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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.