Wins over British and Irish Lions, Springboks offered hope. But it is now undeniable the Wallabies have gone backwards
There is no end to the pain while France waits
The French wobbled midway through their 34-21 win over Fiji in Paris on Sunday (AEDT), but that was probably a reflection of the competitiveness of the Pacific Islanders, who put England to the test last week.
But Les Bleus still have enough quality to condemn the Wallabies to a winless run through Europe next weekend. The Wallabies’ hopes of top spot in the World Cup draw are long over, but that’s not the real problem.
Robbie Henshaw scores his sixth try in Ireland’s win over Australia.Credit: Getty Images
Recent losses – or rather performances – have shown that new coach Les Kiss has a short runway to fix the problems still lingering in Australian rugby ahead of his own World Cup.
As the year draws to a close, the rivals appear to have managed to get a hold of Joe Schmidt’s side and he will play three more Tests before the strange handover process is completed.
Hockings marks horror debut for Japan
Former Queensland Reds forward Harry Hockings made his debut for Japan against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday morning (AEDT) – and it is a game he will remember for all the wrong reasons.
With Japan leading 23-21 in the final stages, Hockings was found guilty of shouldering the head of Welsh winger Alex Mann as he charged down the byline.
Hockings was injected into the game in the 48th minute as Eddie Jones’ side chased a crucial scalp, and the 27-year-old is certainly a more imposing figure than the beanstalk who left the Reds in his early 20s.
However, the lack of composure ultimately cost Japan as Wales kicked into touch, won another penalty from a knock, and then scored the three points that won them the Test.
All Blacks share Wallabies’ misery
If there were any doubts about how far northern hemisphere rugby has come in the last decade, England put those doubts to rest with a 33-19 victory over the All Blacks at Twickenham.
In doing so, England implemented the same game plan as against the Wallabies, with similar effects.
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Their batting pressure was strong, winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was a threat in the side and the British and Irish Lions bench came in and finished the Test with tremendous energy.
Midfielder Ollie Lawrence, who missed the Wallabies Test, also had some nice touches.
With the World Cup in Australia just two years away, this confirms England as a team on the rise and reflects a definite shift in power away from Australia and New Zealand towards Europe since the 2015 World Cup.
