Rugby autumn nations: Preview
With the autumn nations about to start this weekend, it puts the home nations of the UK against other teams around the world, in a series of friendlies. This is time for the nations to get their kinks worked out and prepare for the Six Nations in about four months’ time.
So, with England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland looking to impress and test tactics and strategies, let’s see how each team will fare…
England:
England face an issue or two heading into this competition. The first is that Eddie Jones has a lot to prove as the England coach and that his team will have a tough go of it having both South Africa and New Zealand in their group.
However, this baptism of fire is what Jones needs to rally his team and show that they have learned from their mistakes at last year’s Six Nations. This will be a test to see if England can get back to the top of rugby stratosphere. Time will tell if Jones has learned his lessons and adapted his team.
England will face New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and Japan.
Scotland:
Like England, Scotland will also have it tough against New Zealand and Australia. Although, Australia have been hit and miss against Scotland in the past, Argentina have surprised them on a few occasions, something Gregor Townsend’s team will need to avoid.
Although it is a case of repetition with Scotland, such as giving away penalties, this is their chance to tighten things up and prove to the rugby world that they can be a formidable force.
Scotland will face New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and Fiji.
Wales:
Despite injury woes and a bitter defeat to Italy in the last Six Nations competition, Wales tend to bounce back after suffering adversity.
With a near full squad and the chance to wash away their defeat to the Italians, the Welsh will be wanting to show what they can do.
Wales will face New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and Georgia.
Ireland:
Although they are playing less matches in the competition, Ireland are raring to go after picking up the Triple Crown in the last Six Nations. If anything, this competition is for Ireland to try some new things and see how they work.
It will be interesting to see how far Ireland have come and it will be a testament to them if have what it takes against World class opposition.
Ireland will face South Africa, Australia, and Fiji.
So, with the Autumn Nations kicking off this weekend, there are a few matches that will be worth watching; Ireland against South Africa and Scotland against Australia.
But with each home nation trying to prove themselves for the Six Nations, it seems that the Autumn Nations will be an interesting competition.