Reviewing the 2024 Autumn Nations Series: A Victorious Finale for England

A victorious finale to a testing 2024 Autumn Nations Series Campaign

The 2024 Autumn Nations Series marked an exciting period for England Rugby. After a semi-final showing at that 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, the Autumn Nations Series was a chance for Steve Borthwick’s side to test themselves again against might of the southern hemisphere. After two narrow defeats on tour to New Zealand over the summer, head coach Steve Borthwick had another chance to record a famous victory against the All Blacks this November. He will have been happy by the encouraging signs of progress, resilience, depth, and tactical evolution were all evident across their matches.

With the narrowest of margins England’s results could have looked very different but overall England should feel confident going into the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations. Let’s break down each of the matches that went down at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, and what impact they have had on this growing England side.

England v New Zealand: A gripping victory

The Autumn Nations Series kicked off with a highly anticipated clash against the All Blacks at Allianz Stadium. New Zealand, always a formidable opponent, arrived with a battle-hardened side after competing in the Rugby Championship, yet England rose to the occasion. England fly half Marcus Smith was in fine form kicking four penalties to keep England in the match.

But All Blacks winger Mark Tele’a’s scored a decisive try on 76th minute, but a dramatic last minute drop goal attempt from replacement fly half George Ford went agonisingly wide of the posts as the visitors secured a dramatic 24-22 victory at the Home of Rugby.

England v Australia: A rivalry renewed

Australia headed to Allianz Stadium under new head coach Joe Schmidt having not beaten England at Allianz Stadium since 2015. England were keen with the heartbreak of the New Zealand match the previous week behind them, building an early 12 point lead in the first quarter of the match.

Cunningham-South and Ollie Sleightholme impressed picking up two tries each. But Wallaby debutant Joseph Aukuso Suaalii (a recent convert from rugby league) wowed the Allianz Stadium crowd with his athleticism and enthusiasm, inspiring the Australians to keep wrestling the lead back from England.

Maro Itoje’s late try seemed to have wrapped up the victory for England before Jorgensen pulled the curtain down on a thrilling contest with the winning try in the dying seconds with the game finishing 37-42 to Australia. Steve Borthwick would have been impressed with the performances of several individuals announcing themselves as Test match level players, but would be concerned at the drop in concentration in the final crucial moments of the match.

England v South Africa: A battle of the titans

Next up was England’s toughest assignment of the Autumn, a rematch again the back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners South Africa, a team they have struggled to beat in recent years. The Springboks arrived with their legendary physical brand of rugby, but England were ready. The match was a brutal, high-intensity encounter with the South African’s fresh from winning the Rugby Championship securing a 29-20 at Allianz Stadium.

England started brightly with Ollie Sleightholme - a real stand out player this November – adding to his try scoring tally with England’s first try in the opening three minutes. But South Africa’s experience and momentum allowed them to respond in kind going into the lead at the break.

England second row George Martin – surely a serious contender for the British and Irish Lions series in Australia next year – was in fine physical form again with several inspirational carries at the heart of the Springbok defence. But some crucial penalties at the scrum time in the second half helped South Africa secure territory and maintain pressure on the England team during the key moments of the second half.

England v Japan: clinical and commanding

England concluded their Autumns with a resounding victory over Eddie Jones’s Japan side – in his first visit back to HQ since his departure as head coach in 2022. England scored 9 tries with Sleightholme and Underhill again getting on the scoresheet as the home side romped to a 59-14 win against the Brave Blossoms fielding a very young and inexperienced side.

Steve Borthwick resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes to the side after three intense fixtures, and the extra time together on the pitch helped the squad build even more cohesion ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations which kicks off in February.

One of the highlights of the match was the fluidity in England's attacking play. They moved the ball with pace and precision, creating gaps in the Japanese defence that they exploited time and again. Marcus Smith pulling the strings and showing his playmaking ability went up another level this Autumn which will excite England fans for the rest of the season.

The Final Whistle: A bright outlook

England's 2024 Autumn Nations Series was an important yardstick to see where this England team currently are going into the Guinness Men’s Six Nations. You would struggle to find a more difficult fixture list than New Zealand (away, away, home), Australia and South Africa and England can take a lot of confidence that were in not for a few fine margins they could have won all five of those matches.

This young England team players and coaching staff will be much better for the experience and learnings that this Autumn Nations Series campaign has brought as they are now well placed to mount a serious challenge for the Guinness Men’s Six Nations title in the New Year.