AUTUMN NATIONS VERDICT

FRANCE ARE FAVOURITES

FRANCE have not hit peak form this autumn but they beat world champions South Africa with a stirring fightback and have now won a record 12 Tests in a row. Fabien Galthie’s side have depth in all areas and are equipped for both arm-wrestles or attacking joue. The World Cup has their name on it.

MARSEILLE IS A PARTY TOWN

THE French victory took place in front of 65,000 fans at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille — a wonderful, towering, modernised venue. The atmosphere was noisily partisan as the crowd stayed for a post-match party. The place will be rocking in front of a global audience next year.

WORLD STARS SEE RED

THE CURRENT and previous World Players of the Year were both sent off in Marseille. Pieter-Steph du Toit’s reckless charge into a ruck left Jonathan Danty with a fractured eye socket but he was shoved forward by Kwagga Smith. He took a red card for the team, whereas that shown to Antoine Dupont (above) for taking out Cheslin Kolbe in the

air was all his own fault.

HISTORY MADE IN FLORENCE

HOW heartening to see Italian celebrations in Florence, after a maiden win over Australia. The Azzurri — galvanised by new sensation Ange Capuozzo — are on a roll, which is good for the game. Meanwhile, the Wallabies’ tour close encounters have all been settled by a point — one in their favour, then two against them.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

IT WAS natural to fear for Wales against buoyant Argentina after their ordeal at the hands of the All Blacks, so the 20-13 home win was a striking act of defiance, built on the back-row brilliance of Taulupe Faletau (above) and Justin Tipuric. Welcome respite for Wayne Pivac.

ALL BLACKS WILL BE BETTER

AT TIMES yesterday, New Zealand were a rabble. When Beauden Barrett slipped, forced an off-load and brother Jordie spilled the ball, it summed up the chaos. But they got out of jail, thanks to a rescue act led by TJ Perenara and Codie Taylor. With Brodie Retallick available next week, they will be far better at Twickenham.