Ireland’s 2024 season came to a satisfactory end on Saturday with a hard-fought 22-19 victory over Australia. It gave Ireland a solid overall Autumn Nations Series with three wins on the trot following the disappointing All Blacks defeat.
Farrell’s men will savour the Six Nations glory as well as the win in Durban against the Springboks, but for the Autumn test window, there was a unique blend of youth and experience in Ireland’s stand out stars.
Here’s the players we handpicked as being the biggest winners from the November tests.
1. The “newbies”
23 November 2024; Gus McCarthy, left, and Sam Prendergast of Ireland during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and Fiji at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
It would be grossly unfair to overlook the overwhelmingly positive performances of Ireland’s newest capped players from the Autumn. Cormac Izuchukwu and Sam Prendergast were in line to feature and made good on their respective chances, as did two front row forwards. Gus McCarthy and Tom Clarkson arrived onto the international arena in impressive fashion, locking out set-piece and being dominant around the park. It’s scary to think McCarthy is still in Leinster’s academy!
2. Robbie Henshaw
23 November 2024; Robbie Henshaw of Ireland holds the tackle of Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and Fiji at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
One of Ireland’s best players this past month, Robbie Henshaw moved closer to a third straight Lions selection with starring roles at both 12 and 13. A powerful carrier of the ball, it was an impressive month on both sides of the ball as he outplayed some world class opponents, and was Ireland’s best midfielder over some top end talent.
3. Craig Casey
30 November 2024; Craig Casey of Ireland during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Like in South Africa, Munster’s Craig Casey was given a chance, and he took it with both hands. Casey is always a superb passer but his tempo setting and direction of play was terrific against Fiji in a near Player of the Match performance. He is closing the gap on Gibson-Park with every appearance in green.
4. Jamie Osborne
15 November 2024; Jamie Osborne of Ireland makes a break during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
As World Rugby tweaked its kicking laws, there was always a chance it would suit a different type of full-back to Hugo Keenan, and it certainly suited Jamie Osborne. His short stint at 15 against Fiji was an impressive sting of involvements, as was his brief cameos against New Zealand and Argentina. He now seems primed to be a consistent feature of Ireland’s matchday 23 going forward.
5. Josh van der Flier
23 November 2024; Josh van der Flier of Ireland during the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and Fiji at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Saving the best for last, but this November was like Josh van der Flier of old. A workhorse on a good day, Josh and his glowing red scrum cap popped up everywhere for Ireland across the series. He was one of Ireland’s top carriers and tacklers this Autumn, scored a few tries and was unlucky not to be named as Player of the Match in each of the games. A delight for all to see the flanker back to his best.
Ireland rolls into 2024 with a balance to be struck. The likes of Casey and McCarthy will be pushing for improved minutes after important outings, but they’ll also be keen to defend their Six Nations crown without Andy Farrell’s oversight. Autumn thought the coaches that the fringe players can do a job, now we just need to see them get backed.
