With the November internationals kicking off in just under four weeks, we look at five players set to shine.
Do you agree with our choices?
MARO ITOJE (ENGLAND)
One of the stand-out stars of the year, Maro Itoje has been a colossus for England since his debut against Italy in February.
The 21-year-old may only have seven England caps but his towering line-out presence and voracious work-rate has made him one of the Eddie Jones’ key men.
He boasts one of the best CV’s from the calendar year with a Six Nations winners medal, historic series win in Australia, and Aviva Premiership and Challenge Cup titles with Saracens.
Expect Itoje to be nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year next month.
BEAUDEN BARRETT (NEW ZEALAND)
The best player in the world at the moment?
Beauden Barrett has stepped into the coveted number ten jersey with little fuss and showed glimpses of his outstanding ability that suggests he could be a better player than Dan Carter.
The 25-year-old still has trouble with his kicking game but his ability to eye gaps and deliver cleverly weighed passes has seen him evolve into one of the game’s influential figures.
Scored four tries and assisted seven in the All Blacks’ six unbeaten Rugby Championship games.
MICHAEL HOOPER (AUSTRALIA)
Despite an inconsistent summer series against England, Michael Hooper will be a crucial figure for Australia when they take on Wales and France next month.
The 24-year-old has been a constant source of inspiration for the Wallabies and his work in the wider channels is always a major threat.
Underlined his world class ability in Australia’s recent wins over Argentina and South Africa.
RHYS WEBB (WALES)
The Ospreys star offers terrific pace around the base of the scrum and has the ability to bring players into the game from any attack.
Outclassed by Aaron Smith in June, Webb will be looking to redeem himself with one eye on the Lions tour in New Zealand next summer, where many feel he’ll rival Conor Murray for the number nine jersey.
November is his chance to impress when he faces Will Genia and Faf de Klerk – two players who’ve come off the back of competitive Tests in the Rugby Championship.
If Warren Gatland’s men are to have a successful autumn campaign, then Webb is one of the marquee names they’ll be looking towards for innovation.
JARED PAYNE (IRELAND)
Solid in the tackle and always a threat going forward, the Ulsterman is a major force for Ireland alongside Rob Henshaw in the middle.
The 30-year-old gives Joe Schmidt’s side a lot of ball on the front foot and has the ability to threaten opposition defences with and without the ball.
Payne has a knack for catching opposition attackers behind the gain line and, coupled with his strong offloading ability, is a superb asset to any starting line-up.
