More than a year ago, the Springboks lifted their fourth World Cup on the pitch at the Stade de France. Today, most nations have made a clean slate and have seriously started their plans for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. After a year, which nation started off on the best footing?
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Europe, between hot and cold
In Europe, Ireland dominates the debates with only two defeats in the space of a year. Indeed, Andy Farrell's men narrowly failed against England in March before losing this summer to the Springboks. Without trembling, they won the last VI Nations Tournament and asserted themselves as the best team on the continent.
Behind the Celts, the XV of France is doing well also counting only two defeats (against Argentina and Ireland). However, the draw conceded to Italy and the winter debacle against Ireland in Marseille contrast the bill.
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England, for its part, has been alternating hot and cold since the end of its World Cup concluded in 3rd place. Narrowly victorious over Ireland, Wales and Italy during the last VI Nations Tournament, they also lost twice against the All Blacks this summer. Among the nations showing encouraging dynamics on the Old Continent, Scotland and Italy are doing well.
For the Scots, the Six Nations Tournament was particularly complicated with three defeats in five matches, but they were able to build confidence after a successful summer tour. They notably toured the Tier 2 nations of the American continent in 4 different meetings, all ending in victory. However, the weaker level of his recent opponents leaves room for doubt about their real level.
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With only 3 defeats over the last year, the Italian selection seems to show a level well above of what she has been able to accustom us to in recent decades. Having lost by a narrow margin to England (24-27), they also lost to Samoa (33-25) and Ireland (36-0). However, their victories against Japan and Scotland, as well as their draw against France, during the winter give hope.
Wounded beast, Wales have not won a single official test match since the last World Cup. Warren Gatland's men are on a terrible series of 8 consecutive defeats in 2024. A victory this fall is therefore particularly awaited.
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South Africa dominates the globe
In the southern hemisphere, South Africa's hegemony is palpable. Winner of the last Rugby Championship, the Springboks lost to Ireland and Argentina this year. They also had the opportunity to win twice against the All Blacks this summer. Despite numerous popular criticisms, South Africans confirm their status as the best nation in the world.
Behind them, the Argentines are experiencing a strange dynamic. The only southern team to have defeated the Springboks this year, they also lost to Australia and a largely overhauled France team. Thus the Pumas seem capable of the best and the worst and their autumn tour is particularly anticipated.
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After a complicated mandate of Ian Foster, that of Scott Robertson does not start in the best way. A painful winner twice against England, they then lost to Argentina and South Africa, twice, during the last Rugby Championship. Furthermore, they were close to losing to a weak Australian team last September.
In Australia, panic is in order. In the midst of sinking, the Wallabies will try to redress the situation during their visit to Europe. Coming last in the 2024 Rugby Championship, their level is worrying less than a year before the British and Irish Lions tour on their soil. Despite some interesting matches this summer, the Gold and Green seem far from their level of 10 years ago.
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At the Pacific level, Fiji have established themselves as the best team behind the usual big names. By crushing the competition during the Pacific Nations Cup, they have given themselves full confidence for this Autumn Nations Series 2024. Conversely, Japan is worried. The Cherry Blossoms seem to have been in decline for several years and the return of Eddie Jones has had very little effect so far.
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