It’s been a fantastic Autumn for the northern hemisphere, and that’s reflected in the best performing players from from the Autumn Nations Series Fantasy game.
There have been upsets, stunning tries and some outstanding rugby played, with likes of England, Ireland and France all enjoying unbeaten campaigns during November.
Here is the ultimate Autumn Nations Series Fantasy team, made up of the players in each position who scored the most points over the last month.
15. Melvyn Jaminet (197 points)
Melvyn Jaminet’s kicking expertise played a significant role in an outstanding Autumn Nation Series for France.
The 22-year-old full-back helped Les Bleus record wins against Argentina and Georgia but he saved his best performance until last, recording 82.5 points against New Zealand.
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He faced stiff competition for his spot from England’s Freddie Steward, who scored two tries, but even that couldn’t stop the Frenchman, who kicked nine conversions and ten penalties across the three matches.
14. James Lowe (220.5 points)
James Lowe has exploded onto the international rugby scene since making his debut in November 2020.
The New Zealand-born winger has proven why Ireland were so keen to see him in the famous green jersey, scoring two and running 285 metres with the ball in hand across three matches.
He was vital for Ireland in their historic win against the All Blacks, scoring the opening try and making a huge tackle in the final minutes, and it looks like he’ll play a crucial part in Andy Farrell’s side for years to come.
13. Garry Ringrose (188 points)
Garry Ringrose spent his Autumn proving, once again, that he is one of the world’s best centres.
The Irish enigma started at outside centre for all three Tests and was equally proficient alongside Bundee Aki as he was partnering with Robbie Henshaw. He only scored one try across three games but offered something in almost every area.
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He faced competition from Manu Tuilagi for his spot in the ultimate Autumn Nations Series Fantasy squad, but the Englishman’s injury in the early stages against South Africa all but ended his hopes of inclusion in this squad.
12. Henry Slade (148.8 points)
Henry Slade has cemented his spot in the England centre-partnership. Regardless of who he partners, the classy back has the skill and subtlety to excel against any opposition in the world.
It was much the same throughout the November internationals, and despite not scoring a try in the Autumn Nations Series, Slade showed just what he can bring to Eddie Jones’ England side.
He averaged four tackles and 196 meters made with the ball per game against Tonga, Australia and South Africa.
11. Damian Penaud (168.1 points)
Damian Penaud may have been the first of a new breed of French player to break into the side, but he was far from the last.
The winger is now just one of many stars in Les Bleus’ squad but he still stands out as a match-winner on his day.
The 25-year-old scored three tries during this year’s Autumn Nations Series campaign, including a brace against Georgia and the key score against the All Blacks as France finished their November campaign unbeaten.
10. Marcus Smith (144.35 points)
Marcus Smith had a breakout series this Autumn, proving that he can bring it against the best sides in the world.
The Harlequins youngster had fans across the country clamouring to see him start prior to the beginning of the series.
And he didn’t disappoint, pulling the strings from fly-half and playing a crucial role in several of England’s tries. England’s future certainly is looking bright.
9. Antoine Dupont (132 points)
After being nominated ahead of the final game of the Autumn Nations Series, Antoine Dupont is probably the favourite to win the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award.
The scrum-half has been the star of an outstanding France side and only appears to be getting better and better.
He may not have scored this Autumn but he was aggressive in defence, quick to get the ball out of the ruck and always ran helpful support lines. He fully deserves his place in this squad.
8. Caelan Doris (207.9 points)
Caelan Doris has shown that there is life after CJ Stander for Ireland.
When the Irish legend retired at the end of the 2021 Six Nations, many people were concerned that the days of Ireland having a world-class No.8 were over. But Doris has shown he’s well up to the job of filling Stander’s huge shoes.
He scored two tries and was a wrecking machine in defence, making 35 tackles across three games.
7. Tom Curry (141 points)
Tom Curry already looks like he could become a great of the English game despite his young age.
He made 107 meters with the ball in hand during the Autumn Nations Series, showing that he’s continuing to improve as a ball carrier. But he’s done this without losing what made him great in the first place.
He was dominant in defence and showed precisely why Eddie Jones is looking for a more dynamic back row moving forward.
6. Josh van der Flier (138.6 points)
Josh van der Flier had three of his best games in an Irish jersey this Autumn.
The versatile forward has found himself as the understudy for much of his burgeoning international career but he stepped up to be the main man during the Autumn Nations Series.
5. James Ryan (126.9 points)
Ireland’s James Ryan showed what the British & Irish Lions were missing this summer during the Autumn Nations Series.
The second-row was a significant omission from Warren Gatland’s squad but he bounced back in style during the November Tests and was vital in attack and defence for Ireland this Autumn.
He made 137 metres with the ball, 22 tackles and two dominant tackles across the three games.
4. Maro Itoje (115.5 points)
Is there a better second row in the world right now than Maro Itoje?
The England star’s quality is no longer in question; now fans and pundits alike are asking just where he’ll rank in the list of the game’s greatest players when he hangs his boots up in the future.
He may have only scored one try, but he contributed so much across the field and was crucial to England’s defence.
3. Tadhg Furlong (123.6 points)
Tadhg Furlong shows time and time again why he’s held in such high regard.
The big Irish prop has been a formidable force one again this Autumn and had the highest total points of any prop.
He may not have crossed the whitewash, but he was a dominant force in the tackle and the scrum.
2. Peato Mauvaka (142.8 points)
Peato Mauvaka is one of the least surprising inclusions in this squad after the hooker dominated this Autumn.
He made 13 tackles across his three games, and, more impressively, he scored five tries.
Even if you take into account how many of them came from lineout drives, that’s still an incredible return for a front-row forward.
1. Andrew Porter (116.1 points)
Andrew Porter was a man mountain for Ireland this Autumn.
The front row forward was a key man for Farrell’s side this Autumn, and his points total reflects that.
He offered so much at the set-piece and in open play, once again proving that he’s a key player for Ireland moving forward.
