There was no shortage of drama in Round 3 of the Autumn Nations Series, with Georgia picking up a historic win, England launching a remarkable comeback and Ireland edging past the Wallabies.
Georgia made it two wins over tier one sides in six months with their first-ever victory against Wales, while Italy highlighted how far they have come in a brilliant first-half display against South Africa before eventually losing 63-21.
Darcy Graham showed his class as Scotland beat in-form Argentina, and England scored three tries in a stunning final eight minutes to salvage a draw against New Zealand.
Ireland wrapped up Saturday’s action with a closely-fought win over Australia, and on Sunday, France were victorious after an entertaining clash against Japan.
So, what do the stats and key insights from Sage tell us about what happened this weekend?
Georgia make history
Georgia may be known known for their dominance at the scrum, but they were equally impressive with the ball in hand as they beat Wales for the first time.
Levan Maisashvili’s side made four line breaks compared to Wales’ two in the 13-12 win at Principality Stadium on Saturday, highlighting just how big a threat they have become in open play.
Wayne Pivac was expected to bring his offload-heavy style to Wales’ attack when he took over from Warren Gatland.
However, Georgia made six offloads compared to Wales’ five and they were also able to control 54% possession.
Of course, their scrum remains a formidable weapon, and was used to great effect in the final ten minutes to seize control of the game. But this Georgia team is far more than just a dominant front five, and in full-back Davit Niniashvili, has one of the game’s most exciting young outside backs.
Capuozzo helps Italy impress
Talking of exciting young backs, Ange Capuozzo was at it again for Italy in Genoa.
The Azzurri full-back was named men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards the day after scoring a stunning try against South Africa in Round 3 of the Autumn Nations Series.
He was a delight to watch against the Springboks, showing precisely why he is the shining light of a new dawn for Italian rugby.
The full-back made 90 metres with the ball across ten caries, the most of any Italian player.
Capuozzo also completed two offloads and beat four defenders during an outstanding display.
Graham grabs a hat-trick
Darcy Graham continued his outstanding scoring form for club and country against Argentina, bagging himself a hat-trick in a 52-29 win.
The winger made the joint-most carries of any player in the game with 14 and by far the most metres with 187.
He also beat the most defenders, eight in total, while also completing two offloads in a stunning attacking display.
His hat-trick takes him to 12 tries so far this season in just nine matches, and with Duhan van der Merwe also tearing it up for Edinburgh and Scotland, they are making a strong claim for being the most dangerous wing pairing in the world.
England improve after the break
England scored three tries in the final eight minutes of their game against New Zealand to salvage an extraordinary draw in the Autumn Nations Series.
The All Blacks completely controlled the first half, but England recovered well, and that is reflected in the stats and key insights from Sage.
Eddie Jones’ side controlled 54% of possession and 64% of the territory.
They were also a threat with the ball, carrying it 155 metres further than New Zealand.
So, despite needing a late rally to rescue a draw, there are a lot of positives to take from England’s performance.
Australia push Ireland close
Despite falling to a 13-10 defeat, Australia defended really well against Ireland.
Andy Farrell’s side were flying high after wins against Fiji in Round 2 and South Africa in Round 1, but the Wallabies refused to give the hosts any easy metres.
The visitors missed just 14 tackles all game compared to Ireland’s 27.
They also won three turnovers from tackles, two more than Ireland.
Even against Ireland’s master poachers, the Wallabies conceded just four turnovers all game, but they paid the price for indiscipline at the breakdown, a series of first-half neck rolls costing them a try and seeing them reduced to 13 men for a spell just after the break.
Alldritt fires France to the win
Grégory Alldritt put in a dominant display as France beat Japan 35-17.
The La Rochelle skipper has been exceptional for club and country this year, spearheading France’s charge to a Grand Slam and an unbeaten year, as well winning the Heineken Champions Cup at club level.
His performance against Japan was a reminder of just how much he offers and why he was included in World Rugby’s Dream Team.
The No.8 was one of France’s biggest threats with ball in hand, making 17 carries and 134 metres with the ball.
He beat more defenders than any other player on the pitch, seven in total, while also contributing in defence with eight successful tackles including two where he was able to strip the ball away from his opponent.
Alldritt really is the complete package and has established himself as possibly France’s most important forward.
