Players from seven countries make this week’s Autumn Internationals Team of the Week after a sensational weekend of games but who has made the team and who misses out.
Fullback: Damian McKenzie (New Zealand)
McKenzie flourished and helped open up the game from fullback. Outrun only by Barrett with 136 metres, McKenzie scored three tries and made two line breaks with five defenders beaten. Simply made things happen for the All Blacks. A good note to end his campaign.
Damian McKenzie hat-trick sets Olympic Stadium alight as All Blacks run riot against Italyhttps://t.co/cpjndro2SK
Image via @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/lpBWPmL6cX
— 1 NEWS – Sport (@1NewsSportNZ) November 24, 2018
Winger: Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
Might be in for a few more shifts on the wing after bagging four tries. Showed off an array of skills in doing so. Most impressive may have been claiming his brother’s cross-field kick on the stroke of halftime.
Jordie Barrett’s four-try haul leads the way in the All Blacks’ final test of 2018. https://t.co/L49H2f3r2D
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 24, 2018
Centre: Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Time on the ball is a precious commodity. Time in defence is another thing altogether. Makes reads others can only dream of comprehending. Content to ‘support’ those with more on the line. Magical in setting up Conway’s hat-trick. A class above.
Great to see a young player assume a leadership role in such a big game. 23-year-old Garry Ringrose, winning his 15th cap, barking orders before #IREvNZL. pic.twitter.com/3PnfGqraid
— Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) November 18, 2018