The 2025 autumn internationals delivered intense match-ups and timely reminders of who the leading nations are, with South Africa and England emerging as the standout performers. And now, data analysts Opta have named their Team of the Autumn — based purely on numbers.
World champions South Africa continued to look powerful and unbeaten, while England enjoyed their best run under Steve Borthwick, winning all four of their matches and climbing to third in the world. Argentina also impressed by pushing England close on the final weekend. In contrast, Australia endured a tour to forget, failing to win in Europe for the first time in 67 years.
Across November, 14 clashes between Six Nations and Rugby Championship teams produced some excellent individual displays. Opta’s performance index has now selected a statistical XV — and it features three Springboks, four Englishmen and stars from six nations.
Back three: Jordan headlines
All Blacks full-back Will Jordan retains his reputation as one of the sport’s most dangerous runners, adding two more tries to move within touching distance of New Zealand’s all-time record. England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso earns a spot after powerful carrying numbers, while Argentina’s Mateo Carreras led the charts for metres gained and defenders beaten.
Midfield: De Allende dominates again
French centre Nicolas Depoortere and South Africa’s Damian de Allende form a destructive pairing. De Allende remains among the best at breaking the gainline and dragging defenders with him.
Half-backs: Reinach and rising star
Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu gets the No.10 shirt after finishing as November’s highest points-scorer. At scrum-half, Cobus Reinach impressed with his sniping runs, support play and smart kicking.
Front row: Bell, Ashman and Heyes
Australia’s Angus Bell leads all props for metres and line breaks, while Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman topped the try-scoring charts. England tight-head Joe Heyes is rewarded for faultless scrummaging and a huge work-rate.
Engine room: Itoje stands tall
England captain Maro Itoje posted remarkable tackling numbers — 61 made, only one missed — and hit more than 100 rucks. New Zealand’s Fabian Holland, World Rugby’s breakthrough star, joins him after dominating defensive line-outs.
Back row: Baird, McReight, Earl
Ireland’s Ryan Baird excelled before injury, Australia’s Fraser McReight led everyone for turnovers, and England No.8 Ben Earl topped the carries tally while showcasing power in defence.
Opta’s Team of the Autumn
15 Jordan (NZ)
14 Feyi-Waboso (Eng)
13 Depoortere (Fra)
12 De Allende (SA)
11 Carreras (Arg)
10 Feinberg-Mngomezulu (SA)
9 Reinach (SA)
1 Bell (Aus)
2 Ashman (Sco)
3 Heyes (Eng)
4 Itoje (Eng)
5 Holland (NZ)
6 Baird (Ire)
7 McReight (Aus)
8 Earl (Eng)
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