Autumn Test Match International Review - New Zealand Perspective

Monday 19 November 2012

New Zealand were too strong for Italy

Here is my Autumn International Test Rugby Review following the weekend, from a New Zealand perspective. The current test matches being played between Northern and Southern Hemisphere teams are throwing up some interesting results. Here is what you can take out of the most recent results.

Samoa - The Samoans truly are a bogey side for Wales, but they deserved their victory which shows that they aren't the poor cousins of the Northern Hemisphere teams. They do have plenty of experienced professional players who got them across the line!

Wales - After the Rugby World Cup 2011 many punters were suggesting this young Wales team will be the next force on the world stage. Without Warren Gatland at the helm they have lost five in a row and will struggle to beat the All Blacks and Wallabies in the upcoming weeks.

Italy - Italy earned praise for their efforts against the All Blacks, which saw them attempt to play a free flowing style of play and a staunch contest at the breakdown but unfortunately they were easily beaten by the All Blacks in the end.

New Zealand - Despite naming a changed team and lacking cohesion throughout their match against Italy, the All Blacks still managed to win by 42-10. It is a scary thought facing an All Blacks team if and when things actually click.

Australia - Robbie Deans has earned a slight reprieve in his job as coach. The Wallabies were whipped by France last week but somehow are the second best team in the world.

England - Could things get any worse for England after losing to the hapless Wallabies?

South Africa - The Springboks have secured another close and far from convincing win over an average Scotland team. I wonder when the Springbok fans will stop blaming external factors and realise that their team is hardly world beaters.

Scotland - The brave Scots weren't disgraced against the Springboks and even managed to keep the punters happy with a 12 and under defeat.

France - The French humbled Argentina to show that they are the best Northern Hemisphere team. It is a pity that they don't get to play the All Blacks this year.

Argentina - The Pumas met their match in the form of France. They have still looked to have improved thanks to their Rugby Championship campaign.

What were your highlights of the Autumn International Test Rugby matches this weekend?

Italy 10 - New Zealand 42
Wales 19 - Samoa 26
England 14 - Australia 20
France 39 - Argentina 22
Scotland 10 - South Africa 21

www.superrugbytips.com