The South African world champions still radiant, the Welsh at rock bottom, England in doubt: the results of the main rugby nations after the autumn tour.
. In good shape
SOUTH AFRICA. Victorious in the Rugby championship this summer, the Springboks confirmed that their title of world champions was not a coincidence, with solid victories against Scotland (32-15), England (29-20), and Wales (45-12). Rassie Erasmus’ men have lost just two games in 13 matches this year.
FRANCE. After starting the year with a heavy defeat against Ireland, the French XV found a smile again with three consecutive victories this fall, including a prestigious success against the All Blacks (30-29) and clearly defeating the Pumas (37-23).
. Rising
NEW ZEALAND. After a mixed Rugby Championship, Scott Robertson’s All Blacks found some certainty in Europe, notably inflicting on Ireland its first defeat at home since 2021 (23-13). Also defeating the English (24-22) and the Italians (29-11), they developed an attractive game, led by some brilliant individuals (Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Mark Telea…).
AUSTRALIA. Eliminated in the 2023 World Cup groups and dead last in the Rugby Championship, the Wallabies are not dead yet. Two successes in England (42-37) and Cardiff (52-20) provided a glimpse of the game desired by Joe Schmidt, and highlighted by players like fullback Tom Wright or center Len Ikitau. But the defeat against Scotland on Sunday (27-13) marked a halt to this comeback. Ireland next week will give further indications, before hosting the British and Irish Lions next summer.
ARGENTINA. Despite the severe defeat in France, the Pumas, perhaps blunted at the end of the season, showed good intentions in Ireland where they almost won (22-19), after having easily disposed of Italy (50 -18). With an always fierce fight and an increasingly slick offensive game, Felipe Contepomi’s Pumas can bring down anyone.
. Variable
SCOTLAND. Equal to itself, Scotland seduces with its desire to play, but struggles to materialize against the biggest teams, like the Boks (32-15 defeat). But the results of November’s matches remain positive thanks to the victory against Australia on Saturday (27-13) and the cards against Fiji and Portugal.
IRELAND. After winning the Tournament and winning a test in South Africa this summer, Ireland stalled this fall against the Blacks, and were scared against Argentina (22-19). Soon deprived of their coach Andy Farrell who will leave to manage the Lions, the Irish are still looking to renew their game and their aging squad, despite their calm victory against Fiji (52-17).
ENGLAND. Even if England ended the year with an expected defeat against Japan on Sunday (59-14), the XV de la Rose lacks the consistency to compete with the best. Beaten by New Zealand, Australia and the Boks, the English did not deserve anything, but they did not win enough. Main satisfaction: the confirmation of the talent of their opener Marcus Smith.
. Declining
WALES. Twelve matches for twelve defeats: Warren Gatland’s Welsh are in a spiral from which they cannot escape, punctuated by a final loss against South Africa (45-12) on Saturday.
ITALY. Swept by Argentina (50-18), clearly beaten by New Zealand (29-11), narrow winners over Georgia (20-17), Gonzalo Quesada’s Italians are struggling to confirm the improvement in their Tournament, where they had only two defeats for a draw and two victories.
obo/fs/bdu
**Considering South Africa’s recent dominance, what specific tactical adjustments or vulnerabilities could other top teams exploit to challenge them in future matchups?**
## World Today News Interview: Autumn Rugby Roundup
**Interviewer:** Welcome to World Today News! Today, we’re joined by two rugby experts to dissect the exciting developments in the international rugby landscape after a thrilling Autumn tour.
Joining us are [Guest 1 Name], a former international rugby player with extensive experience, and [Guest 2 Name], a leading rugby analyst and commentator. Welcome both!
**Guest 1:** Thanks for having me!
**Guest 2:** Great to be here.
**Theme 1: The Rise of the Champions**
**Interviewer:** Let’s kick off by discussing the dominant force that is South Africa. They seem unstoppable, with a number of strong victories this Autumn. [Guest 1], what factors contribute to their continued success?
**Guest 2:** Absolutely, South Africa is playing some fantastic rugby right now. But, can they maintain this momentum through the next World Cup cycle? What are the potential challenges they might face?
**Theme 2: The Rise of New Zealand and Australia**
**Interviewer:** Shifting gears to the All Blacks, they’ve bounced back from a mixed Rugby Championship with some impressive wins. [Guest 2], what are your thoughts on Scott Robertson’s impact on the team? And how bright is the future looking for New Zealand Rugby?
**Guest 1:** Of course, we can’t neglect Australia’s recent resurgence. While they’ve had their struggles, those wins against England and Wales offer a glimpse of hope. Do they have what it takes to become serious contenders again?
**Theme 3: Europe’s Mixed Bag**
**Interviewer:** Let’s delve into the European teams. France secured some key victories, including that remarkable win against the All Blacks. [Guest 2], how does this victory solidify their status as a top contender for the next World Cup?
**Guest 1:** On the other hand, England seems to be struggling for consistency. Where do you think they’re falling short, and what changes need to be made to get them back on track?
**Guest 2:** what about Wales? Twelve defeats in a row is a worrying statistic. What systemic issues are plaguing Welsh rugby, and can they be fixed in time for the next World Cup?
**Theme 4: The Future Landscape**
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are some of the biggest storylines to watch in 2024? And who do you think will be the top contenders for the next Rugby World Cup?
**Guest 1:**
**Guest 2:**
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for your insightful analysis. This has been a truly fascinating discussion, and we look forward to seeing how these teams continue to develop in the coming months.
**(End of Interview)**
