The Autumn Nations Series didn't disappoint on another incident-packed weekend of international action.
Italy claimed a historic victory, Scotland fell narrowly short, England rediscovered their attacking groove and Rassie Erasmus took to social media one again after his Springboks lost another thrilling contest, this time against France in Marseille.
Ireland ran in five tries against a Fiji side that undid some swashbuckling attacking play with a complete lack of discipline, while Wales eased the pressure on Wayne Pivac with victory over Argentina.
There was also a memorable night on Leeside as Munster defeated South Africa 'A' at a jam-packed Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Here is our team of the week for round two...
15. Ange Capuozzo (Italy)
The man who snatched a famous win against Wales in this year’s Six Nations was at it again.
Capuozzo crossed for two tries as Italy made history by beating Australia for the first time. The full-back was twice on the end of slick backline play to cut the Wallabies open.
Three line breaks, five defenders beaten, 81 metres with ball in hand – it was an outstanding display by another of Italian rugby’s rising stars.
Capuozzo edges out Freddie Steward, who scored one try and helped create two more as England cut loose against Japan.
14. Mark Telea (New Zealand)
The 25-year-old enjoyed a dream debut at Murrayfield as the All Blacks came from behind to scrape past Scotland.
The wing scored two tries at either end of a topsy-turvy contest and carried for 133 metres, making three line breaks and beating six defenders.
Telea scored New Zealand’s second try inside seven minutes when he ran onto a cross-field kick from Beauden Barrett and burrowed over, but Scotland came roaring back and threatened a first-ever win over the All Blacks.
However, New Zealand turned things around in the final quarter, with Telea’s second try on 75 minutes securing a nervy win.
13. George North (Wales)
The defensive side of North’s game is often highlighted as a reason against playing him at centre but it certainly stood up to scrutiny against a physical Argentina.
North made 11 tackles, the most of any Wales back, with a big hit on Pablo Matera late on helping secure a morale-boosting victory.
He would have liked more opportunities in attack but still produced some powerful carries.
12. Owen Farrell (England)
Farrell copped plenty of flak following England’s defeat to Argentina and he produced an emphatic response against Japan.
The centre controlled proceedings and combined well with Marcus Smith, the pair creating Guy Porter’s first try before Farrell’s pinpoint kick sent his midfield partner over for a second score.
11. Sekou Macalou (France)
Macalou showed he is a wing wonder as well as a fantastic flanker with a wondrous performance against South Africa.
France opted for a 6-2 split on the bench and when Johnathan Danty was forced off on 12 minutes as a result of Pieter-Steph du Toit’s shocking head-first clear-out, Fabian Galthié raised some eyebrows when he replaced him with Macalou.
It proved an inspired decision. Macalou made a team-leading 80 metres from only four carries, while he also chipped in five tackles and helped his side win two turnovers as Les Bleus extended their winning streak.
10. Ben Healy (Munster)
Technically Munster's win over South Africa 'A' was not part of the Autumn Nations Series but we cannot overlook Healy's outstanding contribution.
The out-half delivered one of his best performances on a historic night in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where he had a hand in three of their four tries.
Healy's pinpoint pass sent Simon Zebo diving over in the corner while his perfectly-weighted grubber put Mike Haley in for their fourth try after half-time.
Healy also nailed conversions from both touchlines as the battle for the Munster No 10 shirt got a lot more interesting.
9. Stephen Varney (Italy)
The 21-year-old enjoyed another famous afternoon with the Azzurri as they downed Australia.
Varney displayed a maturity beyond his years, his accurate passing and game management proving crucial on a historic afternoon in Florence.
1. Ellis Genge (England)
Japan could not handle Genge’s power, both in the loose and at scrum time.
The prop helped lay the platform in a one-sided England win and powered over for their fourth try after half-time.
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (New Zealand)
The All Blacks hooker demonstrated his raw power when he brought three Scotland defenders with him to score the opening try.
Taukei’aho found a black shirt with nine of his 10 lineout throws and made 10 tackles while also carrying for 63 metres.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
It was a memorable afternoon for the stand-in captain as he formed part of a dominant forward pack that put Ireland on course for victory over Fiji.
Ireland’s maul got them back on track after a slack start, with Furlong heavily involved, while he showed soft hands to flick a turnover ball to Joey Carbery in the lead-up to Robert Baloucoune’s try.
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
The battle between the No 4s was worth the entry fee alone as Etzebeth shaded his duel with Cameron Woki in Marseille.
Etzebeth was central as the Springboks pack won the battle up front, the enforcer getting through a mountain of work in both attack and defence.
He also shone at lineout time, winning nine throws.
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Beirne was a menace at the breakdown, winning four turnovers, while a brilliant counter-ruck on the stroke of half-time should have resulted in a fourth Ireland try before the break.
The 30-year-old was Ireland’s go-to man at lineout time, winning 10 throws.
6. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
Ritchie’s breakdown work helped Scotland recover from a horror start and threaten an upset.
The Scotland skipper worked his socks off in defence, making 12 tackles and winning two turnovers, while also chipping in with seven carries.
He was unable to stem a late New Zealand rally as the visitors’ superior bench made the difference.
7. Nick Timoney (Ireland)
Two tries for the openside but there was so much more to like about his performance against Fiji.
Timoney was a tackling machine, making a team-high 12, while he also hit double figures for carries as he made 60 metres with ball in hand.
The 27-year-old’s two tries put Ireland back in control and then he also had a hand in Ireland’s third try, combining with Caelan Doris to force a turnover.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
Ardie Savea was outstanding once again but Faletau takes the No 8 spot this week after stealing the show in Wales’ much-needed win over Argentina.
The British and Irish Lion marked his 32nd birthday by scoring the opening try from a lineout drive.
Faletau carried with force and was always a willing support runner, while also hitting his usual high standards in defence with 16 tackles, missing none.
Follow a live blog on Ireland v Australia on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app this Saturday from 8pm with live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
