Scotland sends Wallabies reeling off to Dublin

A Wallaby 'Grand Slam' was always something of an unlikely dream,but their defeat does not derail the sharp improvements made by Schmidt and we love to see the 'Aussie' back in their game, even Campese would approve. This Scotland team is a really good one and their play is direct as well as creative. I stand by my comment that they threatened the Springboks as much as any side have since Ireland in the summer. Oh and there is no such thing as a South African 2nd XV given their incredible depth.

Some of their forwards, especially Fagerson, are developing so much so that they will be - again- favourites at Twickenham in the 6 Nations unless England can fire into Ireland and France in their first two matches and deliver on the potential they are adamant exists. These are high stakes.

Scotland could make up the 'Lions share' of any backline selected for Australia 2025 in my view, wow did I really just write that? In fact only at 9 and possibly 14 could there be a question mark, everywhere else they all have the edge given current form. This explains their scintillating finish last weekend. There on view is also how to close out a big game. The other telling point from the last two weekends, now acknowledged widely, is the flaky nature of England's defence out wide and Finn Russell will have taken note.

I am sure that Sleightholme, one of England's attacking successes, is well capable of meaningful tackles. But the chaos inside him has made him look very vulnerable in every game he has played. Slade appears to be engaging in a single handed blitz mission which is incredibly easy to unlock. Surely this is plain to see now. A return to a fast drift would appear the answer in order to lock up the outside. Japan's best, perhaps only moment, was very easy on the eye and they have talented runners. But there was no way they should have found that space to score their opening try and with hardly a finger laid on them.

I also question whether England has the personnel to conduct an effective blitz defence but that is only a personal view. It certainly cannot be coached from Oyonnax.

I do concur that having lost 5 matches on the trot, the only outcome which mattered on Sunday was a win though it was in many ways a no-win scenario. To play tight and maul until the game was won is understandable, this is time honoured (whenever we played Fiji for example), rather than engage in a game of fast and loose which was all that the Brave Blossoms wanted. That would have been real chaos. Once the result was clear, empty the bench and explore some opportunities. At that point, the likes of Fin Smith and Opoku-Fordjour saw some vital gametime. It is all too late for a number of others especially up front which is such a waste and the Six Nations is no time to experiment - it may have to be, although with three big teams lying in wait first up, it is a risk.

Meantime, this weekend Ireland will want to show the world, and themselves, that they are still right up there in the pecking order and that England will travel more in hope than expectation next year. I fully expect the Irish all-court attack to be on show, and some very aggressive defence focussing on Tom Wright who was well wrapped up by Scotland. It should be a bridge too far for Australia, but they have already lit up our screens and fields with their dazzling play. This would be a golden bonus and for the men in green if they slip up to give more weight that their best could be past them, then England may not need as many shamrocks under the pillow and arrive in Dublin instead with a spring in the step.For two clear International underperformers, the pressure and scrutiny remains white or red hot, depending what shirt you wear. The players will be glad to escape for a while.

It has been a terrific Autumn Series, and now Europe's turn to keep the fires burning, I cannot wait for some incredible match ups, Bath v La Rochelle being a stellar example.

Meantime, the festive season approaches and whatever country you favour there are sporting wines and spirits to enjoy or consider for gifting so please take a look and make some choices https://sportingwineclub.com/product-category/gifting/

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