The Autumn Internationals have returned, fully of thrilling test matches, tight matches and quality tries. With all six European teams playing on the same day, it was a festival of rugby for the committed view, and every game was worth watching.
We've already discussed the try fest in Cardiff at length, with six tries in a frenetic first half, before a assured Australia lead by man-of-the-match Bernard Foley asserted their dominance to close out yet another win against the Welsh. It was one of Wales' best performances in recent years against a Southern Hemisphere side (maybe only the game against South Africa in the summer piping it), with numerous players reconfirming their credentials as Gatland's go-to men. However significant errors counted for a lot, and crucial missed tackles counted for even more, as they gifted the Wallabies twenty one points. Something that cannot be done against the SANZAR teams, at all.
Meanwhile along the M4, England faced off against the World Champions for the fourth time in a row, at a packed out Twickenham. It started so well for the home nation, where seemingly from a nothing phase in midfield winger Jonny May burst onto the ball with frightening speed, storming past three New Zealand players on his way to a fantastic solo try. Soon afterwards England once again threatened the All Black line, but Mike Brown spilled the ball with the try line waiting for him. With that let off, New Zealand moved down the pitch and a superb display of why they're the best team in the world, eventually Aaron Cruden over the line - somewhat controversially. When the second half came so did the downpour, and with it a change in the game. Gone was the wide expansive game and instead the forwards took control. Both teams blew chances at goal during the game, but New Zealand sacrificed the biggest points with a kicking percentage in the thirties. However despite this the All Blacks showed their ability to adapt to a game with unparalleled grace, and eventually built their lead. Even when they went a man down, they took control, denying England any position (14% during the ten minute period) and actually adding points. A last minute penalty try for England was not enough to bring the game back to the English, in fact the scoreline flattered them somewhat and didn't show how much control the world champions had. Still it did show the gulf in class between New Zealand and almost every team in the world, when the conditions are appalling and the scoreboard is against them, they can execute the simple things well. Pulling off passes and offloads despite the soaking ball, till they could strike. England are getting close to winning consistently against the Southern Hemisphere, but not yet.
Away from the disappointing losses, both France and Italy recorded wins this weekend. Italy beating Samoa for the first time in years, and France putting 40 points on the Fijians, although Fiji did show they're traditional attacking flair but scoring one of the tries of the weekend with an end-to-end touchdown on the final whistle. Returning to the British Isles, Ireland and Scotland both recorded wins in fantastic style. Scotland were rejuvenated under Kiwi coach Vern Cotter. It didn't start so well after a drop of the ball gave Argentina the lead, but rather than letting their heads drop Scotland came right back led by their scrum-half and captain Greig Laidlaw. A quick tap and a superb left handed pass sent Maitland over for their first. Before long both Gray brothers got their names on the score-sheet, on the way to Scotland notching up five tries on Cotters first game at Murrayfield. Scotland will be disappointed with their performance in the final quarter however, leaking another three tries during 20 minutes down to fourteen men. It's excellent to see Scotland's brilliant back three able to show their ability on a brand new pitch, and also that the team set up supports these players. Yet if they were to offer their next opponents - New Zealand - the same number of chances as they did the Pumas then they could be in for a world of hurt.
Finally Ireland, facing up against the second best team in the world, who had only recently beaten New Zealand to end the unbeaten run. It was a tall order for Ireland who had a long injury list including Chris Henry having pulled out shortly before the game. However it became apparent very quickly that Ireland weren't cowing down to the pre-match predictions, with a furious defence stopping the big South African ball carriers with huge two person tackles. Without the go forward from their behemoths, the flashy backs had little space or time on the ball, in fact only Willie le Roux making an serious threats to the Ireland defence and even then only from kick returns. With little gain being made in the centre of the field, the Springboks returned to the pre-set game plan, mauls. At every lineout South Africa looked to form their fearsome weapon, and at every lineout Ireland refused to take part. Stepping away from their opponents, as such no offside line was created allowing - usually - Jack McGrath to step around to the back of the maul and tackle the man in possession. A sensible team would then adapt their game away from mauls, instead South Africa kept attempting them, and being stopped every time (except for one try from five meters out). Meanwhile Ireland in offence were sublime, Jonathan Sexton with a dominant kicking game, constantly turning the big forwards, and Rob Kearney making numerous line breaks from fullback. The final nail in the coffin for the southern hemisphere giants was the yellow card to replacement hooker Strauss, while he was off the field Ireland - unlike England - ton total control and finished off the game with an sublime cross field kick by Connor Murray to the ever present winger Tommy Bowe, to round off the win.
Looking ahead, South Africa face another tough game after the Irish as they arrive at Twickenham to take on Stuart Lancaster and co. If England can tighten up their game and make complete use of all their chances, it's hard to look past them for the win. Ireland are doing their best to develop world rugby, as they play their easiest game of the series against Georgia. It is almost a guaranteed win, especially after their performance last weekend, but teams have slipped up at these games in the past. Scotland face their biggest test in current world champions, and undeniable best in the world, New Zealand and despite the vast improvements in attacking ingenuity, the frailties exposed in the last twenty minutes could cost them an respectful scoreline. Wales play Fiji in another one sided match, but with both sides meeting again at next year's world cup it is a very important game. Finally across the Channel: France face Australia in a replay of their summer tour, and Italy face against Argentina. Both games are close to call but home advantage could prove crucial.
Predictions:
Italy vs. Argentina (Sat: KO 1400) - Argentina
England vs. South Africa (Sat: KO 1430) - England
Wales vs. Fiji (Sat: KO 1430) - Wales
Scotland vs. New Zealand (Sat: KO 1730) - New Zealand
France vs. Australia (Sat: KO 2000) - Australia
Ireland vs. Georgia (Sun: KO 1430) - Ireland
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