So apart from a couple a stragglers next week, the Autumn window is now closed and all eyes turn to the 6 nations then the world cup in france.
Its been some month, a seemingly successful womens world cup in NZ, historic wins for Italy over Australia and Georgia beating Wales for there 2nd victory over a 6 nations side. Also there will be no North American interest in a rugby world cup for the first time as the US, who are hosting the event in 8 years lose to Portugal in the last game of the repachage. Obviously the ref has now been struck of World Rugbys ref's list for not keeping to message. Looks like the SLAR is doing a better job than MLR in getting players ready or International rugby with both Uruguay and Chile qualifing ahead of the US and Canada.
Looking at the current form and the world cup draw, you would have to concede that Ireland (and all there cheating) are still probably the top team at the moment, followed closely by SA and France. NZ's aura seems to have slipped and I would put them in 4th follows closely by us and England. Sitting just below you would have Aus (who have been woeful all November), Wales, Argentina, Italy and Japan, with Georgia, Samoa and Fiji waiting for any slip ups or off days.
Unforutnately the way the draw has been done groups A&B and C&D are kept apart until the final as the quarters and semi's keeps the groups apart. Unfortunately for us groups A&B contain all the big guns so 2 of FR/NZ/IT/SA/IE/SCO dont make the quarters and another 2 dont make the semi's. So 2 of the 4 best teams currently wont make the semis seems madness.
Group C&D are Wales, Aus, Geo, Fiji, Eng, Arg, Jap so 2 of those make the semi's and one makes a Final! Wales and Aus are in a group with Georgia and Fiji, I so hope one of them finishes 4th and gets stuck having to qualify