Sacha-time: Our Quilter Nations Series team of the weekend

From Paris to Udine, Cardiff to Edinburgh, it was a Quilter Nations Series weekend that showcased the quality and depth of Test rugby heading into 2026.

The usual stars delivered, but there were also standout efforts from players still carving their place in the international hierarchy.

Here’s a look at the form XV based off their Quilter Nations Series performances this weekend.

1. Ellis Genge
Captaining England in Maro Itoje’s absence, Genge led with intent. His defensive effort set the tone — 13 tackles before being withdrawn just after the hour — and his close-range try came at a key moment. Scrummaging wasn’t perfect, but the standard of opposition earned him the nod over Andrew Porter.

2. Malcolm Marx
Boy, he was fired up! Marx’s work at the breakdown and his accuracy at the lineout gave South Africa control in the key exchanges. Carried hard, tackled harder, and once again reminded everyone of just how good he is.

3. Pedro Delgado
A strong outing from the Argentine tighthead. Scored in Cardiff as Los Pumas ran riot and anchored the scrum well against a Welsh pack that struggled for parity. Physical, direct and increasingly assured at this level. Tackled like a Dogo Argentino on his own line.

4. Niccolò Cannone
Central to Italy’s upset win over Australia. Carried repeatedly into contact, disrupted Wallaby ball, and was reliable in the lineout. A performance built on work rate and precision rather than flash.

5. Josh Lord
Stepped in for Scott Barrett and did so with composure. Claimed everything thrown at him in the lineout and his break to set up Cam Roigard’s try showcased his athleticism. A solid, understated display that strengthened his All Blacks credentials.

6. Gregor Brown
A major positive for Scotland despite defeat. Brown’s defensive effort was outstanding — 17 tackles in total, including a vital one on Tupaea — and he offered a steady lineout option. Growing quickly into an important figure in Townsend’s pack.

7. Ben Earl
England’s most consistent forward at the moment. Switched to openside and continued to lead defensively and in the carry count. His pace and work rate kept England on the front foot.

8. Jasper Wiese
A commanding display from the Bok No.8. Carried with intent, topped the carry charts, and provided the physical edge South Africa built their game around. One of his most complete Test performances. Edged Chandler Cunningham-South for the No.8 shirt.

9. Cobus Reinach
Produced the moment of the match with a break, chip and regather for a solo try. Managed tempo well and kept South Africa composed when down to 14. A veteran performance full of composure, aggression and spark.

10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Not everything came off, but there was enough to underline his potential. Assured when moved to fullback, where his pace and handling stood out. The offload to Kolbe nearly came off, and his break linking with Libbok showed what he’s capable of when given space.

11. Mateo Carreras
Constantly dangerous with ball in hand and the sharpest attacker on the field. Set up Argentina’s second try with a deft chip ahead before finishing superbly himself just before half-time.

12. Sione Tuipulotu
Led by example once more. Sixteen carries, strong defence, and a constant source of go-forward ball. A reliable presence who rarely dips below a high standard. Pips Joshua Tuisvoa to the post – a yellow card besmirching the Fijian’s efforts.

13. Ollie Lawrence
Marked his return to the Test stage with a reminder of his power and footwork. Carried with intent and made the break that led to England’s third try. Showed glimpses of the form that made him a key figure before injury.

14. Henry Arundell
Electric from the moment he touched the ball after being sprung from the bench. Took his try superbly and looked confident in the air. His combination of pace and finishing instinct makes him hard to leave out. Gets the nod over Italy’s Louis Lynagh.

15. Thomas Ramos
Classy and composed, even in defeat. His cross-field kick for Penaud’s try was inch-perfect and his goal-kicking remains among the best in the world. Covered the backfield well and handled France’s exit work under pressure with assurance. Beats Will Jordan to the fullback jersey, who had a few too many wobbles under the highball.