Autumn Tests - What have we learned?

Monday 30 November 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
International Rugby > New Zealand

The autumn internationals have come and gone, but the fallout from them is likely to last for some time. So when the dust has settled, what will we have ultimately learned?

That Sexton lad can play
He may have won a Heineken Cup medal with Leinster last season, but Jonathan Sexton has managed to largely remain under the radar. That all changed against Fiji, when the fly-half burst onto the international scene with all the confidence and assurance of a seasoned veteran. Was his near-flawless display a fluke against below-par opposition? Just ask the world champion Springboks, who suffered at the hands of Ronan O'Gara's heir-apparent on Saturday as Sexton's kicking was complemented by a physical presence Ireland have been lacking at the position.

England can't score tries
Not a huge surprise, particularly as they struggled in this regard against southern hemisphere opposition last year, but England's inability to execute is a major cause for concern. Blame injuries, blame the weather, blame ancient Mayan prophecies, but the fact is the English rely too much on Prince Jonny to get their points. Matt Banahan crossed against Argentina thanks to some skilful work by Lewis Moody, but one try in three Tests raises all kinds of questions.

Australia aren't that bad
Supposedly down and out, the Wallabies came into the autumn Tests as the weakest of the Tri-Nations sides and in their worst shape in years. OK, so they lost to Scotland, but a draw at Croke Park is no mean feat and they practically steam-rolled Wales at the Millennium Stadium. The grand slam was always going to be a lot to hope for, but the way in which Australia - and Matt Giteau in particular - bounced back was encouraging.

New Zealand are that good
We're halfway between World Cups, so the All Blacks are about due to be hitting their peak. The game against France was supposed to be the biggest challenge of all - a bruising, physical encounter that would show the north is finally catching up with the south. Ultimately, however, it looked more like a training session for an All Black side ranked number one in the world even though they seem yet to hit first gear.