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.
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.
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.
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)
Best Places to Work Award - Medium Organisation Engage Hospitality is delighted to have been recognized as one of the Sunday Times 'Best Places to Work 2024'. This prestigious award, powered by WorkL, celebrates the outstanding...