SM
Everton vs. Liverpool: 14 hrs 31 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

The key talking points ahead of the Autumn Nations Cup finale

:Headline: The key talking points ahead of the Autumn Nations Cup finale: ID:424490: from db_amp
England and France have set up a Twickenham showdown.

England and France will go head to head to decide who will be crowned champions of the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the main talking points ahead of next weekend's tournament finale.

More joy for Jones?

Since losing last year's World Cup final to South Africa, the only blot on England's copybook was defeat to France back in early February. Eddie Jones' relentless side have gone on to notch seven successive Test wins during an impressive revival. They will be looking to round off a more-than-satisfactory year by avenging defeat at the Stade de France and adding another trophy to their recent Six Nations triumph.

French farce

France coach Fabien Galthie has limited selection options for the game with England (PA)

England's path towards lifting further silverware has been simplified by the internal politics that mean France must field a shadow team at Twickenham. After an agreement was struck in response to the threat of legal action from France's Top 14 clubs, Les Bleus head coach Fabien Galthie has only been able to pick each player a maximum of three times across his country's six autumn matches. Those strict constraints have resulted in a 31-man French squad containing only two players – Brice Dulin and Uini Atonio – with caps totals in double figures for this weekend's climax.

Welsh woe

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac, pictured, has endured a difficult year since succeeding Warren Gatland (David Davies/PA)

Victories over minnows Italy and Georgia are all Wayne Pivac has to show from a woeful first year as Wales head coach. For the New Zealander, 2020 will end as it began with a clash against the Italians, as both countries seek to avoid being the competition's worst-performing Six Nations side. While a win for the 2019 Grand Slam champions in Llanelli is expected and will do little to assuage mounting pressure, it could provide a springboard for Pivac's misfiring side as they attempt to turn a corner in the new year.

Will wooden spoon match go ahead?

Georgia will be eager to build on their vastly-improved display produced in Sunday's defeat to Ireland. However, their fixture against Fiji – scheduled to be played on Saturday at Murrayfield – remains in doubt as each of their opponents' Group B matches were cancelled due to Covid-19 protocols. Fiji defeated the Lelos 45-10 in the pool stage of last year's World Cup and they would undoubtedly welcome an opportunity to repeat that result following an incredibly frustrating few weeks.

Finish with a flourish?

Organisers deserve credit for staging an alternative to the traditional end-of-year tours by the southern hemisphere giants but the tournament has been more a test of endurance than a rugby feast for the eyes. The continued absence of supporters due to coronavirus restrictions has significantly decreased the spectacle and contributed to a series of limp contests. Will the tournament finish with a flourish? France's selection issues suggest not.

amp_article__424490 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-11-30 13:36:23:
html db last update - 2021-03-09 01:24:05 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Liverpool33228375324374
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33127144653-743
12Fulham34126165054-442
13Bournemouth33119134860-1242
14Crystal Palace3399154256-1436
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton33108153448-1430
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3337233188-5716
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .