RugbyDump's 2024 Autumn Nations Series Dream Team

Waving goodbye to sunlight was only the second most depressing thing rugby fans in the Northern Hemisphere have had to do this week.

Sitting in our living rooms, staring into the abyss like Pablo Escobar on the run, international rugby fans will now need to wait until the Six Nations to get their fix. Of course, the Investec Champions Cup returns this week, but in reality, nothing quite hits as hard as two nations going to battle for eighty minutes.

Alas, enough with our self-loathing; as the great Andy Bernard said, “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” 

In rugby terms, there can be little argument that we are firmly in the good days, with the international game being more competitive than at any point in history. Proving this point once again in November, rugby fans were treated to some out-of-this-world clashes and individual performances. Thus, selecting our team for the series was not an easy job, but someone had to do it, right? So without further ado, here is RugbyDump’s 2024 Autumn Nations Series Dream Team.

1. Ox Nche – South Africa
Undeniably the best scrummaging loosehead in World Rugby, the Sharks star had a stellar November on the back of a super Rugby Championship. Sitting firmly in that sweet spot for props at 29-years-old, Nche is at the beginning of his peak and will be a pivotal character for the Boks over the next five years. Runner-up: Andrew Porter- Ireland 

2. Julian Montoya – Argentina
Leading his nation to their best-ever Rugby Championship before enjoying a mixed bag in the Autumn, Montoya was the stand-out hooker this November. Operating a top-notch line-out and managing a rather hit-and-miss scrum, the veteran is the perfect field general for head coach Felipe Contepomi. Runner-up: Peato Mauvaka – France

3. Zander Fagerson – Scotland
Scotland’s tighthead is quietly their most important player in a world where the likes of Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, and Duhan van der Merwe hog the headlines. Getting through a mountain of work on a weekly basis, the gap between Fagerson and the other Scottish tightheads is significant. Such has been his form that he is now in a direct shootout with Tadhg Furlong for the Lions’ number three shirt. Runner-up: 
Tyrel Lomax – New Zealand 

4. Eben Etzebeth – South Africa
What more can be written about the greatest ever Springbok that hasn’t already been written? Dominating opponents on this tour, notably England scrumhalf Jack van Poortvliet who he tormented at ruck time. Etzebeth is central to everything the Boks do well as a wreck shop operator. Runner-up: Joe McCarthy – Ireland 

5. Pedro Rubiolo – Argentina
Among a handful of immensely impressive Los Pumas forwards, the versatile soon-to-be Bristol Bear has the potential to be the best lock in the world. Despite being just 21 years old, he was one of Argentina’s top performers, most notably against Ireland, where he made a whopping 21 tackles (3 dominant) and 7 carries. He was also a menace at line-out time. Runner-up: Franco Mostert – South Africa

6. Wallace Sititi – New Zealand
Hands down the breakthrough player of 2024, the All Blacks’ backrow took like a duck to water at test level. Bringing a hard edge to the All Blacks’ pack to go with his subtle skills and pace, Sititi fully justified Scott Robertson’s faith in him. Runner-up: Chandler Cunningham-South – England 

7. Josh van der Flier – Ireland
Ireland’s best player in November, the former World Player Of The Year, edges out the mightily impressive Pieter-Steph Du Toit. Scoring key tries, winning big-time turnovers and adding another layer to his carrying game, the 31-year-old remains at the peak of his powers. Runner-up: Pieter-Steph Du Toit – South Africa

8. Caelen Doris – Ireland
Ireland’s skipper is growing nicely into his new role following a rather tricky start where referees refused to engage with him. Once again, Doris was consistently excellent outside of the All Blacks test, where the full Irish side looked rusty and out of sorts. Against Argentina and Australia he took the fight to the opposition and was key in getting his side over the line. Runner-up: Joaquin Oviedo 

9. Cam Roigard – New Zealand
Certainly worth the hype, Roigard’s return from injury was a major boost for the All Blacks. Offering a pinpoint and rapid service from the breakdown to go with his exceptional kicking game and sniping threat, the 24-year-old outshone Antoine Dupont in the duo’s head-to-head. Prior to the match in Paris, he had offered a crucial impact from the bench against Ireland and England in two fixtures which could’ve gone either way. Runner-up: Antoine Dupont – France

10. Thomas Ramos – France
Taking the mantle as first choice flyhalf this November, France’s normal fullback made it look all too easy. Linking up perfectly with clubmate Antoine Dupont, Ramos pulled the strings masterfully as he facilitated the French attacking game. Defensively, he was rock solid, and as ever, from the kicking tee, he was exceptional. Runner-up: Tomos Albornoz – Argentina 

11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey – France
French Rugby’s newest superstar might just be the fastest player in test rugby in 2024. Edging his battle with the All Blacks back three, his pace was on full display as he left Sevu Reece for dead en route to a superb game-changing try. Defensively, the Bordeaux star is so intelligent as he overcomes his slighter figure to land well-timed shots that leave a lasting impact. Runner-up: Kurt-Lee Arendse – South Africa

12. Sione Tuipulotu – Scotland
Scotland’s skipper is looking every bit a British and Irish lion and would now appear to be the clear favourite in the twelve shirt. Bringing a direct approach to Scotland’s fast and loose attacking game, Tuipulotu is now the pivot point with which his teammates revolve. Away from his strong carries and big hits in defence, the 27-year-old takes the load off Finn Russell with his underrated kicking game and top-notch passing game. Runner-up: Damian De Allende – South Africa 

13. Jesse Kriel – South Africa
Few players have enjoyed a career renaissance quite like the Bok centre, who went from being a clear second choice behind Lukhanyo Am to being one of the first names on the team sheet for the big matches. Adding a new layer of subtle skills to his exceptional strike running game, Kriel’s ability to expose the edges of defences sets up the Bok outside backs for success. Defensively, his ability to make the right read is crucial to South Africa’s heralded blitz defence. Runner-up: Robbie Henshaw – Ireland 

14. Cheslin Kolbe – South Africa
Unlucky not to be named World Player Of The Year, Kolbe proved unequivocally this year that he is the best outside back in World Rugby. Bringing a physical presence that belies his stature, the 31-year-old’s ability to cover in defence allows his team to take calculated risks with their hard-line speed. In attack, his rugby IQ is off the charts, and this was never more evident than his clever little step on Freddie Steward at Twickenham. Runner-up: Mark Tele’a

15. Tom Wright – Australia
Previously considered surplus to requirements by Eddie Jones, Wright is now far and away the first-choice fullback for Joe Schmidt. Rewarding his new coach’s faith with consistently exceptional performances, Wright marshalls the Wallabies backfield with authority. On the offensive side, Wright’s pace and eye for a gap as a strike runner make the Australians dangerous from anywhere on the pitch. Runner-up: Will Jordan – New Zealand