The votes are in, and now it’s time to reveal who you selected for your Autumn Nations Cup Team of the Tournament!
After four frantic weekends of high-octane international rugby which was capped off by one of the most memorable finals in history, it’s time to see who caught the eye across all eight teams that took part.
England edged out France in a nail-biting golden-point finish on Sunday, as Eddie Jones’ side became the first team to lift the Autumn Nations Cup aloft at Twickenham.
Ireland and Scotland put in valiant performances throughout the group stage, before Andy Farrell’s side claimed third spot, while Wales edged out Italy in the 5th/6th decider.
Fiji put on a show in their only appearance of the competition against Georgia, although the Lelos will head home knowing they delighted the onlooking crowd, with Giorgi Kveseladze being awarded the Try of the Tournament with his effort in the 23-10 defeat to Ireland.
And now, without further ado, we can name the XV that have caught the eye the most throughout the competition.
The Scottish pair of Stuart Hogg and Duhan van der Merwe lineup in the back row, with the dynamic duo bringing the flair to Gregor Townsend’s side throughout the competition.
South African born van der Merwe only made his Scotland debut earlier in the year, but the Edinburgh-wing has made an instant impact on the international stage, scoring tries against Italy and Ireland, while carrying the ball over 300 metres in his three matches.
Ever-present Hogg continues to be one of the best full-backs in the game, and displayed that once again in the Autumn Nations Cup, with a number of breaks and strong carries key in giving his side momentum at crucial times on the field.
Joining those two in the backs is English star Jonny May, who’s match-winning performance in the 18-7 victory over Ireland will live long in the memory of many a rugby fan.
After leaping like a salmon to claim the high ball to score his first try, the Gloucester wing went the length of the field for his second, as he collected his own kick to touch down for one of the all-time great Twickenham tries.
Into the centres, and he may have only played one match at the tournament, but Virimi Vakatawa’s influence on a match is always something that catches the eye, and his match-winning score in the 22-15 victory over Scotland made all the difference in the Round 2 clash in Paris.
Alongside him is Welsh star Johnny Williams, who performed admirable in the middle of the park for Wayne Pivac’s side, despite results not always going their way, and deservedly takes his place among the XV.
The 24-year-old’s try against England was one of the highlights of the tournament, as he touched down on just his second appearance for his country, on what will have been a memorable occasion for the Scarlets man.
Matthieu Jalibert and Conor Murray line up at half-back in the star-studded lineup, with the deputy French fly-half proving his quality on his return to the international stage, while the Irish scrum-half was as solid and reliable as ever.
The English dominance is plain to see in the forwards, with seven of the front eight representing the Red Rose in the competition.
Flankers Sam Underhill and Tom Curry were once again head and shoulders above the rest during the four-game stretch, while Billy Vunipola proved his worth on both sides of the ball, with over 50 tackles in the competition.
James Ryan is the only non-English player to feature in the pack, with the Irish lock proving his maturity when given the captain’s armband in the Round 2 clash against England.
Ryan has Maro Itoje for company at No.4, after the Englishman excelled at the breakdown throughout the competition; leading his country in arrivals in both attack and defence, while also dominating at the line out.
The all-English front-row consists of Kyle Sinckler, Mako Vunipola and Jamie George, with the latter a show-in for the No.2 shirt after his hat-trick of tries in England’s curtain-raiser against Georgia.
The tough trio were a huge part of the English brick wall that protected their try line with aplomb throughout their four matches, as they conceded just 39 points in the whole competition.
Autumn Nations Cup Team of the Tournament: Stuart Hogg, Duhan van der Merwe, Johnny Williams, Virimi Vakatawa, Jonny May, Mathieu Jalibert, Conor Murray, Billy Vunipola, Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, James Ryan, Maro Itoje, Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Mako Vunipola
