Autumn Internationals – Week Three – Copybet
This weekend promises to deliver a thrilling 48 hours of rugby union action, with some of the biggest nations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres going head-to-head.
England host to New Zealand on Saturday afternoon, before Ireland and Australia clash in Dublin in the evening.
Then on Sunday, Murrayfield is the venue for Scotland’s encounter with Argentina, who are fresh from an emphatic win over Wales in Cardiff.
England vs New Zealand
Recent meetings between these two rugby heavyweights have been very close affairs, with no more than seven points separating the sides in their last four encounters.
New Zealand have had the edge, with three wins and a draw in their last four matches against England, including a 22-24 All Blacks win at Twickenham just 12 months ago.
The hosts are definitely heading in the right direction, as they continue to build for the 2027 World Cup, but they still need to take the next step against the world’s best teams.
It is 13 years since the Red Rose last defeated the New Zealanders on home soil, with a 38-21 win at Twickenham in 2012.
It’s also worth noting that the All Blacks have won each of their last six fixtures against Northern Hemisphere teams, including impressive victories over both Ireland and Scotland in the last two weeks.
Ireland vs Australia
Ireland are currently four places ahead of Australia in the world rankings and will go into Saturday’s clash expecting to continue an impressive run against their opponents.
Andy Farrell’s men bounced back from a frustrating loss to the All Blacks with a 41-10 win over Japan, on the same day as Australia fell to a shock defeat in Italy.
Ireland have won the last four meetings between the two sides, the latest being a 22-19 success in Dublin last November.
Home advantage will be key again and with Lions star Mack Hansen back to bolster their side, the hosts should be too strong for an Aussie team low on confidence.
Scotland vs Argentina
Scotland fell short in their attempts to beat New Zealand for the very first time last week, but they have a quick chance to make amends against Argentina.
The Pumas are currently two places above the Scots in the world rankings and head to Edinburgh off the back of a 52-28 win over Wales at the Principality Stadium.
It’s three years since these two teams last met, with two victories each in the last four match-ups - Scotland winning the most recent clash 52-19 at Murrayfield.
You have to go back to 2009 for the last time the South Americans won in the Scottish capital and late fitness news might have a big bearing on this clash.
Fly-half Finn Russell is doubtful with ankle and knee problems, although Scotland are optimistic he will be fit to start on Sunday.