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Autumn Highs & Lows w/b 3rd Nov Your Update on the Latest Happenings
 England 20 New Zealand 41
BAPTISM of Fire for England's new boys as New Zealand prove their reputation of being the best in the world...
MEANWHILE, Wales hold Australia to an impressive 29 all draw in Cardiff...and..
DRAMA down under with GBR Rugby League... Spirits were high this weekend as the start of the Autumn Internationals heralded the opening of Twickenham's new South Stand. The ground now holds 82,000 people, 95% of whom were disappointed as England succumbed to their 6th loss in a row. Luckily it didn't rain as the wonderful new south stand has yet to have it's roof built! However, was it me, or did I spot a team with fire in their bellies (and I don't mean the guys in black). It was great to see some good, fast rugby being played, but although England had more possession, especially in the second half, it is points that count and the All Blacks were their normal smooth, efficient selves and took points whenever they were offered (mostly on a plate really). Injury-torn England fielded three uncapped players - all of whom got stuck in and played their parts well. Paul Sackey (below right - so cool...gangsta!) and Shaun Perry (above - chunky scrum half) played as though they had 50 caps and Anthony Allen (below left - 20 years old... bless) will certainly remember his debut for his country. He made a few mistakes but still showed grit and determination against the best side in the world.
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RFTG fav Ben Cohen added another try to his England record (has he caught up with Jerry Guscott yet?) and Jamie Noon would have had two tries if the Video Ref had been wearing his glasses! Meanwhile.... Wales 29 Australia 29 The crowd at the Millennium Stadium was treated to a buttock-clenching match, which for the most part was lead by Australia until a 71st minute penalty kick by youngster James Hook made all things equal. James had come on in the 24th minute to replace skipper Stephen Jones who had to leave the pitch with a knee injury (not too serious we have been informed and he should be back to face the All Blacks later in the month). Australia fielded a very experienced side captained by Matt Giteau, who played scrum half AND did the kicking (so busy!) Michael Williams (below) played like a man possessed and was involved in virtually every piece of action on the pitch, as well as being the scorer of a try. Even the amazingly busy Matt Giteau (also below) wasn't able to stop him. 
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 ALSO - Rugby League had it's fair share of drama this weekend. Great Britain played the Aussies down under and for the first time in 14 years, achieved an away win, 12 - 23. However, check out the picture below - RFTG fav Stuart Fielden was knocked momentarily unconscious by the flying fist of Willie Mason - it seems from this photo that this was followed by some Australian Country Dancing - Stuart Fielden cannot believe his eyes - they are completely missing their steps and making a right hash of the Dosey-Do...
Since the match, Willie Mason has been found guilty of misconduct and will miss the next match, have to say three Hail Marys and completely re-learn the Scottish Reel. Serves him right - he did actually plead 'not guilty' even though the punch was visible for all to see, beautifully caught on camera and transmitted around the world. Mind you... how big must this man be - Stuart Fielden is in fact man mountain with a jaw the size of a small truck - Willie Mason must be as big as Johnno and have fists like shovels to be able to knock him out...heavens!
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