Last Word On Rugby, by Scott Hornell.
In the final official weekend for Autumn International test matches, there were some classic battles. Across the men’s and women’s games, rivalries again allowed great examples of the game to be played. From Béziers, France to Dublin, Ireland. Find all the International Test Rugby Results here, with Last Word On Rugby.
International Test Rugby Results
Week Four raised the standard yet again. Teams had each warmed into their systems, so that most games were very competitive. Several had small winning margins this week, demonstrating the pressure as well as the intent to maintain standards taken from the frequent competition on the International stage.
A high number of women’s International games were played too. Many in preparation for next years Women’s Rugby World Cup. Visiting teams wanting to simulate the conditions and schedule for that tournament. Some great matches, to demonstrate the high standards played by the women.
The men didn’t let anyone down either: with home teams mostly holding court. Aside from the All Blacks (winning their 13th match of 2016) Tonga were the only other winning away team. It showed the intention of home sides. Committed, most held firm to produce quality International Test Rugby results.
And the spirit of rugby was on show this weekend again. Post-match handshakes (see main photo) were great to witness. Players exchanging jerseys and continuing the proud history of the game–play hard, shake hands and enjoy a chat and a beer post match. That applies to both men and women, and helps rugby maintain it’s key rugbyunited foundation.
*Women’s matches are noted (W).
_____________________________________________________________________
Wednesday November 23
France 36 United States 10 (W) – Stade de la Mediterranee, Béziers
🔴 L'équipe de #FranceFéminines @FFRugby remporte sa 2e victoire sur les filles de @USARugby 👍👏 #FRAvUSA pic.twitter.com/NHRXwDB5K0
— Rugby World Cup (@RugbyWorldCupFR) November 25, 2016
Canada 10 New Zealand 20 (W) – Donnybrook, Dublin
Thursday Nov 24
French Barbarians 19 Australia 11 – Stade Chaban Delmas, Bordeaux
Friday Nov 25
Samoa 25 Canada 23 – Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
France 31 USA 6 (W) – Altrad Stadium, Montpellier
Saturday Nov 26
Spain 15 Scotland 10 (W) – Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid
Scotland 43 Georgia 16 – Rugby Park, Kilmarnock
Home Nation victories: England ✅ Scotland ✅ Ireland ✅ Wales ✅
A #ScrumTogether clean sweep 👏 pic.twitter.com/7mtJjcgZKH
— Dove Men+Care (@DoveMenUK) November 26, 2016
England 27 Argentina 14 – Twickenham, London
Italy 17 Tonga 19 – Stadio Euganeo, Padova
Fiji 38 Japan 25 – Stade de la Rabine, Vannes
Romania 36 Uruguay 10 – Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf, Bucuresti
England 39 Canada 6 (W) – Twickenham, London
Thank you every one for your support over the Old Mutual Wealth Series. I'm ok! #3OutOf4 #AutumnInternationals pic.twitter.com/p2Uppbukx2
— Marlie Packer (@MarliePacker) November 26, 2016
Ireland 27 Australia 24 – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wales 27 South Africa 13 – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
France 19 New Zealand 24 – Stade de France, Paris
Ireland 8 New Zealand 38 (W) – UCD Bowl, Dublin
With that, the International Test Rugby Results column concludes.
_____________________________________________________________________
Next weekend brings us to the final match of the Autumn International test window: England v Australia, at Twickenham. An extra match tagged onto the already full season, it gives fans in the United Kingdom one extra chance to cheer on their ‘men in white’.
The English side may have been the biggest winners over the window–four consecutive wins–and they look in control of their game. Eddie Jones has the machine operating at a great speed. only troubled by injury, or suspension [a likely extended break for Elliot Daly]. Known for his coaching qualifications, as much as his ‘gamesmanship’.
.@qantaswallabies adamant they won't be distracted by Eddie Jones ahead of @EnglandRugby showdown. #ENGvAUS https://t.co/S5GbmW9qjh
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) November 27, 2016
Opposing them will be the Wallabies. Not mortally-wounded by their latest loss; it has been a season of plenty of faults before a run of three victories. Even considering the June series loss at home, both sides are changed from then to now: England buoyant, Australia deflated and trying to hold it’s pressure ahead of Saturday.
ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA
Saturday, December 3. Twickenham, London
On Saturday, they will clash for the 48th time. The visitors will hold a slender historical advantage, but that could be where it ends. Dylan Hartley is the more confident leader, with his opposing captain looking like a man ready for the ‘plank’. Win, and Australia will go home satisfied. Lose, and some may want to holiday first–prior to returning to the fixed attention of media and displeased fans.
The English team are on the brink of a winning sequence not seen since 2002. Those heady days may be returning to the ‘home of rugby’. Victory will point toward a bright Six Nations campaign, where they are seen as favourite. A loss, could be taken in their stride. A blip on the road to 2019 in Japan one could say.
______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming fixtures: ENG v AUS
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series kicks off next weekend in Dubai. The game of sevens is trending after the Olympic Games, so look forward to full reports from Jovilisi Waqa and his ‘Lowdown’ on the sevens circuit in 2016/17.
“Main photo credit”