Autumn Internationals: Breaking down the good and bad points from the weekend's action

ENGLAND

Positive: Farrell’s value to England was clear in their 12-11 win over South Africa. Not only did the co-captain convert two long-range penalties to keep them in contention early on, but his relieving kicks under pressure were key in what was only his third start under Eddie Jones at No10. His winning penalty on 72 minutes made the difference.

Negative: The 27-year-old almost went from hero to villain in the space of eight minutes, but his late block on Andre Esterhuizen could have resulted in a red card and the concession of a penalty within scoring distance. Luckily, it wasn’t the case. Elsewhere the Red Rose pack, including an inexperienced back-row, were under pressure for the entirety of the first half.

Grade: B-

SOUTH AFRICA

Positive: The Springboks dominated territory (67 per cent) and possession (78 per cent) in the opening 40 minutes, but failed to convert their chances. With games against France, Scotland and Wales this month, Rassie Erasmus’ men need to show some level of improvement in attack fast.

Negative: The visitors’ inability to take opportunities and a lack of discipline (19 turnovers conceded in contrast to England’s 12) cost them victory against a side who they had beaten in two out of their last three matches.

Grade: C+

NEW ZEALAND

Positive: A second string All Blacks side crossed the line ten times in a 69-31 rout against Japan in Tokyo. Winger Ngani Laumape looked sublime with a hat-trick of tries and fly-half Richie Mo’unga kicked 22 points in the commanding win. Both players should make Steve Hansen’s squads against England and Ireland.

Negative: For all their prowess in attack, the All Blacks conceded five tries to a sub-par Japan side and will need to tighten up their defence ahead of tough tests at Twickenham and the Aviva Stadium.

Grade: A-

IRELAND

Positive: Joe Schmidt would have learnt little from his team’s 54-7 win over Italy. The key takeaways from the comprehensive victory in Chicago were the displays of hat-trick hero Jordan Larmour, the versatility of Tadhg Beirne and the leadership of Rhys Ruddock.

Negative: Considering the Men in Green only conceded seven points and three penalties over the course of the match, there is little error in their performance against the 14th ranked team in the world. A stiffer test awaits against the Pumas next Saturday.

Grade: A

WALES

Positives: A first win in their opening game of the autumn series for 16 years is sure to boost confidence for Warren Gatland and Co. That and the return to form of winger George North. The Opsreys man looks like he is really enjoying his rugby again and capped off a strong performance with a try.

Negative: The concession of 13 penalties will certainly frustrate Gatland, but upcoming games against Australia and South Africa provide him with a platform to iron out costly mistakes ahead of a crucial World Cup year.

Grade: B+

SCOTLAND

Positive: The Scots dominated possession and territory, with 60 per cent and 64 per cent respectively, but had little to show on the scoreboard for all their efforts. Fixtures against Fiji, South Africa and Argentina give the Scots a chance of redemption over the coming weeks.

Negative: Gregor Townsend will be disappointed by the fact that a slow start and two defensive errors gifted Wales two tries. A disallowed second-half try from Scotland replacement Peter Horne could have put a different complexion to their 11-point defeat.

Grade: C