Tommy Freeman outshines Noah Caluori in battle of England backs, Finn Russell has mixed derby day ahead of Quilter Nations Series - Autumn Watch
Published 27/10/2025 at 11:27 GMT
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In the last Autumn Watch ahead of the highly-anticapated 2025 Quilter Nations Series, starting this coming weekend, Tommy Freeman won the battle of the England backs in the latest round of Gallagher PREM action, while Finn Russell had a mixed West Country derby and Exeter's clash with Gloucester providing some optimism for the future of Welsh rugby future.
Highlights: Freeman stars as super Saints beat Saracens in 12-try thriller
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Quilter Nations Series will get underway on Saturday, meaning last week’s round of Gallagher PREM fixtures was the final chance for the stars of the international stage to make an impression.
A mouth-watering weekend of action saw Northampton Saints extend their lead at the top of the table with a 43-31 triumph over Saracens on Friday night.
Bath then beat Bristol Bears 40-15 in the West Country derby, while Exeter Chiefs defeated Gloucester Rugby 39-12.
Harlequins dispatched Newcastle Red Bulls 52-14, and Leicester Tigers brought a thrilling round to an end with a nail-biting 36-35 win over Sale Sharks.
Some of the biggest names in domestic and international rugby were on show, and with that in mind, let’s take a look at the key talking points ahead of the upcoming Quilter Nations Series - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Freeman outshines Caluori in battle of England backs
England have an abundance of attacking talent ahead of their opening QNS fixture against Australia on November 1.
Henry Arundell and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso both crossed the whitewash for their respective clubs on Saturday, but on Friday night, two of England’s most exciting wingers went head-to-head.
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Saracens youngster Noah Caluori caught the world’s attention after scoring five tries against Sale Sharks earlier this month.
However, if he wants to break into England’s starting XV, he may have to displace Tommy Freeman, who has been in sensational form for Northampton Saints this season.
Freeman showed why he is one of the first names on Steve Borthwick's teamsheet during the clash at Franklin's Gardens, scoring four of his side’s seven tries.
The competition for a spot out wide may be heating up, but Freeman has shown why he is leading the way time and time again.
Smith pulls the strings for Quins
Marcus Smith proved why many people feel he should be starting at No. 10 for England this weekend.
The 26-year-old was brilliant with the ball in hand against Newcastle Red Bulls, setting up two tries in stunning fashion.
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Highlights: Smith masterminds Quins' eight-try thrashing of Newcastle
Video credit: TNT Sports
He sent Will Porter over in the 23rd minute before ensuring replacement winger Cassius Cleaves crossed the whitewash after half-time.
The competition for the fly-half jersey in Borthwick’s team is heating up, but Smith would surely be the most entertaining option.
He also kept calm under pressure at the kicking tee, converting six of his side’s eight tries.
Russell struggles before starring in West Country derby
Everybody knows what Finn Russell brings to the table for Scotland. The Bath Rugby star is a constant attacking threat and one of the finest fly-halves of his generation.
He showed just what he can do in the West Country derby, producing two phenomenal kicks to set up tries for Joe Cokanasiga and Ollie Lawrence.
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Highlights: Bath claim bonus point in scrappy derby win over Bristol
Video credit: TNT Sports
However, the 33-year-old also proved that he is capable of making mistakes during a disastrous start to the match.
Bath fell behind within two minutes of kick-off after a Russell clearance was charged down, paving the way for Fijian winger Kalaveti Ravouvou to go over in the corner.
The moment of madness highlighted that Russell could be the difference for Scotland this Autumn, for better or for worse.
They will get their QNS campaign underway against the USA on November 1.
Welsh locks collide in Exeter triumph
Wales had plenty of young talent involved in Chiefs’ win against Gloucester on Saturday, with two of their most exciting prospects going toe-to-toe in the engine room.
Dafydd Jenkins looks set to be a key player for Wales for years to come, and he impressed for Chiefs as they battled to a hard-fought victory.
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Highlights: Slade masterclass leads Chiefs to dominant win over Sale
Video credit: TNT Sports
However, The Cherry and Whites have a Welsh lock of their own, and he was able to get his name on the scoresheet during the match.
Freddie Thomas may only have four international caps, but if he can keep performing like that for Gloucester, he will be challenging for a starting spot in no time.
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Stream the Gallagher Premiership, Quilter Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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