Team of the Week - Autumn Nations Series 2024 - Week 2 Rugby

[@johnmcdonald-6196]

Every time I see these north vs south tests, I think about how awesome a one off biennial test between the best from each hemisphere would be. It would be the absolute pinnacle of what rugby could be, the very best of the best.

[@WyndhamPGP]

@@johnmcdonald-6196 great idea!

[@timothywootton5331]

Great idea.

[@thabelongwenya4666]

controversy due to selections.

[@D4N1CU5]

I think Len Ikitau was the real MOTM in that game, he seems to fly under the radar a lot, possibly because he's in a team that isn't getting the results that often but he is, IMHO, in the conversation for top 3-4 centres in the world. What a game for him to shine in, playing out of position inside a guy in his first game of rugby in 3-4 years against England at Twickenham. Such a great player.

[@kahuemberson4858]

I agree and Ikitau is defintiely one of the best centres in the world. He can do so much.

[@PatstarDeluxe]

He's often overlooked but so solid in every aspect. And that final offload truly was a thing of beauty.

[@leightonkeutenius4455]

After that performance on that day he was pure world class …..scary good

[@mateiyu-4082]

Amongst the best in the worlds, I can't say. But that last offload was absolutely perfect. He was immense on saturday !

[@axxey]

A very good game this weekend, but his performance is wildly inconsistant.

[@Hadleurslf]

My 12 was Ikitau who was immense for Wallabies. A skilful natural centre compared to Tuisova. Good lineup btw

[@Hncee]

22 - 15 🤫

[@f1j11slander4]

@@Hncee😂😂

[@goodboydaz]

@@Hncee2 World Cups - 0 World Cups lmao

[@AverageJonesRugby-r7z]

Mark come now you know the team of the week is Australia mate 😁

[@taraishot100]

As a kiwi I have to agree that game was the best game all year it’s good to see the wallabies finally get a decent win against one of the top sides

[@footyfin]

Haha, I love that 👍

[@alexiachamberlin8019]

As a Bok supporter I agree

[@Cory99-f8j]

Agreed

[@rugbywatchesgaming4048]

As a bok fan I'm happy to concede 😊 wallabies beating England have me pleasure

[@jontheb123]

Interesting one with that Thomas du Toit try - the closest Scottish defender was his Bath teammate, Finn Russel. Finn's facial expression seemed to be saying, "Nah - not going to try tackling Thomas - had enough of that at training already..." ..

[@axxey]

I thought more often than not that ball straight through the jumpers butter finger hands would be called a knock on.

[@PatstarDeluxe]

Even though the game was sort of boring, I was so, so happy we beat Ireland. BUT I was a million times happier when Jorgensen scored that try! Wow. Congratulations, Australia! So happy for you.

[@ss2gora0]

It was boring to an outsider, sure. But boy was it an awesome game still. From the All Blacks

[@Jason_Kang]

Sua'ali'i had one of those performances that kids dream about.. living up to and exceeding the hype on his professional rugby union debut.. just special stuff

[@PatstarDeluxe]

Imagine your professional rugby debut is an overtime-winning, Twickenham-packed, underdog victory against England where you get man of the match! Unbelievable. Unless they win the World Cup, he's never topping that.

[@UPB78]

Yes i agree the No.10 spot was very highly disputed this past weekend, Tomas Albornoz was MOTM against Italy and had an amazing performance, Handre Pollard was as sharp as usual, Muntz was a delight to watch as well. Very very good performances from all of them (besides DMac of course),

[@byrongoldberg7766]

Pollard was terrible. What are you talking about. Missed a number of touch finders, slow and indecisive attacking the line, although Hendrikse had one of the worst performances Ive seen from any bok ever, he did not help.

[@gonzalorubilar634]

Caleb Muntz at 10 💎

[@andresfrascati]

Love to see you with that shirt ❤ 🐆🇦🇷

[@n-tertainmentx-tended4760]

It was a nightmare for NH teams.

[@markbph2336]

tough to pick team of the week..... mark..... you needed to do 2 teams of the week.....! valentini for aus. some real brutal running and tackling....!

[@MauroPerez-o4p]

Tom Wright was fantastic!

[@Opitoukisskiss]

Très bonne sélection, je suis d'accord avec TCR. Merci TCR !

[@leightonkeutenius4455]

Great poddy and the work that Mark puts in we all lucky …said hello to him in Mt Eden what an a grade class person too ..champion

[@mateiyu-4082]

Hard to argue with those selections honestly. But, given the number of matches and awesome rugby we had the privilege of watching this week-end, you'd have to pick at least 30 players to even contemplate being fair to all players (Tuipulotu, Kinghorn, Esterhuizen, Marcus Smith, Grant Williams, Wright, Mapimpi, Mauvaka, are some of the names that come to mind...). My personal biased highlight of the week-end (apart from the last Wallabies try, which had me jumping on the couch) was Willie Le Roux's kick-pass to Mapimpi for his second try.....it was like both of them were connected by wi-fi or telepathy, with Mapimp's seeming to go exactly where Willie's kick was going before he actually kicked. Ôo

[@speak_your_truth.]

Kinghorn? 😂

[@mateiyu-4082]

@@speak_your_truth. He wasn't the worst Scottish player yesterday, and far from it. Though I should've said Jones now that I think about it...

[@speak_your_truth.]

@@mateiyu-4082 but he doesn't deserve to be in team of the week. Not even close.

[@sprigcs]

Why do people compare Aumua to Cody when talking about throwing and pretending cody is a saint. Its like people have fogotten just how often and badly Cody linesouts have been over the years. /rant

[@taraishot100]

Your right his throwing is atrocious Aumua is solid only one mistake against Ireland in the lineout dudes the next best hooker either him or Taukei’aho

[@PatstarDeluxe]

Yeah, I remember when he was first starting out, was good around the park (as he still is) but SHOCKING at throwing in. He's definitely improved though to the point where I don't see that as an issue for him. I'm just happy we still have strong hookers, Taylor or Aumua. We've actually got some great, young players coming in now. To think, I was very worried about our future.

[@Hatunrumioc]

I think some of the struggles Aumua had against England were more a team thing, poor communication etc

[@archvermin]

I watched the full Australia vs England match, and Angus Bell was scary - he was terrorising the English defence line EVERYWHERE. How the hell is such a big unit so mobile?

[@mateiyu-4082]

Angus Bell is like a talented lock that can play prop. He's awesome ^^".

[@frankmercury2833]

With an engine to match

[@axxey]

Albornoz and Muntz were great at 10, Dmac's interview afterwards interested me, mentioning the intentional kicking game plan ABs chose to use. Not his general style. I love the Argentinian backline overall, I keep imagining them behind a springbok pack and actually getting consistantly good ball.

[@OlivierLebo-n3h]

DMack like fine wine is getting better with age. The ABs got plenty of serious individuality... Next week NZ v France will be worth watching. When Fidji have a good 10 they are competitive and so dangerous but i still put DMack in front this week.

[@tomdawson5281]

Would of personally had Caleb Muntz for flyhalf but still happy with the Dmac pick

[@alexandregarcia9726]

I understand for Aumua but not putting Mauvaka is criminal! It's against a weaker opposition but he has a try, 55 metres made, 3 beaten defenders, 24 tackles completed, 90% success rate at lineout. He played hooker then backrow for 80 minutes! He is out of this world!

[@rugbymad-r1y]

Can't argue with those stats

[@kingpower4631]

Its just hes opinion

[@mateiyu-4082]

My thought exactly...!

[@kropotkine9640]

according to OPTA it's 87 meters made

[@marboy01]

Mauvaka was playing Japanese rugby team 😂and Aumua was playing against the number one ranked team Ireland 🇮🇪 dramatic difference 😊

[@logophile]

Thank you for your insight!

[@mattjones3361]

Think I'd have the Fijian 10 muntz? Thought he was really good, Fijian first win in Wales. The aussie fullback wright was very good also. Decent list though, I might sneak aldritt in as well.

[@cakes43]

I know he didn't get alot of game time but for me a nice honourable mention for SA is Grant Williams, you could feel the pace on attack and increase in intensity with him on the pitch, he was a big part of the reason we could close that game out so well. Either him or Mapimps since he scored 2 tries

[@Bobbydyland]

I think Gibson Park should be the SH of the week. He seemed to be the only "Irishman" playing with any sense of urgency.

[@9502937]

I agree he was immense in an otherwise unremarkable Irish side on the day, but I don’t think it’s fair to say he was the only one playing with urgency. JVDF, James Lowe, Hugo Keenan, James Ryan all played with intensity. Really, there were just a few players who didnt really show up that cost Ireland the game. The bench particularly really let them down. Finlay Bealham had a decent start, but he never had a full game in him. O’Toole’s immediate HIA and the subsequent scrum penalty was really the turning point of the game. Frawley was also a noticeable drop off from Crowley even though it was not Crowley’s best day, and Henderson’s primary contribution to the game was giving away soft penalties.

[@charlottescott7150]

Love the TOTW and all the stats thanks Mark

[@Lucaf_2008]

Tom Wright was awesome tbh

[@roybaskerville3402]

What a fantastic game!

[@dawidmaree5002]

Felt that Marcus Smith was the best 10 of the weekend

[@phoenix1473]

Cheers Mark!

[@albertvanlingen7590]

Os du Randt also never celebrated when he scored a try so that's the same with Thomas "the tank" du Toit.

[@avi8ordude]

It’s appreciated, the old school embarrassment of scoring a try will never go out of fashion.

[@charlesvanonselen6251]

Mark I think you missed the honourable mention of Grant Williams when he replaced Jadon Hendrickse who was just crap. Suddenly the Bok play upped the tempo and it counted in the end. Thanks for your show, great as per usual!

[@kaden77777]

Mackenzie over Caleb Muntz? Hmmmm...thought Caleb Muntz was the best 10 performer

[@wouterswanepoel5753]

DMac did have a good one, but I tend to agree.

[@barneyboy2008]

Wales are rubbish

[@PSNrokothoko]

I'd have Smith personally, guy carried England on his back

[@seano4214]

Thought Smith had a better game when he dropped to full back. Agree Muntz had a great game.

[@speak_your_truth.]

Agree

[@chrisbosch1662]

Think stat of the weekend is all the SH teams won

[@CRUSHENGLISH]

Hi Mark, I've been following the Pumas for a long time. I don't think anyone has noticed Oviedo's workload. You should see his stuff from the Top 14. He gets everywhere!

[@the_katman2181]

I mostly agree with your selections. It's tough, because there were so many good games with so many standout plays. I thought Willie le Roux was good. I also thought, apart from two errant passes to Duhan, that Huw Jones had an excellent game for Scotland. If he carries this form on towards Lions selection time, we could even see a Scotland 12/13 combo there. I'm really looking forward Argentina taking on Ireland on the weekend. Obviously Ireland are firm favourites, but I reckon the Pumas might just fancy their chances. Should be a great game. As should the Boks vs England.

[@kropotkine9640]

I would have put Mauvaka as hooker with 8 carries (87 meters), 24 tackles completed, 3 defenders beaten and 1 try He played all game: at 51" he was replaced by Marchand but didn't leaved the field and shifted position to play in the back row

[@khumphrey86]

I would have slotted Gibson Park in at 9. He was everywhere in that match. Would also have given Am an honorable mention. He was a steadying presence in that mix-and-match backline.

[@shaunmahon3415]

I'd say Tom Jordan or Sione Tuipulotu were standouts for us 👍. One thing is for sure, it's certainly not going to be Duhi or Kinghorn because they were very anonymous as an attacking force!

[@CamusAl]

Like that compo!

[@Newgonz]

Marcus Smith, Ikitau and Tom Wright robbed here😅. Keep the good content coming 🙌🏽

[@speak_your_truth.]

Muntz and Tom Wright

[@ryanrussell8216]

Zander Fagerson. Zander was good for Scotland, to answer your question.

[@The_wolf_gamer]

should do all-star north v all-star south 3 game series would be so good backing on to the autumn nation games Also mckenzie played so well

[@lukemeyer3346]

Hi there, does anybody know how the crusaders rugby jersey fits? My normal size is a medium but thats with adidas and Nike. Should I size up or down with the classic?

[@DankMangus]

Where do you get your player stats from, Mark? I've been scouring the internet for a reliable source but I've had absolute zero luck. I even tried Bing!

[@dandreehlers9817]

Also want to know

[@notenoughstones3873]

He has probably signed up to Opta stats - you have to pay for it though.

[@kropotkine9640]

Search "Post match report: + the names of the teams" from "media six nations"

[@randomapples]

Noticed you said it in the review and this video... It was Eben and Zander, not Matt that were having a square go. Only reason I remember is cos I i noticed Eben trying to undo Zander's scrum cap 😂

[@thepremiumbeannunber1736]

Where do you fing the stats

[@cwp978]

Don't have your stats Mark but I think Fraser McReight was 🔥 for the aussies

[@subhuman119]

The Springboks milking penalties?? No way??

[@fighterinstinct2646]

If Caleb Muntz was fit for RWC, Fiji would have been playing Semis m- No Doubt! He's that good.

[@rogerpattube]

I only disagree on one that is the Australian number nine. What a blinder he had.

[@alexwagener4677]

weird stat question, how did we get the number 89% on amua's lineouts? what divisible is that?

[@alexwagener4677]

8/9.

[@amigosXcorrespondenc]

Having Dupont it's almost unfair haha.

[@Samizouza]

No argument there, especially with the stiff competition from the standouts

[@BeraVukialau]

The best 10 was Caleb Muntz the guy tear through Wales.

[@vaughantutty2227]

Dupont against Japan, can't compare seriously Japan sadly have fallen, yet we won against best team in world

[@caintindal1671]

Japan have to start playing in the Rugby Pacific with at least 3 to 4 teams to get themselves better again.

[@sqobamhlungujackson4786]

Too many french players in this team, they played against a 14th ranked japan.

[@josecastel7163]

Please can we have the world ranking vid soon lol

[@josephmadden6333]

ikitau got robbed haha unbelievable... to many frenchies

[@MisterPoppy-sc1sj]

Shut up 😂

[@Smegmalicious]

Please add bench players! We want more content

[@marcusbosch4325]

McKenIe was good - but no way he was better than Marcus Smith (and I’m certainly not an England fan)

[@WyndhamPGP]

Enjoy your analysis. Boks vs England- my pick (had to put it somewhere 😁) 1. Ox Nche 2. Marx 3. Thomas the tank 4. Eben 5. RG 6. Kolisi 7. PSDT 8. Wiese 9. Grant Smith 10. Libbok 11. Arendse 12. De Allende 13. Kriel 14. Cheslin 15. Fassi 16. Steenekamp 17. Bongi 18. Koch 19. Mostert 20. Elrich Louw 21. Hanekom 22. Pollard 23. Moodie

[@wouterswanepoel5753]

Who's Grant Smith? One of the water boys? 😉

[@WyndhamPGP]

@wouterswanepoel5753 Grant Williams, sorry 😞 😁

[@wouterswanepoel5753]

@@WyndhamPGP I was officially informed that Rassie wanted to field your team but, alas, Grant Smith was awol. 😂😂😂 Cheers mate.

[@seano4214]

Looks good. Thought Grant Williams got faster ball when he came on and changed the game for us a bit.

[@rileyfreeman9726]

I'd agree but RG is a key member of the Boks bomb squad and must stay there. With Libbok starting, you'd need someone like Kolbe goal kicking or opt for Hendrikse despite a poor performance, is a recognised goal kicker. Hanekom won't debut against England, he will likely debut against Wales. Bongi starts, you can't change that formidable bomb squad. The rest is good though. I like the inclusion of Moodie, who can cover wing and centre if needed however Rassie might go for Le Roux, experienced head off the bench to weather late game nerves.

[@eamonkelly36]

Nh are rusty simple as that bif difference next week 😅😅

[@atoms-to-atoms]

Bell making Malcolm Marx look pedestrian

[@Tomk79rhby]

Bell was immense 👍🏻 But you're comparing a prop to a hooker that have completely different roles.

[@atoms-to-atoms]

@@Tomk79rhby `im just try to provoke Marx for Eng game🤣

[@josephmadden6333]

fiinally i cant watch this type of content... lol im aussie

[@mirkus21]

Malia???

[@mirkus21]

Albornoz???

[@MakingMoneyyy857]

Australia winners of the week.....did i just say that....😅

[@rogerpattube]

I only disagree on one that is the Australian number nine. What a blinder he had. Made more breaks than George Gregan’s entire career!

[@footyfin]

Tate McDermott 👌

[@greenplasticgun]

du Toit lucky to get in there tbh

[@hannesbornman1045]

Nobody called the boks to win by more than 10, but now that they won by 17 everyone is disappointed? 4 tries against 0 away is as good as it gets in terms of result in my opinion. Yes there were too many errors, but that simply means the ceiling is even higher.

[@beejallison8283]

This week Wales gonna be desperate to win and will do anything and Gatland will turn it into a slugfest ..start Skelton put Williams on side for lineout put Bobby V at 8 and play it tight for the most Tupou due a big one smash them up front leave all ya pretty boys out wide to pounce when time is right

[@themartinlang]

McReight robbed here

[@barneyboy2008]

Lol. Only 2 players from the team that beat the former world no.1 team.

[@propellerhead428]

Not the French! All Blacks all the way.

[@MisterPoppy-sc1sj]

🤫

[@liquidrhinogaming3513]

love your videos... normally!! way off on the outside backs its pretty obvious.. you sir earn a dislike... love you though