The Autumn Internationals are here again, and rugby fans have plenty to look forward to. Northern and Southern Hemisphere teams go head-to-head, testing where they really stand before next year’s big tournaments.
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Some sides are rebuilding, others out to prove a point — and every match matters.
Here’s a prediction of every match that will be played this autumn.
Week 1:
England v Australia
A great game for both teams to start with as both are evenly matched and have reasons to be extra motivated against each other. England for their last-minute defeat against the Wallabies last year and Australia for their Lions tour defeat. With hime advantage, I predict Steve Borthwick’s side to edge it.
Prediction: England 25-20 Australia
South Africa v Japan
Should be one-way traffic, even though it will be held at the neutral Wembley Stadium. The Boks may start a bit shaky and rusty but should comfortably see out Japan.
Prediction: South Africa 45-5 Japan
Scotland v USA
Another that should be comfortable for the hosts, there is simply a gulf in quality between these two.
Prediction: Scotland 50-7 USA
Ireland v New Zealand
An interesting one as it is set to be held in Chicago, which for me will actually stifle how the game will be played out, as the atmosphere won’t be comparable to if it was held in Dublin. For that reason, I expect a low scoring affair, with the All Blacks to edge it.
Prediction: Ireland 15-16 New Zealand
Week 2:
Ireland v Japan
Japan aren’t a terrible side, but they just aren’t much of a match for Ireland.
Prediction: Ireland 45-5 Japan
Scotland v New Zealand
A bit of a tighter one, you would think that the All Blacks have too much about them to fail to beat Scotland, but if the crowd at Murrayfield gets sufficiently up for this one, it could prove to be a difficult game.
Prediction: Scotland 10-20 New Zealand
England v Fiji
While Fiji are famous for their win over England a few years ago, something feels different about this England side and they seem to have found a good blend of pragmatic play that is also entertaining. Surely they don’t lose again to the Pacific Islanders.
Prediction: England 30-15 Fiji
Italy v Australia
Italy are improving year-on-year. but the Wallabies have also gone up a gear in the past 18 months, and will see this as a banana-skin to be weary of, however will have the confidence that they can overcome it.
Prediction: Italy 15-35 Australia
France v South Africa
What a battle this will be. On paper, it sees the best two teams in the world face off against each other, and the atmosphere is going to be absolutely unbelievable. This is France’s chance to put a real statement out that they are serious about winning a World Cup, and the Springboks have an opportunity to flex their muscles. Could go either way.
Prediction: France 12-13 South Africa
Wales v Argentina
Although things are looking up for Wales, it would be surprising if they beat a strong Los Pumas side.
Prediction: Wales 5-20 Argentina
