1
'The drama!' - How social media reacted as the Autumn Nations Cup exploded into life on the final day
By Ian Cameron
It took its time, but the Autumn Nations Cup finally exploded into life, delivering drama of the highest order, as England snatched the trophy from France deep into the second half of extra time.
Eddie Jones' side certainly didn't have it their own way. France, who theoretically fielded a C team on paper at least, came to fight, and in truth, will take a moral victory away after the bitter nature of this 22 - 19 defeat has subsided.
Le Bleus hadn't been given a chance in the run-up, but ultimately it was an Owen Farrell extra-time penalty that was the difference between their young side and England's first-choice selection.
It was true edge of your seat stuff and it delighted rugby fans, who have had to wait for the final weekend to be delivered any kind of excitement in what pretty much all fans have agreed had been a dreary competition to date.
Twitter, naturally, went into overdrive. Here's some of the reaction:
Welsh star James Hook tweeted: "This sudden death extra time is just the kind of entertainment this autumn nations cup needed."
"If you're trailing to a weakened French side after almost 60 minutes at home, then your kicking strategy isn't working."
"England resilience and France inspiring," wrote World Cup winner Phil Vickery.
American Seven guru Mike Friday singled out Brice Dulin for praise: "How good is the little man Dulin in the backfield under the high ball."
"Any chance of making golden point a thing every game? Loving this! Some atmosphere at Twickenham," posted Rob Vickerman.
'The drama!" wrote another.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
South Africa player ratings | 2024 Autumn Nations Series
3
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
4
Fissler Confidential: Willie le Roux rumours ignite after Bok star spo
5
Latest Comments
Agree with Wilson B- at best. And that is down to skilled individual players who know how to play the game - not a cohesive squad who know their roles and game plan. For those who claim that takes time to develop, the process is to keep the game plan simple at first and add layers as the squad gels and settles in to the new systems. Lack of progress against the rush D, lack of penetration and innovation in the mid-field, basic skill errors and loose forwards coming second in most big games all still evident in game 14 of the season. Hard to see significant measureable progress.
Go to commentsKeep telling yourself that. The time for a fresh broom is at the beginning - not some "balanced, incremental" (i.e. status quo) transition. All teams establish the way forward at the beginning. This coaching group lacked ideas and courage and the players showed it on the pitch. Backs are only average. Forwards are unbalanced and show good set piece but no domination in traditional AB open play. Unfortunately, Foster - Mark 2. You may be happy with those performances and have some belief in some "cunning plan" but I don't see any evidence of it. Rassie is miles ahead and increasing the gap.
Go to comments