Autumn.

This year’s Autumn Nations has been an amazing watch – it’s had everything, from the Scots besting Fiji to Steve Borthwick failing to live up to the pressure and expectations the English rugby fanbase bestowed on him. Ireland hasn’t quite lived up to expectations either, but they have managed to scrape some crucial wins over the line against Argentina and fledgling against the might of the All Blacks. Today, we will dive into the Autumn Nation Series and explore which team will most likely come out on top!

What do the bookies say?

Often, the best gauge of any competition is what the bookies say. Although they can be impacted by big money piling in, the sportsbooks are not soft. They spend hours dissecting analysis, monitoring injuries and suspensions, and forming tables before constructing their betting markets.

Given the popularity of rugby and betting in Ireland, the highest-rated sports betting sites ensure they have markets that include the Autumn Nation Series. They also stretch into other popular Irish sports and provide welcome bonuses and promotions that new and existing bettors can use. Now that we have provided some context, depending on which one you use, the bookies show a close three-way between Ireland, the All Blacks, and South Africa.

Do the Springboks have it in the bag?

Write the Springboks off at your peril! Although Ireland went into the Autumn Nations Series as the number one ranked team globally, many fans and analysts picked South Africa as the team that would ultimately come out on top. This team has proven time and time again that it has an incredible ability to bite down on the gumshield and deliver a victory when it truly matters, as we witnessed last year in South Africa’s iconic 2023 World Cup triumph.

South Africa is due a change of fortunes, and while they certainly do not have it securely in the bag, they have proven their ability to battle against adversity! Their 32-15 win against Scotland didn’t entirely paint the complete picture of the game, and the 29-20 win against England at the Twickenham Allianz was hardly the dominant display some thought it would be. They got it over the line, and that’s what matters most. Wales could be the whipping boys if the Springboks finetune their juggernaut aggression and bring out their A-game.

Can the All Blacks finish on top?

The rivalry between Ireland and New Zealand has been a cause of great debate over the last few years. While it would be a stretch to compare this current All Blacks side with some of their great teams over the previous 25 years, they are a formidable outfit. Mack Hansen recently fired back at critics who claimed that the defeat to the All Blacks that ended Ireland’s undefeated home run has meant that there’s now a clear skill gap between the two rugby nations.

People quickly forget that Ireland entered this tournament as the number one ranked side.

While the All Blacks certainly deserved their win, the Six Nations games earlier this year and their frailties have shown that they are entirely beatable. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them come out on top when all is said and done, but it’s not a done deal by any stretch of the imagination.

Irish chances

Ireland can reassert itself with commanding wins in their two upcoming fixtures against Fiji and the Aussies. While The Wallabies showed in the 2023 World Cup that it’s probably not a great idea to underestimate Fiji, it’d be the series’ shock if Ireland lost to them. The Wallabies have looked more spirited and solid, but the same applies – it’s Ireland’s game to lose. But with South Africa up against Wales next and the All Blacks set to face Italy in games where they go in as 1/40 favourites, it’s a straight shootout between these three excellent sides.

The best of the rest

It’s difficult to see past New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa; they’re the three leading lights currently sitting at the top of the international scene. France and Argentina make up the best of the chasing pack, and although a spirited Scotland has surprised a few, there’s nothing about any of these teams that could see them catch the Springboks, the All Blacks, or Ireland!

The Wallabies are in the process of rebuilding, and they have managed to get scalps over England and Wales to restore some pride after their disastrous 2023 World Cup, which saw them exit the competition in the group stage for the very first time in their history. (Sorry for that reminder, Aussies).

They’re still rebuilding themselves but are heading in the right direction. They won’t soon be dislodging any of the top three or France. We’d throw England into that mix as well. It doesn’t help that the English media jump on the back of any manager who tries to steer them in the right direction, but it feels like there’s a plateau at the moment, with a mix of uninspiring performances and Groundhog Day-style games against the All Blacks where they fail at the final hurdle.

Conclusion

Once the Autumn Nation Series concludes, I’d say the Springboks will be the most in-form team that emerges from the competition. That’s not to say Ireland or the All Blacks don’t have it in them, but Ireland’s recent form needs examining, and it feels as though New Zealand hasn’t been able to get out of second gear in the last 6 months.

This doesn’t matter to them when they’re playing lesser sides, but they have dodged a bullet a few times, especially against England. Against the elite teams, or sides that are neck and neck with them at the top of the mountain like the Springboks or Ireland, it might just work against them (fine margins and all). If we’re going to delve into history, this South African team is immense, and they know how to come out on top, so it’d be naive to think that they can’t do it again.