And so, it ends, with all bar one match complete at the time of writing. Wales are to face the Springboks in Cardiff. After a fantastic weekend of rugby, what can be taken away? Which home nation has been the most consistent, and who have blown hot and cold?

Scotland have not had the easiest Autumn Series. Despite thumping the US 85–0 and Tonga 56–0, they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Argentina, and conceded costly early tries to lose to the All Blacks. Their Nations Series has been dampened by poor execution in the final 20 when facing Tier 1 opposition, but much can be taken from their large victories, and elements of their losses. Their running rugby and ariel game has continued, and Scotland’s attacking shape looks threatening at times. All in all, around a 5/10 series.

England have had a fantastic Autumn Series. George Ford has been allowed to play his natural game, and it has worked incredibly. The rugby IQ to take drop goals when something doesn’t seem on has slowly eroded from the sport, but he is forcing it back. The performance against New Zealand was probably the best we have seen Steve Borthwick’s men play all year, and although Argentina ran them close, England seemed confident and had the skill to show it. The dismantling of a previously improving Australia was far from expected. There is quite a comfortable argument that England is the second-best side in the world right now. England have had a 9/10 series.

Ireland will not be happy. Having won only two matches—Japan and Australia—their Autumn Series closed with a defeat like no other. Their loss to New Zealand at the start of the series in Chicago felt like the tide was turning against Andy Farrell’s men, but their loss to the Boks confirmed it. Ireland seemed to lose their edge in the Soldier Field test only in the second half, and managed to survive an early deserved 20-minute red card period by scoring a try, and only conceding one. Their discipline was mostly okay. The Aviva was completely different. A record-tying five cards, including another 20-minute red, coupled with decimation at the scrum showed the true underlying issues. Where the Australia and Japan game were tidy, complete performances with little pressure, the big-stage fixtures against the All Blacks, and especially the Springboks, showed that desperation brought out ill discipline and highlighted heavy front-row weakness. The 6-minute period at the end of the Springbok match, where they were camped on the Bok 5 metre and failed to score summed it up perfectly. Ireland were in the fight but failed to convert when necessary. Ireland’s Autumn Series has been a 4/10.

Wales have had a good Autumn Series considering where they started. Four tries against Argentina, an awesome first half performance against the All Blacks, and their first win at home since the 2023 Six Nations, all with new Head Coach Steve Tandy, should be celebrated. Despite being blown away in the last 20 in both the Argentina and New Zealand fixtures, Wales showed guts and never gave in. Tomos Williams was brilliant, and Tom Rogers became the first Welshman—and the fourth player ever—to score a hat-trick against the All Blacks. Dan Edwards showed himself key, especially in the victory over Japan, and looks to be the future for the Welsh 10 jersey. Jarrod Evans kept his cool to nail a difficult penalty to claim the win and displayed that Wales are performing under pressure. Although, at the time of writing, Wales are yet to play South Africa, there is good evidence that this has been a good recovery series for them. Many gave them little chance, and they stood up and took opportunities when possible. The scrum in particular showed significant improvement, as did the lineout and back line plays. Wales looks electric when the ball is loose and will be targeting a win in the Six Nations. Considering prior expectations, this has been a 7/10 Autumn Series for Wales.