The third round of the Nations Championship delivered everything from stunning debut performances to world-class displays from some of rugby\u2019s biggest stars.<\/p>\n
New Zealand\u2019s commanding victory over Ireland, South Africa\u2019s demolition of Wales, England\u2019s series-clinching win in Argentina and impressive performances from Australia, Scotland and France all produced plenty of standout candidates for selection.<\/p>\n
From Will Jordan\u2019s latest masterclass to Ardie Savea\u2019s inspirational display and England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso\u2019s two-try return, here is RUCK\u2019s Team of the Week after another unforgettable weekend of international rugby.<\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n Back Three<\/p>\n 15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 14. Jaco Williams (South Africa)<\/p>\n 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\u2019s final try before the break, before grabbing a deserved try of his own early in the second half. He wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)<\/p>\n 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\u2019s side secured another impressive victory in Argentina. His pace, footwork and power repeatedly troubled the Pumas\u2019 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\u2019s most dangerous attacking weapons.<\/p>\n Centres<\/p>\n 12. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)<\/p>\n Another reminder of why Barrett is one of the world\u2019s 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\u2019s try, Barrett barely put a foot wrong in another commanding All Blacks display.<\/p>\n 13. Stafford McDowall (Scotland)<\/p>\n Player of the Match was fully deserved. McDowall was at the heart of Scotland\u2019s second-half revival, carrying hard, organising those around him and throwing himself into everything defensively. His work often goes unnoticed because it isn\u2019t always spectacular, but performances like this underline just how valuable he has become to Gregor Townsend\u2019s side.<\/p>\n Half-backs<\/p>\n 10. Declan Meredith (Australia)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 9. Maxime Lucu (France)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Maxime Lucu gets the bonus point try! \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\udfc6<\/p>\n Superb from the skipper. He is fast becoming a world-class operator and the definitive heartbeat of this French side \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/Skm91fYnse<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n