Ahead of the final round of Autumn Internationals, Mark Coughlan takes a look at this weekend's games on FloRugby and whether the month has been cruel or kind to the teams involved.

ENGLAND

It’s been a good autumn because …

World Cups aren’t won or lost one year out, but England has proved – after a shaky year – that they can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best. Strength in depth is no bad thing, either, and with a serious shortage of front-line faces, the likes of Joe Cokanasiga, Zach Mercer and Ben Moon have stepped up and made selection decisions more difficult for Eddie Jones in 2019. Except, Mercer has now been dropped, but you get the point… 

It’s been a bad autumn because …

Sixteen unanswered points conceded against New Zealand, a lack of leadership in the second half, a rush of blood from Owen Farrell against South Africa (that tackle), and New Zealand (kicking out on the full). England is just looking a bit immature right now. And that’s before we even get started on Japan running rings around them for 40 minutes. The Japanese came to Twickenham, and had 63% possession, 64% territory, made 164 meters more than England with the ball in hand, and made 18 clean breaks to England’s 11. Oh, and England missed 32 tackles. Thirty-two! 

The ideal finish is …

A win, some calm heads, and not having to rely on the TMO decisions. A year ago, this England side looked nigh on unbeatable. With the big guns back out this Saturday, Eddie will expect to see something more akin to the opening 30 minutes against the All Blacks, and this time, add a bit of composure to the mix.

Watch England Live On FloRugby Saturday KO 9AM CT

AUSTRALIA

It’s been a good autumn because …

Umm ... it’s nearly over? After a torrid year for the Wallabies, a rise in defensive solidity has been welcomed, with just one try being conceded in the last two matches. Matt To’omua looked happy in a new slot last weekend, and he Bernard Foley offer options. The Pocock-Hooper combo has caused chaos once again, while Adam Ashley-Cooper has returned from the wilderness to add some quality out wide.

It’s been a bad autumn because …

Take your pick. A first defeat to Wales since 2008 made it eight defeats in 12 this year, and despite the win in Italy, the Wallabies are in a rut. Defensive solidity has been on the up, but it’s meant a drop in the famed Aussie attacking game. Some poor decisions didn't help – two kicks for the corner that both failed in a game that was decided by three points seems madness in hindsight. And the scrum has been abysmal.

The ideal finish is …

A win, nothing else. A ninth defeat in 13 would confirm the Wallabies’ worst season since 1958, while it would also mean a sixth straight defeat against England for the first time in 109 years! The Aussies need to solidify the set piece, keep their defense strong, and stop searching for the million-dollar move every time they get the ball.

Watch Australia Live On FloRugby Saturday KO 9AM CT

SCOTLAND

It’s been a good autumn because …

A win against Fiji and a tight defeat to South Africa are decent fare for the Scots – if we’re ignoring the Doddie Weir game down in Cardiff. Adam Hastings has slipped into the team nicely, and with him and Finn Russell both ready to ignite the backline, the Scots look dangerous from deep which adds a nice dimension to their side. 

It’s been a bad autumn because …

Yes, they pushed South Africa all the way, but Scotland again ran out of steam late on, and the target for autumn would have been three home wins from three. The Springboks were down a man for ten minutes in the second half last week, but and once again Scotland struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking in a tight game.

The ideal finish is …

Weirdly, a hard-fought win. In the matches they have won this year, the Scots have scored at least 25 points. It won’t feel like it at the time, but the best thing that could happen is Argentina come out feisty and firing, and Scotland have to dig deep and fight hard to secure a tight victory. It’s time for this side to prove they can win scrappy.

Watch Scotland LIVE On FloRugby Saturday KO 8:30am CT

ARGENTINA

It’s been a good autumn because …

The Pumas brought Mario Ledesma in as head coach back in June, so it’s going to take time to bed in a new system. As winger Sebastian Cancelliere said after their defeat last weekend, “these games we are using to improve our systems but the spirit is good. We know we are in the correct path.” Add in the fact that Argentina troubled Ireland and France off first phase ball and counterattack, and they pushed both sides for 60 minutes before fading away, and Los Pumas are building nicely.

It’s been a bad autumn because …

They’ve ultimately lost both games they played. Even worse, their defeats have been caused by their own failures, as they led both times. Set piece, so often a strength for the Pumas, has been given a torrid time, with their scrum getting marmalized by the Irish time and time again. Expect some long hard sessions ahead – with Ledesma salivating at the prospect.

The ideal finish is …

A win to show everyone that Argentina is back! More than most sides, the Pumas won’t feel they have much to prove against Scotland. Yet conversely, this game presents their best chance for a win. Just look at the way Fijian and South African runners troubled the Scots.

Watch Argentina LIVE On FloRugby Saturday KO 8:30am CT

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FRANCE

It’s been a good autumn because …

A win to end a five-match losing streak always helps. France has actually looked much improved this autumn, and but for South Africa’s late, late show, could have been chasing a clean sweep. Jacques Brunel has talked of building a spine, and his key men all stepped up in the last two weeks with big performances. The French flair is threatening a return, and it is coming hand in hand with solid foundations. 

It’s been a bad autumn because …

A lack of experience caused them to throw away a 14-point lead against South Africa, and that could hurt come the tight World Cup games next year, especially as that is their third defeat to come beyond the 80-minute mark this year. 

The ideal finish is …

Backing up that win with another, and starting to build momentum ahead of a big 2019. A bit more enterprising rugby would help invigorate this side, while the partnership of Baptiste Serin and Camille Lopez is flourishing, so another strong performance from them would finish the year off nicely.

Watch France LIVE On FloRugby Saturday KO 2:05pm CT

FIJI

It’s been a good autumn because …

The Fijians made it onto the World Rugby Council, for one thing. On the field, it’s been the usual display of ferocious and entertaining rugby, as they have seen off Uruguay with a huge 68-7 win and pushed Scotland more than the 54-17 loss suggests. Fiji trailed the Scots by only four points at the break in Edinburgh. Ben Volavola is looking ever more confident at fly half as well, which can only help build the side around him.

It’s been a bad autumn because …

The old headaches of Fijian rugby have returned. While they can score from anywhere, and get any fan in the world off their seat, the set piece has been woeful at times, and the more pragmatic Scottish showed them up with some tight rugby and strong maul work. Also – nine tries given up in two games? Come on Fiji, you can do better…

The ideal finish is …

The historic win that coach John McKee has promised. With France looking vulnerable, Fiji won’t get many better chances, and a win here would be a huge message ahead of World Cup 2019. In truth, a more ‘mature’ performance, allied with the usual ‘throw and go’, would be enough.

Watch Fiji LIVE On FloRugby Saturday KO 2:05pm CT

- Mark Coughlan