Which Nation Will Win The Inaugural Autumn Nations Cup?
Rugby fans are in for a treat this autumn, as there is a new competition that will capture the imagination. Fans will be able to watch the new competition, which runs from the 13th November until the 6th December.
It was an excellent introduction to the rugby calendar, as it replaced the typical autumn internationals that would have been taking place this year.
There are eight of the finest sides competing in the competition, with the sides split into two groups of four. Each team will face the nations in their group on one occasion to determine the team that will progress through to the finals and establish the final standings overall.
Japan were scheduled to take part in the event, but the nation were forced to pull out due to the travel restrictions in place. The Japanese were replaced by Georgia, which also led to Fiji being moved to Group B. But, which country are the side that could potentially win this new exciting event?
England
England will be the heavy favourites to win the first instalment of the Autumn Nations Cup, as they are the side with all the momentum. They finished as the runners-up in the World Cup 12 months ago, and recently claimed success in the extended Six Nations. That success saw Eddie Jones’ side move up in the world rankings to second, with South Africa being the only nation above them.
England have been in excellent form since returning to action in October. They beat Italy in their first international game since returning 34-5, with tries in the match being scored by Ben Youngs, Jamie George, Tom Curry and Henry Slade.
They also got off to the best possible start in the Autumn Nations Cup, as they hammered Georgia 40-0. Jack Willis scored a try on his debut, while Jamie George made history as he became the first hooker in English rugby history to score a hat-trick. But, there will be bigger tests ahead.
France
The French would have been proud of their performances in the Six Nations this year, and they will be optimistic about ending the calendar year on a positive with success in the Autumn Nations Cup.
France finished second behind England in the Six Nations, as they lost just once in their five matches. They ended the competition level on points with England but lost out due to the points difference between the sides.
Confidence will still be in the French squad coming into their second game of the competition from their big success against Ireland in their final Six Nations match. France beat Ireland 35-27 in Paris, with Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack among the try-scorers.
The French were unable to play their first match of the Autumn Nations Cup against Fiji as their opponents recorded a number of COVID-19 cases. However, they were given a 28-0 win, which means that they remain in control of Group B.
Ireland
Ireland are realistically the only team that could stop a final between England and France, as they look for a layer of revenge following their Six Nations disappointment.
The Irish knew that a win against France in their final match in that competition would have been enough to win the championship, but defeat meant that it was England’s title.
The two rivals are both in Group A in the Autumn Nations Cup, and it will likely be between Ireland and England to decide the team that progresses. It will be a huge game at Twickenham when the sides meet, as it will likely decide the team that finishes the group as the leaders.
They will take confidence from their recent 32-9 win against Wales going into the fixture, but it still looks like a big mountain that the Irish will need to overcome.
There you have it! The favourite teams in the upcoming Autumn Cup! Who are you rooting for?
And if you like to expand your knowledge on other sports, click here and choose an NBA team to root for!
