Autumn Internationals Review

By Mark Stevens
27/11/16

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis helped Wales wrap up their Autumn internationals by inflicting an eighth defeat in 2016 on visiting South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday.

Tight-head Francis featured for 67 minutes during his 17th international cap before he was replaced by Samson Lee at the Principality Stadium.

By then, however, Rob Howley’s side were already well on their way to victory over the Springboks.

Leigh Halfpenny’s 17-point haul with the boot, plus tries from Ken Owens and Justin Tipuric, proved enough for the Welsh on the day. In reply, flanker Uzair Cassiem claimed the visitors sole try with the remainder of their points coming from kicks from Pat Lambie and Elton Jantjies.

At Twickenham, Francis’ Sandy Park team-mate, Henry Slade, won his fourth cap for England as they overcame Argentina 27-14.

Owen Farrell kicked five penalties and converted one of England’s two tries, which came courtesy of a penalty try and another from Gloucester winger Jonny May.

Although Eddie Jones’ side did have to play most of the contest with 14 man following the early dismissal of winger Elliott Daly for a dangerous tackle.

Argentina claimed converted tries through Fecund Isa and Santiago Cordero, but they also lost Enrique Pieretto to a red card late in the game.

In Padova, Exeter Chiefs duo Michele Campagnaro and Elvis Taione were both unused replacements as Tonga edged out Italy 19-17, while Moray Low helped Scotland thump Georgia 43-16.

Tommy Seymour, Sean Maitland, Stuart Hoggs (2) and Hamish Watson all claimed tries, along with a penalty try, while Greig Laidlaw kicked the remainder of the home side’s points.