The South African world champions still radiant, the Welsh at rock bottom, England in doubt: the results of the main Rugby nations after the autumn tour.
. In good shape
SOUTH AFRICA. Victorious in the Rugby championship this summer, the Springboks confirmed that their title of world champions was not a coincidence, with solid victories against Scotland (32-15), England (29-20), and Wales (45-12). Rassie Erasmus' men have lost just two games in 13 matches this year.
France. After starting the year with a heavy defeat against Ireland, the French XV found a smile again with three consecutive victories this fall, including a prestigious success against the All Blacks (30-29) and clearly defeating the Pumas (37-23).
. Rising
NEW ZEALAND. After a mixed Rugby Championship, Scott Robertson's All Blacks found some certainty in Europe, notably inflicting on Ireland its first defeat at home since 2021 (23-13). Also defeating the English (24-22) and the Italians (29-11), they developed an attractive game, led by some brilliant individuals (Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Mark Telea…).
AUSTRALIA. Eliminated in the 2023 World Cup groups and dead last in the Rugby Championship, the Wallabies are not yet dead. Two successes in England (42-37) and Cardiff (52-20) provided a glimpse of the game desired by Joe Schmidt, and highlighted by players like fullback Tom Wright or center Len Ikitau. But the defeat against Scotland on Sunday (27-13) marked a halt to this comeback. Ireland next week will give further indications, before hosting the British and Irish Lions next summer.
ARGENTINA. Despite the severe defeat in France, the Pumas, perhaps blunted at the end of the season, showed good intentions in Ireland where they almost won (22-19), after having easily disposed of Italy (50 -18). With an always fierce fight and an increasingly slick offensive game, Felipe Contepomi's Pumas can bring down anyone.
. Variable
SCOTLAND. Equal to itself, Scotland seduces with its desire to play, but struggles to materialize against the biggest teams, like the Boks (32-15 defeat). But the results of November's matches remain positive thanks to the victory against Australia on Saturday (27-13) and the cards against Fiji and Portugal.
IRELAND. After winning the Tournament and winning a test in South Africa this summer, Ireland stalled this fall against the Blacks, and were scared against Argentina (22-19). Soon deprived of their coach Andy Farrell who will leave to manage the Lions, the Irish are still looking to renew their game and their aging squad, despite their calm victory against Fiji (52-17).
ENGLAND. Even if England ended the year with an expected defeat against Japan on Sunday (59-14), the XV de la Rose lacks the consistency to compete with the best. Beaten by New Zealand, Australia and the Boks, the English did not deserve anything, but they did not win enough. Main satisfaction: the confirmation of the talent of their opener Marcus Smith.
. Declining
WALES. Twelve matches for twelve defeats: Warren Gatland's Welsh are in a spiral from which they cannot escape, punctuated by a final loss against South Africa (45-12) on Saturday.
ITALY. Swept by Argentina (50-18), clearly beaten by New Zealand (29-11), narrow winners over Georgia (20-17), Gonzalo Quesada's Italians are struggling to confirm the improvement in their Tournament, where they had only two defeats for a draw and two victories.
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