s leaders.
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