Previewing England’s chances in the autumn internationals

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Previewing England’s chances in the autumn internationals

England’s opponents in this year’s Autumn Internationals will be South Africa, Fiji, Australia and Argentina in the Old Mutual Wealth Series – tough opposition for a side hit by injuries.

Eddie Jones’ men took on Fiji and Australia in last year’s Rugby World Cup, where they bowed out unceremoniously – but have the team got what it takes to come out on top this November?

Harlequins and England full-back Mike Brown thinks so, stating it was “very exciting for everyone involved in the game” to be playing against some of the world’s best teams on home soil for the second time in as many years.

Will England be victorious against South Africa?

England have failed to conquer the Springboks in any of their previous 12 attempts, but did hold them to a draw in 2012. Given that many England players are ruled out of the Autumn Internationals through injury, the prognosis isn’t too good. However, rugby’s a funny old game and the English have the home advantage, so it might still be worth a cheeky gamble, either as part of an accumulator or a standalone bet.

Do England have a chance against Fiji?

England also faced Fiji during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, coming out on top by a margin of 35-11. As far as test matches go, England have a 100% record against the South Sea Islanders, having beaten the Fijians a total of six times since their first meeting in 1988. The general consensus is that England are likely to once again be victorious – but there is no room for complacency, particularly when England are injury hit and Fiji are on good form. It’s probably worth a punt, however, and you’d be advised to find the top sites for rugby betting as odds on this one are going to be tight!

What about England v Argentina?

Sporting clashes between England and Argentina are always fraught with emotion and rivalry, and this game should be no different. The two teams haven’t met since 2013, where England trounced the Argentineans 31-12. A lot’s changed since then however, with a strong blue-and-white side emerging as the rising stars of the Rugby World Cup in 2015. Argentina currently have passion for the game and this one could go either way.

How will England fare against Australia?

An injury-hit England are likely to face tough opposition against the 2015 Rugby World Cup runners-up. Australia recently trounced England by 33 points to 13 in October and this year’s game is likely to be just as difficult an affair. However, nobody knows the Australian side better than England coach and Aussie native Eddie Jones, who will be imparting the best of his knowledge in order to push England to victory.

From a gambler’s perspective, although hopes are high for the English to perform on the day, the odds of an England win are currently stacked against them at 12/3. It’s probably not worth the risk.