Meanwhile, at the top of the rankings....

Recently we’ve been preoccupied with early exploits of the Finnish National team and its rivals in the European Nations Cups. However this weekend gave us a long look at the nations at the other end of the IRB rankings with the start of both the Autumn Internationals and also the IRB Rugby World Series (for the tier 2 nations). Here are some links to the games – in case your missus dragged you to Ikea instead of the pub.

Autumn Internationals

England v Fiji:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imxOQ6D-KxQ

Wales v Argentina:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aNgEH5lN68

Ireland v South Africa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D99RCG79NyM&feature=relmfu

France v Australia:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y73iy9SU6A&feature=related

Scotland v New Zealand:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gqMX-TBam0&feature=relmfu

The IRB Rugby World Series

Italy v Tonga:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2n6g3t28N4

Russia v USA:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXcd832yNZ4

Canada v Samoa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPxjwDIQbmQ

Saturday also saw Finland’s group 2D rivals Luxembourg host group leaders Norway. In what must be called an unexpected outcome, Luxembourg snatched a 15-8 home victory to show that things can change in different venues. Match report here:
http://www.norgesrugby.no/results-feeds/844-luxembourg-norway-enc-201214-match-report