Northern hemisphere rugby nations prepare for hard-fought Autumn Series

When circling international rugby fixtures on the calendar each year, the annual Autumn series that takes places across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe is one of the most highly anticipated and important two months on the sport's schedule. Not only does it provide the opportunity for the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere nations to test their contrasting styles of play against one another – it also acts as a decent barometer as to where each team sits at the tail-end of the international rugby season.

This year's Autumn Series has an added level of significance, as it will be the last time a number of the northern hemisphere teams will get the chance to suit up against opposition south of the Equator before next year's Rugby World Cup in France.

For those searching for the best odds, read on as we take a look at some of the key match-ups you can look forward to in November.

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Ireland vs South Africa

In what is a mouthwatering clash between the current world number one ranked side Ireland and reigning world champions South Africa – Dublin's Aviva Stadium will play host to one of the more interesting match-ups in 2022's Autumn Series on November 5^th. Coming of the back of an historic series win in New Zealand, Ireland have proven themselves to be one of the most in-form and deep rugby teams in the world in recent years.

While the Irish have always been strong in set-piece play and at the breakdown, it has been their flair with ball in hand that has been the catalyst for their success. The Andy Farrell-coached side displayed their willingness to move the ball in their victories over the All Blacks in Dunedin and Wellington, oftentimes puzzling the Kiwis and forcing them to play uncharacteristic and ill-disciplined.

If Ireland can replicate what they did against New Zealand and find cracks in their opposition's forward pack and capitalise on the edges through expansive play – it will go a long way to helping them secure a win against a formidable Saffas outfit.

That's easier said than done however, with the Springboks' forwards some of the most sizeable and intimidating who exist in world rugby today. Couple that with their stout defence in and around the ruck and consistency at the line-out thanks to star lock Eben Etzebeth – and they could just as easily remind Irish fans that they are world champions for a reason.

England vs New Zealand

A showdown between England and the All Blacks at the famed Twickenham Stadium in London is a bucket list moment for many a rugby fan. November 19^th's fixture won't be any different, with a competitive contest expected given just one spot separates the two teams in the world rankings. In what is unchartered territory for the All Blacks, the world's greatest ever rugby nation finds themselves fourth in the rankings, while England are just below them in fifth.

Despite still being positioned above them, New Zealand are entering this fixture in worse form than their opposition. Ian Foster's men are coming off a horror summer which saw them lose on home soil to Ireland for the first time in history. Additionally, with defeats in six of their past 12 games against nations ranked in the top 10 – is this the era we finally see the All Blacks struggle? Only time will tell, however, this is the perfect opportunity for England to capitalise and score a big psychological advantage before next year's World Cup by securing a win.

Eddie Jones' men will head into the game full of confidence, with their resilient series triumph Down Under showing they're still one of the best sides in the world when firing on all cylinders. Additionally, talented fly-half Marcus Smith has had more time to build chemistry with inside centre Owen Farrell and fullback Freddie Steward, and if they can put it all together similar to how they did in the decider against the Wallabies in Sydney – they'll prove hard to beat.

Australia vs France

Taking place at Paris' Stade de France, this will be a great match-up between two nations that are on vastly different trajectories. Although Les Bleus currently sit second in the world rankings behind Ireland, there are many people who consider them the best team in the world. Boasting a star-studded line-up that includes World Rugby Men's Player of the Year Antoine Dupont, the French are the early favourites to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup at odds of 5/2.

That is a stark contrast from Australia, who have been plagued by inconsistency over the past five years. They will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing series loss to England and a less than stellar Rugby Championship. While Dave Rennie's side will enter as the underdogs in Paris, Australia has a great record against the French, winning seven series compared to France's three when the two nations have gone head-to-head – which should provide them some much-needed confidence.