Autumn Nations Series: France start with win as all other European sides lose

The second round of Autumn Nations Series action delivered some sensational rugby – but it was a weekend to forget for the European sides. Apart from France, each home nation was roundly beaten by their Southern Hemisphere opponents.

Ireland kicked their campaign off against New Zealand, while England took on old rivals Australia. Meanwhile, it was a historic afternoon in Cardiff as Wales suffered a shock defeat.

Ireland start with defeat

Ireland 13-23 New Zealand: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Despite the final result, Ireland were well in the game throughout and only found themselves 9-6 down at the break. They looked to be on their way to an opening victory as Josh van der Flier’s second-half try put them in the ascendancy.

But Will Jordan got one back to seal the win for the All Blacks in what was ultimately the Damian McKenzie show. The 29-year-old scored six penalties to secure New Zealand their second successive win having beaten England the previous week.

England suffer cruel late blow

England 37-42 Australia: Allianz Stadium, London

England suffered their second straight defeat and once again it was a narrow one, this time at the hands of Australia. Both sides scored five tries in an all-action contest – England’s Chandler Cunningham-South and Ollie Sleightholme bagged two each.

The hosts thought they’d won the tie late on when Maro Itoje’s try was converted by Marcus Smith. But Australia had one final chance and Max Jorgensen went over to secure the win for the visitors.

While England may be concerned at two defeats in a row, they’ll take a lot of confidence from their performances in both games. In fact, this game was the most points they’ve ever scored at home in a defeat – although with South Africa up next, they’ll need to sort their defence out to avoid a third straight loss.

Italy humbled at home

Italy 18-50 Argentina: Stadio Friuli, Udine

It was a fairly routine win for Argentina in their first Autumn Nations Series outing. The South American side were dominant throughout and had seven different try scorers as they dismantled Italy.

Fly-half Tomas Albornoz enjoyed a productive day, scoring the fourth try on his way to 20 points. A late Giacomo Nicotera try for the hosts saved face a little but they were ultimately outclassed and will hope to do better when they come up against Georgia this weekend.

France put Japan to the sword

France 52-12 Japan: Stade de France, Paris

France were the only European side to come out of the weekend with a win and they did it in style against Japan. The hosts found themselves 31-0 up at half-time thanks to five tries in a dominant display.

The visitors got two back in the second half as France took their foot off the gas somewhat. But following their first-half display, France’s win was a foregone conclusion and they’ll be looking to continue their momentum when they face New Zealand on Saturday.

Wales continue miserable form

Wales 19-24 Fiji: Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Fiji produced a shock as they secured their first ever win at the Principality Stadium, leaving Wales without victory in 400 days. The hosts were 14-10 up at the break but suffered a second-half collapse.

Fiji star Caleb Muntz – who scored all of his side’s points in the first half – stole the show after the break. The 25-year-old inspired Fiji’s comeback, adding a further nine points for his side.

Scotland outclassed by South Africa

Scotland 15-32 South Africa: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

Scotland started the series with a win over Fiji but came unstuck against world champions South Africa. Makazole Mapimpi’s third-minute try for the visitors set the tone and they didn’t really look like losing from there.

South Africa added another two tries before half time and it was only Finn Russell penalties that kept the score respectable for the Scots, who should hopefully have a slightly more enjoyable afternoon against Portugal on Saturday.

Games this weekend

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

While Ireland will hope to do better this weekend, they’ll be wary of an in-form Argentina following their triumphant opening win in Italy. Meanwhile, Scotland should play themselves back into form against Portugal. England will be hoping to secure their first win of the series against South Africa, who they last faced in last year’s World Cup semi-final.

New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive win but they face a tough test against France in Paris. Italy have an opportunity to bounce back from their humiliation against Argentina as they welcome Georgia to Genoa. And finally, Wales could see their winless run stretch even further as they take on Australia.

Autumn Nations Series fixtures

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

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