In Form Players to Watch this Weekend

In Form Players to Watch this Weekend

The November Tests kick off this weekend with New Zealand facing Japan in the opening test of the weekend before USA and the Maori All Blacks clash complete a fantastic weekend of rugby.


Ahead of the weekend's action, we take a look at some of the form players set to feature this weekend:

Dalton Papali'i - New Zealand

The 20-year-old Blues loose forward starts on his test debut this weekend against Japan. He was in excellent form for the Blues at the end of this season before kicking on and helping Auckland to the Mitre 10 Cup Final - which he missed to link up with the All Blacks.

The youngster is excellent over the ball, hits players hard in the tackle and is an exciting runner.


Kenki Fukuoka - Japan

The 26-year-old flyer was excellent for the Wild Knights during the Top League season and continued that fine form against the World XV last weekend.


He scored a superb try and threatened the defence every time he got the ball.

He faces off against Nehe Milner-Skudder who will know how dangerous the winger is after he left the All Black grasping at his ankles last weekend.

Gareth Anscombe - Wales

Anscombe has earned a starting role for Wales after a stellar run of form for Cardiff Blues. 

He was extremely impressive against Lyon scoring 20 points, gaining over 100 running metres and scored this brilliant solo try:


Adam Hastings -Scotland

With Finn Russell unavailable for the clash on Saturday, Glasgow Warriors form no.10 has been handed the starting jersey for the clash.

He has impressed in every game for Glasgow so far this season grabbing 6 try assists and a try for himself in the PRO14.

With Hastings and Anscombe both in fine form the head to head battle between the pair promises to be a thrilling one.

Maro Itoje - England

Itoje packs down at lock for England against the Springboks this weekend but the 23-year-old was outstanding for Saracens on the side of the scrum in the Champions Cup.

He made 23 tackles and 15 carries over the two games but it was his work in the tight that made him so effective.

He has been winning turnover after turnover for Saracens and currently leads the way in turnovers won in the Premiership. 



Pieter-Steph du Toit - South Africa

Du Toit was a big part of the Springboks Rugby Championship campaign this year featuring predominantly on the side of the scrum.

He topped the tackles made in the competition with 83 - 24 of those tackles coming in the win over New Zealand.

He was also aggresive with ball in hand and a solid lineout option for the Boks throughout the competition. 

Joey Carbery - Ireland

Carbery has enjoyed a fine start to his career at Munster and will look continue that form against Italy in the no.10 jersey.

He has scored 66 points so far in 8 games for the men in red including three tries.

His attacking instinct is further highlighted with his 5 try assists.

Johan Meyer - Italy 

The South African born forward has earned his call up to the Italian squad after a strong start to the season with Zebre.

He averages just shy of 10 carries and tackles per match and has already gained 158 running meteres and scored 1 try.

Meyer's versatility is another asset to the Italian squad with his ability to play across the back row.

Akira Ioane - Maori All Blacks

Even Maori All Blacks coach Clayton McMillan was shocked to learn that he would have Akira Ioane at his disposal this November.

The powerful no.8 has been nothing short of sensational for the Blues and Auckland this year and can't be too far away from making his test debut.

Ioane is incredibly difficult to bring to ground and was a vital part of the Auckland side that won the Mitre 10 Cup.

Cameron Dolan - USA

Plying his trade at Championship side Nottingham, Dolan is an extremely hard worker and is expected to front up against Akira Ioane in the final test of the weekend.

Dolan was outstanding for USA during the June Internationals and scored a brace in game against their rivals Canada.

In this Article

Latest News