The international autumn Tests are looked forward to by rugby pundits and fans for they are presented an opportunity to witness exciting rugby between the giants from the southern hemisphere.
The South makes up of number one ranked side NZ with might Wallabies, South Africa and the underdogs Tonga, Fiji, Japan and Argentina against Six Nations Championship teams England, Wales, Scotland, France, Ireland and Italy. Last week, fans witnessed a round of exciting rugby international Tests that brought them to the edge of their seats.
Fijian fans were relieved when the Flying Fijians, who trailed Spain 13-12 heading into the halftime break, delivered in the second spell to beat the Lions 43-13. Despite meeting for five days, the clinical Fijians delivered.
The Lions surprised Fiji with a brave and incisive game, but Fiji settled and produced the goods to win the battle. The Springboks had to rely on a Malcolm Marx try, in addition to Handre Pollard penalties, Frans Steyn’s long-range effort and a final Elton Jantjies penalty to secure the 23-18 win over Wales in rain-sodden conditions at the Principality Stadium.
The All Blacks struggled early against Italy in former All Black star Kieran Crowley’s debut as Azzurri coach, before pulling out a record-breaking 47-9 win at the Stadio Olimpico. However, England cruised past Tonga, hammering the Ikale Tahi 69-3 despite missing their star player Owen Farrell. Just like the Roses, the Andy Farrell coached Ireland side began their Test tour with a dominant 60-5 win over Japan at the Aviva Stadium.
France escaped Argentina’s onslaught as Thibaud Flament scored on debut and the Les Bleus beat the Pumas 29-20 in Paris. Finally, after the Bravehearts beat the Wallabies 15-13, Murrayfi eld was re-established as a formidable fortress. Another round of battles will take place this week, and I’m sure fans will wake up early to catch the live coverage.
Italy vs Argentina
Argentina first played against Italy in 1978 in Rovigo, with Italy running out 19-6 winners. They next met in the 1987 RWC tournament, Argentina coming out on top 25-16. Since then, Argentina has a better record. Italy and Argentina played in 2016 and 2017 at the Estadio B.G Estanislao Lopez, Santa Fe and at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence. Both Tests were won by Argentina 30- 24 and 31-15, respectively. Ironically, both Argentina and Italy lost last weekend to France and the All Blacks, and the Pumas should have the armoury to handle the Azzurri, and they are expected to register their fi rst win of this season.
Scotland vs South Africa
After downing the Wallabies and Wales, Scotland and South Africa come head-to-head.
The Bravehearts have played the Springboks in some gallant battles, but the three last matches have gone the Springboks way. In 2014, the green machine beat Scotland 55-6 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
A year later at the 2015 RWC tournament, the Springboks hammered Scotland 34-16 at St James Park, Newcastle, and in 2018, at Murrayfield, South Africa narrowly beat Scotland 26-20.
South Africa showed a lot of vigour and enthusiasm against the Dragons and played for 80 minutes. Scotland showed a lot of patience and courage against the Wallabies who were on a fi ve-match winning run, ending their unbeaten run.
The likes of Willie le Roux, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Elton Jantjies, Herschel Jantjies; Duane Vermeulen, Kwagga Smith, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard and Frans Steyn will don the green jumper.
South Africa has showed what it is capable of doing when Jacques Nienaber’s men tamed the All Blacks in the last match of this year’s Rugby Championship, but they face a tricky Scotland side, playing for their fans. Scotland’s home record against the Springboks reads five wins and 14 losses since these nations first clashed at Hampden Park in 1906.
Given the dark blues’ struggles to cross the whitewash against South Africa, a similar result might be Scotland’s best chance of eking out another victory! In this century just six Scots have scored tries against the Springboks at Murrayfi eld. I’m tipping South Africa to beat Scotland.
Ireland vs NZ
The cracker match for this weekend is expected to take the rugby fraternity by storm. The All Blacks are ranked number one, while Ireland had mixed results in the Six Nations Rugby Championship, losing to Wales 21-16 and France 15-13, but defeating Italy 48-10, Scotland 27-24 and England 32-18.
Last week, the Andy Farrell coached Irish outfit was swift and quick against the Brave Blossoms, raking in 60 points. This win would have inspired the hosts.
Playing at the Aviva Stadium, Andy Farrell’s side looks to build on a positive run of results. Fears over a potential heavy beating by the All Blacks, who have been in imperious form this year, have been eased after Ireland’s near flawless 60-5 win over the Japanese in a stylish and skillful showing.
The ABs arrived in Dublin having taken back the top spot in the World Rugby world rankings. However their performance against Italy, despite running out 47-9 winners, was highly criticised by rugby journalists who labeled the win clunky, disjointed and scrappy.
The visitors generally have a more dangerous attack than their opponents. While it is a massive ask for Farrell’s side to come away with a win, the bright performance against Japan has given heaps of hope.
Ireland will be looking to build on their wins in 2016 and 2018, and this would be the biggest challenge to date for the ABs on their Northern tour and provide stiff challenge for a side lacking in battle- hardened rugby in more than a month after three dominant victories over the US, Wales and Italy. Kiwi trio Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson Park and James Lowe would play crucial roles for Ireland.
The ABs first played against Ireland in 1905, during their tour of Europe and North America, beating Ireland 15-0 at Lansdowne Road, Dublin.
The two teams have played a total of 32 Test matches, with the ABs winning 29, losing two, and one ending in a draw. In 2016 at Soldier Field, Chicago, United States Ireland hammered the ABs 40-29, but at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin the visitors downed Ireland 21-9. Two years later at the same venue, Ireland shocked the rugby world after battling past their opponent 16-9. The two sides last met at the 2019 RWC tournament at the Tokyo Stadium, with the ABs thrashing Ireland 46-14 in the quarter-final.
This match is going to be close, but I’m expecting the ABs to take it out in a grand way.
England vs Australia
Eddie Jones brigade is beaming with confi dence, heading to their Test at home against the Wallabies who suffered a heartbreaking loss at Murrayfi eld. The rivalry between England and Australia started in 1909 at Blackheath’s Rectory Field in England, during the 1908-09 Wallabies tour of Britain.
Ironically, the Wallabies won the match 9-3. The past four battles between the sides have been won by England. From 2016-18, England beat the Wallabies (at Twickenham) 37-21, 30-6 and 37-18, respectively. The sides last clashed at the Oita Stadium in Japan during the quarter-final, and England demolished the Wallabies 40-16.
England has had by far the better of recent matches between these sides and they will start as firm favourites.
The Roses warmed up for this match (and next week’s clash with the Springboks) by hammering Tonga 69-3. They scored 11 tries in total and really showed no mercy in the closing stages when they crossed four times. On the other hand, the Wallabies five-match winning streak came to an end in Scotland last week when they were beaten 15-13. Scotland led 7-3 at half time and it was nip and tuck throughout the second half.
The Wallabies stopped off in Japan on their way to the UK and they came through with a hard earned 32-23 victory, scoring fi ve tries and conceding two. After proving no match for the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup and early Rugby Championship matches, Australia returned to form with back to back wins over the Springboks and Argentina to fi nish in second spot. Despite Joe Marler’s absence, the hosts are bolstered by the return of Owen Farrell and the momentum of that 11-try demolition of Tonga.
England has put together a record seven consecutive wins over Australia, which has proven ample revenge for their nightmare 2015 RWC defeat at Twickenham. With the home support behind them, England has enough gas in the tank to win. The Wallabies haven’t won the Cook Cup since 2012, and with the hosts on a sevengame winning run, I’m expecting that to turn to eight this week.
France vs Georgia
France will be at their best against Georgia which has had not much success in the competitive extended rugby code compared with the Les Bleus achievements. France had an upper hand against Argentina last week, while the Lelos won the Rugby Europe Championship 2021 after defeating the Netherlands in the eastern Georgian town of Telavi.
It was the fifth victory for Georgia at the championship, which served as the qualifying tournament for the 2023 RWC tournament which would be held in France.
The Lelos, which also won the championship from 2018-2020, were the dominant force at the competition. I’m predicting France to beat Georgia and maintain their winning run during their Autumn Test tour.
Wales vs Fiji
This week’s international Tests will speak a lot about the various team’s momentum, heading to the 2023 RWC tournament.
For Fijian fans at home and overseas, support will be flying as the boys prepare to take on Wales in Cardiff. It’s going to be a battle between former Wales player Gareth Baber, who is in charge of the Flying Fijians in the absence of head coach Vern Cotter, and Wayne Pivac, who coached the Flying Fijians and won the 2005 Melrose Cup with the 7s side at So Kon Po Stadium.
Wales will have the upper hand, but the Flying Fijians have depth and are capable of taming the Dragons.
As I conclude, I acknowledge the following sources: Sky Sports, MSN, Wikipedia, The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian!
RAJNESH LINGAM is a contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed are his and not necessarily of this newspaper or his employer.
