The third round of the Nations Championship delivered everything from stunning debut performances to world-class displays from some of rugby’s biggest stars.
New Zealand’s commanding victory over Ireland, South Africa’s demolition of Wales, England’s series-clinching win in Argentina and impressive performances from Australia, Scotland and France all produced plenty of standout candidates for selection.
From Will Jordan’s latest masterclass to Ardie Savea’s inspirational display and England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s two-try return, here is RUCK’s Team of the Week after another unforgettable weekend of international rugby.
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Back Three
15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
Every time Jordan wears the black jersey he seems to find the scoresheet. Ireland tested him physically early on, sending plenty of traffic down his channel, but he never looked flustered. He punished an Irish mistake for New Zealand’s third try before producing an excellent take from the second-half restart to immediately put the All Blacks back on the front foot. Clinical as ever.
14. Jaco Williams (South Africa)
What a way to announce yourself on the Test stage. Williams looked completely at home on his Springbok debut, with his rise drawing comparisons to Makazole Mapimpi for good reason. The electric winger soared above the Welsh defence to win the aerial contest that led to South Africa’s final try before the break, before grabbing a deserved try of his own early in the second half. He wasn’t finished there either, producing the final pass for Herschel Jantjies to score. A dream debut from a player who looks destined for a big future in green and gold.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
Feyi-Waboso reminded everyone exactly what England have missed. The explosive Exeter Chiefs wing was a constant threat whenever he touched the ball, finishing brilliantly for two well-taken tries as Steve Borthwick’s side secured another impressive victory in Argentina. His pace, footwork and power repeatedly troubled the Pumas’ defence, while his work off the ball ensured he was always in position to make an impact. A ruthless finishing display from one of England’s most dangerous attacking weapons.
Centres
12. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
Another reminder of why Barrett is one of the world’s premier inside centres. His kicking relieved pressure, his aerial ability gave Ireland few opportunities to compete and his defensive reads were outstanding throughout. Aside from one handling error that led to Joe McCarthy’s try, Barrett barely put a foot wrong in another commanding All Blacks display.
13. Stafford McDowall (Scotland)
Player of the Match was fully deserved. McDowall was at the heart of Scotland’s second-half revival, carrying hard, organising those around him and throwing himself into everything defensively. His work often goes unnoticed because it isn’t always spectacular, but performances like this underline just how valuable he has become to Gregor Townsend’s side.
Half-backs
10. Declan Meredith (Australia)
Meredith looked far more settled than in previous outings. Playing behind a dominant Wallabies pack certainly helped, but he deserves plenty of credit for controlling territory, making sensible decisions and asking questions of the Italian defence whenever he took the ball to the line. A hugely encouraging performance from the young fly-half.
9. Maxime Lucu (France)
Lucu continues to prove why France lose so little when Antoine Dupont is unavailable. The experienced scrum-half controlled proceedings superbly, keeping France calm whenever Japan threatened to build momentum. His clever try from close range highlighted his rugby IQ, while his accurate goal-kicking rounded off another classy all-round display.
Maxime Lucu gets the bonus point try! 🇫🇷🏆
Superb from the skipper. He is fast becoming a world-class operator and the definitive heartbeat of this French side 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Skm91fYnse
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 18, 2026