Fly-half: JOHNNY SEXTON (Ireland)
This was a performance that reinforces his claim to World Rugby Player of the Year. A game expertly steered by his leadership on both sides of the ball. His place kicking was peerless and he was the first Irish back to hit double-digit tackles. One minor blemish with a penalty conceded after a high tackle but responded with a great covering hit on Ioane. Peerless.
Scrum-half: EMBROSE PAPIER (South Africa)
Having got a total of 27 minutes of game time as a substitute in his first five Tests, Papier would have savoured 77 minutes in his first start against Scotland. He ran a good line and drew a defender before passing in the buildup to Kriel’s try, and his quick lineout throw in the 73rd minute resulted in the Boks getting back into Scotland’s 22. The 21-year-old passed 80 times, made 28m from three runs, and completed six of his seven tackles. He also kicked well, apart from one effort that gifted possession back to the hosts.
Prop: CIAN HEALY (Ireland)
51 minutes of pure power against the All Blacks. Thunderous outing from Healy. Big carries, the scrum was humming and he nearly shunted CJ Stander towards a beastly try until Savea got his torso in the way.
Here’s a confession.
I thought Cian Healy was finished two seasons ago.
Wrong.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) November 17, 2018
Hooker: GUIHEM GUIRADO (France)
The France captain scored the decisive try as France overcame Argentina 28-13 at Stade de France. He was also perfect at the lineout and held his own against the Argentina pack in the scrum.
Great to chat briefly to my pal @guilhem_guirado last night a credit to the game and a lovely bloke & 2 tries in two games 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/wUVCWePvQ0
— Mike Pearce Rugby (@MPsportsdragon) November 18, 2018
Prop: TANIELA TUPOU (Australia)
Given another crack in the starting side, Tupou was much better in the open. He scored early in the second half as he unleashed his inner-rhino. Wallabies beat Italy 26-7.
Cracking run from Taniela Tupou there. Outstanding work for a bloke his size to get up off the deck there and back up. Kick is good Wallabies lead 21-0
— Tom Decent (@tomdecent) November 17, 2018
✋@nella_2pou shows off his arsenal of skills against @Federugby. #ITAvAUS
RECAP: https://t.co/gquW5KmP4K pic.twitter.com/JofUVT3uz3
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) November 17, 2018