Ah, I love the Autumn International rugby union games. Northern Hemisphere sides against Southern Hemisphere; for me, they’re far more glamorous than the 6 Nations for example and, after a positive start to this year (for England!) I think there’s a lot to be excited about.
For me, also, this is a great time of the year. Being a rugby league fan (first and foremost), I also get to see England play in this code (usually either in the Tri-Nations against both Australia and New Zealand or, as it is this time around, versus Australia in three-game series), so I’m spoilt for choice. Though, I won’t continue. Australia won the series playing exceptional rugby league and with only one more game left, we’re essentially playing for pride!
On a happier note though, our first game of the Autumn internationals probably exceeded expectations for most fans. In tough circumstances, the British and Irish Lions beat Australia down under in the summer and I was fearing the worst.
However, on Saturday, we took them on and, I thought, played superbly, beating a good Australia side with a 25-7 scoreline. To be honest, I expected better from Ireland, though against a tough New Zealand side, a 26-13 defeat isn’t too bad, while Scotland ran away with it in an 85-0 humbling of the USA.
England vs Australia LIVE: Rugby Autumn Internationals kick-off time, lineups, radio & updates
England vs Australia LIVE: Rugby Autumn Internationals kick-off time, lineups, radio & updates – BBC SportTeam Lineupshome team,…
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Next up, we’ve got Fiji which is usually a completely different type of game. Definitely, more physically challenging, though I think, after a bit of an arm wrestle in the first quarter, we’ll probably come out of this unscathed. Ireland should have an easier test against Japan, though the one I’m looking at with intrigue is France versus South Africa. This should be a cracker, while Scotland will have a much tougher test against the All Blacks and Wales get their campaign underway against Argentina.
Clean Sweep Could Be A Possibility For England
I say this with caution, but, after what we did against the Wallabies, we could secure some significant wins over the next few weeks. After Fiji, we then have a tough one against the All Blacks, before rounding things off against Argentina. Certainly, the one in the middle will be the most challenging, though, if we concentrate, there is no reason why we can’t secure the win.
What I would like to have seen is us taking on South Africa, though playing the Springboks in addition to Australia and New Zealand in one series is probably asking a lot!
Argentina always provides a tricky test though and we will need to be on alert. They have some astute players in their setup and we can’t afford to be complacent.
How About The Rest Of The Home Nations?
Ireland will have to be on their guard against Japan I think. They are a skillful side and they only just lost (19-15) against Australia in their opening game, though I think the Irish should have enough.
I think Scotland are an interesting prospect. Stranger things have happened, but I think it’s a stretch to expect them to beat the All Blacks, despite an impressive win against Australia last Autumn!
Meanwhile, Wales will be hoping to hand their youngsters some vital experience against some of the best sides in the world, though I’m not expecting too much. For Welsh fans, they will be just hoping the scorelines stay respectable. With games coming up against New Zealand and South Africa, I think their only hope of a win will be against Japan.
Even the upcoming match against Argentina might prove to be to much of a test. I’ve got to admit. I’m curious about how Wales might fare over the next few weeks.