Team Of The Week

Henry Speight Australia Wallabies England RugbyOnly two games this week, and neither of the highest standard, but there’s a team to be picked nonetheless. A few English forwards, a few Australian backs.

1 – Gethin Jenkins (Wales) Threw himself at the Springboks with reckless abandon. The old dog’s still kicking, but can he last until the World Cup?

2 – Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa) Hasn’t had the greatest run of late, but showed some real desire at the breakdown and led from the front. One of few Springboks who was on his game.

3 – David Wilson (England) The latest English prop to lay a pasting on an Australian scrum. Deserves a lot of the credit for the rest of his pack doing so well.

4 – Dave Attwood (England) Right behind Wilson as a catalyst in the set piece. Capped a very good autumn series with another strong all-round performance.

5 – Courtney Lawes (England) Didn’t do much running, but didn’t have to. Made two outstanding try saving tackles and did everything asked of him in the tight.

6 – Tom Wood (England) Needed a strong game and he delivered. Set up a try, went well in the lineout, and made his tackles.

7 – Chris Robshaw (England) The leader of a dominant pack. Say no more.

8 – Ben Morgan (England) Two tries and a very controlled performance. Looks physically fitter and has taken pole position away from Billy Vunipola.

9 – Rhys Webb (Wales) Put in a full 80 minutes and didn’t really make any notable errors. Did enough to get his team the win.

10 – Dan Biggar (Wales) His defense has been remarkable this autumn. Seems to have matured and now firmly in possession of the red no10 shirt.

11 – Lwazi Mvovo (South Africa) Didn’t get a lot of chances but did well with the ones he did. His cover defense was excellent and saved his side’s bacon a couple times.

12 – Matt To’omua (Australia) Got himself back in the good books with a strong performance. Distributed well, ran hard, and put in some solid tackles.

13 – Adam Ashley-Cooper (Australia) Excellent performance from the veteran. Made the English defense look foolish on more than one occasion.

14 – Henry Speight (Australia) Missed a tackle but caused problems every time he touched the ball. Another strong Super Rugby season should see him cement his spot.

15 – Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) Kicked the points and heroic under the high ball. His head on tackle on a charging Eben Etzebeth was incredibly brave.