Aussies strike Gold as Rainbow Nation hits town

Having watched the Rugby Championship in all it's glory, I always felt and predicted that there would be serious challenges for our Northern Hemisphere teams this autumn. So it has proved with not a signature win so far. That tournament placed a heavy emphasis on skill as much as power and all the visiting nations have brought this to bear. Hence the drubbing handed out by Argentina against Italy, apparently one of the most improved sides last year.The All Blacks have already advertised their backline strengths which are as obvious as their front five relative weakness, and it was all too much for an Irish team who have excelled as the Number 1 team in the world, even more so given their scant resources. The dramatic last second win over SA in the summer will possibly prove to have been their peak. As for Fiji, when fully loaded (unlike v Scotland), they hold some of the best players in the world in their squad. Their mental toughness allied to traditional and unpredictable skill was enough for a callow Welsh squad and was not a surprise to me. I am not sure what other hand Gatland has to play at present, let alone anyone else who may coach Wales in the future. He has invested in youth, give it time.

I missed the first 15 minutes of the Australia match and when I tuned in England were 12-3 up. It felt right given the opposition and their current weaknesses. England's stated intent to start fast played out courtesy of a direct approach which featured Cunningham-South heavily as well as the player of the match, Marcus Smith. Well he would have been if England had won because he assisted in almost every try of the five scored by England and was the supreme talent on the day. The trick is to get other players on his wavelength - not the other way round by the way.

It was a phenomenal test match and I pay tribute to the Wallabies. They know they are in rebuild, as much emotionally as anything else after the Jones débacle (take 2). What I loved was the expression of skill and pace on offer, often flawed, but new names have now emerged as a result. The midfield of Ikitau and Suaalii was a surprise package and showed their opposite numbers the art of the possible. Finding space is what midfield play is all about as well as creating chances out wide or down the middle. This new pairing did both and the highlights reel of Suaalii takes some watching. Supreme awareness of people in support and better positions combined with an athleticism in the air which was game changing. Even Itoje was bemused and for now let us salute a rising star in our game.

Let me tell you that the Ikitau offload to put Morgensen in for the winning score, given the circumstances, has to be one of the best final/match-winning passes delivered at Twickenham. It was not a fluke in fact one of the tries of the season from its conception through some supreme passing skill to Green and Gold glory.

Talking of green, finally up in balmy Edinburgh came the match of the weekend for it's intensity and to see the full depth of Springbok rugby on show. Scotland did not hold back and Huw Jones lived up to his star billing were it not for a couple of passes gone astray which could have made a difference. Zander Fagerson seemed to take on the whole Springbok pack (and its replacements, please World Rugby wake up and change the rulings) on his own at times.

As for Scott Cummings, I fully expect his red to be overturned, no room here for a view on the 20 minute red card but I am with the French. By the way, what was 20 minute about the Radradra head tackle on the Welsh fullback?

For the winning Boks, their scramble defence had to be awesome and it was, it has been for a while. Scotland threw everything at them and I agree with Townsend that his men put in a big effort. But 4 tries to none tells a story, back to consummate skills and Willie Le Roux, what a player he still is, that little chip kick was genius, and he may not even find a place this weekend, nor may 'two tries Mapimpi. The resting first choice backline need to watch out not to underestimate a bruised England with their own backs to the wall.Their attacking shape seems to have drifted off balance and this is the match to bring it back.

One piece of advice, keep the PR to a minimum. Some media own goals and easily punctured aspirations have damaged this last two weeks. England PR is in need of serious overhaul. But for this weekend, circle the wagons, save the pre match chat and do all the talking on the pitch. Itoje should captain the side, play 80 minutes like Etzebeth, and England can definitely pull off a victory, having given Smith and Lawrence the keys. Perhaps a one off but a real chance to find their own piece of gold at the end of the Rainbow. It won't change the world order but will gather in some belief and optimism. No harm to dent current Springbok supremacy about which I have written much, but it is definitely my heart that says that rather than the head.