Rugby fans have been treated to a sensational set of international fixtures over the past five weekends. Outcomes that need attention to the detail, resulting in these Autumn International grades for each home nation.
With several shock results, sparkling performances, and broken records, the final section of 2016’s international calendar had it all.
Here are the Home Nations’ Autumn International grades.
England: A
The Red Rose completed their annus mirabilis against Australia at Twickenham, winning their record-equalling fourteenth game in a row. Following victories over a declining South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, this marked the hardest test of the Autumn. Whilst Eddie Jones will be delighted with results and – in places – performances, it is not all positive.
England’s discipline has been the Achilles Heel. They conceded 39 penalties across the four games, including two yellows and a red card. Whilst this didn’t harm results, against a team like New Zealand they would be punished. If they are to reach the All Blacks level, their discipline must improve.
They also conceded nine tries in total, including three against Fiji. England cannot afford to give away easy tries if they are to be the best. Despite this, it was still a very successful Autumn for Eddie Jones’ men.
In earning an A for the Autumn International grades, and stand at the ‘top of the class’ for their 159 points scored (including 18 tries) points to a strong attacking threat. Some players – such as Ben Youngs and Chris Robshaw – showed their world class potential; and despite missing many first-choice players at times, England never really looked like losing. Some brilliant tries were scored this autumn: watch this video of a Marland Yarde classic.
England are well on track to provide a stern challenge for the All Blacks at the top of the rankings, if not by the end by the end of March, then when the two sides meet again. That date is still to be set, but it will surely be the ‘Battle for Top Billing’ in all fans eyes.
Ireland: A
What an Autumn it has been for Joe Schmidt and his Irish team. Having broken the All Blacks unbeaten run in Chicago, they went on to claim the scalps of Canada and Australia. This followed a summer victory over South Africa in the republic, meaning they are the first team to defeat all three southern hemisphere powerhouses in a calendar year since England’s 2003 World Cup-winning team.
Although they were beaten in Dublin by a respondent New Zealand, this can hardly be held against them–considering their heroics in the United States. Both games had dramatic moments, with the shear fact that Schmidt’s men scored four tries against New Zealand a huge feat in it’s own.
What’s more, Ireland have uncovered some serious talent. Tahdg Furlong made his first start against the All Blacks and is already now considered by many as the front runner to start at tight-head for the Lions. As well as this, Garry Ringrose looked seriously impressive when he came on against the Wallabies, adding some strength in depth in the midfield. CJ Stander and Josh Van Der Flier both shone in the back row. Meanwhile behind the pack, halves combination Connor Murray and Jonny Sexton exhibited their world class ability.
Overall, Ireland will be delighted with their Autumn and will provide stiff competition to England in the Six Nations. The competition finale on Saturday 18th March [Ireland v England, Aviva Stadium] will be a cracker. The day after St Patricks Day–the party could last a little longer if the men wearing emerald green can rise above the unbeaten English.
Scotland Autumn International grades: B+
Two wins against Argentina and Georgia, alongside a one point loss to Australia, is a solid outcome from the Autumn. What will please the Scots more is the performances.
Looking to avenge their World Cup defeat, Scotland put in a heartening display against the Wallabies. They looked like they would come out victorious until Kuridrani’s try in the 76th minute was converted by Foley. Even though this would have left the players heartbroken, the way they battled past the Springboks, before disposing with Georgia was very impressive.
Head coach Vern Cotter (re-signed) has now built a team with serious potential and filled it with talent. There is a swagger and belief about their play too that has been lacking in recent years. Players like WP Nel, Jonnie Gray and Stuart Hogg will surely be on the British and Irish Lions plane to New Zealand – and pushing for starting jerseys too.
The major worry for Cotter will be the Scots apparent mental block. In the tight games, they seem to struggle to get over the line. In games where it has counter, Greig Laidlaw has come through, while in others the group has failed. Fix this, and they will be a real force.
The Scots will be content going into the New Year. However, they will know that nothing less than two, if not three, wins is acceptable in the Spring if they are to push on from this.
Wales: C+
The worst performing team of the four in our Autumn International grades. Although three wins and a loss looks like a fair return, it is important to look further than this. Against Australia ‘they were shocking’. Looking devoid of ideas in attack and vulnerable to Wallaby attack in their collapsing defence.
They then proceeded to struggle to victory over both a tired Argentina, and a sprightly Japan. These are teams – especially the Cherry Blossoms – that they would expect to beat comfortably. The margin was 33-30, and put a scare in the camp.
The 27-13 victory against South Africa is irrelevant, considering how bad the Springboks have been this year. Most will talk it up, but in grading all home nations, both England and Ireland defeated the Boks in much better fashion.
Overall there was a feeling throughout the Autumn that Wales were stuck playing a mix of ‘Warrenball’ and the interim systems asked of them by Rob Howley. The result was poor, with Wales struggled to break defences down. This side must improve significantly if they are to have any chance of challenging in the 2017 Six Nations.
__________________________________________________________________
Updated RR World Rankings
Full ranking Update later today.https://t.co/yMGPz0Ze0Y pic.twitter.com/gvscO7eHgS— RugbyRedefined (@RedefinedRugby) November 26, 2016
Official World Rugby rankings can be found here.
Coment below on these Autumn International grades, and continue the conversation on our social media channels; Facebook and Twitter.
“Main photo credit”
