Three Key Takeaways From The Autumn Nations Series: Wallabies On The Rise
Three Key Takeaways From The Autumn Nations Series: Wallabies On The Rise
Three key takeaways from the Autumn Nations Series: The Wallabies are on the rise, as Joe Schmidt and World Rugby laws are taking effect.
The Autumn Nations Series Week 2 showcased Southern Hemisphere rugby dominance, as teams from the south outperformed their Northern Hemisphere counterparts.
Each Southern Hemisphere team clinched impressive victories against Six Nations opposition, underscoring a new level of prowess.
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The action began with New Zealand taking advantage of Ireland’s mistakes, securing a rare Irish home loss.
Australia then followed suit with a thrilling last-minute win over England, led by standout performances from the fresh talent of Joseph Sua’ali’i and Max Jorgensen.
Argentina added to the Southern Hemisphere’s momentum with a decisive victory over Italy, with Juan Cruz Mallia leading a powerful Pumas offensive.
The weekend also included France’s sole win for the Six Nations teams, a commanding performance against Japan, underlining the gap in tier-level capabilities.
Rounding out the week was Fiji’s historic victory over Wales in Cardiff, marking a potential turning point in Fiji's bid for greater recognition in international competitions.
South Africa’s grind-out win over Scotland closed the series, showing both resilience and areas for improvement.
These matchups highlighted some key insights about each team’s potential as they gear up for future international battles.
Here are three key takeaways from this weekend’s international Rugby action:
Rugby Calendars Need To Be Aligned
Sour grapes perhaps, but for rugby fans in the Northern Hemisphere, the disparity between their sides and their southern rivals this weekend was stark, to say the least.
At face value, fans of the Southern Hemisphere's sides will say this is the natural order of things in pro rugby in 2024.
To be clear, it is not.
Starting with Ireland, which looked like a shell of the side and beat the Springboks in Durban back in July, Andy Farrell’s side was off the pace for all five minutes of the action.
Of course, the All Blacks deserve the credit they have received post-match for halting their host's previously dangerous attack, but in truth, Scott Robertson’s side didn’t have to do too much.
Instead, Farrell’s side conceded a whopping 16 penalties, with Damian McKenzie slotting six of them.
Then came their arch nemesis Will Jordan, who scored his fifth try in five appearances against the men in green.
Again, while the All Blacks did well in stretching the previously impenetrable Irish defense, it was sloppy play by the Irish that led them in.
The same could be said of Italy and Scotland, which both looked blunt in their attacks. This would suggest to a neutral that these sides, which have not played since July, while their opponents from the south have played a full rugby championship and some one-off tests, that there was rust around the Northern Hemisphere battleships.
On the converse, the South will argue that they, by and large, won their fixtures in July outside of Ireland and France, picking up wins against South Africa and Argentina, respectively.
In the case of the All Blacks sweeping England, and Australia downing the Welsh, these matches were far closer than what we witnessed this weekend.
On the whole, it would be surprising if fans on both sides of the equator did not agree that for the long-term good of the game the seasons need to be aligned. If not for competitive reasons, at the very least, for player welfare with the offseason continuing to compress.
New Laws Taking Effect
Week 2 of the Autumn Nations Series demonstrates just how much the new rugby laws are shaping the flow of matches.
One significant change is the heavy penalization of blockers in kick chases, which seems aimed at curbing obstruction but results in frequent stoppages, as referees clamp down on this tactic.
Instead of speeding up play, the new free-kick option from scrums appears ineffective, particularly noticeable in Ireland vs. New Zealand and Scotland vs. South Africa games, with both matches having a stop-start rhythm and an increase in tactical kicking.
These changes lead to slower, more fragmented games, which can be frustrating for both players and fans hoping for fast-paced action.
In addition, the 20-minute red-card rule trial is intended to strike a balance between maintaining player safety and reducing prolonged mismatches when a team goes down a player.
While the rule allows for the red-carded player to be replaced after 20 minutes, critics argue it undermines the deterrent effect of traditional red cards.
The decision to trial this in the north after success in The Rugby Championship has stirred debate.
Some, like New Zealand’s Mark Robinson, view it as fan-friendly, while others, especially in Ireland and France, express concern for player welfare, fearing it sends the wrong message on safety.
Wallabies On The Rise
In a major boost for the sport as a whole, the Wallabies are starting to look like a real force in the world of rugby again, with head coach Joe Schmidt’s leadership, and the rise of stars such as Joseph Sua’ali’i, Angus Bell and Harry Wilson, revitalizing the squad.
In their thrilling 42-37 win over England at Allianz Stadium, Schmidt’s bold decision to start Sua’alii’ at outside center paid off, as the former NRL star delivered a brilliant debut performance that showcased his potential.
Sua’ali’i, who recently switched from the Sydney Roosters to rugby union, praised Schmidt’s impact on his game.
“I love how Joe coaches,” he said. “I’ve only been in camp a few weeks, but I’m already learning so much from him about building a strong, united team.”
While Sua’ali’i’s seven powerful carries and an impressive assist for Tom Wright’s opening try highlighted his immediate value, the Wallabies’ resurgence is about more than just one player.
Prop Angus Bell has been a powerhouse in the scrum, providing a solid platform, while No. 8 Harry Wilson’s relentless work rate and physicality are turning the Wallabies into a formidable side.
With Schmidt at the helm, and young talent stepping up, Australia’s return to World Rugby’s top tier seems more realistic than ever.
The Wallabies’ fresh energy and dynamic playstyle signal a new era for Australian rugby, one that should get the fans back onside ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour next year and, more importantly, the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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