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The ever-presents
John GriffithsFebruary 12, 2015Who were the most-used players in the autumn internationals? Jack J, Wales
There were eleven players ever-present for four Tests in November.
South Africa's veteran lock, Victor Matfield, and his fellow forward Duane Vermeulen were on the field for the duration in the Springboks' Tests against Ireland, England, Italy and Wales. Israel Folau, Ben McCalman, Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper were Australia's work-horses, playing throughout their autumn matches against Wales, France, Ireland and England.
Full-back Mike Brown and skipper Chris Robshaw put in full 320-minute shifts without substitution for England in their games with New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and the victory against Australia.
Wales were the only other Six Nations side to play four autumn fixtures.
Alex Cuthbert, Taulupe Faletau and Jamie Roberts were on the field throughout their internationals against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa.
John Griffiths is a widely respected rugby historian and is the author of several sports books, a regular contributor to the Daily Telegraph and co-author of the IRB International Rugby Yearbook. He has provided insight for Scrum.com since 1999.