Rugby fans have a thrilling November to look forward to as the 2025 Autumn Nations Series arrives, promising blockbuster match-ups between the biggest teams in the world.
The opening weekend sees England host Australia, the Springboks meet Japan, Scotland welcome the USA, and Ireland slug it out with New Zealand in the States.
England vs Australia
Saturday 1 November, 15:10 (GMT) – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
England return to action brimming with confidence after an impressive summer tour of Argentina, where they finally showed real progress under head coach Steve Borthwick.
Their opponents, Australia, come into the clash ranked two places lower in the world but encouraged by a competitive British & Irish Lions series defeat.
However, with home advantage at Twickenham, Borthwick’s side are tipped to edge what promises to be an entertaining encounter.
“We’re excited to begin our Quilter Nations Series campaign against Australia and to test ourselves against a strong, in-form side,” said Borthwick ahead of the game.
“Australia have had four months together, so it’ll be a great challenge for us first up.
“We’ve worked hard with the time we’ve had, and the players can’t wait to play in front of a passionate home crowd.
“It’s another opportunity for us to take a step forward as a team.”
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South Africa vs Japan
Saturday 1 November, 16:10 (GMT) – Wembley Stadium, London
South Africa’s clash with Japan at neutral Wembley Stadium should be largely one-way traffic, with the world champions heavily favoured to dominate.
Japan, ranked 13th, have spent years struggling to replicate the form that defined their standout 2019 World Cup campaign at home.
While the Springboks may start a little rusty, their power, depth, and discipline are likely to see them take control and comfortably dispatch the Brave Blossoms.
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Scotland vs USA
Saturday 1 November, 17:40 (GMT) – Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Another match that is shaping up to be a somewhat relaxed affair is the showdown between Scotland and the USA in Edinburgh.
Given the gulf in quality between these two sides, it’s hard to see anything other than a convincing win for Scotland, who should have little trouble running up a big score against the USA.
While the Americans have enjoyed some encouraging results against Belgium, Samoa, and Portugal this year, facing a Scotland team pushing to challenge the game’s elite is an entirely different proposition.
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Ireland vs New Zealand
Saturday 1 November, 20:10 (GMT) – Soldier Field, Chicago
Perhaps the toughest match-up of the weekend sees world number two Ireland and number three New Zealand face off in a blockbuster clash in Chicago.
These two sides have shared a fierce rivalry in recent years, splitting their last 10 meetings evenly with five wins apiece.
Saturday’s game is an interesting one too as Soldier Field’s non-partisan nature could either provide an intriguing levelling effect or result in an uninspired atmosphere.
Speaking to reporters in Chicago, Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell said: “It’s definitely a challenge and that’s why we’re over a little bit early.
“It allowed us to get over the jet lag or get over most of the jet lag and have two very good, fast training sessions with a good bit of contact in them and get lads up to speed.
“It’s certainly a challenge but I suppose the sessions we’ve put in are designed to help the guys on that journey.”
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