This round of the 2023 Summer Nations Series is in the books, after an action-packed weekend of international rugby. Wales, Ireland, Scotland and the All Blacks secured important victories, as preparations continue for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand got the ball rolling with a thrilling comeback victory over Australia. The Bledisloe Cup remains in Aotearoa, as Ian Foster’s second half substitutions brought about a 23-20 victory for the All Blacks, despite trailing 3-17 at half-time.
Scotland then took centre stage, with Gregor Townsend’s side recording a memorable victory against an albeit weakened France team. Again fighting hard to achieve the comeback win, Scotland battled back from a 21-3 half-time deficit, to defeat Les Bleus 25-21.
Warren Gatland’s Wales side then set the tone ahead of this weekend’s return fixture against England, as they stunned Steve Borthwick’s men with a 20-9 victory at the Principality Stadium. Ireland rounded up the weekend with a comfortable win over Italy, as resounding 33-17 victory put out a statement of intent at the expense of the Azzurri.
We count this past weekend as ‘Round One’ of the Summer Nations Series, as all the Six Nations sides and the SANZAAR Nations were in action. So unfortunately, any top performances from Scotland vs Italy on the 29th of July are missed out.
But what players stood out from the rest this weekend? Here is RUCK’s Team of the Week, from this round of the 2023 Summer Nations Series.
Back Three
15. Leigh Halfpenny – Wales
The Wales fullback marked his centurion test match with great aplomb. As good as ever under the high ball, Halfpenny controlled the ariel battle despite the slippery Cardiff conditions. An impressive, well-rounded performance in the back three, Halfpenny was a class act in the pressurised moments and a deadeye from the tee with a brace of conversions and penalties.
14. Darcy Graham – Scotland
At the top of his game on the wing, there are not many players in hotter form along the touchline. Graham utilised his fleet-footedness to break into key positions, and capitalised on a golden opportunity to score an important try. France could not contain the Edinburgh star, who shone in the Scottish capital.
11. Marika Koroibete – Australia
Despite coming away on the wrong side of the final score, Marika Koroibete had a phenomenal game along the Wallabies’ left wing. He started off at break-neck pace with a fantastic try just three minutes into the game, and imposed his physicality throughout the match in attack and defence. Never stopped working against the All Blacks and emptied the tank.
Centres
13. George North – Wales
Experience speaks volumes at the international game, with George North leading by example to break in debutant Max Llewellyn in the Welsh midfield partnership. North dashed England’s hopes of a revived fight back with his try, and broke up a potential try-scoring threat as well. High quality across the park, North shone in the first of two matches against the old enemy.
12. Stuart McCloskey – Ireland
Hard to pick a definite stand-out at inside centre this week, with Stuart McCloskey putting in the hard yards to edge his way into our XV. Just beating his opposite man Tommaso Menoncello to this spot, McClosky’s physicality was felt by each and every Italian player, as he made sure Kieran Crowley’s men would remember running into him. Found his way onto the score-sheet due to his astute awareness of a turned-over ball.
Halfbacks
10. Richie Mo’unga – New Zealand
Coming off the bench to turn the game around, Richie Mo’unga brought a real sense of direction with him onto the park. In addition to his undeniable skillset, the fly half’s leadership has grown insurmountably, as he calmed his troops and re-organised a winning All Blacks structure. He slotted the match winning kick to secure the bragging rights over the trans-Tasman rivals.
9. Gareth Davies – Wales
Marked his return to Warren Gatland’s starting XV in style, as his try drew first blood against England at a key moment. Never looked a step away from the play, Davies was on hand to supply quick ball and capitalised on England’s staggered defence. He offered the all-important support to score off Jac Morgan’s run, and kicked well to boot.