Nations Championship team of the week: Round 3

Rugby News
Sunday, 19 July 2026 at 07:38
screenshot 2026 07 19 at 073800
The third round of the Nations Championship delivered everything from stunning debut performances to world-class displays from some of rugby's biggest stars.
New Zealand's commanding victory over Ireland, South Africa's demolition of Wales, England's series-clinching win in Argentina and impressive performances from Australia, Scotland and France all produced plenty of standout candidates for selection.
From Will Jordan's latest masterclass to Ardie Savea's inspirational display and England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's two-try return, here is RUCK's Team of the Week after another unforgettable weekend of international rugby.

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Back Three

15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)

Every time Jordan wears the black jersey he seems to find the scoresheet. Ireland tested him physically early on, sending plenty of traffic down his channel, but he never looked flustered. He punished an Irish mistake for New Zealand's third try before producing an excellent take from the second-half restart to immediately put the All Blacks back on the front foot. Clinical as ever.

14. Jaco Williams (South Africa)

What a way to announce yourself on the Test stage. Williams looked completely at home on his Springbok debut, with his rise drawing comparisons to Makazole Mapimpi for good reason. The electric winger soared above the Welsh defence to win the aerial contest that led to South Africa's final try before the break, before grabbing a deserved try of his own early in the second half. He wasn't finished there either, producing the final pass for Herschel Jantjies to score. A dream debut from a player who looks destined for a big future in green and gold.

11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)

Feyi-Waboso reminded everyone exactly what England have missed. The explosive Exeter Chiefs wing was a constant threat whenever he touched the ball, finishing brilliantly for two well-taken tries as Steve Borthwick's side secured another impressive victory in Argentina. His pace, footwork and power repeatedly troubled the Pumas' defence, while his work off the ball ensured he was always in position to make an impact. A ruthless finishing display from one of England's most dangerous attacking weapons.

Centres

12. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)

Another reminder of why Barrett is one of the world's premier inside centres. His kicking relieved pressure, his aerial ability gave Ireland few opportunities to compete and his defensive reads were outstanding throughout. Aside from one handling error that led to Joe McCarthy's try, Barrett barely put a foot wrong in another commanding All Blacks display.

13. Stafford McDowall (Scotland)

Player of the Match was fully deserved. McDowall was at the heart of Scotland's second-half revival, carrying hard, organising those around him and throwing himself into everything defensively. His work often goes unnoticed because it isn't always spectacular, but performances like this underline just how valuable he has become to Gregor Townsend's side.

Half-backs

10. Declan Meredith (Australia)

Meredith looked far more settled than in previous outings. Playing behind a dominant Wallabies pack certainly helped, but he deserves plenty of credit for controlling territory, making sensible decisions and asking questions of the Italian defence whenever he took the ball to the line. A hugely encouraging performance from the young fly-half.

9. Maxime Lucu (France)

Lucu continues to prove why France lose so little when Antoine Dupont is unavailable. The experienced scrum-half controlled proceedings superbly, keeping France calm whenever Japan threatened to build momentum. His clever try from close range highlighted his rugby IQ, while his accurate goal-kicking rounded off another classy all-round display.

Front Row

1. Ellis Genge (England)

Genge produced another captain's performance in all but name, setting the tone with his relentless carrying and trademark aggression. The loosehead led from the front in the physical exchanges, repeatedly getting England over the gainline and helping establish dominance at scrum time. Around the park he was just as influential, making important tackles and bringing his usual intensity to every collision. It was another complete display from one of England's most consistent performers.

2. Maxime Lamothe (France)

Few hookers had a better afternoon. Lamothe's lineout throwing was pinpoint, France's maul was dominant and he capped his display with two well-earned tries. Add in a relentless defensive work rate and it was the complete performance from the Bordeaux front-rower.

3. Carlu Sadie (South Africa)

An unforgettable Springbok debut for Sadie. The powerful tighthead was visibly emotional during the national anthem, but any nerves quickly disappeared once the game got underway. He produced a scrummaging masterclass, repeatedly driving Rhys Carré backwards as South Africa completely dominated the set-piece. Wales simply had no answer to his power, with Sadie winning a series of penalties and laying the platform for another ruthless Springboks performance. He wasn't called upon much around the field, but his impact at scrum time alone earns him a deserved place in the Team of the Week.

Second Row

4. Scott Cummings (Scotland)

Called into action much earlier than expected after Jonny Gray's head injury assessment, Cummings produced exactly the sort of experienced display Scotland needed. His late try effectively ended Fiji's resistance, but it was his physicality, leadership and calm decision-making that really stood out as Scotland completed their comeback.

5. Patrick Tuipulotu (New Zealand)

The giant lock laid down an early marker by bulldozing over for the opening try and never really slowed down. He carried relentlessly, won the gainline time after time and gave Ireland plenty to think about around the fringes. Another powerful shift from one of the All Blacks' most reliable forwards.

Back Row

6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

Even in defeat, Beirne somehow managed to enhance his reputation once again. The Munster forward was everywhere, disrupting New Zealand at the breakdown, making crucial tackles and carrying tirelessly in the tight exchanges. His move into the second row after the replacements barely changed his influence, underlining once again why he remains one of the world's elite forwards.

7. Carlo Tizzano (Australia)

Australia's production line of world-class openside flankers looks set to continue. Tizzano was sensational against Italy, terrorising the breakdown and consistently slowing opposition ball. Every big defensive moment seemed to involve the Western Force flanker, who fully justified his selection with a tireless display.

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

Captain. Leader. Match-winner. Savea produced another complete No.8 performance, combining his trademark power with brilliant game awareness. His try from the back of the scrum showcased his explosiveness, while three turnovers highlighted just how destructive he remains at the breakdown. One of the first names on any Team of the Week.

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