Author: Harry Howes

After a busy summer of preparation, the Autumn Nations Series is finally underway. The best rugby nations the world has to offer have swapped sunnier climes for winter tours in Europe and we’re set for an exciting few weeks of action.

England and Scotland got their campaigns underway on Saturday, with Ireland, Wales, Italy and France set to play this weekend. With plenty of exciting talking points already, as well as a lot more to come, we’ve got everything you need to know right here in one place.

England kick things off with narrow defeat

England 22-24 New Zealand: Allianz Stadium, London

After losing 2-0 to New Zealand in a summer series, England were hoping that home advantage would be on their side at Twickenham. But it wasn’t to be as they lost by two points in a tight affair.

Like their last meeting in London – a 25-25 draw two years ago – it was close, with the All Blacks coming out on top this time around. The build up to the game was steeped in controversy following Joe Marler’s comments about New Zealand’s haka. But there was nothing but respect shown on the pitch.

The visitors were on fire in the first half and tries from Mark Tele’a and Will Jordan gave them the edge, with Marcus Smith’s four penalties the only thing keeping England in the contest. A try from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and another penalty saw the hosts go 22-14 up after the break, but New Zealand fought back to keep up their impressive record against England.

Another try from Tele’a put them in front and two late misses from George Ford sealed England’s fate. They’ve beaten New Zealand just once in the last 12 years and they’ll be hoping for a bit more fortune when they face Australia this weekend. Meanwhile, New Zealand travel to Dublin for a clash against Ireland.

Scotland cruise past Fiji in opener

Scotland 57-17 Fiji: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

After winning all four matches on their American tour, Scotland continued where they left off as they comfortably dispatched Fiji in Edinburgh. Gregor Townsend’s side were rarely threatened as they ran out 57-17 winners at Murrayfield.

It was the first meeting between the two nations for six years and Scotland continued their strong record, winning for the ninth time in an 11th game between the pair. The hosts scored nine tries in a triumphant win, with four of those coming from returning wing Darcy Graham.

In fact, Graham briefly tied level with Scotland’s all-time record try scorer Duhan van der Merwe during his scoring streak. But not one to share his records, Van der Merwe edged back in front when he got in on the act, scoring a try of his own to take his overall tally to 29.

Huw Jones got the other two in an emphatic performance from the Scots. Yet while it was a strong start in the competition, they’ve got tougher tests on the horizon, with South Africa set to visit this weekend. Meanwhile, Fiji travel to Cardiff to take on Wales.

Games this weekend

Friday 8th November
Ireland v New Zealand: 8:10pm – Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday 9th November
England v Australia: 3:10pm – Allianz Stadium, London
Italy v Argentina: 5:40pm – Stadio Friuli, Udine
France v Japan: 8:10pm – Stade de France, Paris

Sunday 10th November
Wales v Fiji: 1:40pm – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Scotland v South Africa: 4:10pm – Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

Ireland are looking to cement their spot as the world’s best team but they face a tricky opening fixture against New Zealand in Dublin. They’ll take confidence from England’s spirited performance against them at the weekend. England will be looking to continue their strong record against Australia – they’ve won all but one of their last 11 matches against them.

Italy take on Argentina in their first game of the series. The hosts have lost their last eight games against their opponents – their last win over them came way back in 2008. France will expect to win comfortably against Japan, who were soundly beaten by New Zealand on their last outing.

Wales get their campaign underway against Fiji and will expect to better Scotland’s result from the weekend. Meanwhile, Scotland will be looking to match a strong South Africa side that beat them 18-3 at the last World Cup.

Autumn Nations Series fixtures

Friday 15th November
Ireland v Argentina: 8:10pm – Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday 16th November
Scotland v Portugal: 3:10pm – Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
England v South Africa: 5:40pm – Allianz Stadium, London
France v New Zealand: 8:10pm – Stade de France, Paris

Sunday 17th November
Italy v Georgia: 1:40pm – Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genoa
Wales v Australia: 4:10pm – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Friday 22nd November
France v Argentina: 8:10pm – Stade de France, Paris

Saturday 23rd November
Ireland v Fiji: 3:10pm – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wales v South Africa: 5:40pm – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Italy v New Zealand: 8:10pm – Allianz Stadium, Turin

Sunday 24th November
Scotland v Australia: 1:40pm – Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
England v Japan: 4:10pm – Allianz Stadium, London

Saturday 30th November
Ireland v Australia: 3:10pm – Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Having already looked at England, Ireland and Wales, our final Autumn Nations Series preview focuses on Scotland, who have enjoyed a positive summer across the pond.

Gregor Townsend’s side crossed the Atlantic for an American tour that saw them come out on top in all four of their matches, dispatching Canada, the USA, Chile and Uruguay along the way. Their final game saw Duhan van der Merwe make history as he became Scotland’s all-time record try scorer.

The South African-born winger scored his 28th international try in a 31-19 win over Uruguay in Montevideo. It was van der Merwe’s seventh try of 2024 after he scored five in the Six Nations, including a hat-trick against England. Scotland ultimately finished fourth in the competition following wins against Wales and England, who they beat for the fourth time in a row.

They’ll be looking to continue their impressive summer form in the Autumn Nations Series, with four exciting games against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia to look forward to. Townsend has named a 45-man strong squad, including spots for five previously uncapped players.

Who are Scotland playing?

Scotland v Fiji – Saturday 2nd November, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

First up for Scotland are Fiji who will be high on confidence after winning the Pacific Nations Cup, beating Japan in the final back in September. They’ll be looking to continue their momentum as they follow up their trip to Edinburgh with games against Wales and Ireland.

Scotland have won eight of their 10 historical meetings with Fiji, although the pair haven’t met since 2018.

Scotland v South Africa – Sunday 10th November, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

World champions South Africa make their first Autumn Nations Series appearance against Scotland. The visitors are on fire after winning the World Cup – they’re won eight of their 10 matches so far this year, including a 48-7 drubbing of Argentina in their most recent outing.

Scotland have beaten them just five times in their history and only twice since the 1960s. Their last meeting was at the World Cup last year. Scotland lost 18-3 on that occasion and their result this time will be a good indication of where they’re currently at.

Scotland v Portugal – Saturday 16th November, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

Portugal have only played twice since crashing out of the World Cup at the pool stage last year. They beat Namibia back in July before being humbled by South Africa. They don’t have a huge rugby pedigree and have qualified for just two World Cups in their history, never progressing to the knockout stage.

Scotland will be expected to win – the pair have met just twice before, with Scotland winning convincingly both times. The last meeting was 17 years ago at the 2007 World Cup.

Scotland v Australia – Sunday 24th November, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

Last but not least for Scotland is a tricky test against Australia, who will have already faced England and Wales. While the Aussies will be the favourites, they’ve surprisingly lost three of their last four games against the Scots.

Australia won the last meeting between the pair by a single point to claim the Hopetoun Cup for the eighth time.

Hospitality at Scotland’s games

Enjoy the action at Scotland’s Autumn Nations Series games from the best seats in the house with Engage’s hospitality packages.

Our areas are located in the Thistle Suite and as well as unrivalled views of the action, you’ll get all of this:

●      A welcome drink

●      Two-course meal including a roast dinner at Scotland v Australia

●      Post-match pie selection

●      Half a bottle of wine per person

●      A signing session from the Scotland players

●      The Doddie Weir Cup and Calcutta Cup on display

●      An interactive rugby quiz

If that’s not enough, you can also make it a family occasion by bringing the kids. Our hospitality areas are child-friendly, with bespoke food menus, as well as exciting activities including face painting and balloon animals.

Enquire today to reserve your place.

Scotland squad

Forwards

Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby), Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors), Gregor Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh Rugby), Alex Craig (Scarlets), Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors), Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh Rugby), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby), Patrick Harrison (Edinburgh Rugby), Will Hurd (Leicester Tigers), Ewan Johnson (Oyonnax), Nathan McBeth (Glasgow Warriors), Elliot Millar Mills (Northampton Saints), Ben Muncaster (Edinburgh Rugby), D’Arcy Rae (Edinburgh Rugby), Dylan Richardson (The Sharks), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby), Alex Samuel (Glasgow Warriors), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby), Rory Sutherland (Glasgow Warriors), Max Williamson (Glasgow Warriors)

Backs

Matt Currie (Edinburgh Rugby), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby), Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints), Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors), Tom Jordan (Glasgow Warriors), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow Warriors), Harry Paterson (Edinburgh Rugby), Ali Price (Edinburgh Rugby), Arron Reed (Sale Sharks), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Bath Rugby), Mosese Tuipulotu (Edinburgh Rugby), Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby), Ben White (Toulon)

Our latest Autumn Nations Series preview focuses on a Wales side that are continuing a period of transition under head coach Warren Gatland.

The Welsh side went into the Six Nations earlier this year full of promise, yet also uncertainty, as they began a process of phasing out their more experienced squad members in favour of a younger generation. Five uncapped players were included for the annual competition and they ultimately finished bottom of the table, losing all five of their matches.

However, that doesn’t tell the whole story, as their defeats to Scotland, England and Italy were all incredibly tight and could easily have gone the other way. Not one to rest on his laurels, Gatland has continued to make drastic changes to his group ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.

Another two uncapped players have been given the nod – this time in the form of Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray – while a further 11 players in the squad have just five caps or fewer. Meanwhile, Rhodri Williams has been handed a shock recall to the international stage, more than 10 years after his last Wales cap.

Wales have played three times this summer, with games against their Autumn Nations Series opponents South Africa and Australia. They’ve now lost nine consecutive international matches yet they’ve shown some potential and they’ll be hoping to continue their gradual improvement and show that youth is the way forward.

Who are Wales playing?

Wales v Fiji – Sunday 10th November, Principality Stadium

Wales kick off their Autumn Nations Series campaign at home to Fiji, a side they boast an excellent record against. The two sides have met 14 times in their history, with Wales coming out on top on 12 occasions – Fiji’s only win came in the pool stage of the 2007 World Cup.

The last six meetings have gone in Wales’ favour, including a 32-26 victory in their opening game of the World Cup a year ago. None of the try scorers for Wales that day are in their latest squad, so they’ll need a new hero to take on the responsibility if they want to continue their strong record.

One of those scorers was George North, who hung up his boots earlier this year. The icon will be a huge miss for his nation and Gatland faces a tough task in finding somebody to replace his influence. While Wales will be the favourites heading into this clash, Fiji will be more up to speed as they face Scotland the previous week and the South Pacific nation may just fancy their chances of causing an upset in Cardiff.

Wales v Australia – Sunday 17th November, Principality Stadium

Wales and Australia met twice over the summer and Gatland’s side found themselves on the losing side on both occasions. The first encounter was tight, with only two points separating them before Tom Wright produced a sensational solo try to secure the win with 10 minutes left.

The second game was less competitive yet when they meet next month, Wales will be hoping for a repeat of their clash in the World Cup last autumn. Australia were humbled that day, losing 40-6 in a game that reflected their poor record against the Welsh.

Prior to this summer, they’d beaten Wales just once since 2017. Yet they’ve had their number in recent months and the hosts will need to find some long-awaited form if they want to get back to winning ways.

Wales v South Africa – Saturday 23rd November, Principality Stadium

In their final game of the series, Wales face another side they’ve lost to this summer in the form of South Africa. The world champions ran riot at Twickenham back in June, scoring five tries in a 41-13 drubbing.

Despite Dewi Lake’s best efforts to galvanise his side, they were scoreless in the second half and the visitors took control as they won their first game back since their World Cup win last autumn.

Wales have beaten South Africa just seven times in their history, with their last success coming on a tour two years ago. That was their only victory in the last seven meetings and South Africa will be confident of continuing that record in Cardiff next month.

Wales squad

Forwards

Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby), Adam Beard (Ospreys), James Botham (Cardiff Rugby), Ben Carter (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby), Dewi Lake (Ospreys), Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby), Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets), Jac Morgan (Ospreys), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers), Will Rowlands (Racing 92), Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby), Henry Thomas (Scarlets), Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons)

Backs

Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby), Ellis Bevan (Cardiff Rugby), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Rio Dyer (Dragons), Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby), Josh Hathaway (Gloucester Rugby), Eddie James (Scarlets), Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby), Nick Tompkins (Saracens), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Rhodri Williams (Dragons), Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby), Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby)

After yet another Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit and the retirement of influential captain Johnny Sexton, you’d have been forgiven for thinking Ireland would struggle to continue their dominance in 2024.

Yet they’re looking as strong as ever. They’re officially the world’s best team as we head into the Autumn Nations Series, having retained their Six Nations crown where only a narrow defeat to England prevented them from a second consecutive Grand Slam.

Andy Farrell’s side welcome New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia to Dublin this summer as they look to prove themselves as the world’s best. After already looking at England’s chances in the series, here’s everything you need to know about the Irish.

Who are Ireland playing?

Ireland v New Zealand – Friday 8th November, Aviva Stadium

Ireland’s opener against New Zealand takes place the week after the All Blacks take on England, giving them a chance to assess their prospects. Their only two matches since the Six Nations have been against South Africa and they’ll take confidence from those following a win and a defeat.

South Africa beat the Kiwis twice at the end of the summer so Ireland will feel that they’re able to match them. The pair last met in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final a year ago, which New Zealand edged 28-24 to condemn Ireland to yet another last-eight exit. They also met in a three-game series back in 2022, with Ireland coming out on top in two of the three matches.

Ireland v Argentina – Friday 15th November, Aviva Stadium

Argentina’s trip to Dublin will also be their second game of the Autumn Nations Series – they visit Italy in their first outing before heading to France after facing Ireland. The last time the two sides locked horns was three years ago, where a convincing Ireland performance saw them comfortably win 53-7.

In fact, Ireland have won all but one of the last nine meetings with Argentina. Their only defeat on that run typically came in the World Cup quarter-final back in 2015. Argentina have enjoyed a positive year so far. In their summer series, they beat New Zealand 38-30, won against South Africa and also did the double over Australia, including a 67-27 win.

Ireland v Fiji – Saturday 23rd November, Aviva Stadium

Fiji will have found their rhythm by the time they meet Ireland as they face Scotland and Wales first. But their opening two games will likely be nothing compared to a tough test against the world’s best side.

They’re well practised this summer having recently won the Pacific Nations Cup for the seventh time. They eased past Samoa and Tonga in the pool stage before smashing the USA in the semi-finals. They then comfortably beat Japan 41-17 in the final. Despite their strong form, a better indication of their level against top sides is their crushing 47-5 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in July.

Ireland v Australia – Saturday 30th November, Aviva Stadium

In the last game of the Autumn Nations Series, Ireland face an Australia side who will have already played England, Wales and Scotland. It was a difficult summer for the Aussies, who lost five of their six matches against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. Their only victory came in their opener against the Argentines, although they lost the second match-up badly.

Australia have only won once on Irish soil since 2005. Their pair last met two years ago, with Ireland coming out on top in a 13-10 victory. Prior to that, Ireland won 2-1 in a series down under. The two sides traditionally compete for the Lansdowne Cup – Ireland are the current holders, although Australia have won it a record eight times.

Hospitality for Ireland’s matches

As ever, you’ll be able to watch Ireland host some of the world’s best rugby teams from the comfort of Engage’s hospitality areas.

Our suite is situated in the Marian College Marquee, which is just a short walk from the Aviva Stadium entrance. As well as a seat at a table in the glass-fronted marquee, you’ll also get all this:

●    Unrivalled views of the match in the East Stand Lower
●    Full complimentary bar
●    Three-course gourmet meal with accompanying wines
●    Finger food during post-match reception
●    Interview with current Irish players
●    HD TVs with video replay and ref talk
●    Experienced event managers on hand to assist you throughout the day

Enquire today to reserve your place.

Ireland squad

Forwards

Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Dave Heffernan (Connacht), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Rónan Kelleher (Leinster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster) 

Backs

Bundee Aki (Connacht), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Calvin Nash (Munster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)

The Autumn Nations Series is just a few weeks away, meaning it’s almost time for the world’s best international rugby sides to go head to head. After a promising Six Nations campaign under new boss Steve Borthwick, the future looks bright for England.

The squad has undergone some refurbishment, with young faces being brought in as the older generation is phased out. A couple of narrow defeats against the All Blacks earlier this year is evidence that England have improved but there’s still a long way to go.

With four games on the horizon against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan, the Autumn Nations Series gives Borthwick’s side a huge opportunity to show that they mean business going forward.

Who are England playing?

England v New Zealand – Saturday 2nd November, Allianz Stadium

After losing a series in New Zealand 2-0 earlier this summer, England have the chance for immediate revenge as they welcome the All Blacks to London for their Autumn Nations Series opener. Borthwick’s side had been targeting a first away win in New Zealand since 2003 but they narrowly lost both games, with Immanuel Fayi-Waboso scoring a try in both matches for the visitors.

England haven’t played since that series and they’ll be hoping that home advantage can help them through at the Allianz Stadium. The pair drew 25-25 on their last meeting in London two years ago. But they’ll need to be on top form – England have beaten New Zealand just once in the last 12 years, although that solitary victory was crucial as it sent them into the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.

England v Australia – Saturday 9th November, Allianz Stadium

Like England, Australia have also come face-to-face with New Zealand recently, although their games weren’t as close as they were roundly beaten in both matches. The clash at Twickenham will be Australia’s first game of the series so they’ll be keeping a keen eye on the opener to see where England are at.

The hosts have a good recent record against the Aussies, winning all but one of the last 11 meetings between the pair. But they’ve not met since July 2022 and there’s been a lot of rugby played since then, so Borthwick’s side will need to be on top form to keep up their winning streak.

England v South Africa – Saturday 16th November, Allianz Stadium

South Africa start their Autumn Nations Series with a trip to Scotland before they take on England in their second game. They’ve had a busy year so far, with recent double headers against Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. They won all but one of those games, with their only defeat a narrow 29-28 against the Argentines.

England’s most recent meeting with South Africa was the World Cup semi-final a year ago, which they narrowly lost 16-15. Prior to that, the pair have enjoyed one win apiece in two contests at Twickenham, while England are still reeling from their 32-12 drubbing in the 2019 World Cup final.

England v Japan – Sunday 24th November, Allianz Stadium

As with New Zealand, England have faced another of their Autumn Nations Series opponents recently in the form of Japan. The pair locked horns in Tokyo back in June, with England running out 52-17 winners.

Marcus Smith was on fire that day, scoring one try, creating two more and bagging four conversions. England scored four tries in each half of a dominant performance and they’ll be hoping for a repeat of that next month.

Hospitality for England’s matches

Fancy watching the rugby action from the best seats in the house? You can join us for all four of England’s Autumn Nations Series games at the Allianz Stadium in our exclusive ICON facility.

The hospitality suite is just a short walk from your seats in the South Stand and as well as unrivalled views of the games, you’ll also get all this:

●    Champagne reception
●    Complimentary bar
●    Four-course lunch with selected wines
●    Guests appearances from rugby legends
●    VIP host service throughout the day

Enquire today to reserve your place.

England squad

Forwards

Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby),  

Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), George Martin (Leicester Tigers), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)

Backs

Elliot Daly (Saracens), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints), George Furbank (Northampton Saints), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)