Rugby has enjoyed a huge popularity boost recently, with the most recent 2023 Rugby World Cup attracting many more fans to the sport.
And no wonder, the physicality and nail-biting excitement on offer is extremely difficult to ignore. Players like Antoine Dupont have recently injected a welcome boost of excitement, mixing guile with technical skill and a creative flair that can sometimes be lacking in top level rugby.
After a long summer where some of the only rugby action could be found at the Olympics, the Autumn season is back with a bang. There are so many mouthwatering match-ups to be found across the numerous worldwide leagues and international competitions, but there’s no denying that the most exciting games are taking place during the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.
The competition brings together the elite rugby nations from both hemispheres, pitting European powerhouses like Ireland and England against southern giants like New Zealand and South Africa. There are so many high-stakes encounters to choose from, with some nations eager to get revenge for the heartbreaking losses during the previous World Cup. Can Ireland get one back on New Zealand after narrowly missing out on victory in France last year? Can Dupont and Les Blues make up for a dismal showing at their home tournament? These are just a few of the questions on rugby fans’ lips.
The Autumn Nations Series is also a perfect competition for rugby betting fans, as bookmakers clamour to set odds on various betting markets, from first tryscorer to number of knock-ons. With features like live betting and various rugby related bonuses, these betting sites can complement the watching experience with a range of options. Whether you’re a rugby expert or someone just getting into the sport, there’s a betting market available that can help you add an extra edge.
But here’s the thing – placing bets on the Autumn Nations Series without knowing a bit about each fixture and the teams is a surefire recipe for a less enjoyable time. We’ve done the heavy lifting here so you don’t have too. Keep reading for the essential rugby fixtures to watch this Autumn. We’ll highlight the main clashes to look out for and more. Get the lowdown below:
This much-anticipated clash at Twickenham Stadium is a rematch of a Summer series that was comprehensively dominated by New Zealand. England will be desperate to get a result against the Kiwis this time around, with the team hoping to bounce back from their Rugby World Cup disappointment and recent shock decision by Felix Jones to resign.
His blitz defence system was integral to wins over the likes of Ireland in this year’s Six Nations tournament, so the absence is keenly felt. Fans will be hoping that England can reinforce their defensive framework under new coach Joe El-Abd. They will certainly need to against the All Blacks’ attacking prowess. Speed, fluidity, and power combine to make New Zealand arguably the most potent attacking force on the planet. Can England stop them? Only time will tell.
Australia aren’t quite the rugby force of old, but the Aussies are still a formidable foe. Another highly anticipated clash for England at Twickenham, and this time with ex-coach Eddie Jones in the opposing dugout. There is a pertinent narrative here considering the Australian was sacked after a dismal few games back in 2022.
Jones was adamant that he was in the middle of a cycle for the next World Cup, and felt he wasn’t given the time he deserved. This all makes the 9th November showdown between England and Australia all the more tantalising, injecting a whole new dynamic to proceedings.
It just wasn’t meant to be for Ireland at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The bookmaker favourites, alongside France, were knocked out by the All Blacks in the quarter final in a hair-raising fixture that eventually finished 28-24 in favour of the Kiwis. The Irish will be out for revenge at the Aviva Stadium on the 8th of November, in a match that many fans are calling the headline fixture of this year’s Autumn Nations Series.
With Ireland navigating a future post Jonny Sexton and New Zealand coming off the back of successive wins against Northern Hemisphere sides, they might have their work cut out. This certainly isn’t one to miss.
Wales and South Africa meet in Cardiff on Saturday 23rd in what will likely be one of the most physically contested matches during the Autumn Nations Series. Both nations are known for their emphasis on power over technical skill, so the scrums and rucks will be keenly contested. Wales are rebuilding under Warren Gatland after showing encouraging signs at the 2023 World Cup. Players like Dan Biggar and Taulupe Faletau will be instrumental if they want to taste success against arguably the world’s best international rugby team.
South Africa are the reigning World Cup champions and a force to be reckoned with. Nobody can grind out victories like the Springboks, with a signature brand of physicality and tactical kicking. Handre Pollard and Cheslin Kolbe are likely to be instrumental, but the “Bomb Squad” coming off the bench are also likely to cause problems.
France failed to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup on home soil and fell short at the 2024 Six Nations, crowning a difficult time for the country’s rugby team. With the return of Antoine Dupont after he sat out of games earlier this year in favour of playing Olympic Rugby Sevens, Les Blues will be buoyed by their standout player.
France versus Japan on the 9th of November is one of the most intriguing contests during the Autumn Nations Series. The Japanese could definitely pull off an upset if they can get their attacking game right, so keep an eye on this one.
