Few players looked as composed as Damian Willemse, who Planet Rugby noted was central to South Africa’s ability to settle themselves amid Dublin’s intensity. His try, aerial security and calm decision-making under sustained pressure were the kind of touches that separate good fullbacks from great ones.

In Paris, Thomas Ramos managed the bizarre snowy conditions with smart positioning and clean handling. Freddie Steward again offered England structured solidity at the back, while Ruben Love and Max Jorgensen delivered the kind of low-error performances coaches love.

On the wing, Tom Rogers earns recognition for a hat-trick against the All Blacks—a rare, almost surreal feat even in defeat. England’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and New Zealand’s Will Jordan both produced the kind of sharp finishing that suggests their ceilings remain high.

At centre, Nicolas Depoortere’s two-try outing extended a breakout month for the young Frenchman. England’s Henry Slade provided craft and control in what may have been his best Test in years. And South Africa’s Jesse Kriel, as Planet Rugby reported, again imposed himself defensively.

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Midfield engines and attacking directors

England’s Max Ojomoh delivered the performance that, as Planet Rugby described, felt like a true step into full Test maturity—one try, two assists, and plenty of confident involvements around the ball. Argentina’s Justo Piccardo remained consistent, and Kalvin Gourgues continued to justify the hype surrounding him in Toulouse.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey collected two tries and an assist on his way to player of the match honours, showing both speed and savvy in broken play. Caleb Clarke’s direct running troubled Wales repeatedly, and Monty Ioane looked more like his old self for Italy.

George Ford managed England’s attack with the clarity of someone who sees the match half a beat earlier than everyone else. South Africa’s Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu flashed potential, and Scotland’s Fergus Burke delivered a tidy performance that suggests more to come.

Playmakers, link men and heavy lifters

Cobus Reinach continued the form that has made him indispensable, notching both a try and an assist. England’s Ben Spencer pushed him hard, while Scotland’s Ben White added tempo at Murrayfield.

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At No.8, Magnus Bradbury narrowly edged Jasper Wiese in what Planet Rugby called one of the weekend’s toughest selections. Wallace Sititi again showcased why New Zealand are investing in him, Lorenzo Cannone remained central to Italy’s platform, and Kwagga Smith offered his trademark spark off the bench.

On the flank, Ben Earl—shifted here for balance—posted 23 tackles and crucial breakdown contributions in one of the weekend’s stat-sheet highlights. Oscar Jegou, Josh van der Flier, Siya Kolisi, and Jamie Ritchie were all influential in tightly contested matches.

Forwards who set the tone

Pieter-Steph du Toit delivered yet another all-action performance, blending industry with impact. Argentina’s Juan Martin Gonzalez wasn’t far behind, and England’s Guy Pepper continued his upward trajectory with another physically disruptive outing. Ireland’s Cian Prendergast and Ryan Baird offered tireless support in what was a fractured contest.

One of the weekend’s standout defensive displays came from Warner Dearns, who Planet Rugby highlighted as a commanding presence in Japan’s dramatic win in Tbilisi. Alex Coles, Emmanuel Meafou, and Ruan Nortje all made strong cases, but Scott Barrett’s durability nudged him ahead for the No.4 shirt.

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Front-row enforcers

In the scrum battle in Dublin, Thomas du Toit set the tone early and never let go, edging England’s Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Wilco Louw for a place in this XV.

World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx celebrated his title with a bruising, high-effort performance, while Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Turner contributed relentless work for their respective nations.

At loosehead, Boan Venter rounds out an all-Springbok front row. Angus Bell, Ellis Genge, Jean-Baptiste Gros, and Gerhard Steenekamp all had compelling moments, but Venter’s blend of power and defensive contribution made the difference.

What this weekend tells us

Beyond individual excellence, the weekend revealed a few emerging patterns: South Africa’s depth in the forwards remains unmatched, England’s young midfield options are suddenly making things interesting, France’s backline threats continue to multiply, and several Tier 2 nations—Japan especially—showed a willingness to chase wins rather than simply survive matches.

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If this was a preview of the coming month, we’re in for more chaos—and more brilliant performances to sift through.

Team of the Week (Final XV)

• Fullback: Damian Willemse (South Africa)
• Right Wing: Tom Rogers (Wales)
• Outside Centre: Nicolas Depoortere (France)
• Inside Centre: Max Ojomoh (England)
• Left Wing: Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
• Fly-Half: George Ford (England)
• Scrum-Half: Cobus Reinach (South Africa)
• Number Eight: Magnus Bradbury (Scotland)
• Openside Flanker: Ben Earl (England)
• Blindside Flanker: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
• Lock: Warner Dearns (Japan)
• Lock: Scott Barrett (New Zealand)
• Tighthead Prop: Thomas du Toit (South Africa)
• Hooker: Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
• Loosehead Prop: Boan Venter (South Africa)

Sources: Planet Rugby reporting.

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