received four out of four, the Grand Slam of the leaders of the South in Europe

A tour de force of the nations of the South. The four big names of the Rugby Championship struck a major blow this weekend by defeating their European hosts. Without trembling, South Africa came to conclude this demonstration of force, by winning at Murrayfield against Scotland (15-32). The phalanx of Rassie Erasmus – who had decided to bring out his famous “bomb squad” (seven forwards, only one back on the substitutes' bench) – dominated the Scots reduced to fourteen after the 20-minute red card inflicted on Scott Cummings. England, who have already stumbled against New Zealand and Australia, will have a lot to do on Saturday at Twickenham against the reigning double world champions… A third defeat in a row for the XV de la Rose would be a real fiasco for Steve Borthwick's troupe.

Announced moribund after a disappointing Rugby Championship (two defeats against the Boks, a setback at home against the Pumas), New Zealand struck hard by arriving in Europe, first going to snatch a victory in England (before the international window ), then by bringing down – with power and mastery – Ireland, who nevertheless remained on 19 consecutive victories in their lair of the Aviva Stadium.

Damian McKenzie's winning return

“I'm very proud of the effort put in by the guys, especially our pack who really stepped up and our backs who managed to put our opponents under pressure. It's never easy to win here, so we're very happy.” relishes Damian McKenzie, voted man of the match for his return to the opening. The vice-champions of the title will want to make an impression next Saturday and wash away the affront against the Blues, winners of their last two confrontations.

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More surprising: the Wallabies, after a chaotic summer, overthrew the English, after a completely crazy match. The awakening was spectacular for the pitiful Australians who were last in the last Rugby Championship, with five defeats in six outings and notably a 67-27 humiliation against Argentina. New Zealander Joe Schmidt, successor to Eddie Jones after having enjoyed success with Leinster then Ireland, has his first success. Which will have to be confirmed against the Welsh in full decline after being beaten at home, for the first in their history, by the Fijians. New Zealanders Steve Hansen (2002-2003) and Warren Gatland (2023-2024) now share the record for consecutive defeats at the head of Wales (10).

Sua'ali'i, the Australian pearl from the 13th century

Coming from the XIII, the Australian Joseph Sua'ali'i had a sensational XV debut on Saturday with the Wallabies in the rugby temple of Twickenham. Imperial in the air and confusing in his supports, his interval shots and his passes after contact. In line with the successful transitions by his compatriot Israel Folau or the New Zealander Sonny Bill Williams. “I know there were doubts about his selection and the risk we were taking, recognized the Australia coach who worked at ASM Clermont Auvergne. But now people saw the opportunity to involve a young man like him.”

Last representative of the South, Argentina had a rather quiet start against the Italians who were totally overwhelmed and quickly deprived of their nugget Ange Capuozzo, who was quickly left injured (18-50). The Pumas – in the wake of a Rugby Championship where they signed three victories – will pass a much tougher test against the Irish, surely upset. For this shock, they recover two important elements: the emblematic third row Matera (back from suspension) and Santiago Carreras, who was their opening half during the last World Cup and who is returning from injury (calf).

When you play twice against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, there is a certain intensity that we managed to express against Italy

Felipe Contepomi, Argentina coach

Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi highlighted the experience accumulated in the southern hemisphere's flagship competition. “When you play twice against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, there is a certain intensity that we managed to express against Italy. It was difficult at times, but my players did not deviate from the plan in place.greeted the former international opener. Argentina has not beaten Ireland since the quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup (43-20) and remains on two defeats at the Aviva Stadium (28-17 in 2017 and 53-7 in 2021) . Andy Farrell, the Greens coach, is on his guard: “We must move forward. And find solutions quickly because Argentina is a hungry team who played very good rugby this year.

A special accessit must also be awarded to the Fijians. Certainly they do not participate in the Rugby Championship, but they are integrated into Super Rugby with the “Fijian Drua” franchise which makes up a good part of the troops (7 players come from the Top 14). The Pacific players made history this Sunday by winning for the first time in their history in Wales. A tour de force in numerical inferiority (20 minutes red card to Radradra). The next match against Spain should only be a formality (but you never know…), before challenging Ireland at home on November 23. The opportunity to see if the “rugby magicians” have gained in consistency.