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5 Bold Predictions For The Autumn Nations Series

The Autumn Nations Series will soon be upon us once again, bringing the excitement of top-tier international rugby as the southern hemisphere’s finest travel north to take on the giants of Europe. With fierce rivalries, revenge matches, and reputations on the line, here are five bold predictions that could define this year’s series.

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1 England to Go Unbeaten at Home

Steve Borthwick’s England side has a golden opportunity to make a clean sweep this autumn, with four home fixtures at Allianz Stadium against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Argentina.

Despite Fiji’s shock win at Twickenham in 2023, England reasserted dominance in their World Cup quarter-final clash later that year, and with home advantage, they should have enough to get over the line again. The Australia fixture will be fuelled by the heartbreak of last year’s last-minute loss, but with Wallabies players recently tested against the Lions, there will be no shortage of motivation for either side.

England will also fancy their chances against Argentina, having beaten them twice away from home earlier this year with a rotated squad. Add in a now-strengthened squad and home support, and it’s tough to see Los Pumas pulling off an upset. That leaves the toughest test: the All Blacks. England fell just short last year, but with momentum and a well-oiled setup, they could pull off a statement win over Scott Robertson’s men.

It might not be the most outrageous claim—but going four from four is bold nonetheless.

2 South Africa to Stumble in Europe

On paper, the Springboks look as dangerous as ever. They’re the reigning Rugby Championship winners and recently handed New Zealand a historic defeat. But something feels slightly off.

Rassie Erasmus’ tactical edge seems dulled, key players are aging, and performances—bar a few highlights—have been flat. Their upcoming northern tour includes a ‘home’ match at Wembley against Japan, followed by tough trips to France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.

While losses to Japan, Italy, or Wales would be seismic, defeats in France and Ireland seem increasingly plausible. Both European heavyweights will be fired up, and Ireland in particular will be relishing another bruising encounter with their World Cup rivals. A tour with two defeats for the Boks would be surprising—but not impossible.

3 Wales to Secure a Couple of Wins

Wales finally stopped the rot this summer with a morale-boosting win over Japan, ending an 18-match losing streak. And that victory might just be the turning point they needed.

Steve Tandy’s side hosts Japan again this autumn, and a repeat result would boost confidence further. But the real scalp could come against Argentina. The Pumas had a mixed summer—poor against England, better in the Rugby Championship—but remain unpredictable. If Wales can build on their recent progress, they could notch a second win that signals a new era of hope for Welsh rugby.

4 Chile to Give Italy a Scare

Chile’s presence in this series is the result of a late fixture reshuffle, with the South Americans stepping in for Samoa. But make no mistake—Los Cóndores are no pushovers.

Riding high after securing back-to-back Rugby World Cup appearances and defeating Samoa over two legs, Pablo Lemoine’s men arrive in Europe with nothing to lose. Italy, while improving, can be vulnerable—especially when under pressure.

While Chile winning in Italy might be a step too far, don’t be surprised if they run the Azzurri close and earn themselves plenty of new fans along the way. This could be the breakout moment for South America’s next rugby powerhouse.

5 England’s Fly-Half Dilemma Will Finally Be Resolved

It’s been one of the most talked-about selection debates in English rugby: who should wear the No.10 jersey?

With George Ford, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, and Owen Farrell all in contention, Borthwick has an embarrassment of riches—but that comes with selection headaches. This autumn, though, the debate could finally be settled.

Whether it’s one player grabbing their chance with a commanding performance, or someone faltering under pressure, these high-stakes Tests should provide clarity. Versatility may play a role too—Marcus Smith at fullback or Farrell slotting in at inside centre could influence how things unfold. Either way, expect England’s fly-half hierarchy to look a lot clearer by the end of the series.

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Posted on October 14, 2025 by
Categories: Autumn Nations Series, Rugby News
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