Autumn Nations Series | Best of Social: Debutants delight, McLean steps and Barrett milestone

by Andy Baber

Two high-scoring games launched the Autumn Nations Series in style on Saturday and social media was abuzz as New Zealand and Scotland put on a show.

Scotland got the action underway with an emphatic display against Tonga, scoring ten tries at BT Murrayfield as Gregor Townsend’s men ran out 60-14 winners in Edinburgh.

McLean takes to Test rugby like a duck to water

South African-born wing Kyle Steyn stole the headlines for the hosts on his first international start by becoming the first Scotland player to score four tries in a match for 26 years.

Kyle Steyn becomes only the 5th @Scotlandteam man to score four tries in a test, after George Lindsay in 1887, Bill Stewart in 1913, Ian Smith (twice) in 1925 and Gavin Hastings in 1995. Lucy Millard also scored four twice for the Women’s team in 2009!

— Stuart Farmer (@Stu_Farmer) October 30, 2021

His performance certainly impressed fellow Glasgow Warriors teammate George Horne, who took to Twitter to praise his friend for his historic Player of the Match display.

What a treat seeing fans back at BT Murrayfield today and the boys put on a show. Congrats to all the new caps 🙌 and what about my big mate @kylesteyn ..?? couldn’t stop smiling watching him carve it up today. Can’t think of anyone who deserves it more than you pal! ❤️⚡️

— George Horne (@george_horne10) October 30, 2021

Steyn emulated Gavin Hastings’ four scores against Ivory Coast at the 1995 World Cup but he became the first Scottish player to achieve the feat at BT Murrayfield.

The first man to notch four tries in a test match at @BTMurrayfield.

Outstanding, @kylesteyn 👑 pic.twitter.com/DvAN7gJvxF

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) October 30, 2021

Scotland certainly gave those watching on in Edinburgh plenty of entertainment, with Paralympian Neil Fachie and his teammates among the supporters who were treated to tries galore.

Thank you to @Scotlandteam for inviting myself, @loraturnham & our @ParalympicsGB & @TeamGB teammates to celebrate our Tokyo success with the fans yesterday.

What a match, just the 10 Scotland tries to enjoy!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏉🥇🥉🥈 https://t.co/su1UdQUURV

— Neil Fachie MBE (@neilfachie) October 31, 2021

Rufus McLean also scored twice on his debut while Pierre Schoeman managed to cross the whitewash on his Scotland bow, capping a memorable day for the prop.

@Scotlandteam cap #1119 with my @_C_harissa _ #praiseGOD 🏉❤️ pic.twitter.com/pDGRBYHomR

— Pierre Schoeman (@pierraSCHOEMIES) October 30, 2021

@Scotlandteam cap #1119 with my @_C_harissa #praiseGOD 🏉❤️ pic.twitter.com/S86BIXwBOx

— Pierre Schoeman (@pierraSCHOEMIES) October 30, 2021

McLean’s second try also saw him go viral thanks to his outrageous step.

That step from Rufus McLean 😱

🇬🇧 Watch @Scotlandteam
v Tonga live on @primevideosport #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/4cqqCciOJI

— Autumn Nations Series (@autumnnations) October 30, 2021

Meanwhile, New Zealand were also in clinical form as they returned to the top of the world rankings with a seven-try 54-16 victory over a depleted Wales in Cardiff.

Two tries from Beauden Barrett and scores from TJ Perenara, Will Jordan, Dalton Papalii, Sevu Reece and Anton Lienert-Brown, plus 19 points from Jordie Barrett, sealed the win.

It was a particularly special occasion for Beauden Barrett, who was named Player of the Match at the Principality Stadium on his 100th Test appearance for the All Blacks.

Photos with Baz ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h8Xqcm1gnC

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 31, 2021

Sonny Bill Williams and Michael Lynagh were among those to pay tribute to the 30-year-old after he played a pivotal role in the All Blacks getting the better of Wales in their own backyard.

100 not out ✊🏽 Congrats brother! Grateful to have played alongside
you my bro. Go well legend.
❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/tqmpgyPjd6

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) October 30, 2021

Congratulations @beaudenbarrett on 100 test for the @AllBlacks Class player 👏👏👏

— Michael Lynagh (@LynaghMichael) October 30, 2021

And while Alun Wyn Jones’ day ended in the 18th minute, the legendary Wales skipper also celebrated another milestone by winning his 149th cap for his country.

Congratulations to @WelshRugbyUnion men’s captain Alun Wyn Jones on surpassing Richie McCaw’s national team record by winning his 149th for Wales. He already became the most-capped player in test rugby last October and has 161 when including his @lionsofficial tests. Incredible.

— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) October 30, 2021