Autumn Team Of The Week: Generational talents Pollock and Feinberg-Mngomezulu included

Sunday, 02 November 2025 at 06:57

byRugby Rucker

Autumn Team of the week. The opening weekend of the 2025 Autumn Internationals wasn’t just about big scores and shocking results.

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Some players rose above the chaos to deliver exceptional performances, blending skill, power, and game-changing moments.

From dominating forwards to lethal backs, here’s our Autumn Team Of The Week.

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Autumn Team Of The Week

Prop: Ellis Genge (England)

Genge continues to excel in his dynamic role off the bench. He blasted through rucks, won two scrum penalties, and proved why his firepower remains unmatched, adding a real edge to England’s engine room.

Hooker: Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

Marx was outstanding at the breakdown and in the scrum, while his lineout work was precise. A commanding performance, showcasing some of the best rugby of his career.

Prop: Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

Furlong powered through Ireland’s front row, capping his dominant display with a try in the 17th minute. He brought constant strength at the breakdown, setting the physical tone from start to finish.

Lock: Maro Itoje (England)

Itoje caused havoc at nearly every Wallaby ruck. Despite conceding a crucial penalty, he delivered his trademark relentless work rate and defensive pressure, epitomizing the “edge” he brings to England.

Lock: Fabian Holland (New Zealand)

Holland was a key presence in the lineout and breakdown. While he missed a few defensive opportunities early, he made crucial interventions to slow down Ireland’s attack and contributed to South Africa’s dominance.

Flanker: Liam McConnell (Scotland)

Making his Test debut, McConnell impressed with power and flair. A brilliant break and offload set up Van der Merwe’s opener, and he showed maturity in both set-piece and open play, hinting at a bright future.

Flanker: Henry Pollock (England)

Pollock scored England’s second try and added strong carries throughout the match. His penalty over the ball in Australia’s 22 and physical presence highlighted his potential as a starting No.8.

No 8: Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

Savea’s trademark steals and stoic defence were on full display, providing solidity in a Test where the All Blacks needed his experience and versatility.

Scrum-half: Jamie Dobie (Scotland)

Dobie’s creativity and pace stole the show. A chip-and-collect try, support play for a second, and a wing switch for a hat-trick highlighted his versatility and rapid rise in the Scotland pecking order.

Fly-half: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)

The 23-year-old fly-half impressed with precise kicking, opportunistic tries, and rock-solid defense. A standout performance confirming his status as a generational talent.

Wing: Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa)

Arendse was devastating across the field, scoring twice, assisting another, and amassing 124 running metres. A man-of-the-match performance showcasing skill, speed, and aerial dominance.

Centre: Jesse Kriel (South Africa)

Kriel’s leadership and defensive organisation shone in his 85th cap. He finished the game with a well-taken try, capping an industrious, authoritative display.

Centre: Tommy Freeman (England)

Freeman combined power and pace in the midfield, making 12 carries for 80 metres, beating defenders, and adding a turnover. A revelation who gave England’s attack real punch.

Wing: Darcy Graham (Scotland)

Graham scored a hat-trick and provided a crucial assist. His direct running, vision, and finishing ability made him the standout back of the weekend, cementing his try-scoring form.

Full-back: Kyle Rowe (Scotland)

Rowe linked the back three superbly, setting up multiple tries and claiming one himself. His composure, class, and vision made him a key contributor to Scotland’s overwhelming victory.