TRU's Autumn Nations Cup: Finals Day

 

The TRU team looked at Round 4 in the Autumn Nations Cup, and picked out the players that delivered in the Final matches of this first-time competition.

1. Cian Healy (Ireland) - A superb all-round display from the Irish loosehead, carrying hard in both the loose and tight, deserved his try, came out on top in the scrum too.

2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (England) - Such a valuable 'impact' player for Eddie and England, got the all important lifeline try for England and made some further clean breaks in extra-time.

3. Ellis Genge (England) - An unusual start for the 25 year-old tighthead, but he took his opportunity with both hands. Typical baby rhino behaviour in attack and defense.

4. Maro Itoje (England) - A stalwart in TRU's Autumn Nations Cup XV's, consistency seems to be his middle name...awarded the crucial turnover penalty for Farrell's winning kick.

5. James Ryan (Ireland) - Clicked back into 'destruction' mode in this game with some huge carries and clear-outs, if he can keep up that form he'll be a British & Irish Lion starter!

6. Tom Curry (England) - Unlucky not to get MOTM, 14 tackles 0 missed, but what impressed most was his powerful carrying off 9 and 10, providing another option outside BIlly.

7. Justin Tipuric (England) - Performed extremely well in quite a turgid game, lead the tackle stats, proved to be a cut above the rest in terms of his class, maturity and overall rugby ability.

8. Billy Vunipola (England) - Finished this tournament off with a Man of the Match performance in the Final, can't say more than that. Tip of the cap to Taulupe Faletau & Caelan Doris

9. Gareth Davies (Wales) - Came off the bench at 50mins but provided a much needed spark to the Welsh game, and got a well deserved try soon after coming on.

10. Jaco van der Walt (Scotland) - A 10 with an Enormous boot, kept Scotland in with a fighting chance while the chips were down, tackled the big Irish runners well too.

11. Nemani Nadolo (Fiji) - A joy to see the monstrous winger back in action, carried like a bull, bouncing would-be defenders into next week. Just the three tries to his name!?

12. Owen Farrell (England) - Not his best day with the boot from the kicking tee, but ultimately converted the golden-point winner in a game England were lucky to come out victorious.

13. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) - Henshaw had a great game with ball in hand, dynamic and agile offering a constant attacking threat playing off Aki, also puts in his tackles in too.

14. Keith Earls (Ireland) - Scored 2 tries to keep the mounting pressure off Ireland when Scotland where looking to pounce, impressive as ever in the air and on the counter.

15. Brice Dulin (France) - France's best player by far, hit the line with pace and balance providing England with a continuous headache as he returned the arial bombardments with interest.

 
 
 
 
 

2019 Rugby World Cup Points Table