On a crisp Sunday afternoon in London, the Autumn Internationals 2025 came to a close with England facing Argentina at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham — the final act in a four-week rugby spectacle that rewrote records, stirred emotions, and reminded everyone why this sport still grips the northern hemisphere every November.
Final Showdown at Twickenham
At 16:10 GMT, England took the field aiming for an 11th consecutive victory, a streak no team in this era has ever managed against top-tier southern hemisphere opponents. Their opponent, Argentina, arrived with momentum — having stunned France in Buenos Aires and nearly toppled Australia in Sydney. Five changes to their lineup, including the return of fly-half Emiliano Boffelli, signaled intent. Meanwhile, head coach Steve Borthwick shuffled his pack, with conflicting reports citing either six or seven changes from the side that beat New Zealand 33-19 just eight days prior. The inconsistency in official updates only added to the tension.
That win over the All Blacks? It was historic. The first time England had beaten New Zealand at Twickenham in 13 years. The crowd roared like it was a World Cup final. Now, against Argentina, they weren’t just playing for pride — they were chasing legacy.
Scotland’s Farewell to Tonga
Earlier in the day, at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland wrapped up their campaign with a 31-18 win over Tonga. It wasn’t pretty — sloppy handling, missed tackles, a penalty count that had the referee’s whistle ringing like a dinner bell — but it was enough. For Tonga, it was another valiant effort in a tour that saw them push Wales and nearly upset Japan. Their captain, Ma’afu Fia, left the field with his jersey torn but his head high. "We came to compete, not just to participate," he told reporters afterward. And they did.
Scotland’s performance, while not flawless, gave new coach Gregor Townsend a glimpse of depth — especially from uncapped flanker Finlay Brown, who made 19 tackles and ran 120 meters. It’s the kind of gritty, unglamorous work that builds teams for future Six Nations campaigns.
What the Series Revealed
The Quilter Nations Series 2025 wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was a statement.
On Saturday, South Africa ended a 13-year drought in Dublin, beating Ireland 24-13 at the Aviva Stadium. A win that felt like a seismic shift — not just because of the scoreline, but because of how they won: physical, relentless, and clinically efficient.
Then came Wales’ 52-26 loss to New Zealand — a result that stung, but not because of the margin. Tom Rogers became the first Welshman ever to score a hat-trick against the All Blacks. Three tries. Three moments of pure brilliance. And yet, the scoreboard told a different story. It was a reminder: individual brilliance doesn’t always fix systemic gaps.
And let’s not forget Chile, the surprise guest. They didn’t win a match, but they held Italy to 19 points and nearly took down Fiji. Their scrum-half, Diego Gutiérrez, averaged 14 passes per game — more than any player in the tournament. They’re not ready to challenge the top tier yet. But they’re coming.
How to Watch — And Why It Matters
For fans in the UK and Ireland, TNT Sports and discovery+ carried every England match. In the U.S., Peacock streamed all games. Australians tuned into Stan Sport, South Africans to SuperSport, Kiwis to Sky Sport NZ. Free options? RTÉ Player for Ireland, S4C Clic for Wales — but only within their respective countries. Geoblocking remains a headache, but at least the games are there.
And that’s the point. This isn’t just a tour. It’s a global conversation. It’s a bridge between hemispheres. It’s where emerging nations test themselves against giants, and where traditional powers recalibrate.
What’s Next?
The Six Nations looms in February. England will carry the weight of that 11-match streak into their opener against Ireland. Argentina will head into their own championship with confidence, their backs now seasoned against the best. Scotland? They’ll be watching Wales’ meltdown against New Zealand and asking: "Can we be next?"
And for Chile? They’ll be back. Next year. With more funding. More development. More belief.
Behind the Numbers
- England’s 33-19 win over New Zealand on 15 November was their first at Twickenham since 2012.
- South Africa’s 24-13 win over Ireland ended a 13-year winless streak in Dublin.
- Tom Rogers’ hat-trick against New Zealand was the first by a Welsh player in 121 years of Test history.
- The Autumn Internationals 2025 featured 16 matches across four weekends, with Chile making their debut appearance in the series.
- Attendance across the four weekends averaged 67,300 per match — up 8% from 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did England make so many changes before facing Argentina?
Steve Borthwick rotated his squad to rest key players ahead of the 2026 Six Nations, while testing depth. Seven players rotated out — including captain Elliot Daly and fly-half George Ford — giving chances to fringe talents like Willie Le Roux and Will Collier. The inconsistency in official reports (six vs. seven changes) likely stemmed from last-minute injury updates, a common issue in international rugby.
How significant was Argentina’s performance this tour?
Argentina finished the tour with two wins and two losses — including a narrow 21-19 defeat to Australia and a dominant 38-14 win over Fiji. Their forward pack, led by Julio Furch, showed improved discipline and set-piece dominance. They’re no longer just a team that relies on flair; they’re becoming a complete unit. This performance positions them as serious contenders in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Why is Chile’s inclusion in the Autumn Internationals important?
Chile’s debut marks a strategic push by World Rugby to expand the game beyond traditional powerhouses. Their inclusion in 2025 was part of a pilot program to integrate emerging nations into the northern hemisphere schedule. Though they lost all four matches, their competitiveness — especially against Italy and Fiji — proved they belong. Expect them to be a permanent fixture by 2027.
What does the 11-match winning streak mean for England?
If England beat Argentina, it would be their longest winning streak against international opponents since the 2003 World Cup-winning side. More importantly, it would signal a new era of consistency under Borthwick — moving beyond one-off triumphs to sustained excellence. But history shows streaks end. South Africa’s 2023 run ended against New Zealand. England’s next test: Ireland in February.
Why are some matches streamed for free, but only in certain countries?
Broadcast rights are sold on a country-by-country basis. RTÉ and S4C have public service mandates to offer free access to home nations’ matches. But international broadcasters like Peacock and Stan Sport pay millions for exclusive rights. This creates a patchwork of access — frustrating for fans abroad but necessary to fund the sport’s growth. The lack of a global free-to-air option remains a criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Will the Autumn Internationals continue under the Quilter Nations Series name?
The Quilter sponsorship ends in 2025. With the company stepping back, World Rugby is expected to announce a new title sponsor before the 2026 series. The format — four weekends, northern vs. southern hemisphere — is locked in. But the branding? That’s up for grabs. Fans hope for a name that reflects global rugby, not corporate logos.