With all the home nations in action over the weekend we take a quick look at how they got on. With some strong moustaches on display as Movember got into full swing there was a mixed set of results.
Wales
WALES 15 – 24 SOUTH AFRICA
Wales had the hardest test of any of the home nations as they welcomed a strong South African side to the Millennium Stadium. Despite beginning the game with a host of players who were key in the Lions summer test victory Wales continued their woeful run of results against the big three Southern Hemisphere sides. This defeat means they haven’t won against any of Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa since 2008 and despite a spirited performance this time out, in truth, South Africa’s clinical finishing always kept the home side at arms length. Five penalties from the prolific Halfpenny were countered by three South African tries.
Next up: Argentina
Ireland
IRELAND 40 – 9 SAMOA
A nice first game for new head coach Joe Schmidt as Ireland overcame the pacific islanders. A strong second half performance put some gloss on a fairly scrappy performance but Ireland will be happy to have limited their visitors to penalties whilst scoring five tries themselves – including two for debutant Dave Kearney.
Next up: Australia
Scotland
SCOTLAND 42 – 17 JAPAN
Scotland will be happy to have evaded a potential banana skin, winning out at Murrayfield against the developing Asian rugby nation. A battling performance saw off their opponents but it was a tight affair until mid way through the second half when the Scot’s made use of an extra man and punished a tiring Japan side. Two debut tries from Tommy Seymour were the highlight and in claiming victory in their opening game this time out Scotland have already bettered their results from the 2012 autumn series.
Next up: South Africa
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