Five Players who stood out in Friday's Test Action
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Following Friday's two late kick-offs at Murrayfield and St James' Park, we have picked out five players who stood out above the rest.
ICYMI: See our Winners & Losers from the Springboks win over Japan here
Mark Wilson - England
Eddie Jones is truly spoilt for choice when it comes to his back row options for the Rugby World!
Lewis Ludlam, Courtney Lawes, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill all impressed on the side of the scrum with Billy Vunipola anchoring the scrum at no.8.
But Mark Wilson was yet to make his mark until the final warm-up in his own backyard, and he certainly made his presence known!
Mark Wilson was incredible today 🤯
0⃣7⃣ Carries 👊
0⃣5⃣ Defenders Beaten 🔥
5⃣1⃣ Running Metres 💨
0⃣3⃣ Clean Breaks 🏃♂️
2⃣7⃣ Tackles 💪
0⃣1⃣ Tackle Missed ❌@EnglandRugby Fans' man of the match 🏅 #ENGvITA pic.twitter.com/mRbQbjXO6t
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 6, 2019
Wilson was outstanding on both sides of the ball and has certainly put himself right back in the mix for a starting role.
Who would you start in England's back row? Let us know on twitter:
Who should be England's first-choice back row at #RWC2019? 🤔
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 6, 2019
Darcy Graham - Scotland
Another super performance from the young winger as he scored and assisted a try in Scotland's 36-9 win over Georgia.
He linked up well on attack and managed to beat two defenders. He also kept his width well to stretch the Georgian defence and overall he was brilliant.
That final flick pass from Graham 🤤pic.twitter.com/VpdPG1vWBH
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 6, 2019
Soso Matiashvili - Georgia
Soso Matiashvili was a shining light in another disappointing evening for Georgia as Scotland went two from two against the Tier two side.
He was lethal on attack making over 90 running metres and managed to beat eight defenders.
However, his efforts were in vain as Scotland claimed a comfortable victory.
Ben Youngs - England
Youngs bounced back from a poor performance against Ireland, by his standards, to produce a man of the match one against Italy as England wrapped up their preparations for the World Cup.
He scored a try, assisted another and looked calm, controlled and dominate throughout the game.
A really solid performance that will calm some England fans nerves after Jones named just two scrum-halves to travel to Japan.
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Ben Youngs v Italy 📊
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 6, 2019
7⃣3⃣ Passes
0⃣8⃣ Kicks
0⃣8⃣ Carries
3⃣3⃣ Running metres
0⃣1⃣ Try Assist
0⃣1⃣ Try
Man of the match 👏 #ENGvITA pic.twitter.com/s6QhbkBXaA
Joe Marchant - England
With Henry Slade still not fit to feature for England, Joe Marchant has been afforded an extended run in the England squad despite missing out in the 31-man squad to head to Japan.
The Quins centre has certainly made the most of his opportunities as he put in a convincing performance against Italy.
Defensively, he was solid but it was really on attack where he made his mark racking up 81 running metres beating 10 defenders and run a super line to score his first test try.
That line from @JoeMarchant96 🔥👌#ENGvITA pic.twitter.com/laUB03hj4c
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 6, 2019
One thing Eddie Jones will know is that if Henry Slade isn't fit to go to Japan he does have a handy replacement who is ready to slot in.