This weekend’s Autumn Nations Series is made up almost entirely of matches expected to be decided by razor-thin margins, which leaves room for some great games for fans of neutral teams and top-flight teams.
Many of these games have at least two key matchups that are likely to be important, and here are the top 10 player matchups to watch this weekend.
Joseph Suaali v Olly Lawrence (England v Australia)
Joseph Sua’ali’i is set to make his rugby union debut for Australia when they face England in the Autumn Nations Series.
Those familiar with the NRL will know all about the talent and athleticism he possesses. Although starting at center might come as a bit of a surprise to many, he certainly looks better suited as a full-back or even a winger.
The clash with Ollie Lawrence, who produced a meek attack and solid defense against the All Blacks, will be a real test for Joseph as to whether the Australian rugby team made the right decision in bringing him in.
Lawrence himself will be hoping to perform well enough to remain in contention for next week’s Springboks clash, with his recent average performances potentially holding him back from the start.
Chandler Cunningham-South v Rob Ballettini (England v Australia)
Chandler Cunningham-South put in a tremendous defensive performance against New Zealand, the country he grew up in.
This link with New Zealand means he will be highly motivated to produce another strong performance against his Bledisloe Cup opponents.
He will face a stern test in the form of Brumbies star Rob Valetini, who recently became the third player to win back-to-back John Eales medals.
Originally named number 8, he was moved into the side after an injury and it will be a bit of a defense vs attack situation against Cunningham-South and it will be interesting to see which one comes out on top.
Bundy Aki v Jody Barrett (Ireland v New Zealand)
Two of the best centers in world rugby are set to clash under the lights on Friday night in Dublin, and the game is guaranteed to be largely decided by who comes out on top in this battle.
Jordie Barrett’s kicks are very important and he needs to make sure he doesn’t miss a tackle. This is because Bundee Aki line breaks are important in this game due to the tight nature of the game.
Aki will be the man the Irish look to for motivation, so having Barrett on his A game will be important to give the entire team pause.
Caelan Doris v Ardie Savea (Ireland v New Zealand)
Ireland’s new captain Caelan Doris has undergone a rigorous test at eight, while Ardie Savea is the All Blacks’ opposite number.
Savea had a very strong performance against England, and his athleticism makes him a difficult task to defend for anyone.
A natural leader and exceptional player, Caelan knows his fight is one of the key battles of the match and will do his best to eliminate all danger and will have to match Savea’s trademark tempo to stand a chance. so.
The physicality and talent on display in this fight will be unmatched over the weekend.
Max Llewellyn v Waisea Nayacalevu (Wales v Fiji)
Max Llewellyn is embarking on an international career. The 25-year-old has played just one senior Test for Wales, but after a dazzling start to the season for free-scoring Gloucester, Gatland rolled the dice on starting Max next. 13.
He will face Waisea Nayacalevu of Sale Sharks. The much more experienced Fijian has had a slow start to the season and has struggled to break into the Sharks’ line-up due to injuries.
This match-up will be one of experience versus inexperience, and Waisea will be hoping that the saying ‘Form is temporary, class is eternal’ applies to the Principality.
Tomos Williams v Frank Romani (Wales v Fiji)
Another Gloucester player who has shone this season is Tomos Williams, with the scrum-half forming a strong partnership with Gareth Anscombe, who also starts for Wales.
Standing in his way is Frank Lomani of Fijian Drua. The 23-year-old needs to dust himself off and get back on his feet after a poor performance against Scotland last time out.
If Williams is fit, it could be a tough day for Romani and Fiji.
Finn Russell v Handre Pollard (Scotland v South Africa)
Finn Russell’s return to international duty after missing the Fiji game will be a huge boost for Scotland, but dealing with Handre Pollard is no easy task for even the best players.
Russell’s Bath side have already beaten Pollard’s Leicester Tigers this season, but the South African has been sidelined through injury and that has been the story of his season so far.
Two world-class players, who many believe are the best at their positions, will aim to prove why they are superior to the other.
Hugh Jones v Andre Esterhuizen (Scotland v South Africa)
Andre Esterhuizen has been mocking South African players playing for Scotland by beating a drum ahead of their matches.
Perhaps this dig is not entirely aimed at Edinburgh-born Huw Jones, but given that Jones spent his early adult years playing rugby in South Africa before returning to England, the comments may have irritated him a bit.
Either way, it’s bound to be a fireworks display when a player goes up against a country he has a big connection with, and when he goes up against a man who has insulted many of his teammates.
Luis Lina v Rodrigo Isgro (Italy v Argentina)
A battle of Harlequins past and present awaits in Italy against Argentina, with Louis Lynagh welcoming his replacement on the wing in Rodrigo Isgro.
Many Quins fans were heartbroken after Lynagh left to join Benetton, but this heartbreak will soon be forgotten following Isgro’s outstanding performance to start the season.
Isgro, a former seven-time World Player of the Year, has taken to Premiership rugby like a duck to water, and going toe-to-toe with his predecessor will provide a good indication of how good he is and whether Quins are an upgrade.
Juan Cruz Mallia (Argentina, Italy) by Ange Capuozzo
Toulouse teammates Juan Cruz Mallia and Ange Capuozzo face each other in their respective countries.
Top 14 table toppers Toulouse have had a very strong start to the season. Both played outside fullback for most of the season, Mallia at flyhalf and Capuozzo on the wing.
It will be a battle of adaptation as both play out of their usual positions, and if they spark up on Saturday, their return to club rugby could be an awkward one.
Ange has been on better form for the club, scoring five tries in nine games.
Read more: England vs Australia Match Preview
