Autumn Nations Series: New Zealand edge England as Scotland start with win

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

All Posts

Share this

• 
• 
•