The Nations Championship's southern leg has delivered some thrilling rugby action, and it's time to celebrate the stars of the week! Here's a breakdown of the Planet Rugby Team of the Week, with a focus on the players who stood out and the impact they had on their respective teams.
The Backs
- Damian McKenzie (New Zealand)
McKenzie was the standout player in New Zealand's win over Ireland. His near-total command of the backfield and ability to inject himself into the line at will were remarkable. He turned broken play into six-try mayhem, showcasing his maturity and skill as a fly-half. This performance may have settled the longest-running selection argument within the All Blacks.
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Feyi-Waboso was England's most complete attacking display of the tour, especially in the crucial match against Argentina. His searing break created Ben Earl's opening try and a powerful finish of his own. Feyi-Waboso's performance was a highlight in a challenging tour for the English side.
- Jesse Kriel (South Africa)
Kriel's loose-ball finish in Durban extended his streak of scoring in every round of the championship. His relentless and unglamorous defensive organization was the reason Wales couldn't score in 80 minutes. Kriel's impact is often overlooked, but he is essential to South Africa's success.
- Josua Tuisova (Fiji)
Tuisova's midfield performance in the Fiji-Scotland match was physically influential. He topped Fiji's charts for carries and tackles, making five dominant hits. Tuisova's impact on both sides of the ball was a key factor in Fiji's victory.
- Jaco Williams (South Africa)
Williams announced himself in the Springboks' Durban shutout. He slotted into the team as if he had been there for years, giving home supporters another reason to be excited about the depth chart. Williams' performance was a testament to his talent and adaptability.
- Ruben Love (New Zealand)
Love's display against Ireland may have settled the fly-half selection debate in New Zealand. His maturity and ability to orchestrate the team's dismissal of Ireland were impressive. Love's performance made three years of fly-half churn seem historical.
- Jamie Dobie (Scotland)
Dobie's impact from the bench in the Scotland-Fiji match was significant. His two tries in 25 minutes changed the contest, with the first barging over from close range and the second taken on the end of a smart pick-up and offload. Dobie's performance showcased his ability to make an instant impact.
The Forwards
- Ben Earl (England)
Earl's two first-half tries in the England-Argentina match were crucial. His breakdown work was fed by Argentina's slow ruck ball, and he was the difference between control and chaos on the road against a strong Welsh side. Earl's performance was a highlight in a challenging tour for England.
- Paul de Villiers (South Africa)
De Villiers had the best individual forward display of the round. His maul try, first receiver's handling touch, and breakdown steal were exceptional. De Villiers' performance was a testament to his breakout month and his ability to shine in crucial moments.
- Tupou Vaa'i (New Zealand)
Vaa'i's performance at blindside answered a question New Zealand had been asking. His carrying and lineout presence at six gave the All Blacks balance without blunting their breakdown. Vaa'i's impact was a key factor in New Zealand's success against Ireland.
- Patrick Tuipulotu (New Zealand)
Tuipulotu's return to the All Blacks pack was a reminder of its strength. His try and 11 carries set the physical terms early against an Irish eight that never recovered. Tuipulotu's performance was a highlight in a crucial match for New Zealand.
- Josh Canham (Australia)
Canham's hat-trick from the second row was impressive, and he backed it up with lineout leadership in Australia's win over Italy. His performance was a testament to his consistency and impact as a lock.
- Joe Heyes (England)
Heyes' performance in the England-Argentina match was a full house. He anchored the dominant five-meter scrum, pinched a lineout, and carried with genuine punch. Heyes' ability to keep his head in a challenging match was remarkable.
- Maxime Lamothe (France)
Lamothe's lineout and maul work against Japan gave France their cleanest set-piece outing of the series. His performance around the field kept climbing with it, showcasing his versatility and impact.
- Gerhard Steenekamp (South Africa)
Steenekamp's loosehead start justified the wait, as his five-meter scrum detonated set the terms for South Africa's win over Wales. His work in the loose exchanges maintained the standard to the hour mark, showcasing his resilience and impact.
