The Autumn Nations Series is a competition which holds a large presence in every rugby fans calendar. The opportunity for the Southern Hemisphere teams to show their might and take on the Northern Hemisphere away from home. With personal rivalries amongst each team. We look at some of the most iconic moments throughout the Autumn Nations Series, from last minute victories to dominate displays by individuals.
Manu Tuilagi’s performance against New Zealand in 2012:
A game England fans often reminisce on watching is the iconic victory at Twickenham Stadium where England beat New Zealand 38 to 21. With Matt Dawson describing the game as ‘maybe the greatest England victory ever, at Twickenham’ which is certainly a bold. Statement by the former England International and pundit.
The star of the show was Manu Tuilagi with his outrageous strength and ball carrying ability. Shrugging off All Blacks, a tough challenge with the likes of Sam Whitelock amongst the team and the team being renowned for its domination through its strength and size. Manu fronted up to the side and gave them a taste of their own medicine.
England’s complete tri nations clean sweep in 2002:
England beat what were considered at the time the big three teams Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa in one series. This achievement had never been achieved at the time by any international team, showing the provenance of such a clean sweep.
England kicked off their winning ways in a close 31-28 victory over New Zealand,
A tough test for the side playing against the likes of Lomu. ‘’we proved we could handle a pressure situation,’ said Ben Kay. The importance of this calmness under pressure throughout the side was essential building up to the World Cup in 2003 which England went on to win.
England went on to beat Australia in another close victory winning by 1 point with the score 32-31 after the final whistle. With Ben Cohen scoring the two tries for England and Johnny Wilkinson’s trusty boot sealing the rest of the points it was a tremendous victory against Australia especially when coming from behind. The tri nations clean up ended with a dominant display against South Africa, beating the side by 50 points an annihilation against the Springboks.
Romain Ntamack counter attacking ability France V New Zealand 2021:
A recent moment but one which is of equal importance. In a tough battle for France against New Zealand Romain Ndtamack single handindly changed the tide of the game with his incredible break from his own in-goal topped off by an incredible no look pass to Melvyn Jaminet. The fly half who plays his rugby at Toulouse in the Top 14 is one of many talented players the the World are looking forward to watching in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series on their home turf. A true test for a French side who are in such incredible form ahead of their home Rugby World Cup in 2023.
Marcus Smith inspires England to 1 point victory over World Champions South Africa in 2022:
England ended the 2021 Autumn Nation Series in style with a victory over South Africa at Twickenham, giving them an unbeaten record across the 4-game campaign. With tries from Manu Tuilagi early in the game, Freddie Steward and Raffi Quirke. England Showed their class and spirit, reducing South Africa to only 1 try scored by Makazole Mapimpi on the wing.
South Africa managed to pick up points through England’s poor discipline with Handre Pollard slotting five penalties and replacements adding a further two to the scoreboard.
South Africa’s captain Siya Kolisi receiving a yellow card in the last five minutes of the game gave England the drive to push on and claw back the lead to victory. A penalty was awarded to England after they were gaining momentum towards the try line. With Marcus Smith staying well composed under pressure, kicking the winning penalty over the posts in the final minute of the game.
A momentous occasion for fans of English rugby with the side proving they can beat the world champions and an excellent way to top off an exceptional campaign.
Chris Ashton’s try against Australia in 2010:
Chris Ashtons superb try at Twickenham in 2010 is often in highlight reels as one of the most remarkable tries scored at Twickenham. Running the length of the pitch, showing his superb pace and ability to score tries. Sealing the try with an iconic ‘Ash splash’ and sending Twickenham into a huge roar of celebration.
The try was recognised as World Rugby’s try of the year in 2010. Making such a momentous impact in his first year in the England squad and scoring his most memorable try so early on in his international career. Chris has had a record-breaking career scoring the most tries ever in the Premiership and achieving over forty caps for England.
After reviewing several great moments throughout the years of the Autumn Nations Series, we hope this builds excitement for future Northern V Southern Hemisphere encounters. If you are interested in witnessing such historic moments closer to the action have a look at our availability for the upcoming Series here. With England set to take on New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.
