Rugby

It was a good win for England but the Boks absolutely bungled it. Has to be the most dominant second 40 to have resulted in a defeat. England did phenomenally well to hang in and took their chances brilliantly but the Boks left so many points on the pitch, poor execution has been a hallmark of their season. Much like the 2018 Twickenham game it felt like one England burgled. Positives for England are that they looked much better with ball in hand without Farrell and Stewart is the real deal at 15. On the flip side the pack got absolutely marmalised and they'll need to fix that soon, especially with Ireland and France looking good up front. For the Boks they just need to sharpen their finishing and get Pollard playing flatter, they've got the best pack in the world by a long way and the best centre pairing and 2 world class wingers (when Cheslin is fit) with those elements they should be putting most teams away. A NZ or AUS backline consultant would be a good option for them.

The French win was great but sadly this tour has probably been the wake up call NZ needed, I suspect they'll have sorted their issues (centre and back row) by the WC. Jaminet for France has been the surprise of the Autumn internationals for me, he looks class and has that accurate boot French sides of the past have often missed.

The ridiculously long bio bubbles that the SH sides have been in (SA since July apart from one week back with families) should also be taken into account, NZ in particular looked knackered.

All in all a good Autumn series which sets up 2023 nicely with most of the top 6 feeling they genuinely have a chance.