England battled past a spirited Fiji side while world champions South Africa reaffirmed their pedigree with a commanding victory over France as week two of the Autumn Nations Series delivered drama and high-quality rugby across the board.
Ireland, New Zealand and Italy also impressed with strong performances, but it was a sobering weekend for Wales, whose new era under Steve Tandy began with a record home defeat.
Springboks beat France, All Blacks overturn Scotland
There can be little doubt about who reigns supreme in world rugby right now after South Africa produced a powerful 32-17 win over France in Paris.
In captain Siya Kolisi’s 100th Test, the Boks displayed a trademark resilient style to overcome a potentially damaging red card for Lood de Jager.
The Springboks, who have now beaten France nine times in their last 10 meetings, silenced the Stade de France fortress courtesy of tries from Cobus Reinach, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Scotland’s bid for a first win over New Zealand ended in heartbreak, though, with the All Blacks holding on for a tight 25-17 victory.
Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie crossed the whitewash for the visitors in Edinburgh.
Earlier, the Scots had mounted a spirited fightback from 17 points down at half-time, but it was not to be despite Wallace Sititi’s yellow card in the final quarter.
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England, Ireland see off Fiji, Japan challenges
England overcame a fierce challenge from Fiji to grab a 38-18 Autumn Nations Series win at Twickenham.
Luke Cowan-Dickie, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Henry Arundell and Maro Itoje struck for the hosts while Fiji struggled to maintain discipline.
Player of the match Ben Earl praised his side’s resilience, saying: “It was one of the hardest games of rugby I have had to play. They have world-class players across the pitch and credit to our boys for getting the win.”
Ireland, meanwhile, rebounded from their loss to New Zealand in Chicago with a 41-10 triumph over Japan in Dublin.
Tries from Jack Crowley, Nick Timoney, Andrew Porter, Gus McCarthy and Tommy O’Brien helped Andy Farrell’s reshuffled side recover from a sluggish start to get back to winning ways.
Captain Caelan Doris also returned from injury and Munster centre Tom Farrell made his debut.
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Argentina demolish Tandy’s Wales, Italy upset Australia
A new dawn for Wales under Tandy began in brutal fashion, with Argentina running riot in Cardiff to claim a record 52-28 success – their biggest ever over the Welsh.
Despite flashes of promise from captain Jac Morgan, who likely suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, and Louis Rees-Zammit on his rugby return, Tandy’s side were thoroughly outclassed.
The Pumas were, by contrast, ruthless and got the job done courtesy of tries by Pedro Delgado, Geronimo Prisciantelli, Simon Benitez Cruz, Mateo Carreras, Bautista Delguy and Santiago Grondona.
In Udine, Italy stunned Australia with a 26-19 comeback victory on Saturday.
Louis Lynagh – the Italian-born son of Wallaby great Michael Lynagh – and Melbourne-born winger Monty Ioane each scored as the hosts sealed a famous win.
The triumph, Italy’s second in 20 meetings with the tourists, extended a dismal run for Australia, who lost to England last week and have just five wins from 13 Tests in 2025.
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SportJustSport writers