Some teams will be enjoying their tours more than others after this weekend. In fact, Wales return home undefeated after a series of positive performances for the men in red. But dreaded and shock losses for England and Scotland mean that they still have a lot to prove next week. Check out the high and low-lights from the weekend below and tell us your predictions for next weeks games in the comments!
Also this weekend: France win their first U20s Rugby World Cup + New Zealand best a much improved France
AUSTRALIA 21 – IRELAND 26
Last week, Australia managed to make Ireland look a little lost on the field as their gameplan was systematically unpicked. So it was a pleasure for visiting fans to see Ireland come to the Second test with a bit more resolve. The reliable boot of returning Jonny Sexton can’t be underestimated, securing 16 points as Ireland levelled the tour, setting up an exciting final in Sydney this weekend.
High: Pocock continues to be a wonder to watch and put in a huge effort for Australia again.
Low: Will Genia suffered a broken arm after a huge hit from Cian Healy – hopefully it will be a speedy recovery.
SOUTH AFRICA 23 – ENGLAND 12
No one will be more frustrated after this weekend than the England team. After their narrow loss last week after being 3 tries ahead, there had been a lot of talk of discipline and responsibility. Almost the same thing to happen again this week has worn thin on fans and players alike.
Mike Brown and Jonny May scored two tries and England were 12 points in front before the fifteen-minute mark. But those would be the only points they would see for the rest of the game as South Africa once again bounced back and dominated the field. Pollard put away three penalties to give the Springboks a comfortable lead and secure the series with a game in hand. Can England regain some pride with a victory next week? Even tougher questions will be asked of the players and Eddie Jones if not.
High: Vermeulen has been in impressive form and his try was one of the big highlights of the game
Low: Ben Youngs has apologised after a short and curt post-match interview with Sky Sports left fans even more frustrated.
USA 30 – SCOTLAND 29
While not exactly the story of the Japan the Giant Slayer taking down the Springboks, not many expected Scotland to taste defeat at the weekend. It was an experimental side that went out onto the field at Houston boasting seven players making their Test debuts and Stuart Hogg captaining the side for the first time. And while the combination appeared to work at first, Scotland managed to waste their 15 point lead.
While the visitors would have won the game but for a missed conversion in the dying breath of the game, no one thought they should. This was the USA’s night and it will be interesting to see what they can do with the confidence and attention this win will bring.
High: The USA have won their first match against a Tier 1 Nation – the celebrations of the players could even put a smile on a Scottish fan’s face.
Low: Stuart Hogg’s face said it all at the end of the game.
Next week – Scotland take on Argentina in the toughest match of their tour, Ireland and Australia duke it out for the series title and England will attempt to enact revenge on the Springboks. What are your predictions?
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