Best XV from Autumn Internationals on November 29
Autumn’s international window was slammed shut with a couple of lusty blows from northern hemisphere teams most in need of landing some telling shots.
England relied on the traditional weapons of brute force and strong kicking to squeeze the life out of the Wallabies, while Wales finally found the spell to break the curse of the southern hemisphere, beating South Africa in Cardiff.
It tees up perfectly the clash between Wales and England that will lift the curtain on the 2015 RBS Six Nations while, at the same time, carrying the significant carrot of gaining the psychological edge ahead of their World Cup meeting.
There will be plenty of bumps and bruises to heal before then after two full-blooded Tests that showcased all that is good about international rugby.
Here’s the final team of the week from the Autumn.
The Back 3
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15. Leigh Halfpenny
Leigh Halfpenny kicked all 12 points for Wales in their landmark win over South Africa. In addition, he was solid in defence and tidy in his exit plays. He proved once again that he is the man for the big occasion, and although he succumbed to a head blow 14 minutes from time, his work was done.
14. Rob Horne
The Australian was busy and effective all afternoon for the Wallabies. Rob Horne ran some nice angles and looked in tune with the clever work going on inside him.
11. Henry Speight
Henry Speight is new to this level and looks every inch the unfinished article, but with room to run, he looked a real handful.
Centres
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13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
It was a display full of guile and threat from one of world rugby’s most unsung heroes. Adam Ashley-Cooper's speed and strength gave England a lot of hassle.
12. Matt Toomua
Matt Toomua is the thinking man’s No. 12 England wish they had. His timing, positioning and decision-making were excellent at Twickenham. The oil that keeps this slick Wallaby back line running.
Halfbacks
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10. Dan Biggar
Dan Biggar played superbly for Wales against South Africa. He has cemented himself as Warren Gatland’s first choice No. 10 and has given newcomer Gareth Anscombe a tough task to break into the side.
9. Ben Youngs
Better kicking, better passing, faster thought processes—Ben Youngs brought all these improvements to England’s work behind their dominant forward unit against Australia.
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Back Row
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8. Ben Morgan
Ben Morgan scored two tries and carried the ball the way Billy Vunipola was doing this time last year. He has to be first choice for England going into the Six Nations.
7. Sam Warburton
Sublime stuff from Sam Warburton against South Africa. He was huge in the tackle, strong over the ball and cool–headed in his leadership.
6. Dan Lydiate
Dan Lydiate tackles like he has no regard for his own safety and is mighty effective at it. He was another defensive giant in the cause of Welsh victory.
Second Row
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5. Courtney Lawes
Courtney Lawes was world class in defence and a strong ball-carrying member of England’s powerful pack. He brings an extra dimension to England in this form. He misses the extra help Joe Launchbury brings though.
4. Alun Wyn Jones
Alun Wyn Jones went toe-to-toe with Victor Matfield and matched the South African for muscle and mayhem, if coming off a little second best at the lineout. He got through a lot of work defensively, as always.
Front Row
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3. Samson Lee
Samson Lee is learning fast at this level. It looked like he might struggle at the set piece, but he redoubled his efforts and eventually gained the upper hand, screwing his opposite man late on.
2. Scott Baldwin
Some iffy throwing at the lineout was atoned for by tireless work in the loose by a man who should provide ample backup to Richard Hibbard for Wales’ World Cup campaign, Scott Baldwin.
1. Gethin Jenkins
What a performance from the old warhorse Gethin Jenkins: tackles, carries, scrummaging and all on a slightly ropey hamstring.
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