The Challengers!

New Zealand

Form Guide (last 10): 7 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw The world’s number 1 ranked team lost close matches against the Lions and Australia this year, however, they have rarely gone into a test match as an underdog. Since 2010, New Zealand have won 2 Rugby World Cups and lost only 9 matches (out of 105!). With tests against France, Wales and Scotland, they will fancy a clean sweep of wins after ending their season in the south with a Rugby Championship win... and a surprise defeat to Australia. They will also be looking to avenge the drawn Lions series from the summer.

Australia

Form Guide (last 10): 5 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws Australia haven’t won all of their Autumn Internationals since 2013, and haven’t had a winning season (more wins than losses in the year) since 2015. Over the past year, they have lost to all of the home nations except Wales. They are boosted by a late win over New Zealand and draws against South Africa, but their form has been turbulent - they will be hoping for a strong end to their season.

South Africa

Form Guide (last 10): 5 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws After losing to Japan in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, South Africa were in a bad place. Unfortunately it got worse, the South African’s had a terrible 2016, losing the summer series against Ireland, all 3 of their tests in the Autumn (including a 20-18 defeat by Italy) and they suffered their first home loss against Argentina in the Rugby Championship. 2017 has slightly improved South Africa’s fortunes, however, a poor France side put up little contest for 3 of those wins... the other wins came against Argentina. More wins than losses would be a good return!

Argentina

Form Guide (last 10): 1 win, 9 losses

The Argentinians have a tough gig. They play most of their tests against the Southern Hemisphere giants, and their location in South America means they rack up a lot of mileage to play any game. They’re also in a nation where rugby is far from the national sport - they don’t have a major domestic competition and are still adjusting to life (with one team) in Super Rugby. Despite this, they are still a fierce opponent and can beat any team on their day - the only major nation they have never beaten is New Zealand.