RUGBY WRAP: Home Nations hit back against the south

New-look Boks concede home record to Wales

South Africa’s proud unbeaten home record against Wales is gone after the Boks fell 12-13 in the second Test at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday. It was the Dragons’ first win in the Republic in their 12^th attempt and snapped a four-game losing streak for Wayne Pivac’s side. Much was said last week in the wake of Bok coach Jacques Nienaber’s decision to make 14-changes to the team that won the first Test, particularly by the Welsh media, and the result was ultimately unsurprising with the European outfit now heading into the finale in Cape Town with a shot at securing an historic series win. On the upside, the Boks coaching staff will now be even more certain of their strongest XV ­– although they’ve dropped from first to third in the world.

The match itself was a dreary affair, with a first-half that ended with the nations locked at 3-all after two early penalties from Dan Biggar and Handre Pollard. The second-half wasn’t that much better, but Josh Adams’ five-pointer with just a few minutes left on the clock proved the difference in the end.

Ireland claim historic win in Kiwiland

Ireland defeated the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time in their history after a 23-12 win at the Forsyth Barr. Granted, the hosts were down to 14-men after the sending off of Angus Ta’avao in the first-half, but the way the tourists played it seemed they would have taken the result regardless. Much like the first Test, Andy Farrell’s men went to work from the get-go and scored early on, this time through Tadgh Beirne. But unlike the Eden Park encounter, there was no letting up from the Emerald Isle this time and they ultimately secured one of the most famous wins in their history.

As pointed out recently by Squidge Rugby, the All Blacks’ win in Auckland felt more like an upset than the result in Dunedin, such is their current standing. There has seemingly been an ongoing barrage of criticism levelled at Ian Foster since he was appointed as ABs boss post-Steve Hansen, and this latest result won’t do him any favours. The All Blacks now occupy fourth on the world rankings, their lowest ever position, and remain in real danger of losing the series. Ireland have risen to second.

Fantastic Farrell inspires England to Brisbane win; Scotland, France, Georgia win

It really doesn’t matter what people say about Owen Farrell. The fact is, he remains one of the best players in his generation and his presence makes those around him play better. On Saturday he again produced a telling performance in scoring 20-points to help guide England to a 25-17 series leveler against the Wallabies at the Suncorp.

Australia had numerous injuries and a suspension to contend with following the Perth Test, and weren’t good enough in the end. The victory would have eased the pressure on Eddie Jones somewhat, but there is still all to play for in Sydney this weekend.

In the weekend’s other results, France pipped Japan 20-15 in Tokyo, Scotland hit back to beat Argentina 29-6 in the second Test in Salta and Georgia shocked Italy to win 28-19 in Batumi.