Autumn Nations Series | Highlights Week 1

Autumn Nations Series: Opening Weekend Highlights

The Autumn Nations Series kicked off in thrilling fashion on Saturday, 2nd November 2024, with England facing New Zealand in a nail-biter at Twickenham, while Scotland put on an impressive display against Fiji in Edinburgh. Here’s a look at the weekend’s biggest moments, with match highlights linked below.

England 22-24 New Zealand

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Attendance: 81,910
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

In front of a packed Twickenham crowd, New Zealand narrowly edged out England, 24-22. England led briefly through a series of penalties converted by Marcus Smith, who kicked five goals in total, adding to Feyi-Waboso’s try in the second half. Despite a valiant effort by England’s defense, New Zealand’s powerful offense, led by the likes of Mark Tele’a and Will Jordan, ultimately clinched the victory with Tele’a scoring twice. Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie each contributed to New Zealand’s points tally with well-timed conversions and a crucial penalty by McKenzie in the final minutes.

Key Stats:

• Tries: England – Feyi-Waboso (45′); New Zealand – Tele’a (9′, 76′), Jordan (28′)
• Conversions: England – Smith (46′); New Zealand – B Barrett (10′, 29′), McKenzie (77′)
• Penalties: England – Smith (5′, 13′, 31′, 37′, 60′); New Zealand – McKenzie (67′)
• Man of the Match: Wallace Sititi (New Zealand)

Scotland 57-17 Fiji

Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Attendance: 67,144
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)

Meanwhile, Scotland dominated Fiji at Murrayfield with a decisive 57-17 win. Darcy Graham, who was awarded Man of the Match, delivered an outstanding performance with four tries, leading Scotland’s attack alongside contributions from Kyle Rowe and Duhan van der Merwe. Scotland’s precision, showcased by Adam Hastings’ seven successful conversions, maintained their commanding lead despite Fiji’s spirited tries by Ravula, Derenalagi, and Ikanivere.

Key Stats:

• Tries: Scotland – Rowe (9′), Graham (15′, 18′, 53′, 62′), Jones (21′, 79′), Van de Merwe (72′); Fiji – Ravula (34′), Derenalagi (40’+5), Ikanivere (49′)
• Conversions: Scotland – Hastings (10′, 16′, 22′, 54′, 63′, 73′, 80′); Fiji – Ravula (50′)
• Penalty: Scotland – Hastings (37′)
• Man of the Match: Darcy Graham (Scotland)

Upcoming Matches

Rugby fans can look forward to an action-packed weekend, with key matches across Europe:

• Friday, 8th November 2024
  Ireland v New Zealand
  Aviva Stadium, Dublin
  Kick-off: 8:10pm
• Saturday, 9th November 2024
  England v Australia
  Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
  Kick-off: 3:10pmItaly v Argentina
  Stadio Friuli, Udine
  Kick-off: 5:40pm (6:40pm local)France v Japan
  Stade de France, Paris
  Kick-off: 8:10pm (9:10pm local)
• Sunday, 10th November 2024
  Wales v Fiji
  Principality Stadium, Cardiff
  Kick-off: 1:40pmScotland v South Africa
  Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
  Kick-off: 4:10pm

As the Autumn Nations Series continues, fans can expect another weekend of intense competition and thrilling rugby action!

To watch all Autumn Nations Series matches, visit: TNT Sports and for all fixtures, visit: 7 Bamboos Rugby.