a different week end...

not for the first time we have been reminded how quickly things can change in Test rugby. 

Suddenly the Wallabies are roosters again, having been reduced to feather dusters in France.

England are back in the dog house, gnawing on the same old bones of faltering basic skills and wobbly decision-making. Wales, grand slam champions last time we looked, cannot buy a win. Ditto Scotland...

It may look different again in a fortnight's time so perhaps we should be wary of too many firm conclusions midway through the autumn Test schedule. By the time the British and Irish Lions pitch up in Australia next summer, the wheel may have turned yet again. From what we have seen lately, however, the southern stars are on the rise. When New Zealand or Australia, in particular, hit a problem, they seem to resolve it while the northern hemisphere's finest are still scratching their heads. It continues to be a question, as ever, of composure and attitude.

England and Wales have good players but not, perhaps, enough who rise consistently to the biggest occasions...

/RR