Autumn Team Of The Week: Springboks dominate XV

Sunday, 09 November 2025 at 21:34

byRugby Rucker

Round 2 of the Autumn Internationals had everything — huge tackles, shock results, and world-class performances.

Ireland and England flexed their muscles, Italy stunned Australia, and South Africa reminded everyone why they’re world champions.

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Here’s how the weekend unfolded:

Ireland 41–10 Japan
Scotland 17–25 New Zealand
England 38–18 Fiji
Italy 26–19 Australia
France 17–32 South Africa
Wales 28–52 Argentina

Now, onto the standout performers who made the RUCK Team of the Week.

1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)

Another huge outing from Ireland’s workhorse. Porter went 68 minutes of graft before making way, bagging a well-earned try along the way. Scrummed hard, hit rucks like a man possessed, and added a physical edge that Japan couldn’t handle.

2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

Vintage Marx. Tough as teak, utterly relentless. The Bok hooker was brutal in contact and immaculate at the set-piece. South Africa’s No.2 jersey is his — and by some distance.

3. Pedro Delgado (Argentina)

Try-scorer, tackler, enforcer — Delgado did it all. Opened the scoring after seven minutes and threw his body on the line defensively. Exactly the kind of performance that sets the tone for a famous win in Cardiff.

4. Fabian Holland (New Zealand)

The Highlanders’ young gun continues to rise. Dominant in the air, physical in the carry, and never far from the action. A mature display from a player who looks born for Test rugby.

5. Ruan Nortje (South Africa)

Stepped in early for de Jager and didn’t miss a beat. Commanded the line-out, linked play superbly, and brought plenty of grunt in tight exchanges. Quietly brilliant, again.

6. Wallace Sititi (New Zealand)

Finally hitting top gear. Electric in the first half, carrying hard and tackling with venom. Faded slightly and saw yellow later on, but overall this was a statement showing — Sititi is back in business.

7. Ben Earl (England)

Shifted from No.8 to openside and didn’t blink. The Saracen dynamo was everywhere — topping England’s tackle count (15) and adding thrust with ball in hand. Feels like he’s becoming the heartbeat of Borthwick’s pack.

8. Jasper Wiese (South Africa)

Simply monstrous. Wiese was the Springboks’ best by a mile, hammering into contact with trademark ferocity. Seventeen carries, endless collisions, and complete control of the gain line. This might just have been his finest hour in green.

9. Stephen Varney (Italy)

Game-changer. Varney sparked Italy’s comeback with a darting break that led to Lynagh’s try and never looked back. Quick, composed and confident — his best game yet for the Azzurri.

10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)

Showed real class once shifted to fullback. His outrageous offload nearly set up Kolbe, and he looked dangerous whenever he had momentum. Not flawless, but the raw talent is off the charts — a future superstar in the making.

11. Damien Penaud (France)

Even in defeat, the man delivers. A constant menace with ball in hand, topping the metres gained chart with 144 and bagging a superb try. France’s attack still orbits around him.

12. Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)

Led from the front and carried with real intent. Tuipulotu’s direct running opened space for others, while his defensive work was immense — including a crucial turnover. Scotland’s standout in a tough defeat.

13. Ollie Lawrence (England)

First England appearance since that brutal Achilles injury — and what a return. Some silky touches, some brute-force running, and a key role in England’s third try. Still rediscovering rhythm, but the threat is back.

14. Louis Lynagh (Italy)

The fairytale stuff. Scored a try against his dad’s old side with a brutal fend on Kellaway, sparking Italy’s comeback. Busy under the high ball, full of energy — a debut to remember.

15. Henry Arundell (England)

Two years out of the Test frame? You wouldn’t have known. Arundell was electric, chasing down a Smith grubber to score and constantly stretching Fiji’s defence. That’s eight tries in 11 caps — he’s back, and he’s deadly.