Autumn Tests as they happened

1. Scotland 16-24 New Zealand - Scotland remain winless against All Blacks
2. England 28-31 South Africa - England's fifth defeat in a row
3. Wales 17-13 Fiji - Wales fail to score in second half

That's your lot for today I'm afraid, I'm off for my post-match warm-down.

I'll be back next week though for an action packed day of action which starts with Scotland v Tonga (kick-off 14:30), followed by Ireland v Australia (16:30), Wales v New Zealand (17:30) and rounded off by England v Samoa (19:00).

England will go into that match on the back of a five-match losing streak - surely they will get back to winning ways next weekend.

Until then, adios.

Performance of the day: The entire Scottish team, who gave it their all at Murrayfield.

Try of the day: David Wilson finishing off a spectacular driving maul under the posts for England.

Tackle of the day: Julian Savea's crunching hit on Scotland flanker Blair Cowan, whose bones are probably still rattling.

Villain of the day: Fiji prop Campese Ma'afu, whose two yellow cards led to his dismissal and ruined the visitors' chance of beating Wales.

Hero of the day: New coach Vern Cotter, for breathing life back into the Scotland team.

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The All Blacks' official Twitter account is magnanimous in victory: "The brave and mighty Scots ensured the @AllBlacks were in a titanic Test in Edinburgh."

And finally, Scotland against New Zealand. With a record of 28 wins and two draws in 30 Tests against the Scots the visitors - even fielding a second-string side - were expected to win comfortably in Edinburgh.

But a youthful Scotland side, given freedom to play by new coach Vern Cotter, came out and gave it everything and could have taken the lead inside the last 20 minutes.

In the end it was not to be as the world champions eventually asserted themselves, but brighter days surely lie ahead for a developing Scottish team.

Post-match reaction

Getty Images

Despite tripping up against Fiji in the past, Wales were expected to brush the Pacific Islanders aside at the Millennium, but after a promising start it did not work out like that.

Wales boss Warren Gatland uttered the word 'frustration' at least a dozen times when he faced the media after the uninspiring 17-13 victory over Fiji in Cardiff. So it's fair to say he was very frustrated.

"We probably weren't clinical enough behind, and we had too many turnovers that allowed them to stay in the game. It was a bit of a dogfight," says Gatland.

The big game of the day was England against South Africa, the 2003 world champions against the 1995 and 2007 World Cup winners.

But the past few years have not been kind to England in this fixture and they have now gone 12 matches without a victory against the Boks.

They were level at 20-20 with half an hour to play, but the Boks drew inexorably away and it took a late try to make it look closer than it was, for the second week in a row - Tom Fordyce was our man watching on at Twickenham.

The world champions remain unbeatable, South Africa continue their dominance over England and Wales are too good for Fiji - on paper it looks as though everything went as expected this afternoon.

The truth, though, is a little different - in the latter two cases at least...

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"Scotland are definitely moving forward. They did that against Argentina and although they didn't quite beat New Zealand, they took a step forward. I'm sure they will finish on a high against Tonga next weekend."

Andy Burke

BBC Scotland at Murrayfield

"It would be a stretch to suggest that Scotland deserved to win the match, but it may still feel like one that got away. The roof would've come off Murrayfield had Greig Laidlaw - who was superb again incidentally - managed to knock that kick over to nudge Scotland ahead with less than 10 minutes remaining. Alas, we'll never know how the All Blacks would have reacted. One thing is sure, they'll know they've been in a game and the Scots can take great heart from that."

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Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on Twitter

"Despite the loss Scotland looking good. Coach Vern Cotter has certainly got this group of players playing."

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"Now New Zealand go to Wales next weekend and it should be a great game. I think New Zealand will revert, by and large, to the XV which started at Twickenham. It will be a different New Zealand to the one we saw tonight and I expect them to beat Wales."

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Abdullah Mahmood: Easy to forget that Scotland have a lot of new faces who only made debuts in last 12-18 months. Cotter is building something.

Saidmadrid: Scottish performance tonight comes to prove that problem was the coaching. This Scottish side is full of talent and needed guidance.

Ali Clarke: Well played both teams, predictable result, but thanks for that one glimmer of hope for us Scots.

Pride in that performance is very much the order of the day.

BBC coverage - England v South Africa highlights

Missed the England game? We've got you covered - just tune it to BBC Three or click the highlights section at the top of this page for our full highlights of this afternoon's match against the Springboks.

And I won't even tell you the score, although you're in the wrong place if you've been trying to avoid that, Likely Lads style.

AP

Scotland's Greg Laidlaw speaking to Jill Douglas on BBC Two:

"All credit to the All Blacks but our boys played fantastic rugby at times, and we are bitterly disappointed. We have to take the positives, but we came up short. I hope the fans are proud of us, we gave 100% but we came up slightly short."

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Ali Clarke: Well played both teams, predictable result, but thanks for that one glimmer of hope for us Scots.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"It will be interesting to see what New Zealand coach Steve Hansen makes of this, because it wasn't like Scotland were clinging on.

"They were well in this game for long periods and we didn't expect Greig Laidlaw to miss that kick which would have put Scotland ahead.

"But it was a great performance by Scotland and when they have got over the disappointment of this defeat they will be encouraged. They were running the ball from their own 22 and can take confidence from that."

Man of the match Jeremy Thrush speaking on BBC Two:

"That was tough, they are a passionate bunch, and we knew they would come out strongly so it was good. Every time we put the jersey on it's a proud moment so we gave it our best."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC Two

"They find a way don't they, no matter what seems to happen. Had Greg Laidlaw kicked that penalty, it could have been different but not to be. They have got to get game management, and the All Blacks closed the game down in the third quarter. The bench made a difference and they played smarter."

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Two

"That was a missed opportunity, Vern and the players will know that, but that's a good place to be compared to recent years."

You know the size of the task when you realise Wile E Coyote has a better record against Road Runner than Scotland have against the All Blacks.

But, like Mr Coyote, you know the Scots will be back for more.

Full time score summary

PA

Scotland:

Tries: Seymour

Cons: Laidlaw

Pens: Laidlaw (3)

New Zealand:

Tries: Vito, Thrush

Cons: Slade

Pens: Carter (3), Slade

H/T: 10-14

Full time

Thirty matches, a 28th defeat, but pride, at least, for the Scots on this occasion.

A young Scottish side showed ambition, fight and more than a little skill, but ultimately they lacked the class to overcome an All Black side that bore little resemblance to the side that has bestrode the world for the past few years.

The All Black machine glides on unencumbered, but hope for Scotland that brighter times lie around the corner. Although probably not a future that includes ever beating the All Blacks.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC Two

"All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will have learned that some of his reserve players are not quite there yet, which is a useful exercise."

One day they might do it, but today is not going to be that day.

Plenty of pluck from the Scots but a last attack breaks down and with it goes any last glimmer of a hint of a chance.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That was everything you expect from New Zealand. The only surprise is that it has taken them 74 minutes to find that breakthrough. Nonetheless it is a very well-worked try. Scotland couldn't get far enough from their try line and all the experience, angles and training-ground moves were used by the New Zealanders. There was plenty of relief on their faces."

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Two

"Thrush has been mightily impressive with his ball-carrying today, he has been one of the few to make sustained breaks over the gain line. But you still have to believe if you are in a Scottish jersey right now."

Converted try

Has Scotland's chance been and gone?

It looks like it has.

The visitors mount a powerful attack and second row Jeremy Thrush thunders onto Sam Cane's pass to score from close range.

Colin Slade converts and - finally - it looks as though there is only going to be one winner.

Andy Burke

BBC Scotland at Murrayfield

AP

"Hearts in mouths here at Murrayfield. The prospect of an historic victory is tantalisingly within reach, but how costly will that Laidlaw penalty miss be? Scottish fans praying they get just one more chance."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC Two

"It comes down to the crucial moments - miss a kick at goal, miss a pass out wide when not under pressure. You can also see the difference with the bench players for New Zealand like Savea, they are just a little bit sharper."

Scotland are on the attack but Sean Maitland can't pick up a poor pass and Julian Savea belts the ball into the Scottish 22 to relieve the pressure on the All Blacks.

Gutting for the hosts.

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Steve Anderson: A throwback to the days of Gavin Hastings, David Sole etc. Great playing by Scotland.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"The great thing for Scotland is that the New Zealanders are not used to being in this situation with 10 minutes to go."

Missed penalty

Oh Greig with an i, you can't afford to miss those.

The captain has kicked superbly, but that one drifts wide of the sticks and still New Zealand lead.

It seemed impossible, but then so did sequencing the human genome.

Lazy running from Wyatt Crockett and Scotland have a shot at goal - they couldn't win this could they?

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Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on Twitter

"Cmon Scotland. Hang in in there. Sneak a win."

Can Scotland do it? Get in touch at #bbcrugby or via mobile on 81111 (UK only)

Penalty

Oh not again. From the kick-off the team that has JUST scored immediately infringes, giving the opposition the chance to reply.

This time it's Greig Laidlaw on target and once again it's a one-point game.

Penalty

They were keeping possession, but Scotland are penalised at a scrum and Colin Slade edges the All Blacks into a slightly more substantial lead.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"If this is the way that Scotland play against New Zealand then I hope they continue to play in this way. If they have got the strength of character to play then I applaud what they're trying to do - but it shouldn't be a one off. Sometimes it is heart in the mouth stuff at times but they're keeping possession and that's the main thing."

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Two

"The team that is doing the most defending is the All Blacks, albeit in Scottish territory, but they will both be feeling the pain at the moment."

Julian Savea halts a Scottish counter-attack with a thumping tackle on Blair Cowand - like being hit with a pillow made of bricks that.

Scotland are surely taking far too many risks in their own 22 as they try to escape the vice New Zealand are beginning to apply, and an accidental offside gives the All Blacks the put-in at a scrum 15m from the Scottish line.

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Jason Fisher: Far too long since Scotland put in a performance like this. Taking me back to my youth.

Replacement

Finn Russell off for the hosts, Duncan Weir on at fly-half for Scotland.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have brought on Sonny Bill Williams to join Savea in their backline.

No wins in 30 games against the All Blacks - Scotland's record is so poor even Simon Cowell wouldn't release it - but they are on the attack, only for a charged down kick to halt their momentum.

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John McEnerney: Waiting for the Scots to tire & NZ to kick into gear, intensity is the name of the game & NZ maintain the same level for 80 mins!

Replacement

It gets even better for the Scots, as all-time record Test points scorer Dan Carter goes off.

Except on comes "the new Jonah Lomu", Julian Savea, with Colin Slade switching from the wing to 10 for the world champions.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

AP

"It's nice to see New Zealand make mistakes occasionally. It shows the rest of the world that they are human. Scotland can be holding their heads up at how they have performed in the opening 50 minutes."

Surely the All Blacks will suddenly click into gear? Even this second-string side is expected to be laser-cut excellence, all shimmering movement and angles so acute you need a protractor to measure them, but it is just not happening for them at Murrayfield as this time TJ Perenara knocks on at a ruck to halt a promising attack.

Andy Burke

BBC Scotland at Murrayfield

"Scotland starting to find holes in the All Blacks' defence and the crowd are really responding. A one-point game just now and if the Scots are still within a score going into the closing stages, expect this 66,000 crowd to give their all for the cause along with the 15 on the pitch."

To recap: Scotland have never beaten New Zealand in 29 meetings....

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC Two

"If Scotland can keep the ball in hand, keep being positive then they can keep the All Blacks on the back foot."

Penalty

The Scots back within one. The little rugby team that could?

Reuters

Brilliant from the Scots. Tommy Seymour sparking things with another interception and Stuart Hogg puts the cat among the pigeons with a fast-footed break.

Sean Maitland then has a crack, the All Blacks fall offside and Greig Laidlaw will go for goal.

Aww, the PhilaeProbe has been in touch. I've been surprisingly emotional about the little interstellar adventurer.

If Europe can land a spaceship on a comet over 300m miles away, Scotland can beat the All Blacks, can't they?

We're back under way at Murrayfield.

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Ann Bridges: Game on! Keep them on their toes.

PhilaeProbe: Can literally see this new Scotland jersey from outer space.

What do you make of the first half, and Scotland's natty red shirts? Let us know at #bbcrugby, or via mobile on 81111 (UK only)

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"Dan Carter was flawless here two years ago. But today he looks like he's been a year out of rugby. He's made more mistakes in that half than he has in his previous 100 caps."

Player reaction

South Africa skipper Jean De Villiers was relieved to see his side edge past England after a "tough" battle at Twickenham.

"We probably got points on the board at the right times, we left a lot out there, but we could have conceded a couple more," he says.

"It was definitely not the perfect game once again, but you got to give credit to our opposition and you can only play as well as they allow you to."

Post-match reaction

Reuters

Some more reaction here from England head coach Stuart Lancaster following England's fifth defeat in a row.

He told BBC Radio 5 live's Alastair Eykyn: "One or two key moments, we didn't nail.

"That's probably the difference between ourselves at the moment as third or fourth in the world and those guys who are first and second.

"We've played South Africa and New Zealand five or six times now and on each occasion, we've come up a little short and that's the step we need to take."

Post-match reaction

PA

More from England coach Stuart Lancaster: "I think this period is also about learning who can and who can't deliver at the highest level.

"I wouldn't say I was ruling people out, but I'm learning.

"That's what this series is about. It's about learning about who can and who can't deliver and also about building for that six nations and ultimately, 11-months time in the World Cup."

Post-match reaction

Getty Images

England have lost five games in succession for the first time since 2006.

England coach Stuart Lancaster told BBC Radio 5 live's Alastair Eykyn: "This period of games was always going to be a tough one for us.

"You can't sit back and look at the 'what ifs', the players we've got are good players and we've prepared well for this game. We've come up a bit short."

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Coach Vern Cotter will be mildly pleased with the way that his team has played, particularly defensively - although he won't tell his players that.

"You look at New Zealand's points and they have come from Scotland mistakes. That's what New Zealand do - force teams into errors and take advantage.

"Vern Cotter will really be impressing on Scotland's players at half-time that they have to be committed to every single tackle and do everything right in the second half."

Half-time score summary

Reuters

Scotland:

Tries: Seymour

Cons: Laidlaw (2)

New Zealand:

Tries: Vito

Pens: Carter (3)

Half-time

They couldn't, could they? A first win in 30 attempts?

Well there's only four points in it at the break - 40 minutes to make history lads.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC Two

"There's no reason for Scotland to be downhearted, they have battled well, and matched New Zealand physically but I would like to see them more with the ball in hand."

Penalty

Jonny Gray's mishap did not matter as it was an advantage to Scotland, but at the resulting scrum the hosts are pinged and Dan Carter confirms he has recalibrated his sights with another penalty.

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Two

"There's been a lot of handling mistakes, and one or two charge downs, which is a big area of the game these days. Scotland are being brave in attack and if they can keep this up the chances will come."

It was like Jonny Gray was suddenly struck by agoraphobia just then. New Zealand spilled the ball inside the Scottish 22 and when Gray picked up he had 80m of open space in front of him.

The second row made about three metres before the ball squirmed out his grasp like an agitated carp.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

AP

"Never mind how Scotland have played in the past 36 or so minutes - it's these next three and a half minutes which could be crucial to this match. If Scotland can keep the score to this then they will feel very good about their first-half performance. They have got to keep the All Blacks out."

Penalty

The New Zealand line-out is falling apart and yet another turnover leads to a shot at goal for the hosts.

Up steps scrum-half Greig Laidlaw, over goes the kick and back to one point goes the lead.

Shame Geoff Cross immediately conceded a penalty at the kick-off for the hosts though - Dan Carter kicks it to the corner.

Andy Burke

BBC Scotland at Murrayfield

"The excitement of that Tommy Seymour try has subsided as the All Blacks have retaken the initiative and the lead, but perhaps more worryingly, some key men have been forced off with injuries. Can Scotland stay with the world champions until half-time?"

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC Two

"Scotland when they get the ball need to go through a few phases, not kick the ball away, and keep the momentum."

Penalty

Getty Images

There's 10 minutes to the break, you feel this is the time New Zealand will lift the tempo.

Lo and behold, Scotland are turned over inside the New Zealand 22 and a minute later Dan Carter has a shot at goal. Inevitable.

Scotland have also lost Euan Murray, but Finn Russell is coming back onto the pitch after a knock.

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Tom and 20 others: This All Blacks team does make mistakes. Exploit that, whilst holding your nerve & shape, & you're in with a real chance.

Tatty Falarious: Scotland defending well under pressure.

Paul McMenemy: New Zealand blocking, tackling ahead, lying offside and interfering as usual but Scotland well in this. Come on.

How do you think Scotland are doing, and can they keep it going? #bbcrugby or via text to 81111 (UK only)

Whoops. Dan Carter spills a pass but manages to recover and clear to touch. A long way from his best the All Blacks fly-half at the moment.

Penalty

TJ Perenara is not awarded the try but Dan Carter lines up the penalty and the visitors are back in front.

It's like the All Blacks have just woken up to the fact they're losing.

The visitors pounce on a Scottish error, move it through the hands and TJ Perenara tries to burrow over - the TMO will make the decision, and the ABs have a penalty coming anyway.

If Perenara has got that down it's an amazing finish as he was on his back and held by about five Scottish defenders.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Scotland are giving New Zealand something to think about. They are mixing it up, have been competitive and New Zealand know they are in a game."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC Two

"I don't mind seeing this ambition from Scotland, they will not beat the All Blacks playing a conventional game, man for man - take them on."

Stat attack

Scotland's Tommy Seymour has scored in consecutive Test games for the first time and now has three tries in his last five games.

Midway through the half and Scotland more than holding their own.

Scotland's Kiwi-born back rower Blair Cowan has the most remarkably glossy curls I've ever seen on a flanker by the way.

Not sure what former Scots flanker John Jeffrey would make of that, he was more used to sheep dip than conditioner.

Scotland looking lively, New Zealand some way short of their best at the moment.

I feel like this will immediately inspire some All Black magic...

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Andy Land: McCaw out of position, Carter rusty. This is the night Scotland make history!

After Richie McCaw throws an interception, Dan Carter almost immediately knocks on.

What next - Jeremy Clarkson failing to offend an entire nation?

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Matt Hickman: You're a wizard Tommy!

Saidmadrid: Delighted to see Scotland playing with no fear against the All Blacks.

Replacement

Bad news for Scotland though as Mark Bennett is forced off with what looks to be a knee injury. Sean Lamont comes on in his place.

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Two

"That was very well read by Tommy Seymour, he does that week in, week out for Glasgow Warriors."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC Two

"The most unlikely of gifts from Richie McCaw, well anticipated and a fantastic score for Scotland."

Converted try

Well, that's a turn-up for the books.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, of all people, throws a poor pass and Scotland winger Tommy Seymour picks it off before galloping clear to score.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Getty Images

"That was an extraordinary run from Vito. But it's very poor defence from Scotland. You've got to commit to the tackle against the All Blacks and not hang off them."

Try

Dan Carter has played less than one and a half matches since returning from nearly a year out with a broken leg.

And he'll get another shot at goal after Victor Vito rampages 40 metres to score the opening try of the match.

A simple missed tackle from Alex Dunbar gives the number eight a glimpse of the line and there's no stopping him, despite Stuart Hogg's despairing tackle.

Carter has 1,448 Test points but he'll not add to them with that conversion attempt as he goes nought for two on the night.

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Williamhunter: Nice thing about getting up at 6am is watching the rugby. Feeling a bit of Celtic Pride after that Scottish pre-game ceremony.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Scotland force the turnover but New Zealand are so adept at getting over the ball. It just shows what talent they have because they looked very dangerous in their first opportunity to attack.

"But Scotland have given as good as they have got in the first 10 minutes."

Scottish fly-half Finn Russell produces a big hit on James Parsons to knock the ball free and Richie Gray picks up, but Dan Carter gets over the ball and wins a kickable penalty...

...which he promptly misses.

Stat attack

The All Blacks' unbeaten run against Scotland (won 29, drawn two) is the longest ever of its kind in tier one Test rugby.

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Jason Fisher: Unfortunately New Zealand would have to play Carter at 7 and McCaw at 10 for Scotland to have a chance here.

At the second scrum the All Blacks front row collapses and Scotland can clear their lines deep into visiting territory.

Andy Burke

BBC Scotland at Murrayfield

"Scotland fans responded to the Haka with a rendition of the 'Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond' followed by huge chants of "SCOTLAND, SCOTLAND". Pure theatre!"

New Zealand kick off and promptly knock on...

At the scrum the ball sits unhooked in the middle of the tunnel as both packs grunt and groan but can go nowhere before the scrum collapses.

Andy Burke

BBC Scotland at Murrayfield

"A cool, crisp evening in Edinburgh and perfect conditions for running rugby. Scottish fans are in buoyant mood after last week's entertaining victory over Argentina. Today is a huge step up against the world champions, but with 13 changes to the All Blacks starting line-up, a little sliver of hope has crept into the Scottish hearts. Murrayfield was plunged into darkness for a pre-match light display. The Scots are hoping their chances don't disappear in an All Black onslaught."

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I'm not sure about this red kit. If it's going to be a successful introduction then fine. But I'm a traditionalist and I like seeing Scotland in navy blue."

New Zealand in their usual black, Scotland in their traditional... red?

We await the haka...

Getty Images

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Chris Elseski: Scotland will get thumped, no chance of beating the All Blacks.

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC Two

"The atmosphere is as good as I've seen here at Murrayfield, but can they exploit it? New Zealand are ruthless when they get the chance."

Scotland field an unchanged, youthful line-up that features the huge Gray brothers in the second row.

Greig Laidlaw will once again orchestrate the Scots' back division alongside stand-off Finn Russell and a young midfield partnership of Alex Dunbar and Mark Bennett.

Right then, the teams are about to enter the darkened pitch at Murrayfield.

It's all black there at the moment, seems like a terrible omen for the hosts.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

England head coach Stuart Lancaster: "We need to learn which guys, when the white-hot pressure is on, can deliver.

"We'll not panic or lose our nerve."

BBC Radio 5 live

Before we focus on Scotland v New Zealand, here's the first bit of reaction coming in from England head coach Stuart Lancaster.

He told BBC Radio 5 live commentator Alastair Eykyn: "I believe in the coaches, I believe in the players, and I believe in what we're doing.

"But it hurts."

You can hear that interview in full during half-time of England v Slovenia in the football around 17:45 on BBC Radio 5 live.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"There is a sense of expectation inside the stadium that Scotland might be able to cause a few problems for this inexperienced All Blacks side."

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator at Murrayfield

Conor Macnamara Twitter

"Murrayfield right now"

Yes the All Blacks have made 13 changes, and yes, one of those involves calling up a hooker who wasn't initially in their squad and who expected to be celebrating his third wedding anniversary in Paris this weekend, rather than winning his first cap.

But when one of those changes involves brining back Dan Carter, the all-time record points scorer in Test history, it's hard to be too critical.

Former New Zealand scrum-half Justin Marshall speaking to Jill Douglas on BBC 2:

"There's been a little bit of debate about the disrespect factor back in New Zealand but 100%, the All Blacks respect this Scotland side."

Getty Images

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen speaking to BBC Two: "We have to find out about some of these young players, we played most of them against the USA (when New Zealand won 74-6) and this is a step up. Anyone can cause us problems, if Scotland control the football like they did last week then they could do that, we will just have to put them under more pressure than Argentina did last week."

Get involved

Can Scotland possibly toppled the All Blacks? Are there any England fans out there who think winning the World Cup is a realistic possibility? And have Welsh fans ever been less happy that after a Test win?

Why not share your views via #bbcrugby, on 81111 via text, or through our Facebook and Google+ pages.

Our minions await with interest.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"Clearly New Zealand are targeting the Wales game next week with this team selection. New Zealand need to know their strength in depth.

"But it is the opposite for Scotland who are unchanged from the Argentina win. Last week's game was really encouraging with them scoring five tries but conceding those tries at the end kept everyone's feet on the ground.

"This is the ultimate test - Scotland have never beaten New Zealand."

Line-ups

Scotland: Hogg; Maitland, Bennett, Dunbar, Seymour; Russell, Laidlaw; Dickinson, Ford, Murray, R Gray, J Gray, Harley, Cowan, Ashe.

Replacements: F Brown, Reid, Swinson, Beattie, Cusiter, Weir, Lamont.

New Zealand: B Smith; Slade, Fekitoa, Crotty, Piutau; Carter, Perenara; Moody, Parsons, Faumuina, Thrush, Bird, McCaw, Cane, Vito.

Replacements: Coles, Crockett, B Franks, Romano, Messam, Pulu, Williams, Savea.

Mils Muliaina

Former New Zealand international on BBC Two

Former All Black speaking on BBC Two about on the 13 changes to the All Black side from last week's win over England: "You need to test guys out, and guys coming back from injury can see if they are worth a place in the starting line up. I don't think there's been the thought of putting out a shadow team."

Get involved

Ben Goodman: England make too many mistakes and poor decisions which cost them every time they play the big boys.

Thanojan Sakthiruban: So close but yet so far #ENGvRSA World Cup 10 months away...

Andrew Lavoipiere: I am a Bok but still say Eng good bet for WC just got to get rid of Farrell too predictable and one dimensional

That All Blacks ghost for you...

Scotland have met New Zealand on 29 occasions, losing 27 times and drawing twice.

What's the definition of optimism? Being a Scottish fan and expecting to beat the All Blacks I guess.

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Sian Annakin: Come on Scotland, you gave them the game originally, time to lay the All Black ghost to rest.

Player reaction

Reuters

England full-back Mike Brown: "It was exactly the same as last week's defeat against New Zealand - the same sort of areas cost us. Discipline was poor, rucking wasn't good enough and we gave them easy points. It is not good enough if we want to dine at the top table of international rugby.

"If you keep giving away penalties, they're getting three, six, nine, 12 points and then you're chasing the game against the second best side in the world who have just beaten New Zealand."

If the All Blacks are a Stradivarius, Scotland are a busker's fiddle.

Sure, they can whip up a decent foot-stomper of tune on their day, but they just don't have the ability to hit the heights the very best can manage.

Scotland will give it a lash, but even with 13 changes they should be no match for New Zealand this evening.

For newcomers to the sport, it's worth spelling out just how good New Zealand really are.

World champions and the number one ranked team in the world for the past five years, they have won 43 of their last 47 Tests, with two defeat and two draws.

Next up, Scotland v New Zealand. The Scots are showing signs of life under new coach Vern Cotter - himself a Kiwis, while the All Blacks are, well, just the All Blacks - the best side in the world by a distance.

We've got half an hour to kick off...

Stat attack

Dylan Hartley is now on a list of seven players to have been sin-binned three times for England;. No player has been carded four times.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

"First genuine sense of England advancement under Lancaster regime having stalled. Big questions over 10, strategy, decisions under pressure."

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Daniel Lewis: I confidently predict that Wales will put in an amazing performance against the Kiwis next week. Losing by one point obviously.

John Guy: If Wales play like today against NZ, can see NZ ripping them to pieces next week.

Pundit reaction

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"Full-back Liam Williams was a shining light for Wales. Liam, as he has been for the last two years, was outstanding. He is such a brave player but he is also a very natural footballer.

"He enters the line well and has great skills. He was probably the only Wales players who did his reputation any good today."

Andy Robinson

Ex-England and Scotland coach on BBC 5 live

"There's every chance for Scotland against the All Blacks this afternoon.

"The set-piece is an area Scotland have developed well over the last year-and-a-half, so that's an area where they can attack them.

"New Zealand have to mix their side up for today so Steve Hansen can see what his squad have to offer, but whoever the All Blacks play against, they know it's going to be a tough game."

The scene is set...

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator at Murrayfield

BBC Sport

Murrayfield awaits The All Blacks. I'm with Gavin Hastings for Scotland v New Zealand on @BBC5LSX at 17:30.

You did Schalk, you did.

We've got more live rugby as the Scots host world champions New Zealand, kick-off 17:30 GMT, but I'd suggest it's time for tea and crumpets - a smidge of Marmite and plenty of butter on mine please.

More from Schalk Burger on Sky Sports: "Last week against Ireland we got outplayed so for us this was a bit of a dogfight.

"I think we fronted up.

"It might not have been that pretty, but we made it through."

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Ryan Knight: Ben Morgan England's best player by a mile

Grant Michael Smith: Disappointing for England, hope they take this away and use it to strengthen for the World Cup.

South Africa flanker and man of the match Schalk Burger speaking on Sky Sports: "We got off to a good start. Conditions were tricky to begin with, but at 20-6 up we felt we had the job 75% done.

"We needed to keep composure then sadly we got a yellow card and we were on the back foot.

"But, we huddled together and said, 'we've been here before' and that's what saw us through."

Coming up

England beaten by the Boks and Wales pushed close by a 14-man Fiji team - not the best of days for the home nations so far.

So then, Scotland to the rescue!

They're playing the All Blacks you say? Never beaten them in 29 attempts? Today's a good day to make history then!

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"It was a terrible game, stop and start with a lot of turnovers. There was no kind of structure or direction in the Welsh game, they should have put the Fijians away and it should have been an easy victory."

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Jonathan Flowers: Not sure Wales' plan to lull NZ into false confidence is going to work.

Ben Lenyk: Both Wales and the match officials have been awful today. I'm dreading the visit of McCaw and company next week.

England captain Chris Robshaw has also been talking to BBC Radio 5 live: "We didn't get our game out there as much as we wanted to.

"It's a big week for us now. We do get frustrated with getting close in these games and it's something you have to work on and it takes time.

"You get the near-misses, and of course we would've much preferred to have won that match by one or two points rather than losing it by that margin.

"We know what we need to go out and do, but we haven't been out there and executed it as a team on the pitch."

England captain Chris Robshaw speaking on Sky Sports: "We were a little bit reactive today.

"We allowed them to get ahead of us and then we were playing catch-up. We'll have to work hard and move forward next week.

"We didn't start as strongly as we would've liked. We got back into the game, but couldn't quite finish it."

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Kaylan Geekie: Lancaster/Gatland combined results v #Springboks #AllBlacks #Wallabies is: P 50 W 5 L 44 D 1.

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Nathan Davies: Wales didn't deserve to win that!

Peter Heal: As a rugby spectacle, today's Wales v Fiji game was not worth the time to watch it. Very very poor quality, School boy errors, dreadful.

Hugh in France: Lucky Wales. Should have done so so so much better. Clueless. Bring on the All Blacks!

Player reaction

Getty Images

Wales stand-in skipper Gethin Jenkins on BBC One: "We'll take a win but we are disappointed with our performance. We lacked basic skills and lost the ball too often. But all credit to Fiji, they came here and gave us a hell of a game.

"I'm just glad we got on the right side of the scoreboard. We weren't at the races but at least we got the win."

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Alistair Lowe: Very disappointing from England again. Too reluctant to make changes from last week and during the game. Lacking against quality.

Harrison Taylor: Too late to change things and it's cost us the game. Drop Farrell and Vunipola for the next game

Full time score summary

Wales

Tries: North, Cuthbert, Penalty Try

Cons: Priestland

Fiji

Try: Nadolo

Pens: Nadolo 2 Con: Nadolo

Half-time: 17-6

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Injured England prop forward Alex Corbisiero tweets: Small margins, fair play to South Africa but brave fight from England. Still proud of the boys after that performance.

Firm words from England captain Chris Robshaw in the post-match huddle, but where do his team go from here?

Do they stick with the same plan and hope it comes good, or is it time to freshen things up?

Big questions for Stuart Lancaster to answer this week.

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Michael Slavin: SA experience the difference. Eng unable to release the backs. Changes at half back and midfield needed. Reputations irrelevant.

Dara Gilligan: England doing exactly what Ireland didn't do. Too many penalties and too much indiscipline

Full-time score summary

England (6)

Tries: Wilson, Morgan, Barritt

Pens: Farrell (2), Ford. Cons: Farrell (2)

South Africa (13)

Tries: Serfontein, Reinach, Burger

Pens: Lambie (3). Cons: Lambie (2) Drop goals: Lambie

Full time

But Fiji - who have played almost half an hour with 14 men remember - nervously kick upfield as the seconds tick down, allowing Wales full-back Liam Williams to gather and see out the game. Wales are saved by the clock...

Virtually silence inside the Millennium Stadium now. Fiji fancy this....

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Over the 80 minutes without question, South Africa had control of the game.

"England had a purple match when South Africa were down to 14 men and they scored two tries to level it at 20-20.

"But, South Africa showed the composure you need in these pressure situations."

No try & full time

The final act of the match saw Willie Le Roux knock on as he was in the act of gathering a kick to score, but the Boks will not be concerned in the least.

England got back in touch with that late try, but they rarely looked like winning and that is now 11 defeats and one draw in their last 12 matches against the Boks.

It's also their fifth Test defeat in a row, and if they want to compete with the very best - and they do - this defeat will be a hard blow to take.

Converted try

Reuters

Interception! Nemani Nadolo steals a loose Welsh pass and there is no stopping the powerful Fiji centre as he belts it from inside his own half. Fiji can't nick it - can they?

Try review

England are turned over and that's the game, but have the Boks finished with a flourish?

A Fiji try now would tee up a nervy final five minutes for the Welsh. The visitors pound the try-line before a knock on by a white shirt lets Wales off the hook. Relief.

Then, there is another stoppage as the referee has to sort out another rumpus. Fiji lock Tevita Cavubati thumps the ball into the head of Wales debutant Nicky Smith while he drags himself off the turf. Welcome to Test rugby young man...

One last shot for England from deep.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Let's not hang around.

"England should be sprinting back to the halfway line.

"England may well get one more possession to give themselves a sniff of a drop-goal."

Try

Fair play, there's no doubting their fighting spirit.

Brad Barritt plunges over to finish off a sustained attack but George Ford cannot convert from wide out.

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James Standen: That's the game done! Had a brilliant chance at 20-20 but have lost our way since that try!

Drop-goal

England will look back on their mistakes today and curse themselves.

South Africa work their way into drop-goal territory and Pat Lambie pops over the three points that surely settles the match.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"A little bit disappointing - again that ill-discipline from England.

"I don't know the penalty count, but I'm sure England have given far too many away today."

Poor again from England. They hold off at a line-out, enabling South Africa to sack the man at the back of the attempted maul. The Boks kick to the corner and will go for the jugular.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"That's two minutes of my life I won't get back."

No try

Boos ringing around the Millennium Stadium tell you what the TMO's decision is. No try for Toby Faletau. No try for Wales. The officials rule that the tackle on Liam Williams was completed in the build up to Faletau's gallop. Cue incredulous reaction from Jonathan Davies...

Poor from England. When their driving maul is halted they shovel it into midfield and Brad Barritt's laboured carry sees him isolated and turned over - where was the England support though? - not the Saracens centre's fault that.

This has been a brutal, ugly train-wreck of a game, and utterly compelling.

England are back to 15 men and they have a throw-in inside the Boks 22.

Try review

Toby Faletau marches the Fiji line through almost unopposed to lift the Cardiff gloom. Momentarily at least. Because was Wales full-back Liam Williams held in the build-up? Over to the TMO...

Get involved

James Payne: Wales have been awful today, no confidence. New Zealand will put 40 points on us next week.

What do you think of Wales' performance and what changes do you think should be made for the game against the All Blacks? Get involved #bbcrugby or via mobile on 81111 (UK only)

Get involved

George Wayman: Farrell acting like a petulant child there refusing to come off. Tops it off with a terrible telegraphed inside ball

Gareth Roberts

BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

"That 14-year age gap between Gethin Jenkins and Nicky Smith may provide a reason for the departing British and Irish Lion to have a moment of quiet reflection on an outstanding career when he celebrates his 34th birthday on Monday."

Penalty

Good news for Matt Dawson as Bismarck Du Plessis, on as replacement hooker for the Boks, immediately gives George Ford a fairly simple shot at the sticks...

...and the replacement England fly-half makes no mistake. Back within a score...

Replacement

Gethin Jenkins' work is done for the day. The Wales stand-in skipper, who has stretched his cap record to 109 today, glances over to the touchline to see uncapped Osprey Nicky Smith ready to take over at loose-head. Huge cheer of encouragement for the 20-year-old new boy.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Different dynamic to the game now England are more than seven points behind.

"They've got to get in to South African territory to give themselves any chance.

"They need a try and a penalty now."

Penalty

New half-backs, more invention? We won't be able to tell yet as David Attwood gifts the visitors a penalty as he takes out Bakkies Botha at a line-out. This time the visitors will go for goal - lesson learned from five minutes ago...

...and Pat Lambie bisects the sticks with the tricky kick.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"If you don't turn pressure into points, you are going to get caught out. And Wales aren't doing that.

"Fiji are a man short, Wales should be working the overlap but I've not seen a dummy runner since the first try."

Little over 15 minutes left for Wales to use their extra man wisely and pile on the points. But it just isn't happening at the moment as the home side look devoid of confidence and attacking ideas. And the All Blacks are turning up in Cardiff next week remember...

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Here are the changes and not before time.

"What a great opportunity now for George Ford and Ben Youngs.

"I used to love coming on in a game when England were behind as that's the challenge you relish."

Replacements

Getty Images

Dreadful from England. You could tell Owen Farrell was going to pass it back inside to Anthony Watson at least three seconds before he did so, and if I can spot it you can guarantee the slavering beasts in the Boks back row were not going to miss it.

Farrell is promptly replaced along with half-back partner Danny Care - on come George Ford and Ben Youngs.

Ouch!

Owen Farrell looks to be in some trouble. He aims for a high kick but slices it badly and limps afterwards. Is this it for him today?

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Louis Strong: Farrell and Care haven't connected today. Need a fresh pairing - Ford and Youngs should come on with more energy

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Edson Charikinya: A clear stamping on the man on the ground there, it should be a yellow for England. Good call Steve Walsh again.

James Standen: Dylan Hartley lets England down last week and does this week!! Muppet.

Sin-bin

The TMO suggests referee Steve Walsh looks at a replay of Dylan Hartley at a ruck. The hooker makes contact with a South African leg on the ground with his boot and he is sin-binned.

There is an immediate let-off for the hosts as South Africa decide to kick to touch and instead launch it dead - but a man down and five points behind, this does not look good for England.

No try

To use Phillip Matthews' words (see below)...the Fijians are going more nuts than a pack of dry roasted. They throw the ball around like the Harlem Globetrotters, working it out to the right where Waisea Nayacalevu is ready to pounce. The winger goes over the line - but not after he had been shoved into touch by Liam Williams.

Owen Farrell grimaces after kicking a penalty to touch but looks set to continue. South Africa win a kickable penalty as England infringe at a line-out.

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Gareth in Watford: There is no point picking an intuitive, ball playing inside centre like Kyle Eastmond if you have stodge on either side of him. Farrell is standing so deep at fly and Barritt is positionally awful at outside centre. The result is that Eastmond's outstanding distribution abilities are wasted and he becomes international rugby's smallest (ergo least effective) battering ram 12. Pointless.

AFP

No worries about power outages at Twickenham now - just hook up these two packs and you could generate enough wattage to light up London for a month.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"With my experience of Fiji, it's going to go one of two ways. They are either going to give up or they are going to go nuts."

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Michael Louw: Lancaster's position should be being questioned. His team selection is consistently poor & tactics are stale. Come back Sir Clive!

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Fiji should be another man short because their man came in from the side when the try was disallowed."

Red card

Getty Images

Campese, what have you done? Fiji prop Campese Ma'afu was sin-binned in the first half and he receives another yellow card for tugging at Bradley Davies in the line-out.

Two strikes and you're out my friend. Ma'afu doesn't exit with the speed of his Australian namesake though - he saunters down the Millennium Stadium tunnel with the speed of an annoyed front-rower...

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England did very well with the initial nudge there.

"But, then South Africa just regrouped really well there and used their experience to find the corner for the try."

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Ell Purds: This England game highlights why you need top referees. He warned both teams about collapsing and stuck to his word! Great stuff!

Ed Stevens: Ben Morgan - Take a bow son! Not many England players can say they smashed four South Africa players to get to the try line.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"I think that's the wrong decision, it's a side entry so it should be a yellow card for the number three (Saulo). That was a shambles."

No try

Clear daylight for Wales. Oh, at least the home players thought it was. The home pack drives forward as a wall of white Fijian shirts crumble quicker than a digestive biscuit. Bodies are piled all over the try line and referee Pascal Gauzere goes to his mate in the stands to get a video decision. Most think Dan Lydiate legally reaches out for the line - except for the officials. No try.

Try

Getty Images

This is turning into a brutal encounter.

The Boks are still down to 14 men but they win an attacking line-out, launch the latest in a series of driving mauls and score when veteran flanker Schalk Burger bursts over in the corner.

Pat Lambie cannot convert from the touchline, but what a 10 minutes of play at Twickenham.

There can be fewer sights more viscerally thrilling than a driving maul in world sport. This time it is South Africa, who drive to within a few metres before England infringe.

They kick the penalty to the corner...

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England back row forward James Haskell tweets: Come on England!! Great work Davey Wilson and @Ben_J_Morgan8

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"What a brilliant driving maul that was. They mixed it up and kept the pace, shifted it from left to right.

"When it did break up that was when Ben Morgan realised he was up against a broken field of South African defenders."

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

Now then. England, 14 points down a minute after half-time, drive-maul their way to parity within five minutes. Game turned on its backside.

Converted try

PA

Wow.

England once again maul South Africa to pieces, driving 30m from a line-out before Big Ben Morgan, on for Billy Vunipola at number eight, breaks off and powers over the line.

The Boks down to 14, England rampant thanks to the driving power of their pack - this is anyone's.

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Michael Slavin: Old school rumble by the big men gets us back in touch. Scored by the biggest man - go on Davie Wilson my son! 13-20

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"That's more like it from England.

"The kick up the backside they needed came with that try on the restart and I just hope they keep showing the same resolve and intent now."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

Reuters

"It's poor at the moment, the management will not be very happy. Wales are very deep, Fiji can just drift on them. There are no dummy runners, and the forwards should be taking it on more to suck the defence in."

What do you think Wales need to do? Get involved #bbcrugby, or via text on 81111 (UK only)

Campese Ma'afu comes back on to the field for Fiji. Or George David Campese Ma'afu to give him his full name. We won't tire of telling you that the Nottingham player is named after the Wallabies legend. Sorry.

Anyway...the Pacific Islanders are back to their full complement as Wales begin to lose their way. Very bitty from Warren Gatland's men as they fail to press their numerical advantage further.

Converted try

PA

Bang, right back in it.

When England win a kickable penalty and go to the corner there is some debate as to whether it is the right decision - well. score like that and it most certainly is.

With South Africa's Victor Matfield in the sin bin England win the line-out and launch a rampaging driving maul which ends with giant Bath prop David Wilson barrelling over under the sticks.

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Graeme Hobbs: To say the least…not the start we needed

James Standen: South Africa is to England what Australia is to Wales!! Just can not beat them

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Pure class. Just pure class from nowhere really.

"That's just sheer vision and perfect execution from Willie Le Roux.

"Where do England go right now?"

Wales come out roaring in the opening stages of the second half. The Fiji defence is creaking, the whitewash of their line sparkles in the sight of the Welsh, but they can't scramble over.

Dan Lydiate crawls out of the tackle and along the Millennium Stadium turf in search of the five points - and is rightly punished. "White line fever that is," remarks ex-Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies....

Converted try

AP

Ah. That's going to make things a bit trickier, and what a lovely score too.

Pat Lambie clips a sand-wedge of a chip over the England defensive line and full-back Willie le Rous gathers it in at full pace.

He makes 20m, draws two defenders and feeds the flying Cobus Reinach to race over untouched by the sticks.

Back under way, 40 minutes for England to turn this around...

Kick-off

No changes for either side at half-time. Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland, wearing a Freddie Mercury-style moustache, has the honour of restarting the game and kicks us back under way in Cardiff...

Brian Moore

Former England hooker

England still in the game at 13-6 down, though they've not done much right. Huge second-half improvement needed.

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James Humberstone: Wales are still making sloppy errors allowing Fiji to run on a counter attack. They need to tighten up around the tackle.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"Wales have been very lucky on a few occasions, Fiji have had their chances but not taken them. It would have been a very different score line if they had done. Wales have worked very hard to get back when they have lost the ball."

Gareth Roberts

BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

"There have been mistakes aplenty in Cardiff, but Wales have managed to not make theirs with the line begging. That's why Warren Gatland's side are leading."

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Michael Slavin: England looking very average. Ball hasn't made it out to the wingers, no inspiration at 9,10,12,13. Forwards good though.

Ian Keyte: One of the poorest first half performances I've seen from England in a long time.

Nicky Little

Former Fiji fly-half on BBC One

Getty Images

"I want Fiji to run the ball, we cant kick it away. We are not the best defensively, but we need to get the ball out wide and unleash the beasts. If they do, the crowd will love it."

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Seb in London: If Halfpenny can represent Wales, why can't Steffan Armitage play for England? - great player, terrible policy!

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"It was an entertaining half. If Wales play simple, basic rugby then they can score points because Fiji are not that organised and can't structure their game. But Fiji pounce on every opportunity and loose ball - it's picked up, snapped and gone. That gets everyone - Fiji and Wales fans - on their feet.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

Getty Images

"The problems all England's at the break: the back-row struggling at the breakdown, Farrell struggling to impose any shape from fly-half, the ball-carriers taking the ball standing still, no obvious attacking pattern in backs. Expect to see changes early in the second period unless that seven-point deficit starts to narrow soon."

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"I cannot fault the enthusiasm and the willingness to really go out there and attack from England.

"You can see they really want it and there's a desperation to attack.

"But, it's wet and slippery out there and people have got to say, 'we need to be disciplined and find the right position first'.

"There was only one team that did that and it was South Africa."

Half-time

England

Pens: Farrell 2

South Africa

Tries: Serfontein

Pens: Lambie 2. Cons: Lambie

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Wales will be disappointed with that, because they had total domination of territory. I would expect the ball carriers in the second half to keep it tight up the middle, then go wide."

Half-time

Wales

Tries: North, Cuthbert, Penalty Try

Cons: Priestland

Fiji

Pens: Nadolo 2

Missed penalty

Another opportunity for Fiji centre Nemani Nadolo when Wales flanker Justin Tipuric is penalised for a high tackle. But Nadolo can't take advantage in virtually the last kick of the first half.

Half-time

A power outage hit the Twickenham area before the match, and England have been off the grid themselves in the first 40 minutes today.

Dropped passes, laboured movement, gift-wrapped presents for the Springboks - they've all abounded, but they only trail by seven points at the break.

There have been bright spots - Kyle Eastmond has had his moments, the scrum is increasingly dominant and the line-out is functioning well, but England lack spark.

The power at Twickenham is currently being provided by an emergency generator - England could do with some extra power off the bench themselves.

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Gareth in Caterham: There really have to be question marks regarding Lancaster's selection ability right now. Farrell, Care, Vunipola, Brown and Robshaw have all either hardly played due to injury or been bang out of form this season for their clubs. But they all walk straight into the England team. Poor.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"That was absolutely the right decision, Fiji again were going to do anything they could to stop Wales. The referee did not want to give another yellow card, so its the ultimate sanction."

Missed penalty

Rugby coaching manual rule number one: Don't give away penalties just after you've scored. Just. Don't. Do. It.

Tom Wood is all over Eben Eztebeth like an animated duvet at a line-out and it's a clear penalty, but Pat Lambie misses.

Big let-off, the hosts are still in touch.

Converted try

Reuters

The pressure finally tells. The Fijians are penalised by referee Pascal Gauzere for deliberating collapsing the maul - and that, after Rhys Priestland taps over from in front of the sticks, adds seven points on to the Wales score.

Sin-bin

Catch and drive. That's Wales's plan of attack as the Fijians concede penalty after penalty. The big men can't drive over the line though, in part because the antics of Fiji prop Campese Ma'afu have been deemed illegal. The man named after the legendary Australia winger trots off to the bin for a 10-minute cooling off period.

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George Wayman: Danny Care is making scrum-half look like a difficult position. Get to the ruck and pass the ball quickly. Simple job.

Penalty

PA

England definitely on top at the scrum. Billy Vunipola taps and goes, Duane Vermuelen goes off his feet at the resulting ruck and Owen Farrell surely won't miss this shot at goal.

He doesn't - still very much alive at Twickenham.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England have got to keep their own discipline.

"There's no point scoring points and then giving away cheap penalties straight after - it's going to cost you dearly."

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Andy Bennett: South Africa appear to be getting away with a lot of things in the ruck. England need to get some points ticking over

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Matthew Harris: I seem to remember a time when Vunipola was actually useful for England, a opposed to the other team

Graeme Hobbs: Frustrating performance so far from England, lads just need to get their heads in the game

Penalty

South Africa's driving maul is a thing of threatening beauty - the sort of well-drilled attacking weapon Roman generals would have salivated over.

Their angry armadillo makes 20 metres, England cynically, drag it down and Pat Lambie takes the lead back out to 10.

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John: Don't count your chickens just yet Wales, remember what happened when you played Fiji at the 2007 World Cup?

Fiji knocked Wales out of the 2007 World Cup with a 38-34 win.

Missed penalty

Everyone knows that Fiji will run with the ball. Except the Welsh defence at the moment. They have totally switched off. The Pacific Islanders should score down the left, but skipper Akapusi Qera goes solo instead of passing to either of the two team-mates on his shoulder.

They have the opportunity for another three points with a penalty, but Nemani Nadolo fails with the boot for the first time today.

PA

After a "pretty average" opening 20 minutes from the hosts, according to ex-England hooker Brian Moore, they have enjoyed a good last 10 minutes.

They still look ponderous and muddled on occasion but they are beginning to monopolise possession and there's only a converted try in it.

Penalty

Fiji threaten through a quick counter attack but that comes to an abrupt end when Dan Lydiate produces a bone-shaking tackle from nowhere. Oh, no it isn't over. That's because Scott Baldwin gives away a penalty and it allows Nemani Nadolo to boot his second penalty.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"There was one of my absolute pet hates in rugby [see 24 minutes].

"When front five forwards get in space and think they can try and finish themselves.

"It's a simple two-on-one and Dave Attwood didn't make the pass and that was a try beckoning there for Anthony Watson."

Penalty

Here come England. They are turned over after an attacking scrum but promptly charge down a kick and batter away.

Duane Vermeulen fails to release in a tackle and Owen Farrell gets the hosts on the board.

England explode into life after forcing a turnover on the South Africa 10m line. David Attwood makes 25m before feeding Anthony Watson who goes close, and when England spin it left Jonny May is hauled down just short.

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TomGeorgeOffical: If Wales didn't make so many silly errors they could challenge next year. It seems a big ask at this time though.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"There does not seem to be the same intensity as against Australia. The Fijians are a big side, but they could tire and Wales should try to wear them down."

Penalty

Getty Images

Fiji have an opportunity to reduce the deficit to a converted score - and they take it with both hands. Centre Nemani Nadolo clears the posts when Wales are penalised after a burst from Fiji scrum-half Nikola Matawalu.

England are at least getting on top in the scrum and their line-out is working well, but if they're not dropping the ball they're getting turned over at the ruck - this time inside the South Africa 22.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Very good play by Rhys Priestland, Fiji were exposed on the blind side, it was a very good call. It was given early to the winger and there was very good support play from Scott Williams, his run just held the Fijian players out."

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

Stodgy old start from England. 0-10 off Care intercept, runners taking ball stationary, ball-carriers knocking on. Too easy to pick off

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Louis Strong: Vunipola playing school rugby again. Sort it out.

Ben Reynolds: If you've got any RWC15 tickets for England's potential post-group matches I think I'd be putting them on eBay #ENGvSA

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Error-strewn first quarter from England and they have handed the Boks a 10-point lead.

Are the hosts looking at a dirty dozen - 12 games without a win against South Africa - already?

Try

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Wales put the Fijian scrum under severe pressure - and it leads to their second try of the afternoon. Mike Phillips goes on his own from 10 metres after the visitors are penalised, the Fijians hold out on the line, before Rhys Priestland goes wide right. And there is Alex Cuthbert to stroll in for another simple Wales try.

But it leaves Priestland with another tricky touchline conversion attempt. And again he can't wrap his foot around the egg enough as it sails past the posts.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Unfortunately there were no options there for England.

"Danny Care picked the ball up and went around the corner, so as soon as he did that, it means the attacker can move.

"England are making too many mistakes. They've got to tighten up their game and be pragmatic in their approach."

It might be his 50th cap but there's no need for Danny Care to be that generous. Boks back on the attack after a lively run from Mike Brown comes to naught for England.

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Dai Wynne-Jones: If Wales play like this in the Six Nations they will not do well. Too many mistakes....again. Fiji unlucky.

Converted try

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That is surely a try for Jan Serfontein after he picks off an interception. And it is.

Danny Care ambles a couple of paces from the base of a ruck before flipping out a predictable pass to Kyle Eastmond and Serfontein's eyes light up like a six-year-old's on Christmas morning.

No try

Lucky break for Wales as loose play almost lets in the Fijians. Fly-half Rhys Priestland's grip escapes him as the ball slides out of his buttery hands, leading to a foot race between Fiji wing Waisea Nayacalevu and his opposite number George North.

Nayacalevu dips first, only to knock on with the line at his mercy. He touches down - but knows that play will be brought back.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Anthony Watson on his debut start - a couple of very mature pieces of play there.

"He casually guided Habana out of play there so Mike Brown could catch the ball and then good supporting run up field.

"Just a couple of glimpses of maturity."

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"The good and the not-so-good there from England.

"It was a risky option Farrell running from under his own sticks. He had ample time to thump the ball out and get England out of trouble.

"Unnecessarily he put England under pressure there."

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Greg Ashton: George North is the best winger in the world.

Kirsty Fitchet: I love George North, but not George North with that tashe...

It's a game of opinions, Kirsty...

Penalty

Owen Farrell runs from his own line and makes it to the 22 but his pass to Anthony Watson puts England under pressure, Chris Robshaw infringes and Pat Lambie will go for goal.

It could have been worse for England as from the advantage Bryan Habana got to within a couple of yards before his inside pass was knocked on, but what was Farrell thinking?

He did well initially, and even out-paced JP Pietersen, but then should have boomed a kick into touch. Strange decision making from the England 10, especially in these greasy conditions.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Wales isolated the outside centre, held him and then it's an easy finish for North, two on one, a lovely try."

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Patrick Brennan: Dylan Hartley giving away a penalty? Well I never...

George Phillipson: Brad Barritt definitely England's best defensive centre, he needs to play alongside a Burrell/Tuilagi to see his best.

The ball squirting out of the players' grasp like pips from a lemon at the moment.

Try

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A loose pass from the free-running Fijians hands the ball back to Wales - and the home side take full advantage. The Welsh pack do the hard work before the ball is quickly shifted left, centre Scott Williams holding the line before sticking in George North for the simplest of tries.

Rhys Priestland swings in the conversion attempt from the touchline, the ball thinks about curling round, but doesn't, and drifts wide.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"That was the first driving line-out there and it was as if every England player read every single news article written in the last week."

Kyle Eastmond slides through the South Africa midfield after a driving maul from a line-out but cannot offload the greasy ball, which dribbles onto the deck. Shame.

Good disruption from England at the breakdown and they win a penalty to clear their lines. Great defence from the hosts.

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Rob Meech: Love how the England rugby boys always belt out the national anthem. That's passion for you! #ENGvRSA

Martin J Howells: Wales v Fiji...this could be a hard tackling try fest...lets 'ave it!!

Richie McCaw? Really? Excellent player - all-time great - but hard man? Bakkies will be offended.

McCaw hardest rugby player

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Our vote is now closed. 23% of you say Richie McCaw is the hardest man in world rugby union, followed by Bakkies Botha and then Paul O'Connell. England's chief enforcer Courtney Lawes came fourth.

Kick-off

A rousing rendition of Land Of My Fathers (as always) sets the spine tingling nicely, before the Wales players (many sporting monthly moustaches) stare down the Fijian cibi.

Referee Pascal Gauzere toots his whistle, Fiji fly-half Josh Matavesi hoists a kick into the Cardiff air - and that means it is game on.

Throw in to England midway inside the visitors' half, It's raining in London - who will adapt better?

Swing Low echoes around the cavernous stands in south west London. Here we go as Owen Farrell hangs the kick-off high and deep.

Tears stream down the face of England number eight Billy Vunipola as the anthem rings round Twickenham.

The near 20-stone back rower looks in the mood, shall we say.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

On Danny Care leading the England team out before kick-off: "It will be a great moment for him.

"He's served his country very well and deserves the moment."

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England scrum-half Danny Care speaking to BBC Radio 5 live ahead of his 50th cap: "There's been a lot of ups and downs, but I've had some unbelievable times playing for England and I'm dying to get out there against South Africa.

"It will be one of the proudest moments of my career for my 50th cap.

"Every time I take the field, I want to play well for the team."

Scrum-half Danny Care leads England on to the pitch on the occasion of his 50th cap.

Not long now...

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

"It's a dreadful old sporting cliche, but this really does feel like a must-win game for both sides. England need to win to ensure that they seem on an upward trajectory rather than stalling, while after their chastening defeat last week in Dublin the Springboks need to revive their flagging autumn tour."

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"I guarantee you there will be a shriek at some point from me this afternoon about the officials as it's a certain Steve Walsh as referee.

"He has a bit of history with England it's fair to say.

"I don't know what it is, but he's certainly got a bee in his bonnet."

Other areas of concern would appear to be a lack of ball carriers in the back row - do Tom Wood and Chris Robshaw complement each other or are they too similar? - while captain Robshaw's decision-making was again called into question last weekend.

Taking a scrum rather than another tap penalty ate away precious time England did not have, and following on from questionable decisions in two games last November, doubts must remain as to his ability to make the right call under extreme pressure.

A huge roar. Fireworks. Kasabian blasting out of the PA system. Wales, led by Gethin Jenkins, have entered the arena. Almost show-time in Cardiff...

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"It will be fascinating to see how Wales approach today. Their whole philosophy is keeping the ball in the park but then you're running the risk against the Fijians - if you try to run the ball they smell blood. Wales need to be nice and compact in the opening 20 minutes then open up."

England once again field the make-shift centre partnership of Kyle Eastmond and Brad Barritt, and the latter is surely just keeping the shirt warm until Manu Tuilagi and Luther Burrell are fit again.

This is no disrespect to Barritt, who is an excellent defender, but England surely need a more dynamic attacking force at outside centre if they are to mix it with the very best.

BBC Radio 5 live

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer on BBC Radio 5 live: "I won't take anything away from Ireland after last week's defeat and this is a great England side.

"We played some great rugby, but didn't execute.

"I truly believe the game will be won and lost in the half-backs. I don't think today will have any bearing on the World Cup, today is going to be about today."

Vote - Rugby's hard men

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All Black Wayne "Buck" Shelford entered the annals of rugby toughness when he carried on playing despite suffering an eye-wateringly painful injury while playing against France in 1986. We'll spare you the details here, but the link will tell you exactly how tough Shelford was...

This is a big match for England, and not just because games against the Boks always are.

With a home World Cup less than a year away England need to convince themselves and their followers that they will be serious contenders.

Four defeats in a row against world champions New Zealand in their last four games is no disgrace, but it's also not the form of potential World Cup winners, so victory today against South Africa - ranked second in the world - would be a real boost for Stuart Lancaster's men.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"For Wales, their execution will be crucial. It has to be good, no loose passes and when the opportunities come they have to finish them off.

"They have made a lot of changes but it is still a very good side. This is a really important game, and they must play with passion as well as executing their chances."

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Ed Stevens: Come on England, Let's Focus! This game is going to be a war. A huge physical contest. #swinglow #England

Peter Heal: Fiji will not have an answer for Wales today, Wales showed enough last week to make me believe their pace will win through. Welsh win.

South Africa team news

Reuters

South Africa make five changes to their starting line-up from the side beaten by Ireland last weekend, although coach Heyneke Meyer insists the alterations are planned rotations.

The Springboks field a new half-back partnership, with fly-half Pat Lambie and inexperienced scrum-half Cobus Reinach replacing Handre Pollard and Francois Houggard.

Wing JP Pietersen (pictured) and flanker Schalk Burger come in for Cornal Hendricks and Teboho Mohoje respectively, while the other change sees the mobile Adriaan Strauss chosen ahead of the more physical Bismark du Plessis at hooker.

Fiji team news

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Plenty of familiar faces in the Fiji side, not least Ospreys fly-half Josh Matavesi.

Cornwall-born Matavesi makes his first start for the islanders since 2010 after overcoming a shoulder injury. He is one of five changes - all in the back division - from the side beaten 40-15 by France.

Leicester centre Vereniki Goneva makes his first Test start for two years after missing last weekend's match against France because of visa problems.

Wales team news

Head coach Warren Gatland decides to make eight changes to the side which was edged out by Australia. But any Fijians thinking it is a 'weak' side might want to think again - there are still eight British and Irish Lions packed into the XV.

Gethin Jenkins captains the side from loose-head prop, with Justin Tipuric replacing the rested Sam Warburton at No.8.

Mike Phillips and Rhys Priestland are the half-backs, while Scott Williams recovers from a hamstring strain to partner Jamie Roberts at centre.

Line-ups

Wales: L Williams, A Cuthbert, S Williams, J Roberts, G North, R Priestland, M Phillips; G Jenkins (captain), S Baldwin, S Lee, B Davies, L Charteris, D Lydiate, J Tipuric, T Faletau.

Replacements: E Phillips, N Smith, R Jones, A W Jones, J King, R Williams, J Hook, C Allen.

Fiji: M Talebula, W Nayacalevu, V Goneva, N Nadolo, A Tikoirotuma, J Matavesi, N Matawalu; C Ma'afu, S Koto, 3 Saulo, M Nakarawa, A Ratuniyarawa, D Waqaniburotu, M Matadigo, A Qera (captain),

Replacements: T Talemaitoga, J Yanuyanutawa, I Colati, T Cavubati, M Ravulo, H Seniloli, J Ralulu, T Nagusa.

Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)

Lewis Moody

Former England captain on BBC Radio 5 live

"You know if you win against South Africa, you know you've thoroughly deserved it. As a forward, there will be nothing left in the tank by the final whistle.

"It's set to be a brutal contest and a wounded South Africa side after last week's defeat by Ireland will be some force to take on.

"They will bludgeon you into submission unless you give it back to them. I'm gutted not to be out there myself this afternoon."

Just the one change for England after last weekend's 24-21 defeat by the All Blacks, and that is injury-enforced.

Bath flyer Anthony Watson, still only 20, makes the first of what will surely be many Test starts in place of the unlucky Semesa Rokoduguni, who came off injured after an hour of his debut last weekend.

Millennium magic

Gareth Roberts

BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

"It's a family-friendly day at Millennium Stadium with ticket prices aimed at that section of the Welsh fan base. It can mean only one thing - the vuvuzela chorus is getting louder and louder as kick-off approaches."

Line-ups

England: M Brown (Harlequins); A Watson (Bath), B Barritt (Saracens), K Eastmond (Bath), J May (Gloucester); O Farrell (Saracens), D Care (Harlequins); J Marler (Harlequins), D Hartley (Northampton), D Wilson (Bath), D Attwood (Bath), C Lawes (Northampton), T Wood (Northampton), C Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), B Vunipola (Saracens).

Replacements: R Webber (Bath), M Mullan (Wasps), K Brookes (Newcastle), G Kruis (Saracens), B Morgan (Gloucester), B Youngs (Leicester), G Ford (Bath), M Yarde (Harlequins).

South Africa: W le Roux; J P Pietersen, J Serfontein, J de Villiers (capt), B Habana; P Lambie, C Reinach; T Mtawarira, A Strauss, J du Plessis, E Etzebeth, V Matfield, M Coetzee, S Burger, D Vermeulen.

Replacements: B du Plessis, T Nyakane, C Oosthuizen, B Botha, T Mohoje, F Hougaard, H Pollard, C Hendricks.

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia).

Assistant referees: Jerome Garces (France) and Nick Briant (New Zealand).

BBC coverage

As well as our wise words, there are other ways to keep up to speed with the action from Cardiff this afternoon.

BBC One's coverage has just started, where Gabby Logan will be joined by former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies, former England and Lions centre Jeremy Guscott and Nicky Little, whose 71 caps for Fiji included their memorable 38-34 win over Wales at the 2007 World Cup.

Alternatively, you can watch online or listen to BBC Radio Wales' coverage by choosing one of the tabs at the top of this page.

Fifty up for Care

@EnglandRugby

A special afternoon ahead for England scrum-half Danny Care as this tweet explains: @dannycare's shirt hangs in the dressing room. He's only the 3rd ENG No.9 to reach 50 caps today #honour #ENGvSA

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Ryan Jones Twitter

Wales and Bristol back rower Ryan Jones is in a confident mood: "Never fails to fill me with a childlike excitement! #walesby15"

Bleeding love for Jenkins

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We don't want to get stuck in 2007 - not least because it was a time when Leona Lewis ruled the UK charts.

But let's just revisit that night in Nantes again. Because for those Welshmen present, it still hurts. Gethin Jenkins, who will lead Wales out at the Millennium Stadium shortly, is the sole survivor from that shattering World Cup defeat.

"It was a downpoint in my career and in that of everyone who played, but Saturday is a chance to beat Fiji on our own patch," says the Cardiff Blues prop.

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South Africa pride themselves on being the Rainbow Nation and their fans certainly look the part, decked out in the colours of the national flag at Twickenham.

Half an hour to kick-off now, team news up shortly.

Major influence

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South African golfer Ernie Els, a four-time major champion, handed out the jerseys and gave the Springboks a pep talk ahead of the match.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "As one of their biggest fans, it's a great honour to be here.

"England had a tough game last week and will want to prove something, but these Springboks guys won't want to lose two in a row, so it's going to be a fierce game."

Stage set

Chris Jones

BBC Radio 5 live reporter at the Millennium Stadium

BBC Sport

Roof (almost) closed at the Millennium. Updates Wales v Fiji on @bbc5live during commentary of England v South Africa

BBC Radio 5 live

If you want to listen to 5 live's commentary from Twickenham, just click on the live coverage tab at the top of this post and it will give you the full smorgasbord of our offerings today.

No live TV pics I'm afraid - we have Wales v Fiji though - but you can catch full highlights of England v the Boks from 19:30 on BBC Three, plus we'll have highlights on the website and app too.

Jiffy's prediction

Gareth Roberts

BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

As he headed to his seat in the commentary gantry, Scrum V and BBC dual-code pundit Jonathan Davies offered this prediction: "Wales by 20." We'll see...

Wales angered by booing

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One Welsh player who, on occasions, may not have been excited to play at the Millennium Stadium is fly-half Rhys Priestland.

The Scarlets man has struggled for form and confidence in the past, which led to jeers from a section of the Welsh support when he replaced Dan Biggar against the Aussies last week. Luckily two bruisers in the shapes of Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards have 'got his back'.

"You boo one of us, you boo all of us," growled defence coach Edwards. "If you boo Rhys Priestland, you boo myself, you boo Warren Gatland, you boo the Welsh jersey."

Ready for action

BBC Radio 5 live

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BBC Radio 5 live tweets: #ENG coach Stuart Lancaster says there's been a 'step up in intensity' ahead of facing #SA Comms at 2.30pm

On the field South Africa consistently remain one of the best teams in the world, bettered both historically and currently by only the All Blacks.

But off the field the Springboks encounter issues unique to a nation that was governed under the yoke of apartheid until 20 years ago.

In a country where the vast majority of inhabitants are non-White their team remains dominated by players with European ancestry, and talk of transformation, or the lack of it, is never far away.

Our chief sports writer Tom Fordyce has been finding out why some South Africans will always support the All Blacks instead.

Opportunity knocks for Wales

In fact, I'm sure Gatland will settle for any kind of win. Wales have lost their last three Tests after going down 33-28 to Australia in last weekend's Autumn opener and they badly need to build some momentum ahead of next week. Next week? When the *gulp* All Blacks roll into town.

So today, at the risk of sounding like Bob Monkhouse, opportunity knocks for the Welsh boys.

"Those playing are probably thinking a good performance is going to put them in the front seat for selection against the All Blacks," says Gatland. "From that point of view you must be excited as a player."

Warren G regulates Wales

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Graham Dewes' try (the only score of his international career by the way) had huge implications - for Wales that is. Coach Gareth Jenkins was given the boot after the loss and his demise paved the way for Warren Gatland. The same Warren Gatland who has since masterminded one of the most successful periods in Welsh rugby.

Unsurprisingly, the New Zealander was dismissive of any pre-match talk harping back to that 2007 defeat. Instead he preferred to talk about the 66-0 thrashing of the Pacific Islanders in their last meeting at the 2011 World Cup. Sure he'd settle for a repeat of that scoreline today…

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John McEnerney: SA are gonna unleash The Abokalypse on Eng, super physical contest. SA won't be slow starters this week, Eng will feel the Boklash

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Tom in Swindon: England to win, the Irish opened the door, now time for us to knock the door down completely..... Scottish fans should just enjoy watching the All Blacks because that's the only enjoyment they are going to get today .....

The expert's view

South Africa ended New Zealand's 22-match unbeaten run a few weeks ago but they will go into Saturday's encounter on the back of a 29-15 defeat by Ireland last weekend.

The Irish never let their bigger, more powerful opponents settle and former England and Lions centre Jeremy Guscott, now a BBC Sport pundit, says in his pre-match analysis for the BBC Sport website that England will need to up the tempo and be inventive to beat the Boks.

Vote - rugby's hard men

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As you can see, our poll on the hardest player in world rugby today is up and running, but remembering tough guys of yesteryear how about Wade Dooley? The Preston Grasshoppers lock forward was an enforcer in the England side for the best part of a decade, and played for the British and Irish Lions on their 1989 and 1993 tours to Australia and New Zealand.

After four defeats in a row against the best team in the world what a relief for England that they will face new opponents at Twickenham on Saturday.

Time to put the metaphorical feet up, hand the second string a run and give the fans a hatful of tries to cheer about surely?

Not a bit of it. After four consecutive Tests against the world champion All Blacks, Stuart Lancaster's men face a side who they have not beaten for 11 matches.

Sweet smell of revenge?

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Graham Dewes. If you're not a rugby-loving Welshman then the chances are you may think he is your local car salesman. If you are a rugby-loving Welshman then you know exactly who Graham Dewes is.

Of course, he is the Fijian powerhouse prop who broke Welsh hearts at the 2007 World Cup, bullying his way over the line to put the islanders into the last-eight at Wales' expense.

Embarrassment for Wales. Unbridled joy for Fiji. And, over seven years later, those feelings still linger around this tie like the scent of a cheap perfume.

We'll be running a twin commentary system today for England v South Africa and Wales v Fiji.

I'll take you through the former, while Jonathan Jurejko will be your guide for the game at the Millennium.

So for those of you of a Welsh persuasion, it's over to you JJ...

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Injured England winger Semesa Rokoduguni tweets a message of support for his team-mates: @EnglandRugby good luck to england boys running out this afternoon!! Special mention to @anthonywatson_@YardeM@Dave_Wilson85 #1dart40!

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BBC Radio 5 live

BBC Sport

BBC Radio 5 Live tweet this picture: South Africa have arrived at Twickenham ahead of facing #ENG. Which team will come out on top? Comms from 2.30

Time for history?

Brian Moore

Former England hooker and BBC pundit

Scotland's first ever win v the All Blacks today or the familiar ending?

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Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

Mild early winter afternoon in SW London pre England v Springboks. Home win required to give sense of team progressing rather than stalling.

Coach's view

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC Sport

BBC Radio 5 live rugby producer Ed Marriage tweets this picture of Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer with @alastaireykyn. Hear him after 14:00 GMT on @bbc5live

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Have I been presumptuous though? Are Scottish fans convinced this is the day they will lower the All Blacks' colours? Do Wales and Ireland fans expect big wins come what may?

And what about you England supporters - confident your boys can finally win against the second best team in the world, the Springboks?

You can put me to rights, or even (heaven forbid) agree with me, via the power of social media via #bbcrugby or 81111 on text, or our Facebook and Google+ pages.

And if Philae - the little probe that could - can get in touch from over 300m miles away to say hi from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, then you have no excuse not to put digit to keypad.

Normally you'd consider Wales and Ireland's matches to be good opportunities to chalk up morale-boosting wins, but given that Fiji beat the Welsh at the 2007 World Cup and Georgia gave Ireland an almighty scare at the same tournament, there will be a few nervous Celtic fans today.

Scottish fans wouldn't be so presumptuous as to be nervous about facing New Zealand, because they will no doubt have accepted the inevitability of their defeat already (a played 29, lost 27, drawn 2 record will do that to even the most giddily optimistic of people).

That means the most intriguing match of the weekend sees England welcome South Africa to Twickenham, and that most physical of encounters will be our main focus in the first half of the afternoon.

I write, of course, of the All Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies, perennially the top three sides in the world and back once more to show the northern hemisphere how to play rugby.

This weekend only two of the big three are in the British Isles as Australia are off playing France.

That means Scotland get the honour of facing the All Blacks and England host South Africa, while Wales and Ireland face Fiji and Georgia respectively, the latter match taking place on Sunday.

Afternoon everyone

Carried in by helpful winds, every autumn we welcome distant migrants, not seen for many moons, back once more to these muddy shores.

Those from the north come to forage and slumber.

But those from the south come to pillage and plunder.

Makes the damp, dark days bearable, don't you think?