Dave Rennie admits his Australia team were "not good enough" as they were beaten by Italy for the first time ever on Saturday.

Full-back Ange Capuozzo scored two tries as Italy claimed a 28-27 victory over the Wallabies in Florence.

Australia's debutant fly-half Ben Donaldson missed a late conversion to win the game as his team fell to a historic defeat.

Rennie was frustrated with his side's performance, telling reporters: "We didn't play well enough.

"We gave them a head start at 17-3, gave them hope and enthusiasm and brought the crowd into the game.

"We didn't dominate up front as we would have hoped. We gave them field position through penalties and turnovers

"It is hugely disappointing and not good enough. All I can say is the boys are hurt; they know we are better than that."

Rennie refused to blame Donaldson for the loss, despite his late miss.

"It's tough. He's hurting but we have an arm around him," Rennie added.

"You can always look at the last few seconds of the game, but there was lots we did wrong earlier to put Ben in that position.

"We feel for him but it is not the reason we lost today."

Italy had previously lost all 18 meetings with Australia, stretching all the way back to 1973.

Hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi spoke of his delight at the win, saying: "I have so many amazing emotions – it's an incredible victory.

"We felt we could do it from the first minute. We went out on the field with the right spirit, and attacked and defended really well."

England head coach Eddie Jones secured a 59th win in charge against former side Japan to equal Clive Woodward's record.

After a shock defeat to Argentina last time out, England responded on Saturday with a dominant 52-13 victory against Japan at Twickenham, where Guy Porter scored his first two international tries and Marcus Smith also went over twice.

The record-equalling win left Jones pleased with his side's performance, stating that his team "looked like England".

"We played more like ourselves. Last week we were too long term in our view, which was my fault and today we were focused. We left 20 points out there and played some really good rugby," he told Prime Video.

"It's about playing to our strengths. You want people to recognise an England team playing, and we need to adopt a new style. But today we looked like England. We were in white shirts which might have made a difference."

Woodward, who managed England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003, had criticised Jones after England's loss to Argentina, writing in the Daily Mail: "It was more than a bad day at the office and I had the feeling that few really cared.

"The RFU kept playing naff music throughout the match and I spent half the afternoon standing up because people were back and forth buying beers.

"The atmosphere felt artificial and contrived and, to top it off, England's performance was so bad. Everyone was bored out of their brains."

England are back in action next Saturday against New Zealand, then conclude their Autumn Nations Series against South Africa the following week.

Mark Telea will make his New Zealand debut when Ian Foster's side go in search of a sixth consecutive win in Sunday's clash with Scotland at Murrayfield.

The All Blacks maintained their remarkable 69-year unbeaten run against Wales by racking up a dominant 55-23 success in Cardiff last Saturday, but Foster has opted to ring the changes for Sunday's Test.

Blues wing Telea is one of the chief beneficiaries of Foster's decision to make seven changes, and the 25-year-old is thrilled by the prospect of making his international debut.

"I was just chilling, waiting for someone else's name to get called out, and I was kind of surprised. It's straight into homework after this," Telea said.

"It's more special for my family, for all the work they've seen me putting through and the outcome of it all – that's why it's special.

"I told my mum, my dad and my sister and they were overjoyed – tears through their eyes. The old man was happy, he's been there from the beginning and seen all the hard work."

Caleb Clarke is the only man to retain his place in the All Blacks' backline following the win over Wales, allowing David Havili and Anton Lienert-Brown – whose last Test start came against Ireland in November 2021 – to slot in.

With Richie Mo'unga rested, Beauden Barrett moves from full-back to first-five, with Scottish-born half-back Finlay Christie also being handed a start against his country of birth.

With New Zealand posting a strong run of form since suffering a shock Rugby Championship defeat to Argentina in August, Foster is intrigued to see how his much-changed team will fare. 

"We've selected a team that excites us this week," Foster said. "In many ways, this Test is crucial for our tour as a whole, and it's a chance to show how we're building as a group."

Scotland have made three changes on the back of last week's 28-12 win over Fiji, meanwhile, with Finn Russell earning his 64th cap after being recalled to the starting XV.

Russell, who has not been involved since the Six Nations in March, is drafted into the side along with hooker Fraser Brown and centre Sione Tuipulotu.

Scotland: Hogg; Graham, Harris, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Russell, Price; Schoeman, Brown, Z Fagerson, R Gray, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Watson, M Fagerson.

Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, J Gray, Dempsey, White, Kinghorn, Bennett.

New Zealand: Barrett, Telea, Lienert-Brown, Havili, Clarke, Barrett, Christie; De Groot, Taukei'aho, Laulala, Whitelock, Barrett, Akira Ioane, Papali'i, Savea. 

Replacements: Taylor, Bower, Newell, Vaa'i, Frizell, Perenara, Perofeta, Rieko Ioane.

The Jamaica Under-18 Crocs and the Senior Crocs, both men and women, are set to compete at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens competitions from November 11-13 in Mexico City, Mexico.

The championship should have been held in February but the RAN Medical Committee and the Mexican Rugby Federation) decided to postpone because of a surge in the COVID-19 omicron variant.

Jamaica’s senior men’s team are fresh out of World Cup competition while the boys recently topped an Under-19 tournament involving RAN teams in July.

This will be the RAN first Super Sevens' week in which Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands' juniors will be competing in and Bruce Martin, the technical director of the Crocs' Rugby Sevens programme, extended gratitude to the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), which played "a vital and integral role" in the team being able to attend.

“This is a great deal for the Jamaica Under 18 Junior Crocs that acts as a catalyst to so many more major events for us in rugby,” said Martin. “The JOA recognizes that this (U18 RAN Sevens) is a result of many years of hard work and strict dedication from our players on the pathway to dynamic moves in Jamaica Rugby and the JOA equally shares our excitement.”

The junior competition gets going on Friday with Jamaica facing to Mexico B in the morning opener. Afternoon matches will follow against the British Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago.

The senior competition gets going on Saturday with Jamaica's men tackling Curacao in the day's opening match while the women will take on the Dominican Republic near midday. The women will follow up with a game against Bermuda before going up against hosts Mexico.

The focus of the Under-18 Crocs will be to secure a spot at the Youth Commonwealth Games Summer 2023 tournament in Trinidad & Tobago. The longer-term goal will be to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles, United States.

"This is an exciting time for the Jamaica Under 18 junior Crocs rugby team and it is an added bonus to have the financial support of the JOA all the while understating the budget constraints that they are faced with," Martin said.

He pointed out that the sporting body has "sacrificed with the knowledge that they understand the vision in seeing what this platform allows," while noting his appreciation that Jamaica's players will be able to display their talents and earn their spot as one of the best Under 18 rugby teams not only in the Caribbean, but also in the world.

Sam Simmonds and Jack van Poortvliet will start for England against Japan at Twickenham on Sunday.

Eddie Jones has named five changes from the shock 30-29 defeat to Argentina last weekend as they prepare to face Japan, who he coached between 2012 and 2015.

Number eight Simmonds has not featured for England since the Six Nations in March but comes in for Billy Vunipola, who drops to the bench.

Alex Coles is replaced by debutant David Ribbans at lock while Van Poortvliet, who scored within 30 seconds of coming on the pitch against Argentina, will start at scrum-half.

Jonny May also comes in for Joe Cokanasiga and Guy Porter is the final introduction as he is chosen to start over Manu Tuilagi at outside centre.

Owen Farrell will captain England and earn his 99th international cap, while hooker Jamie George is on the bench after recovering from a foot injury.

England team to face Japan: 15. Freddie Steward, 14. Jack Nowell, 13. Guy Porter, 12. Owen Farrell (c), 11. Jonny May, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Jack van Poortvliet; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3. Kyle Sinckler, 4. David Ribbans, 5. Jonny Hill, 6. Maro Itoje, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Sam Simmonds.

Replacements: 16. Jamie George, 17. Mako Vunipola, 18. Joe Heyes, 19. Alex Coles, 20. Billy Vunipola, 21. Ben Youngs, 22. Henry Slade, 23. Manu Tuilagi.

Eddie Jones believes England's loss to Argentina was partly down to being too focused on next year's Rugby World Cup as he accepted full responsibility for the defeat.

England were on the end of a surprise 30-29 reverse at a packed Twickenham on Sunday – only their second ever home defeat to Argentina.

The sides will meet again in their opening match of the 2023 World Cup next September, which Jones already had one eye on heading into last weekend's battle in London.

"When your team doesn't play to the potential you want, there is always something in the message that you're giving the team that's not quite clear," he said.

"We've been looking at a number of long-term strategies to get ourselves set for the World Cup. Maybe our focus wasn't tight enough on the Argentina game. 

"Maybe we were over-thinking a bit, and that's entirely my fault."

England reached the final in 2019 and are among the favourites to lift the trophy next year, alongside New Zealand, Ireland, hosts France and reigning champions South Africa.

The Red Rose endured another disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier this year, but they recovered with a battling 2-1 series win in Australia prior to losing to Argentina.

With less than a year to go before the World Cup begins, Jones is hoping to further develop his squad in time for the tournament.

"There are a cluster of teams at the top of world rugby," he said. "We want to break that cluster. To do that we have to have a number of different ways to play the game.

"This next 11 months is to get enough equipment in our armoury to play any way. 

"England rugby is traditionally about power rugby, winning the set-piece, smashing down the gain-line, but we have to learn from the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

"In the final, we came up against a side that had more power than us, and we were unable to beat them at that game."

England have made three changes to their 36-man squad for Saturday's showdown with Japan at Twickenham, which is followed by Tests against New Zealand and South Africa.

Conor Murray will miss the remainder of Ireland's Autumn Nations Series campaign after sustaining a groin strain in Saturday's 19-16 win over South Africa.

Murray saw his 100th cap end in disappointing fashion when he was forced off in the first half in Dublin, but Ireland handled his absence admirably to seal a 10th consecutive home triumph.

On Monday, a squad update issued by the world's top-ranked side revealed Murray was to return to Munster to undergo rehabilitation and would play no part in Saturday's meeting with Fiji.

Stuart McCloskey and Tadhg Furlong joined the scrum-half in making an early exit against the Springboks, but both are expected to take part in training this week.

Captain Johnny Sexton is also said to be "recovering well" after suffering a dead leg, while Leinster's Robbie Henshaw is set to return this week after missing the South Africa fixture due to a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Ulster lock Iain Henderson has returned to Andy Farrell's squad, and uncapped Leinster prop Michael Milne has also been called up.

Ireland are just two home victories away from matching the longest such winning streak in their history (12 between November 2016 and November 2018) and welcome both Fiji and Australia to the Aviva Stadium before the end of November. 

Finn Russell has been called up to the Scotland squad ahead of Sunday's Test against New Zealand after Adam Hastings suffered a head injury.

Fly-half Hastings has returned to Gloucester after suffering a heavy knock in a tackle from Ratu Leone Rotuisolia early in the second half of a 28-12 win over Fiji on Saturday.

Russell was dropped for the Autumn Nations Series, but the mercurial Racing 92 number 10 is back in the fold in the absence of Hastings.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend had omitted playmaker Russell due to question marks over his "form and consistency".

Blair Kinghorn came on to replace Hastings at Murrayfield last weekend, while Ross Thompson is another fly-half option for Townsend.

The All Blacks will face Scotland on the back of a resounding 55-23 win over Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

England boss Eddie Jones said his team were "not good enough" and captain Owen Farrell raised discipline worries after a surprising 30-29 defeat to Argentina at Twickenham.

In front of an 80,000 full house, the home side were edged out by the Pumas, getting their Autumn Nations Series campaign off to a rocky start.

Head coach Jones said England were left "chasing our tail" after letting a half-time lead slip away.

"We made silly mistakes, but I like the way the team went about it. We didn't finish well, there was that lack of cohesion," Jones said on Amazon Prime Video.

"It's not good enough – we realise it's not good enough. We kept making fundamental mistakes."

As Argentina celebrated a first win against England since 2009 and a first at Twickenham since 2006, the defeated hosts set about working out what went wrong.

They allowed Emiliano Boffelli and Santiago Carreras to cross for second-half tries, with Boffelli finishing with 25 points in all thanks to his strong kicking performance.

Farrell said England must show a response, with matches against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa to come this month.

"We've got a long way to go this autumn and need to make sure we don't drop any confidence because of this," Farrell said.

On a boggy surface, England failed to cope as well as their visitors, and Farrell said: "We kind of let the pressure off a lot of the times. We played the game we thought we needed. It's a wet, wet pitch and both teams didn't really move the ball that well.

"We weren't at our best, definitely not, and that's what were here to do, to get the best out of ourselves.

"We'll have a good look. There were some good bits, and it felt like it was coming. I just think a bit of discipline and errors of not quite being on the same page at times cost us that extra bit of momentum, what it takes to get in front and stay in front."

Boffelli said Michael Cheika's victorious team would enjoy their big moment.

He said: "I'm very happy, we are very happy. Tomorrow we will think about Wales, that follows. We spoke about how we must try to stay close in the score."

Speaking about the influence of Australian coach Cheika, who guided Argentina to wins over Australia and New Zealand in this year's Rugby Championship, Boffelli said: "Everyone knows Michael Cheika as a coach, and it's very important for us.

"He has experience in international rugby and he is confident in us, and that's good. I'm very happy with that, but the team did a good day."

Damian Penaud's fantastic late score helped France to a record-breaking 11th straight Test victory in an exhilarating 30-29 win over Australia at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Playing their first game since securing a Six Nations Grand Slam, Les Bleus – many people's tip for glory at their home World Cup next year – were not always at their coherent best.

But the hosts earned a dramatic late win via Penaud to rack up the best run in the nation's history and break Australian hearts in a barnstorming encounter.

Bernard Foley and Thomas Ramos exchanged a couple of penalties and Charles Ollivon had a score ruled out by the time Lalakai Foketi touched down in sensational fashion for the visitors.

Turning defence into attack, Len Ikitau fed Tom Wright, who outstripped Penaud and fed inside to debutant full-back Jock Campbell before he in turn found Foketi for a 95-metre try.

A couple of Ramos three-pointers and a Julien Marchand try had France, somewhat flatteringly, six points in front at the break but - after Foley and Ramos exchanged penalties again - Campbell's debut score and five more points from Foley had Australia in front.

Ramos and Reece Hodge this time swapped three-pointers before late drama ensued. Matthieu Jalibert broke and found Penaud, who jockeyed outside then inside Campbell before touching down and sending France into next week's encounter with world champions South Africa on the back on an enthralling triumph.

An impressive second-half performance from Ireland yielded a 19-16 victory against world champions South Africa at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland made it 10 consecutive home wins for only the second time in their history, having won 12 in a row between November 2016 and November 2018.

Johnny Sexton and Damian Willemse exchanged early penalties before Cheslin Kolbe was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle on Mack Hansen, but the hosts could not take advantage as a tight first half ended 6-6. 

The contest burst into life after that though as two well-worked tries early in the second half down the left from Josh van der Flier and Hansen gave Ireland a 10-point lead as they looked to overwhelm the visitors.

South Africa responded with 14 minutes remaining as Franco Mostert was able to force the ball over for a try after some sustained pressure, though another Sexton penalty looked to have sealed things for Andy Farrell's side.

Kurt-Lee Arendse nipped in down the South Africa left for their second try with four minutes remaining to cut the deficit to three points and test the nerves in Dublin, but Ireland were able to hold on to make it a perfect 10 on home soil.

New Zealand eased to a 33rd consecutive Test win over Wales as Codie Taylor, Jordie Barrett and Aaron Smith grabbed two tries apiece in a 55-23 success in Cardiff.

The All Blacks have not lost to Wales in 69 years, a remarkable spell of dominance that was maintained as they scored at least 33 points in a 10th straight edition of this fixture.

This latest eight-try victory was ultimately every bit as straightforward as it appeared set to be when Taylor crossed twice in the opening 20 minutes, although there was a spell when Wales threatened to run their opponents close.

But every time the hosts came back into the match – as they did for the first time through Rio Dyer's dazzling debut try – New Zealand quickly moved through the gears to keep them at arm's length.

Barrett got on the scoresheet for the first time ahead of the interval, before a solo score from Smith stretched the All Blacks' advantage.

A lengthy review from the TMO awarded a Justin Tipuric try that looked to have restored Welsh hope, but it was one-way traffic in the final half an hour as Ardie Savea pulled the strings. He got the seventh try between further efforts from Smith and Barrett, with Samisoni Taukei'aho adding the final flourish.

Alex Coles will make his England Test debut on Saturday after being named in the team to face Argentina at Twickenham.

The 23-year-old will take his place in the second row against the Pumas after impressing at club level for the Saints.

Head coach Eddie Jones has made eight changes to the team that beat Australia in the third Test series-decider in July.

Owen Farrell will captain the side for the first of England's Autumn Internationals in the absence of Courtney Lawes (concussion), with Manu Tuilagi next to him in midfield.

Joe Cokanasiga and Jack Nowell start on the wings, but there is no place for Jonny May despite suggestions he could return from his recent elbow injury.

Ben Young has been selected at scrum-half, with Jack van Poortvliet among the replacements.

The game against Michael Cheika's men will be followed by further clashes at Twickenham against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa during November. 

England team to face Argentina: 15. Freddie Steward, 14. Joe Cokanasiga, 13. Manu Tuilagi, 12. Owen Farrell (c), 11. Jack Nowell, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Ben Youngs; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3. Kyle Sinckler, 4. Alex Coles, 5. Jonny Hill, 6. Maro Itoje, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Billy Vunipola.

Replacements: 16. Jack Singleton, 17. Mako Vunipola, 18. Joe Heyes, 19. Dave Ribbans, 20. Sam Simmonds 21. Jack Willis, 22. Jack van Poortvliet, 23. Henry Slade.

Jock Campbell will make his first Australia start as one of four changes made by Dave Rennie for the Test against France on Saturday.

Campbell replaces Tom Banks at Stade de France, while Nic White gets the nod over Tate McDermott at scrum-half following the narrow win over Scotland last weekend.

The absence of Allan Alaalatoa with concussion sees tighthead prop Taniela Tupou come into the side and Lalakai Foketi is back at inside centre in Paris.

Will Skelton is picked for the first team this year, but the towering lock has been named among the replacements.

Romain Ntamack and Cyril Baille are named in a France side that includes 11 alterations from the team that started a win over Japan in the second Test in July.

Fly-half Ntamack and prop Baille have been troubled by injuries, but the duo will take on the Wallabies.

The Six Nations will be without the injured Paul Willemse and Melvyn Jaminett, so Thibaud Flament starts in the second row and Thomas Ramos plays at full-back.


France team: Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Yoram Moefana, Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (captain); Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Uini Atonio, Cameron Woki, Thibaud Flament, Anthony Jelonch, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt.

Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Dany Priso, Sipili Falatea, Romain Taofifenua, Kilian Geraci, Sekou Macalou, Maxime Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert.

Australia team: Jock Campbell, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Lalakai Foketi, Tom Wright, Bernard Foley, Nic White; James Slipper (captain), David Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Rob Valetini.

Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Matt Gibbon, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Hunter Paisami, Reece Hodge.

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has recalled a slate of first-choice names to the All Blacks team to face Wales on Saturday, demanding "high intensity" for the tussle in Cardiff.

There are just three changes from the side that beat Australia in Auckland nearly six weeks ago, but the visitors make more wholesale swaps from the side that edged Japan 38-31 last weekend.

Aaron Smith will line up for his 113th Test, to become the All Blacks' most capped back, moving ahead of Dan Carter, while Sam Whitelock will get his first run as captain following Sam Cane's tour-ending injury.

Beauden and Jordie Barrett return to the side, joining brother Scott, with Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax forming the front row.

There is no Brodie Retallick, however, following his red card in New Zealand's victory over the Brave Blossoms.

Foster said: "Playing Wales on the road always represents an exciting challenge. We have a number of players returning to the side and we know we will need to play with a high intensity against this physical Welsh team.

"Last year the roof at Principality Stadium was open due to COVID regulations but this time it will be closed. It will ensure an amazing atmosphere for fans and players."  

Wayne Pivac's hosts welcome back Leigh Halfpenny after a year-plus absence through injury, while Dragons winger Rio Dyer is handed a surprise debut.

New captain Justin Tipuric also comes into the side following his own lay-off, as does winger Ken Owens, while Will Rowlands and Adam Beard form the second row.

It means Alun Wyn Jones, the world's most capped player, is among the replacements as he looks to stretch his own record of 165 matches.

Pivac is backing newcomer Dyer to make an instant impact.

"Rio has fitted in really well and really quickly. He's thriving in this environment," Pivac said. "He's a young man that's bringing some form with him into camp.

"He scored some great tries and he's full of confidence. That means a lot to a young guy playing his first Test match in front of a big crowd. There's no better way to start your career, so we wish him well."

Wales team: Halfpenny, Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Dyer, Anscombe, Williams; Thomas, Owens, Francis, Rowlands, Beard, Tipuric, Reffell, Faletau.

Replacements: Elias, Smith, Lewis, Wyn Jones, Tshiunza, Hardy, Priestland, Watkin.

New Zealand team: B Barrett, Reece, R Ioane, J Barrett, Clarke, Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Whitelock, S Barrett, Frizell, Papali'i, Savea.

Replacements: Taukei'aho, Tu'ungafasi, Newell, Vaa'i, A Ioane, Weber, Havili, Lienert-Brown.

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.