home nations at autumn internationals 28-11-16

SATURDAY

WALES 27-13 SOUTH AFRICA

TIPIRIC SECOND ENSURES WALES BIG WIN

 Hooker Ken Owens' try from a lineout rumble in the 44th-minute opened a 14-point gap before Springbok flanker Uzair Cassiem hit back.

Justin Tipuric's try clinched only a third-ever win over the Springboks.

The defeat means South Africa have lost eight times in a calendar year for the first time in their history.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38082818

The South African team at the moment seem to have a few serious problems being seeded number 9 in the world and not seeming to pick up wins that they should have as for Wales I think this was a win they targeted and should be very happy with what they have done

IRELAND 27-24 AUSTRALIA

KEITH EARLS SECURES WIN FOR IRELAND

Tries from Iain Henderson and Garry Ringrose helped the hosts to a 17-0 lead but the Wallabies fought back with three touchdowns to move into the lead.

Keith Earls' score proved decisive but it was the Irish forwards who laid the platform in a breathless encounter.

The result ended Australia's hopes of a Grand Slam over the home nations.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38117637

In rugby circles this mist be considered the most successful one for the Irish team especially after losing their main men in O Connell and O Drisdol after the world cup last season. Winning against all 3 Southern Hemisphere nations in one year is definitely an accomplishment in its own right and should be seen as such.  

ENGLAND 27-14 ARGENTINA

MAY ASSURES ENGLAND BIG WIN

 Wing Daly was dismissed for taking out Leonardo Senatore in mid-air but a penalty try and three Owen Farrell penalties opened up a 16-0 lead.

Tries from Facundo Isa and Santiago Cordero cut the gap to two points.

A Jonny May score pulled England clear with Argentina's Enrique Pieretto also sent off for a stamp on Joe Marler.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38082135

England are on for a grands slam against the Southern Hemisphere sides equalizing what Ireland have done this season comparing to another team is not easy as it it a different generation of sport but no one will compae as that team won the world cup  

SCOTLAND 43-16 GEORGIA

HOGG DOUBLE AVOIDS EMBARRASSMENT FOR SCOTLAND

The visitors led briefly through Vasil Lobzhanidze's early try, but the Scots raced ahead through Tommy Seymour, a penalty try, Sean Maitland and Stuart Hogg before the break.

Hamish Watson extended the lead, battling over soon after half-time.

Lobzhanidze bagged a second from a huge Georgian scrum, before Hogg finished off a searing counter-attack.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38097669

Georgia need matches against better opponents on a more regular basis as they had showed in this match that they could fight and had the power but how do you set this up as you know that teams like Rominia, Russia and Portugal will ask for it after so we do need a fairer system in place for World Rugby as the northern teams do not play Southern teams who play at a her level it is really tricky 

21-11-16 AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS

SATURDAY

WALES 33-30 JAPAN

WARBUTON SAVES WALES FROM HUMILIATION

Yu Tamura's conversion of Amanaki Lotoahea's 76th-minute try almost earned Japan an historic draw in a thrilling international in Cardiff.

Wales had led by 11 points in the second half after tries by Dan Lydiate, Jamie Roberts and Sam Warburton.

Wings Akihito Yamada and Kenki Fukuoka were Japan's other try-scorers.

Leigh Halfpenny scored 15 points with the boot and Japan number eight Amanaki Mafi was named man-of-the-match after a tireless and powerful display.

But it is the 23-year-old Osprey number 10 Davies who will dominate the headlines after keeping his cool to nail his drop-goal left-footed from 30 metres in only his second international.

It was a rare moment of clarity in a WWelsh performance punctuated by errors and a lack of tactical control.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38003231

Japan are showing definite signs of improvement and would not be a team as a third or fourth seeded team I would want to draw I think they are showing signs that they are learning and improving week on wee.,As for Wales there are a lot of questions that need to be asked before the next match.

ENGLAND 58-15 FIJI

LAUNCHBURY SECURES EASY ENGLAND WIN

Jonathan Joseph, Elliot Daly, Semesa Rokoduguni, Teimana Harrison and Joe Launchbury gave England a big lead.

Fiji hit back as Nemani Nadolo, Leone Nakarawa and Metuisela Talebula scored either side of the break.

But further scores from Joe Launchbury (two), Joseph, Alex Goode and Rokoduguni saw England secure their biggest winning margin against Fiji.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38015102

England looked impressive in this easy win on Saturday and they looked like they were looking at having that second or third player in certain positions and they looked like they could beat anyone but England and Fiji always looked like they were on different levels.

SCOTLAND 19-16 ARGENTINA

LAIDLAW LAST MINUTE KICK GIVES SCOTLAND BIG WIN

Captain Laidlaw and Nicolas Sanchez traded penalties in a first half of little quality.

Matias Orlando and Sean Maitland scored fine converted tries in a livelier second 40 minutes.

Fly-half Finn Russell saw his drop-goal charged down with a minute to play but, with the clock red, Laidlaw's penalty sailed home to snatch the win.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37992042

]Scotland showed that they can compete with the best in the world with this win and showed as well that they can take on any of the 6 nations teams on their day they also show a sense of improvement that says that they are getting more nearer their promised land. As for Argentine a defeat like this makes me think they are going a little backwards

IRELAND 9-21 NEW ZEALAND

FEKITOA DOUBLE SECURE WIN FOR BLACKS

 Tries from Malakai Fekitoa and Beauden Barrett put New Zealand 14-3 up after 14 minutes although there looked a question mark over Barrett's grounding.

Robbie Henshaw was already off injured and Ireland soon lost Johnny Sexton and CJ Stander as the All Blacks stretched the game's laws to the limit.

Two Paddy Jackson kicks cut the margin to five before Fekitoa's clinching try.

The Irish couldn't exploit intense third-quarter pressure - despite Fekitoa's sin-binning - with Rob Kearney's inability to off-load as a try beckoned in the 56th minute a key moment after Israel Dagg had fumbled a Simon Zebo kick

Not for the first time, Rory Best questioned referee Jaco Peyper after Fekitoa's 65th-minute try with the Irish skipper convinced replacement TJ Perenara had delivered a forward pass as New Zealand scored in their first foray into opposition territory since the break.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38016234

Ireland definitely had a chance in this match at 9-14 to do something but New Zealand showed why they are the best team in the world but Ireland is a bit of a project and this shows that Ireland are still at their best but New Zealand are that step ahead   

autumn international teams 18-11-16

ENGLAND V FIJI 

Fiji squad to face England
Fiji: M Talebula; B Masilevu, A Tikoirotuma, A Vulivuli, N Nadolo; J Matavesi, S Vularika; C Ma'afu , S Koto, M Saulo, A Ratuniyawara, L Nakarawa, D Waqaniburotu, P Yato, A Qera.
Replacements:
T Talemaitoga, P Ravai, L Atalifo, N Soqeta, N Dawai, E Radrodro, N Matawalu, K Murimurivalu.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38017269

If Fiji are to get within 20 points of England I would be very surprised as Jones has got a strong team that is ready for anyone at the moment this might be a chance to drop anyone with any chance of risk of injury after 60 minutes

WALES V JAPAN 

Wales: Liam Williams; Leigh Halfpenny Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Alex Cuthbert; Gareth Anscombe, Lloyd Williams; Nicky Smith, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee, Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (capt), James King.
Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Rhys Gill, Scott Andrews, Jake Ball, Ross Moriarty, Gareth Davies, Sam Davies, Keelan Giles.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38010250

Wales should use this as a learning experience for the World cup when it comes and how the Aisain public will accept them. I think that this game could be close until 70 minutes but then the legs that Wales have will take control of this match

FRANCE V AUSTRALIA 

I think if France play well they will do very well and be within 3 points but if they play badly they could loose by 20 points or more they do have a habit of doing this. Up one day down the next.

IRELAND V NEW ZEALAND

 Ireland: R Kearney; A Trimble, J Payne, R Henshaw, S Zebo; J Sexton, C Murray; J McGrath, R Best, T Furlong; D Toner, D Ryan; CJ Stander, S O'Brien, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, C Healy, F Bealham, I Henderson, J van der Flier, K Marmion, P Jackson, G Ringrose.

New Zealand: B Smith; I Dagg, M Fekitoa, A Lienert-Brown, J Savea; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, D Coles, O Franks; B Retallick, S Whitelock; L Squire, S Can, K Read (capt).
Replacements: C Taylor, W Crockett, C Faumuina, S Barrett, A Savea, TJ Perenara, A Cruden, W Naholo.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38016234

This is definitely a match where we will be able to see what Ireland is going to come through and whether or not we have the potential to win the World Cup in 3 years. This will be a different type of match as Ireland have the monkey off their back so what can they do now. I think Ireland will compete but loose by less than 5.

SCOTLAND V ARGENTINA 

Scotland: Hogg, Maitland, Jones, Dunbar, Seymour, Russell, Laidlaw (capt), Dell, Brown, Fagerson, Gilchrist, J Gray, Bradbury, Watson, Barclay.
Replacements: Ford, Allan, Low, Swinson, Wilson, Price, Horne, Visser.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38010903

Scotland have shown in recent weeks that they can compete with anyone in the world but I think this will be different. I feel that Argentina
 have got too much power for Scotland compete for this one.

ITALY V SOUTH AFRICA 

I think that South Africa will win this game by at least 15 points but Italy can do well in this type of match and matches like this can only help Italy go forward 

autumn internationals rugby 14-11-16

IRELAND 52-21 CANADA

O HALARAN DOUBLE SHOWS WHAT RESERVES CAN DO

With 15 changes from the win over New Zealand, the Irish led 14-0 after tries by Keith Earls and Luke Marshall.

Tries from DTH van der Merwe and Taylor Paris levelled but Tiernan O'Halloran gave Ireland a 21-14 half-time lead.

A penalty try, Ultan Dillane, Kieran Marmoin, O'Halloran and debutant James Tracy added to Ireland's tally while Matt Evans got Canada's third try.

Paddy Jackson landed all of his six conversion attempts for the hosts with scrum-half Gordon McRorie kicking three out of three for the visitors.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37935214

Ireland and Joe Scmidt have to look at this match and try to find them gems that they can put in against New Zealand next week so they can learn what needs to be learned as they need to now build towards a world cup as this is the only thing that the Irish have failed at.

SCOTLAND 22-23 AUSTRALIA

KURIDRANI DENIES SCOTLAND DREAM WIN

Centre Huw Jones scored two first-half tries for the Scots, either side of Reece Hodge's stunning Wallabies score.

Jonny Gray drove over after the break for Scotland's third try, with Bernard Foley kicking two penalties.

With Australia trailing by six points, giant center Kuridrani powered through to score under the posts, Foley converting to deny Scotland.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37928317

Scotland have shown in this match what it is that they can do and have definitely impressed in this match as they show why they are the team that teams find difficult to control but easy to beat Scotland does have issues and they need to look at this as I have seen it a few times against big teams

ENGLAND 37-21 SOUTH AFRICA

LAWES SHOWS QUALITY OF 4 TRY ENGLAND

First-half tries from Jonny May and Courtney Lawes were matched by a near-identical pair by George Ford and Owen Farrell in the second period to overwhelm the visitors.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37950182

England have shown in this match that they can compete with anyone but South Africa do have problems at the moment and they need to sort them out before the world cup but I am not sure whether they can do that or not.

WALES 24-20 ARGENTINA

HALFPENNY BOOT SEALS WIN FOR WALES

 All the tries came in the second half with Liam Williams and Gareth Davies crossing as Wales twice opened an eight-point lead.

But Juan Martin Hernandez and Martin Landajo both scored as the Pumas refused to lie down.

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny's 78th-minute penalty edged Wales four points clear to settle the encounter.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37935687

Wales have shown that they can compete with the best in the world with this if win I think that this could build their confidence going into the next match. I think that Argentina can come back from this and beat anyone  

autumn internationals 11-11-16

 

ITALY V NZ

 

 

 

 

This should be a mauling by New Zealand after being the wounded animal and they should hit 60

ENGLAND V SA

 

 

 

 

 

I think that this will be a tight game and revelling the teams as late as possible might be a thing to sell the match as neither team has an advantage

SCOTLAND V AUSTILIA

Scotland: Stuart Hogg, Sean Maitland, Huw Jones, Alex Dunbar, Tim Visser, Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw (capt); Allan Dell, Ross Ford, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, John Barclay, Hamish Watson, Ryan Wilson

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Gordon Reid, Moray Low, Grant Gilchrist, John Hardie, Ali Price, Pete Horne, Rory Hughes.

 

Australia: Israel Folau, Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Reece Hodge, Henry Speight, Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Scott Sio, Stephen Moore (capt), Sekope Kepu, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Lopeti Timani

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Nick Phipps, Quade Cooper.

I think that Australia will be much too strong for Scotland I think that the Australia team is miles ahead of the Scots and I think that if they play a smart game Scotland have no hope

 

 

IRELAND V CANADA

Ireland: T O'Halloran (Connacht); C Gilroy (Ulster), G Ringrose (Leinster), L Marshall (Ulster), K Earls (Munster); P Jackson (Ulster), K Marmion (Connacht); C Healy (Leinster), S Cronin (Leinster), F Bealham (Connacht); U Dillane (Connacht), B Holland (Munster); P O'Mahony (Munster, capt), S O'Brien (Leinster), J O'Donoghue (Munster).

Replacements: D Kilcoyne (Munster), J Tracy (Leinster), J Ryan (Munster), D Ryan (Munster), D Leavy (Leinster), L McGrath (Leinster), J Carbery (Leinster), N Adeolokun (Connacht).

Canada: M Evans; DTH can Der Merwe, C Trainor, C HEearn, T Paris; C Baird, G McRorie; D Sears, R Barkwill, J Ilnicki B Beukeboom, E Olmstead; K Bailie, L Rumball, A A Carpenter.

Replacements: E Howard, R Bouwer, M Tierney, A Cejvanovic, M Heaton, P Mack, P Parfrey, N Blevins.

I think that this will be an incredible homecoming like none I have ever seen and I think that it depends on how the reserves play their game. I think they can rise to the challenge and win by at least 15 points

 

 

 

WALES V ARGENTENA

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon); George North (Northampton), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Liam Williams (Scarlets); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues, capt), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter), Luke Charteris (Bath), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Cory Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins

I think this will be a real battle that could go either way but I would have to lean towards Argentina as I think that they are stronger at the moment

 

 

AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS WEEK 1 7-11-16

AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS

NEW ZEALAND 29-40 IRELAND

HENSHAW PUTS HIS NAME IN HISTORY BOOKS

 

Tries from Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander and Conor Murray helped the Irish to a 25-8 half-time lead, then Simon Zebo scored his side's fourth try in the corner

TJ Perenara, Ben Smith and Scott Barrett added to George Mola's first-half try for the New Zealanders but despite some sustained late pressureto move to within four points but Robbie Henshaw's late try ensured the victory.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37886601

This was one of the things I did not think that I would see in my lifetime. I thought5 because New Zealand were so far ahead of Ireland as a team that this would go on for a few decades yet but the performance in the first half was incredible and the way that they played that first half was awesome but the difference between this year and a few years ago was Ireland attacked when there were a couple of minutes to go and they got the try they needed to win the match.

Maybe New Zealand saw this as a sure thing and they would have their 19 wins without defeat but they should have known Ireland would be trickier than that. I cannot remember there being a huge difference in class between the 2 nations and I think that Ireland can do it again and this had got to give them confidence that they can win the world cup in 3 years never mind just reaching the semi-finals. I don’t think Ireland will fear playing New Zealand in the near future  

JAPAN 20-54 ARGENNTINA

SANCHEZ BEATS JAPAN ON HIS OWN

 

Nicolas Sanchez, Matias Moroni and Santiago Cordero scored two tries apiece as a rampant Argentina thrashed an inexperienced Japan 54-20 to open the international window in style on Saturday

Sanchez also kicked three penalties and five conversions for a personal tally of 29 points, while replacement scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli scored Argentina's seventh try six minutes from time.

Japan scored consolation tries through number eight Amanaki Lelei Mafi and debutant winger Lomano Lemeki

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-3907896/Japan-20-54-Argentina-Pumas-rack-seven-tries-Nicolas-Sanchez-stars-thumping-win-Cherry-Blossoms.html#ixzz4PK6oEOIo

A result like this away from home tells me that Argentina are definitely learning and improving year on year and would think that they would have a great chance in Japan when the world cup comes but they should have bigger fish to fry than the Japanese.

WALES 8-32 AUSTRILIA

HAYLETT KILLS OF WELSH RUGBY HOPES

 

 

The Wallabies blew the lethargic hosts off the field in a one-sided first half when tries by Stephen Moore, Reece Hodge and Tevita Kuridrani opened a 20-3 lead.

Bernard Foley's try put the game beyond Wales.

A Welsh flurry, in which Scott Williams scored, was snuffed out when Dane Haylett-Petty crossed for a fifth try

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37873837

This is a simple enough win for Australia but Wales must be disappointed with the loss and I think that wales will improve during the autumn  internationals. I think that Australia look brilliant and the match with Ireland at the end of the series will be a very exciting one with all of Ireland going wild after the defeat of the All Blacks this excitement could go on for a few months.

BARBARIAN 31-31 SOUTH AFRICA

VAN RENSBERG SAVES SOUTH AFRICA

 

The Boks trailed the Andy Ellis captained Barbarians 31-19 inside the final nine minutes, before centres Francois Venter and Rohan Janse van Rensburg dotted down late in the 10-try thriller.

The Barbarians led 17-12 at halftime courtesy of Melani Nanai, Ellis and Taqele Naiyaravoro tries, with Blues back Nanai opening the scoring in just the fourth minute of the game

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/86142408/South-Africa-narrowly-avoid-embarrasing-defeat-but-are-held-to-a-31-31-draw-by-Barbarians-in-London

A very exciting match for the fans definitely but a match South Africa should have won due does the quality in their squad. I think that South Africa will learn from this and moving forward to the England match they have much to improve on but they do know that from when they lost to Ireland in the summer