Autumn Nations Series | Choose your Sage Play of the Series

Choose Your Sage Play of the Series

by Autumn Nations Series

The Summer Nations Series brought four scintillating weeks of action as teams tuned up for next month’s Rugby World Cup.

Players all looked to produce their very best as they vied for a place in their head coach’s starting XVs and there were some that certainly made themselves standout with iconic moments.

But while there are plenty to choose from, only one can be crowned the Sage Play of the Series.

We have been through all the footage and whittled the shortlist down to four, now it’s time to cast your vote with help of some extra insight from StatsPerform and Sportable.

Graham’s comeback try v France

Scotland opened their Summer Nations Series with a 25-13 win against Italy and then backed that up with a comeback victory against France.

Darcy Graham’s try was the best of a superb second-half selection from their 25-21 win.

Scotland were 21-3 down at the break but fought back, beginning when Graham latched on to an inch-perfect kick from Finn Russell.

Gregor Townsend’s men had just a 7% probability of scoring when Russell began the move with a kick from just outside his own 22.

The entire move consisted of seven phases and 17 passes, with the try one of six Scotland have scored following a kick return this year, the most of any Tier 1 nation.

Graham’s finishing ability is something Scottish fans will hope he packs with him to France; the winger scored three tries during the Summer Nations Series, and he has seven in his last four international appearances.

@autumnnationsseriesIt was only a matter of time 🔥 Graham comes up with the goods♬ On My Mind x Heads Will Roll – switchdisco

Earls’s 100^th cap try v England

There is seldom room for sentiment in sport and Keith Earls showed you need the most inventive of plays to fit it in, as he scored on his 100^th cap for Ireland.

The veteran back has been a consistent feature of Irish rugby since his debut in 2008, and a key part of the 2018 Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam-winning side.

He became just the ninth man to bring up a century of caps for Ireland when he came off the bench at the Aviva Stadium.

And the Munster man did so in style, scoring his 36^th international try – only Brian O’Driscoll has more for Ireland – thanks to a stunning somersault finish in the corner to seal a 29-10 win.

Though the try was all about the finish, it was a team effort too; Bundee Aki picked out Earls with a 25.4m pass that travelled at a speed of 50.8km/h.

@autumnnationsseriesHad to be him 😍🎊🔥♬ original sound – Summer Nations Series ⚡️

A classic Ioane finish v Japan

Monty Ioane was the only player to score a hat-trick in the Summer Nations Series and the first of his trio against Japan was certainly the standout.

Starting with a lineout 76m from goal, one of three tries Italy scored from over 75m during the Summer Nations Series, there was just a 7% chance of scoring according to Opta.

But smooth work through the hands released Ange Capuozzo, who carried the ball 42m down the wing before finding Ioane mere metres from the try line with an unorthodox 25m kick inside.

And his fellow winger reacted quickest to snaffle the loose ball and finish to extend the Azzurri’s lead.

@autumnnationsseries 🏉 @Sage Play of the Week 💪 Varney starts the phase 70m from Japan’s tryline with a 15m pass 🙌Passing through the hands of Morisi, Garbisi, Ioane, Allan then to Capuozzo who chips the ball in field 25m with a 2.4s hang time which bounces for Ioane to score #SageInsights 📊 #Ad #SummerNationsSeries #SixNationsRugby ♬ original sound – Summer Nations Series ⚡️

Kuruvoli’s try to force historic win for Fiji v England

The Summer Nations Series will be one to remember for Fiji, as they recorded a first-ever win over England.

The Flying Fijians were more-than-deserved winners at Twickenham, but were just a point ahead of their hosts until Simione Kuruvoli sealed a historic victory with a try six minutes from time.

According to Opta, England remained favourites to snatch a victory despite Fiji leading, but Kuruvoli’s try and the subsequent conversation took Fiji’s win probability to an almost unassailable 88%.

It was a try to remember, too, as Fiji made use of offloads to score for the second time in the match with Selestino Ravutaumada getting his hands free despite the attentions of George Ford to allow Kuruvoli to run in.

@autumnnationsseries A time Fiji will never forget! 🤩⌚️ #SummerNationsSeries #SixNationsRugby #Breitling #MissionAccomplished #Ad ♬ original sound – Summer Nations Series ⚡️