Finals Weekend delivered a blockbuster finale to the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup as England came from behind to beat France in sudden death and clinch the title.
The Red Rose trailed 13-6 at the break and despite an improved second-half performance, the hosts still found themselves 19-12 behind as the game entered the final minutes.
But Luke Cowan-Dickie’s try at the death, converted by Owen Farrell, sent to game to extra time before the England skipper kicked the winning points to complete a stunning fightback.
It was a fitting finale to a tournament which also saw Ireland finish third after defeating Scotland 31-16 in Dublin and Wales take fifth by overcoming Italy 38-18 in Llanelli.
That action followed an entertaining Finals Weekend opener in which Fiji finally joined the party with a thrilling 38-24 triumph against Georgia as the Pacific Islanders ran in six tries.
And after four weekends of thrilling rugby drama, we have whittled down the best individual performances from the first ever Autumn Nations Cup to just four contenders.
You can now have your say on who deserves to be crowned Player of the Tournament at the bottom of the page but first, a reminder of what the four men accomplished.
Tom Curry – England
Is there no end to Tom Curry’s talent?
At just 22 years old, the flanker has already tasted success in the Guinness Six Nations and the Autumn Nations Cup in addition to having a Rugby World Cup runners-up medal.
He was at the heart of England’s magnificent defence throughout the tournament, causing the opposition nightmares at the breakdown and never shying away from a challenge.
Curry racked up another 14 tackles against France to add to his impressive displays during the group stage, enhancing his reputation as one of the world’s best back-rowers in the process.
Duhan Van der Merwe – Scotland
South-African born winger Duhan van der Merwe has proven himself to be a valuable attacking asset for Gregor Townsend’s side during their Autumn Nations Cup campaign.
In just his second game for his adoptive country, Van der Merwe scored a try and was named Player of the Match as Scotland began the tournament with victory over Italy.
His performance was so good he was voted the Player of the Round for the opening weekend, beating Ireland duo Caelan Doris and James Lowe and England’s Jamie George to the prize.
The 25-year-old continued to look dangerous in Scotland’s defeat to France while he capped off his tournament with a stunning solo try in his country’s Finals Weekend loss to Ireland.
Maro Itoje – England
Another lynchpin of England’s formidable defensive unit, Maro Itoje showed time and time again why he is considered one of the world’s best players in the Autumn Nations Cup.
Itoje’s performance in the engine room against Ireland was one of the key reasons behind England’s success in Round 2, with the lock winning his battle with James Ryan.
As is so often the case, the 26-year-old was a nuisance all afternoon and was the leader of England’s incredible defensive effort – producing two vital turnovers and 24 tackles.
Itoje was also at his combative best against Wales while he played a crucial role in England’s second-half fightback against France, winning the decisive turnover penalty in sudden death.
Brice Dulin – France
Les Bleus may have finished the Autumn Nations Cup wondering what might have been but Fabien Galthie’s side can take plenty of encouragement from their second-place finish.
The performance of Brice Dulin in particular during the tournament will give Galthie food for thought ahead of next year’s Guinness Six Nations, with the full-back an assured presence.
He put in a Player of the Match performance against Italy in Round 3, notching a remarkable 128 metres from 12 carrries, as well as breaking three tackles and completing an offload.
And he was one of the best players on the pitch in the final against England, with his superb try and remarkable consistency under the high ball almost guiding his side to the title.
