Autumn Nations Series – Round 1: Ten Players to Watch

There’s no trophy on the line this November, but the matches still matter. The results will shape the final World Rugby rankings for the year, which will be confirmed after the four-week series. Those rankings will decide the seedings for December’s draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This weekend will see England face Australia, South Africa play Japan at Wembley, Ireland against New Zealand in Chicago and Scotland host the USA.

Here are 10 players to watch in the first weekend of the action.

All eyes will be on England’s No.10 this weekend. George Ford has been trusted to steer the ship against Australia, keeping Fin Smith on the bench and Marcus Smith out of the squad altogether. His performances over the summer tour to Argentina reminded everyone why he’s one of the game’s best controllers of tempo. Saturday’s Test at Twickenham is more than just another cap—it’s a chance to cement his status as England’s first-choice fly-half heading into the Six Nations.

There’s logic behind Steve Borthwick’s decision to start Freddie Steward at fullback ahead of Marcus Smith. England are expected to kick heavily, and Steward’s calmness under the high ball makes him invaluable. Over the past year, the Leicester man has quietly evolved into a rock at the back, tightening his defence and improving his positional play. He’s unlikely to dazzle with flair, but his reliability could define England’s approach against Australia’s quick backline.

Rassie Erasmus has thrown a surprise by naming 21-year-old Zachary Porthen to start against Japan. The Stormers prop has only a handful of professional matches under his belt, yet he’s about to become South Africa’s youngest tighthead debutant of the professional era. Packing down alongside veterans Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx, he’ll get a crash course in international rugby at Wembley. The Springbok front row is a brutal place to learn, but Erasmus clearly sees something special.

Opportunity knocks for Tommy O’Brien, who steps into Ireland’s starting lineup to face the All Blacks in Chicago. With Mack Hansen unavailable, the Leinster winger gets a rare shot to impress after scoring twice in each of his two previous Tests. At 27, he’s in his prime but still fighting to prove he belongs at this level. The jump from facing Portugal and Georgia to the world’s best side is steep, yet O’Brien’s finishing instinct and work rate could make a real impact.

Not many All Blacks rise as quickly as Fabian Holland. The Dutch-born lock has gone from promising prospect to regular selection under Scott Robertson, bringing size and steel to New Zealand’s second row. His battle against Ireland will be his first major northern hemisphere test—a stage that could boost his reputation significantly. Holland’s earlier outings against France showed flashes of power and maturity, but this challenge is tougher.

South Africa’s backline continues to evolve, and Ethan Hooker is a big part of that. The 22-year-old winger made his mark off the bench earlier this year before starring in the 43–10 demolition of New Zealand in Wellington. Now he starts again, this time against Japan at Wembley, aiming to build on that momentum. Hooker’s pace and composure have made him one of the most exciting new faces in Rassie Erasmus’s squad.

Fifty caps and counting for Scotland’s record try-scorer. Duhan van der Merwe reaches that milestone against the USA at Murrayfield, where the home crowd will expect fireworks. With 32 tries already to his name, the winger remains the team’s most potent attacking weapon. His combination of power and speed makes him almost impossible to stop in space.

Starting ahead of Tom Curry and Henry Pollock says plenty about how highly Steve Borthwick rates Guy Pepper. The Bath flanker has risen quickly since his debut in the summer, when he impressed off the bench against Argentina. Saturday marks his first capped appearance at Twickenham, a milestone moment in any England player’s career. Pepper’s energy at the breakdown and ability to disrupt play have earned him trust in a stacked back-row unit.

England’s coaching staff have reportedly warned the referee to keep an eye on Harry Wilson’s breakdown work—a sign of how effective the Wallabies captain can be on the edge. Wilson’s physicality and relentlessness often test the officials, but they’re also what make him indispensable. Beyond the tactical noise, he’s the heartbeat of this Australian side, setting the tone in defence and attack.

While much of the early-year hype surrounded Sam Prendergast, it’s Jack Crowley who has quietly claimed Ireland’s No.10 shirt. His steady control and sharp kicking game have won Andy Farrell’s confidence, and now he faces the ultimate test—steering Ireland against the All Blacks. Crowley isn’t the flashiest playmaker, but he’s dependable and smart, qualities Ireland value highly.