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Nations Championship Team of the Week: Seven Wales stars make our Round 5 XV

Rugby News
Nations Championship team of the week
Wales have dominated our Nations Championship Team of the Week after producing the performance of the weekend against New Zealand.
Steve Tandy's side ended 73 years of hurt with a stunning 35-28 victory over the All Blacks in Cardiff.
And their reward? Seven places in our starting XV.
The Welsh heroes also produced some extraordinary numbers, including a record-breaking 346 tackles.
England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Argentina also feature following another remarkable round of international rugby.
There were five-try heroes, defensive masterclasses and a few big names left on the cutting-room floor.
England's player ratings against Japan underline just how impressive Steve Borthwick's side were, while Scotland's ratings against Australia highlight several standout performances.
Here is our Nations Championship Round 5 Team of the Week.

BACK THREE

15. Blair Murray (Wales)

Wales needed composure as much as courage against New Zealand, and Murray provided plenty of both.
The full-back was assured under pressure, worked tirelessly in defence and offered an attacking outlet whenever Wales found space.
It was the sort of performance that can easily get overlooked when others are grabbing the headlines.
Not this time.

14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)

Two tries against the All Blacks. A historic victory. And another reminder of what Rees-Zammit brings to this Welsh side.
His pace caused New Zealand problems throughout, but there was more to his performance than raw speed.
He looked dangerous whenever Wales moved the ball into space.
On an afternoon when Welsh rugby desperately needed something to celebrate, Rees-Zammit delivered.

11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)

The French flyer continues to make the extraordinary look almost routine.
Bielle-Biarrey scored against South Africa and earned a 9/10 in our player ratings.
His pace and finishing caused the Springboks problems, while his defensive contribution was equally important.
A late tackle on Jesse Kriel summed up his determination.
One of the first names on our teamsheet.

CENTRES

13. Will Joseph (England)

Five tries. Yes, five.
Joseph produced an extraordinary individual performance as England demolished Japan 78-15.
Four of those tries arrived within just 23 minutes, before he completed his remarkable haul with an intercept in the second half.
We've selected him at outside centre, his natural position, despite his heroics coming on the wing.
Leaving him out simply wasn't an option.

12. Eddie James (Wales)

There were plenty of Welsh heroes against New Zealand, but James deserves his share of the spotlight.
The centre brought physicality, energy and commitment to a midfield that refused to take a backward step.
His contribution helped Wales stand up to one of international rugby's most intimidating opponents.
Tom Jordan pushed him close after an excellent display for Scotland, but James gets our vote.

HALF-BACKS

10. Antoine Dupont (France)

Is there anything this man cannot do?
Normally the world's most celebrated scrum-half, Dupont demonstrated his versatility at fly-half against South Africa.
His attacking instincts, vision and ability to create opportunities made him a constant threat.
He earned a 9/10 in our ratings and takes the number ten shirt.

9. Tomos Williams (Wales)

Wales needed someone to control the tempo against New Zealand.
Williams answered the call.
His service, decision-making and willingness to challenge defenders helped Wales play with confidence rather than fear.
Against a side that has caused Welsh supporters so much misery, that was priceless.

BACK ROW

8. Jack Dempsey (Scotland)

Scotland's 15-12 victory over Australia wasn't always pretty, but Dempsey was outstanding.
The number eight brought relentless physicality, powerful carrying and the sort of work rate that rarely makes the highlights.
He earned a 9/10 in our player ratings.
A proper back-row performance.

7. Rory Darge (Scotland)

Two turnovers, three dominant tackles and a Player of the Match award.
Darge was magnificent against Australia.
With Scotland fighting to protect their narrow lead, their openside repeatedly stepped forward when it mattered most.
Peter Lakai and Manuel Zuliani were serious contenders, but Darge gets the shirt.
Rory Darge
Rory Darge produced a Player of the Match performance in Scotland's 15-12 victory over Australia, earning his place in RUCK's Nations Championship Team of the Week. - IMAGP

6. James Botham (Wales)

If anyone deserved to celebrate Wales' extraordinary victory, it was Botham.
Named Player of the Match against New Zealand, the flanker delivered a performance full of energy, aggression and intelligence.
He tackled, carried and threw himself into the contest.
His contribution embodied everything that made Wales so difficult to beat.
A fitting inclusion after one of Welsh rugby's greatest modern afternoons.

SECOND ROW

5. Maro Itoje (England)

England scored 78 points against Japan, but their forwards still had plenty of work to do.
Itoje led from the front.
The England captain brought his trademark physicality, defensive commitment and influence at the breakdown.
He earned a 9/10 in our ratings.
Another commanding performance from one of England's most important players.

4. Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)

Thirty-eight tackles.
Just let that number sink in.
Jenkins produced a staggering defensive performance against New Zealand, reportedly equalling the individual Test rugby record.
He was everywhere, repeatedly putting his body on the line as Wales defended their historic lead.
There were plenty of heroes in Cardiff, but Jenkins might have delivered the most remarkable individual statistic of the weekend.

FRONT ROW

3. Francisco Moreno (Argentina)

Argentina's 19-14 victory over Italy was a bruising encounter, and Moreno had to work for everything.
The tighthead was involved in a demanding battle up front as the Pumas secured another hard-fought result.
He made six tackles and contributed to Argentina's effort in the tight exchanges.
Wilco Louw and Simone Ferrari were both considered, but Moreno gets our final front-row spot.

2. Dewi Lake (Wales)

There was no shortage of leadership in Wales' historic victory.
Lake was right at the heart of it.
The hooker brought aggression, physicality and determination to a Welsh pack that refused to be intimidated by New Zealand.
His influence helped provide the platform for one of the country's most memorable victories.
Malcolm Marx was outstanding for South Africa, but Lake gets the nod.
Dewi Lake
Dewi Lake was immense as Wales secured a historic 35-28 victory over New Zealand, earning his place in RUCK's Nations Championship Team of the Week. - IMAGO

1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)

Ireland weren't always convincing against Fiji, but Andrew Porter certainly delivered.
The loosehead produced a powerful performance, scoring a try and making his presence felt at scrum time.
His work in the tight helped Ireland establish a platform, while his contribution around the park was equally impressive.
Ellis Genge pushed him close after an explosive display against Japan, but Porter gets our vote.

Nations Championship Team of the Week – Full XV

  1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
  2. Dewi Lake (Wales)
  3. Francisco Moreno (Argentina)
  4. Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
  5. Maro Itoje (England)
  6. James Botham (Wales)
  7. Rory Darge (Scotland)
  8. Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
  9. Tomos Williams (Wales)
  10. Antoine Dupont (France)
  11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
  12. Eddie James (Wales)
  13. Will Joseph (England)
  14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
  15. Blair Murray (Wales)
Nation breakdown: Wales (7), England (2), Scotland (2), France (2), Argentina (1), Ireland (1).
Unlucky to miss out: Malcolm Marx, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Tom Jordan, Wilco Louw and Manuel Zuliani.

🏉 Think you can pick a better XV?

We've selected our Team of the Week, but now it's your turn. Take on the RUCK Ultimate Rugby Draft, build your dream XV and see if you can top the leaderboard.
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