Rugby Autumn Nations: Week Three Roundup
With a victory for Ireland, a major victory for Scotland, a draw for England and a bitter defeat for Wales, it’s suffice to say that the last week of the competition didn’t disappoint…
Scotland 52-29 Argentina
Scotland managed to finish their Autumn Nations campaign on a high by showing great discipline and teamwork on the field to beat Argentina.
Despite Argentina’s Emiliano Boffelli scoring a try and converting all his penalty kicks, Darcy Graham was the true hero for Scotland by scoring a hat trick. Argentina still held firm, but when back-rower Marcos Kremer was red carded for a dangerous tackle on Jamie Ritchie, Scotland took advantage. Sione Tuipulotu and Stuart Hogg both scored tries before the final whistle to seal the victory for Scotland.
It was good to see Scotland show poise and discipline on the field, which they will hopefully take into the Six Nations.
England 25-25 New Zealand
It is rare to see a draw in rugby, in what was an exciting comeback for England who were 17-3 down at half time. England, however, fired back with two tries from Will Stuart and one from Freddie Steward at the final whistle to tie the game. Despite their deficit to the All Blacks, the scrums and plays by England in the last quarter was great to watch.
There is a call from the fans for Eddie Jones to step down, but if anyone should take England to the Six Nations it is him. He has built a team that deserves the chance to impress in such a prestigious competition.
Wales 12-13 Georgia
It was a repeat of March’s Six Nations match against Italy for Wales, where they lost by one point.
Wales were up 12-3 at half time, where they took the foot off the gas with Sandro Todua getting a much needed try followed by a Tedo Abzhandadze conversion, which shortened Wales lead by two points.
It was finally over when reserve Luka Matkava scored a penalty and Wales were left with a sense of déjà vu.
If Wales are to take anything from this tournament is not to underestimate any opponent.
Ireland 13-10 Australia
This was another great game to end the Autumn Nations as Ireland narrowly beat Australia. Ireland got off to a bad start when Johnny Sexton was ruled out through injury with Jack Crowley taking his place. However, Crowley proved his worth by scoring a penalty kick in the 10th minute.
The game itself was scrappy but entertaining with both sides keeping the majority of play in the centre of the field. Reserve player Bundee Aki was Ireland’s hero as he scored the first try of the game in the 66th minute, before Ross Byrne scored the winning penalty to seal the win for Ireland.
Ireland have pushed through the ceiling with victories over New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in one calendar year. This was last achieved by England, who went on to win the World Cup that year, so, perhaps Ireland will repeat this feat.