Social media was abuzz after England pipped the world No.1 side South Africa in a rematch of the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
England’s titanic fixture against the Springboks came after Italy saw off Uruguay, while Stuart Hogg made history in Scotland’s 29-20 victory against Japan before the day was rounded off by late win for Wales over Australia.
England came out narrow 27-26 winners but early tries from Manu Tuilagi and Player of the Match Freddie Steward could have put the game to bed.
Tuilagi was forced off with injury immediately after scoring the try as the Springboks looked to capitalise on the loss of one of England’s most dynamic players.
A moment of class by youngster Raffi Quirke kept England ahead before fellow young gun Marcus Smith showed experience beyond his 22 years to kick the winning penalty
Penalties from Handre Pollard had kept South Africa in touching distance before a late try from Makazole Mapimpi and three points from the boot of Francois Steyn moved the Boks temporarily ahead.
The result in the end sees South Africa finish the year with a loss, but they do keep top spot on the world rankings, as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi put the result into perspective.
Stuart Hogg became Scotland Men’s highest try scorer as he crossed for his 25th try in front of a sold-out BT Murrayfield.
The 29-year-old moved Scotland back into the lead, finding a gap in the Japanese defence to move past Tony Stanger and Ian Smith to hold the record outright.
Duhan van der Merwe had given the home side the lead before Japan hit back with two penalties, Scotland then looked to be comfortable with a try from Darcy Graham making it 19-6 at half time.
However, Japan had other ideas responding through the boot of Rikiya Matsuda and a try from replacement Tevita Tatafu bringing the Brave Blossom back into the game.
A late Finn Russell penalty ensured Scotland the victory as their Autumn Nations Series campaign ended in a win.
17 was a lucky number for Italy this week as they beat Uruguay 17-10 to secure their first win in 17 games.
Two debutants got on the scoresheet with Pierre Bruno getting the first try of the match to announce himself on the world stage.
Epalahame Faiva then scored early in the second half to double the debutant delight.
Uruguay hit back through Santiago Civetta, but they could not stop Italy claiming a first win in 2 years.
Fraught encounters were the order of the day and Wales’s match against Australia was no exception.
Australia took an early lead through Andrew Kellaway before the Wallabies were reduced to 14 men as Rob Valetini was sent off for head-to-head contact.
Wales and Australia traded penalties before Kurtley Beale was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock on
Ryan Elias then moved the home side into the lead for the first time, Dan Biggar and James O’Connor traded penalties for their side as the teams went into the break 16-13.
Wales then looked to use the man-advantage as Nick Tompkins sprinted from halfway to extend Wales’ lead before tries from Nic White and Filipo Daugunu set the game up for a grandstand finish, with just one point in it.
Things didn’t get any less tense as Beale kept his nerve to kick Australia into the lead before Rhys Priestland was the calmest man in the Principality Stadium as he converted a penalty to hand Wales the win.
