Front-row
1. Ellis Genge (England)
England’s scrum was absolutely dominant and Genge was a key part of setting the platform early on, pushing the first few scrums backwards and winning a couple of penalties in the process.
Although he did not do much around the field, he can also be credited with helping to earn a red card after Simione Kuruvoli kicked him in the chest.
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Australia)
Thrown into the action almost immediately after Josh Nasser’s HIA, the replacement hooker responded brilliantly. He scored a try, worked tirelessly around the park and produced an impressive display over 77 minutes.
3. Joe Heyes (England)
Another England prop who deserves huge credit for bringing power at the scrum. Heyes was completely dominant and always looked in control.
He can be forgiven for not being heavily involved around the park, such was his dominance in the fundamentals of his position.
Second-row
4. Sam Darry (New Zealand)
Another immense display from the lock, who continues to establish himself as one of the first names on Dave Rennie’s teamsheet.
Darry crashed over for a try, dominated collisions and was relentless in his work at the breakdown and around the park.
5. Ruan Nortje (South Africa)
A tireless display from the Springbok lock. Nortje disrupted Scotland’s lineout, stole crucial possession and was relentless in the tight exchanges. His stunning one-handed pick-up, break and audacious chip ahead early in the second half was one of the moments of the match, underlining a performance full of work-rate and quality.
Back-row
6. Lenni Nouchi (France)
A phenomenal all-round display from the Montpellier captain. Nouchi carried relentlessly, making 17 carries for 57 metres, beating defenders and offloading brilliantly, while still finding time for 14 tackles.
The 22-year-old was the driving force behind France’s second-half comeback.
7. Henry Pollock (England)
Made an instant impact off the bench, scoring moments after coming on before adding a second with outstanding pace.
He brought energy and attacking spark, stretching Fiji’s defence every time he got involved. Pollock secured his hat-trick seconds before the final whistle, underlining just how devastating he can be in broken play.
He has surely earned himself a start against Argentina next week.
8. Sean Jansen (Ireland)
The New Zealand-born back-rower enjoyed the debut of dreams for Ireland. He started with a thumping tackle on Main Taira before producing a series of thunderous carries that repeatedly got Ireland over the gain-line.
Jansen also showcased impressive pace in support of Nick Timoney and continued to impress after the break with several strong carries before powering over from close range to score on his Test debut and cap a memorable first international appearance.
Quiz: Name the Top 10 Highest Points Scorers in Rugby History
Scoring points at Test level is one of rugby’s toughest challenges. It takes consistency, longevity and the ability to deliver under pressure against the very best teams in the world.
You have three minutes to name the top 10 highest points scorers in men’s international rugby union history. How many can you get?
