Following another epic weekend of the Autumn Nations Series, Wallabies great David Campese returns to Planet Rugby and selects his Team of the Week.
“The Autumn Nations Series delivered in many ways this weekend,” Campese said in his review of the action.
“Absolutely epic Tests on Friday in Dublin and again at Twickenham and in Paris, where I thought France responded well to their changes and delivered a huge performance.
“I was lucky enough to see both the Springbok and Wallaby wins and the atmosphere at both grounds was quite fantastic, although I feel for Wales, a proud rugby nation with an amazing history who are slipping into the rugby abyss and knowing they face the Boks and France in their next two Tests.
“As I wrote yesterday, the Wallabies have turned a corner and it was thrilling to see them rack up a half century in Cardiff, something they’d not have come close to last year.
“Anyway, without hint of favour or bias, here’s my team of the week.”
David Campese‘s Team of the Week
15 Tom Wright (Australia): A hat-trick hero and he had an absolute baller of a match. In Paris Romain Buros really impressed me on his Test debut, whilst Freddie Steward might have made the cut had it not been for his missed tackle on Grant Williams. Juan Cruz Mallia grabbed a crucial try for Los Pumas but it wasn’t quite enough.
14 Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa): Simply world class in every aspect. A brilliant display from the Bok flyer was the difference at Twickenham. Ireland’s Mack Hansen also had a strong outing in a tough day for the Irish on Friday night. Darcy Graham scored yet again for the Scots and I think he’s a Lion in the making. Tom Rogers was easily Wales’ best back and I’ve no idea why Warren Gatland decided to replace him on his debut when he was going so well. Nuts.
13 Garry Ringrose (Ireland): Ringrose was the one Irish back to keep going as Argentina mounted their comeback. Calm under pressure and creates so much for those around him. Jesse Kriel never has a bad game for South Africa and he also impressed me, whilst Juan Ignacio Brex was very much part of the Italian fightback against Georgia.
12 Damian de Allende (South Africa): Henry Slade will have nightmares about the missed tackle that allowed De Allende to set Kolbe free. Scotland’s Stafford McDowell may be one of Scotland’s back-up players but he illustrated the depth Gregor Townsend is creating within his team. Robbie Henshaw also had a quietly impressive game for the Irish.
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France): Absolutely brilliant on the left wing and he keeps out Kurt-Lee Arendse, another impressive Springbok flyer. Arron Read showed again the Scottish depth in the backline as he grabbed two tries in a great personal performance.
10 Thomas Ramos (France): He orchestrated the French fightback well, although he moved to 15 in the second half to allow the great Antoine Dupont to have time at 10. Marcus Smith was so close to selection and he showed us he’s as good a 10 as any in the world right now. A shout out to Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast who both did well for Ireland, and also Tomas Al𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧oz, the Puma who is steering Argentina to some great performances. Lastly, Handre Pollard is exactly the man who you want to see coming on to close out a game – and that he did!
9 Grant Williams (South Africa): His skinning of Ellis Genge and Steward was a brilliant piece of individual s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 and he had a great outing all round. As noted, Antoine Dupont played both at nine and 10 in a tremendous display of s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 in both positions, whilst Gregory Alldritt will be checking for his wallet after Cam Roigard pickpocketed him in Paris! Georgia’s Vasil Lobzhanidze was superb against Italy, who should thank Alessandro Fusco for turning the match around with a score.
The forwards
8 Rob Valetini (Australia): Really pleased to get a Wallaby in here as big Bobby smashed and crashed all day long in Cardiff. Aaron Wainwright was one Welsh player who came out marginally in credit, whilst Caelan Doris again showed what a superbly consistent operator he is for Ireland.
7 Alexandre Roumat (France): His stats were sensational while he showed brilliance in the air all evening. For England, Sam Underhill gave everything and I was astonished he was replaced, and, in a great weekend for sevens, Fraser McReight and Josh van der Flier all need a mention.
6 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa): He simply defines the word huge, both in appearance and performance, although France’s Paul Boudehent was very close to selection after a barnstorming performance. England’s Chandler Cunningham-South played his first 80 minute Test match and showed me exactly why he’s rated so highly while Ardie Savea was outstanding after switching from openside to blindside early in the game.
5 Nick Frost (Australia): I had Emmanuel Meafou inked in at lock after a bone crunching display in Paris, but how can you not enjoy a lock running in a 55 metre try in Cardiff?! RG Snyman was massive for the Boks, although George Martin kept going to the end for England.
4 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa): Poor Jack van Poortvliet was pulled apart in the first half by Eben’s intellect as the great Bok yet again put in a world class display. Joe McCarthy showed up well for Ireland and scored a crucial try, whilst Guido Petti stood up well in direct opposition.
3 Will Hurd (Scotland): Hurd gets a reward for his try and Scotland’s all round performance, although I almost picked Wales’ Archie Griffin, their one shining light in the Cardiff gloom. Will Stuart has turned a corner for England, whilst Tyrel Lomax and Wilco Louw both had strong showings for their nations.
2 Matt Faessler (Australia): The first Wallaby hooker to grab a hat-trick and good on him! He was outstanding, although France’s Peato Mauvaka was brilliant both as a hooker and flanker in Paris. Dewi Lake is a great leader and someone for Wales to build around, and Malcolm Marx added his usual impact at Twickenham.
1 Tamati Williams (New Zealand): Absolutely monstrous and schooled Georges-Henri Colombe big time in Paris. Jamie Bhatti grabbed a rare try for the Scots, whilst Andrew Porter left nothing in the tank for Ireland. A little word for Vincent Koch who scrummaged at loosehead a couple of times and gave Dan Cole a torrid time!
