Autumn Nations Series: France edge thriller as England and Wales lose again

Another thrilling weekend of Autumn Nations Series action saw Ireland, Scotland and Italy bounce back from their defeats the week before. But it was the same old story for England and Wales as they conceded defeat to their Southern Hemisphere opponents.

Ireland’s fast start sees off Argentina

Ireland 22-19 Argentina: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Six Nations champions Ireland survived a second-half comeback from Argentina to secure their first win of the Autumn Nations Series. They led 22-9 at half-time and held on for victory despite failing to score after the break.

The hosts came racing out of the blocks and scored two tries in the opening five minutes through Jack Crowley and Mack Hansen. Joe McCarthy added a third to put the hosts firmly in the driving seat.

Juan Cruz Mallia got one back to keep the visitors in the game but Ireland held firm to bounce back from the previous week’s defeat at the hands of New Zealand.

Scotland thrash Portugal

Scotland 59-21 Portugal: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

The Scots lost to South Africa last week but they were back on form with a nine-try thrashing of Portugal. They were 33-7 to the good at the break and continued in that vein in the second half, despite the visitors improving.

Scotland ran riot with seven different try scorers, including two in three second-half minutes from Arron Reed. Portugal notched two converted tries in the second half but after a rampant opening 40 minutes, there was only going to be one winner at Murrayfield.

England suffer third straight defeat

England 20-29 South Africa: Allianz Stadium, London

Despite their recent defeats, England looked to have turned a corner of late. But they slumped to their third consecutive Autumn Nations Series defeat in a disappointing display against South Africa.

Steve Borthwick’s side enjoyed a dream start as Ollie Sleightholme went over in the third minute to score his third try in two matches. But the visitors soon got into their stride and notched three tries in 11 minutes through Grant Williams, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe.

Sam Underhill got one back before the break to leave England trailing by just two points at half-time. But England endured a difficult second period and their only points came through a Marcus Smith penalty.

England were nowhere near as sharp going forward as they had been against Australia the previous week when they scored five tries. They’ll be hoping to pick things up against Japan on Sunday as they look to end their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a win.

France come from behind to stun New Zealand

France 30-29 New Zealand: Stade de France, Paris

The French mounted a stunning second-half comeback to beat New Zealand having trailed 19-10 at half-time. The visitors raced ahead with two early tries from Peter Lakai and Cam Roigard.

But France turned the game on its head quickly after the break and tries from Paul Boudehent and Louis Bielle-Biarrey put them in the ascendancy. Damian McKenzie notched a 74th minute penalty to put New Zealand within a point of the hosts and set up a grandstand finish. But France held on and secured their second win in a row.

Italy bounce back against Georgia

Italy 20-17 Georgia: Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genoa

Like France, Italy trailed at half-time and were forced to turn things around in a thrilling second period. The Italians lost their first game to Argentina but survived a scare in Genoa.

Georgia led 17-6 at half-time thanks to tries from Aka Tabutsadze and Vasil Lobzhanidze – Italy’s only points were a pair of Paolo Garbisi penalties. But a penalty try after the break got Italy back in their groove and Alessandro Fusco sealed the win with a try of his own.

Wales’ dismal run goes on

Wales 20-52 Australia

It was a miserable day in Cardiff as Australia condemned Wales to their 11th consecutive international defeat, leaving Warren Gatland’s future as coach in jeopardy. The hosts only trailed by six points at the break in a fairly even first-half contest.

But Australia stepped things up a gear in the second half to leave Wales in their wake. Tom Wright and Matt Faessler both bagged a hat-trick apiece as the visitors ran riot. Ben Thomas scored a consultation try for Wales late on but by then it was very much too little, too late.

Autumn Nations Series fixtures this weekend

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

Most teams play their final Autumn Nations Series games this weekend and they’ll be looking to go out in style. France kick proceedings off against Argentina and they’ll be hoping to continue their momentum after their stunning win over the All Blacks.

Ireland should have far too much for Fiji, while defeat for Wales against South Africa will condemn them to their first calendar year without a win since 1937. New Zealand head to Italy looking to make amends for their defeat in Dublin.

Sunday sees Australia looking to secure a third consecutive win on British soil against Scotland. Meanwhile, England are targeting their first Autumn Nations Series win as they face Japan.

Autumn Nations Series fixtures

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

All Posts

Share this

• 
• 
•