Rugby Autumn Internationals: Talking points from every game this weekend

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  • As another weekend of Autumn Internationals draws to a close, we examine each game and look at the key talking points from some terrific matches.

    Ireland 16 New Zealand 9 – Men in green make their intentions felt

    It was billed as the battle of the best two sides in the world, and it didn’t disappoint. In what could become a World Cup dress-rehearsal, Joe Schmidt’s side proved they are more than a match for the All Blacks.

    From a mental perspective the result is huge, with the manner of victory really putting a flag in the side for the Irish.

    Many sides can hang with New Zealand for 50 or 60 minutes but it was the whistle to whistle ferocity the men in green brought in attack, but most notably defence that will make people sit up and take notice.

    Keeping the All Blacks to zero in the tries column is no mean feat, but it was the contact area and breakdown that really set the platform for the win.

    The performance of Kieran Marmion will also please Schmidt, we know about the abundance of riches in the pack, but to now have a ready-made replacement for Conor Murray, if needed, will fill the side with confidence.

    The All Blacks knew this would be their biggest test of the autumn, and with a relatively flaccid pack, missed tackles and an array of handling errors they look a shadow of the side they are built up to be.

    This is by no means panic stations for Steve Hansen, but there is work to be done.

    England 35 Japan 15 – Eddie needs to handle with Care

    Michael Leitch breaks through the tackle of Danny Care to score at Twickenham

    Michael Leitch breaks through the tackle of Danny Care to score at Twickenham

    While we were never going to learn a great deal from England’s performance against Japan, there were a few things that will have Eddie Jones more than a little nervous.

    Danny Care is the main one. A lack of composure on his own try-line and a woeful missed tackle played a huge part in Japan’s two tries, and the lateral nature of England’s attacking play in the first half did little to inspire. He may have bagged a try, but that doesn’t paper over the cracks.

    Ben Youngs is far and away the Red Rose’s best nine, but the lack of depth behind him is troublesome.

    On the plus side, Joe Cokanasiga, Zach Mercer, Charlie Ewles and Harry Williams all gained more experience which will only add to the English collective heading to the Land of the Rising Sun next year.

    Speaking of Japan, any World Cup needs a good showing from the hosts and on this performance, their fans will certainly have a decent amount of hope – of not only winning a match or two, but even progressing from their group.

    Scotland 20 South Africa 26 – All too familiar for the Scots

    Scotland's centre Huw Jones evades a tackle from South Africa's fly-half Handre Pollard

    Scotland’s centre Huw Jones evades a tackle from South Africa’s fly-half Handre Pollard

    This was almost the typical Scottish display.

    Promise lots, have long periods of domination, show some true world-class elements, then orchestrate your own downfall.

    In Huw Jones they have a gem of a player. His glorious passes in the lead-up to Peter Horne’s try were sublime, as was his dart from inside his own 22 in the second period that saw him eat up more than half the pitch.

    The sad thing is the Scots don’t have many like him. Stuart Hogg was his usual lively self, while the teak-tough Hamish Watson covered every blade – but they need more like them if they are going to turn games like this into regular wins.

    Yes, this may have been their first home defeat in a year, but Gregor Townsend and his men should be striving for more.

    For South Africa, it’s their third close, bruising encounter in the last three weeks and you sense they will be glad to get on the plane after a final outing in Cardiff next week.

    Wales 74 Tonga 24 – The kids are alright for Gatland

    Liam Williams scores the first of his brace against Tonga

    Liam Williams scores the first of his brace against Tonga

    A few years ago this is the sort of game Wales would have limped to victory in, unconvincing and leaving questions in the minds of both the watching public and management.

    And after 45 minutes with the score level at 24-all this could have gone the same way.

    However, the Islanders were put to the sword as they tired and lost some discipline and Wales ran riot in clinical manner that would have Warren Gatland more than satisfied.

    Liam Williams, left out against Australia last week, was immense on his 50th cap, as was stand-in skipper Ellis Jenkins, and fellow back-rower Seb Davies – there is youth in this squad that is providing good depth now.

    It’s the battle for the 10 jersey that really intrigues.

    Gareth Anscombe got the nod last week, but Dan Biggar was masterful with hands, boot and brain this week. While Rhys Patchell’s cameo, albeit against a beaten side, had the Welsh fans purring.

    Nice problems to have.

    Italy 7 Australia 26 – A win is a win for the Wallabies

    Taniela Tupou scores Australia's third try in Padova

    Taniela Tupou scores Australia’s third try in Padova

    Confidence is the name of the game for Michael Cheika’s side at the moment and this result will keep the wolves from the door a little longer.

    While it may not have been totally convincing, four tries and the all-important ‘w’ it what the Wallabies will take away from Padova.

    The potential loss of David Pocock to another neck injury doesn’t bode well for their trip to Twickenham.

    For the Italians there are positives. They pressured the Aussies for long periods, and on another day could have had a brace of their own before the break. The complexion of the game would have been very different then.

    France 28 Argentina 13 – Les Bleus end barren run

    Teddy Thomas was the man of the moment for France against Argentina

    Teddy Thomas was the man of the moment for France against Argentina

    If Australia needed a win, France REALLY needed a win.

    And that’s what they got to snap a five-match losing streak.

    The big thing in this one was France’s reaction to going behind as early as the second minute, low on confidence, cliché dictates the French would then hoist up the white flag and meekly surrender for the rest of the game.

    Not a bit of it.

    In a scrappy game, France had some star quality in the form of Teddy Thomas – and he will be pivotal to the progression of this side.

    Argentina look like a side at the end of a long and tough season, they are better than this and will command respect heading to the World Cup.

     

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