The 2024 Autumn Nations series continues to deliver gripping rugby action as teams battle it out for dominance in the northern hemisphere. Last weekend saw England suffer their fourth consecutive defeat, as Australia clinched a dramatic victory with the 10th try of the game in overtime, securing a thrilling 37-42 win. As Week 3 kicks off, the focus shifts to a new set of high-stakes matchups, with major clashes set to unfold this weekend, including Ireland vs Argentina, England vs South Africa, and France vs New Zealand.
England’s recent form has been a major talking point in the Autumn Nations series, as they find themselves mired in a four-game losing streak. The defeat to Australia, marked by a last-minute try, left coach Steve Borthwick and his squad with much to reflect on. England’s hopes of bouncing back will face a tough test this weekend when they face the world champions, South Africa, at Twickenham.
Despite England’s struggles, there’s a sense of optimism that a strong performance against the Springboks could set the tone for their final matches of the year. South Africa, fresh off their Rugby Championship victory, will be keen to continue their momentum but will face stiff competition from an England team desperate for redemption.
Key Dates and Broadcast Information
As Week 3 of the Autumn Nations begins, rugby fans can expect plenty of drama, skill, and excitement. Here’s a quick look at the key matchups and their timing
Saturday, November 16
- Scotland vs Portugal – 10:10am GMT
- England vs South Africa – 12:40pm GMT
- France vs New Zealand – 3:10pm GMT
Sunday, November 17
- Italy vs Georgia – 8:40am GMT
- Wales vs Australia – 11:10am GMT
For those unable to attend in person, there are several free live stream options available, including Virgin Media Play in Ireland, S4C in Wales, and TF1 in France. These services will be broadcasting select matches, including games featuring their respective home teams.
Blockbuster Showdowns: All Blacks Take Center Stage
One of the standout storylines of the 2024 Autumn Nations is the All Blacks’ challenging schedule. New Zealand will face two of the top teams in Europe—France and Ireland—in the coming weeks, promising to be a central focus for rugby fans worldwide.
With the return of French star Antoine Dupont after his Olympic Sevens exploits, France is primed to make a statement against New Zealand on Saturday. The clash between these two rugby giants at the Stade de France is expected to be a hard-fought, high-intensity battle that could have significant implications for World Cup rankings and momentum heading into next year’s tournament.
New Zealand’s match against Ireland, who will be aiming to bounce back from a narrow loss to New Zealand earlier in the series, is another highly anticipated encounter. Ireland’s consistent excellence over the past few years has made them one of the favorites to challenge for World Cup glory, and their clash with the All Blacks is one that will surely capture the imagination of rugby fans everywhere.
South Africa’s Steady Rise
While England, New Zealand, and France attract most of the attention in the northern hemisphere, South Africa’s recent rise to rugby dominance should not be overlooked. Having claimed the Rugby Championship title earlier this year, the Springboks now enter the Autumn Nations with an air of confidence and swagger.
Their match against England on Saturday, November 16, will serve as a litmus test for South Africa’s ability to maintain their form against the northern hemisphere’s finest. With a trio of challenging opponents in Scotland, England, and Wales on the horizon, the world champions will be hoping to solidify their status as the best in the world with a strong performance in the Autumn Nations.
Argentina’s Rising Power
Argentina continues to impress with their growth as a rugby nation, and their upcoming fixtures in the Autumn Nations are set to be must-watch affairs. The Pumas will face Italy, Ireland, and France in Week 3, providing them with a golden opportunity to continue building on their impressive performances from earlier in the year.
With their rising power in world rugby, Argentina’s matchups against these top-tier European teams will be essential viewing for any rugby fan. As the Pumas look to cement their place as one of the game’s powerhouses, their clashes with France and Ireland will provide an intriguing storyline in this year’s Autumn Nations.
The Road Ahead
The action is far from over as the Autumn Nations series continues to unfold. With top teams like New Zealand, France, and South Africa set to face off in high-stakes encounters, there’s no shortage of thrilling rugby ahead. And as emerging powers like Argentina continue to build their case for World Cup contention, the competition is bound to intensify in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned as we witness the drama, the passion, and the pride of international rugby on display. With each match carrying the potential to shape the narrative of the 2024 season, the Autumn Nations is a series no rugby fan will want to miss.
