10 Players who impressed on their Test debut

10 Players who impressed on their Test debut

Andries Coetzee (South Africa)

South Africa v France - International test match : News Photo

Coetzee has been in fine form for the Lions in Super Rugby this season and did not disappoint when he made his debut against France.

He played a vital role in Jesse Kreil's try when he broke through the French defence and provided the Springboks with an additional option when exiting.  

The 27-year-old made 82 metres and was successful in all 7 of his tackle attempts. 


 

Karmichael Hunt (Australia)


Australia v Fiji : News Photo

The former rugby league international got his first taste of international rugby union against Fiji and relished his opportunity to impress Michael Chieka.

Having played fullback during for the Reds in Super Rugby Hunt started at inside centre for the Wallabies and was exceptional on attack and defence. 

Hunt made 12 tackles and was regularly in the first receiver position guiding the Wallabies to a 37-14 victory. 

Derek Carpenter (Japan)

At 28-years-old Carpenter is a late arrival on the international stage but the Sunwolves inside centre carried his Super Rugby form into the June Internationals, where he started on debut against Romania. 

Ross Cronje (South Africa) 

Ross Cronje started his international career in a resurgent Springbok performance against France.

The inform scrumhalf looked as if it was his 50th cap for the Springboks as he bossed play and helped his side to a 37-14victory over France.

Cronje capped off his performance with a try in the 60th minute before being subbed off for Francois Hougaard.

Harry Williams (England)

Starting your international career against Argentina no easy feat especially if you are a front rower.

Williams faced off against one of the toughest packs in international rugby and performed extremely well.

He held his own at scrum time, made 4 carries, 12 tackles and performed one offload to cap off an impressive debut at tighthead prop.

 

Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina)

RUGBYU-ARG-ENG-TEST : News Photo

After he proving himself in Super Rugby with the Jaguares Boffelli earned his debut against England and the winger did not disappoint scoring a try and assisting in another before he was substituted in the 60th minute. 

 

Piers Francis (England)

RUGBYU-ARG-ENG-TEST : News Photo

Francis spent less than 30 minutes on the field against Argentina but the Blues playmaker was instrumental in Englands come from behind victory.

Francis made 33 metres, broke the Argentine defence twice and collected two try assists before the full-time whistle.

Jacob Stockdale (Ireland) 

Ireland v USA - International Match : News Photo

Jacob Stockdale had a fantastic debut and opened up his international account just 15 minutes into the game. 

The electrifying winger finished the match having beaten 10 defenders and made two clean breaks amassing 69 metres.

Stockdale was solid on defence as he making 8 tackles with 100% success ratio.

 

Tom Curry (England)

England Media Access : News Photo

Days before his 19th birthday Tom Curry become the youngest England debutant since Jonny Wilkinson in 1998 (the year Curry was born).

He started England's match against Argentina and played 70 minutes before being substituted for Don Armand. 

Curry's defence was impressive against a physical Argentine side as he made 11 tackles and forced 1 turnover.

Denny Solomona

Argentina v England : News Photo

Although he only played 30minutes of his debut Solomona had a debut that England fans won't forget. 

The 23-year-old winger replaced Marland Yarde in the 50th minute but it was in the 79th minute when he made his impact when he received the ball inside his own 22 and broke through the Argentine defence to score a brilliant try. 

 

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