Autumn Tests as they happened

1. Result: England 21-24 New Zealand
2. Result: Wales 28-33 Australia
3. Result: Scotland 41-31 Argentina
4. Result: Ireland 29-15 South Africa

Right, time to take this ship to harbour. But, before we do that, we dish out the day's big awards.

Man of the day: Joe Schmidt - the magic that kept Leinster at the top of the European game is bubbling to the surface with Ireland.

Moment of the day: Jonny May rounding Conrad Smith and Israel Dagg - he was picked out as the weak link in the England team by some commentators, but he left two of the world champions' crown jewels flapping at thin air for England's opening try.

Villain of the day: Wales's inability to hold on to a late lead - Warren Gatland's men led at 70 minutes, just as they have in four of their last five meetings with Australia. On each occasion they have lost.

Dancemove of the day: Rob Harley breaking it down MC Hammer style while in the sin-bin. What a way to serve out your 10-minute sentence.

PA

Wales reaction

Wales centre Jamie Roberts tweets: Cheers for the Birthday wishes everyone - Gutted with the result. Close but no cigar. Congrats to the Oz lads

England v New Zealand reaction

New Zealand full-back Israel Dagg tweets: That was a hell of a test match... proud of the @AllBlacks men tonight showed some grit... #recoverymode all starts again tomorrow

Wales reaction

PA

Wales are set to call a fly-half into their squad to cover Dan Biggar's likely absence from at least next Saturday's clash with Fiji in Cardiff.

Biggar was replaced by Rhys Priestland after the break and has a suspected groin strain.

"We need to sit down as a group and bring another 10 in next week so we'll make a decision on that at some stage," said coach Warren Gatland.

Wales could also be without full-back Leigh Halfpenny who will be assessed for concussion in the coming days

Gatland: "He's got a bit of a knock so it was precautionary. Dan Biggar looked like a groin strain, but we don't know how long it is."

Scotland reaction

Edinburgh's Tim Visser on Twitter: Outstanding performance by @Scotlandteam tonight. Back three, 9 and 10 in particular looked very sharp

New Zealand reaction

Reuters

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was pleased with the way his side dealt with the sin-binning of hooker Dane Coles midway through the second half.

The All Blacks took the numerical disadvantage in their stride, maintaining their stranglehold on the game and even adding a penalty.

"The reality is that we won the game in that 10 minutes," he said. "We reacted well, we dug in and won that period 3-0 and I think that hurt England a bit."

Captain Richie McCaw said: "I'm proud of the way the guys, after a slightly dodgy start, held our nerves, and got the points we needed in the second half.

"I'm especially happy, when it was really bucketing down, that we held the ball to get across the line."

England reaction

More from England head coach Stuart Lancaster:

"We've had one-and-a-half week's preparation and we've got young lads who are 20 and 21 years old making their debuts at Twickenham against the All Blacks -that's a positive," he said.

"The performance of the pack was excellent - it couldn't have been far off 100% line-out. We put a lot of pressure on their ball and there was some good rugby on show in the first half.

"We missed one opportunity in the first half which could have made a difference.

"We need to work on the accuracy of our kicking, the pressure we put on ourselves playing in and around our halfway line.

"When the weather turned New Zealand maximised that opportunity well and when the hooker was in the sin-bin they managed that well as well. We couldn't get the territory to get close to them in the second half."

Injured Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien on Twitter: Excellent performance delighted for the lads

England reaction

Reuters

Head coach Stuart Lancaster insists England are "not far away" from New Zealand despite his side's 24-21 defeat to the world champions.

"We've played them four times now this year and we haven't got the right result but we don't feel we're far away," Lancaster said.

"We've got some good players watching the game today so we'll keep our confidence and maintain the direction in which we're going."

Brothers Gray

PA

Here's one for the Gray family wall of fame. Brothers Richie and Jonny started together for their country for the first time today.

Wow. Test rugby is good fun isn't it? After watching the same old story with Wales, how refreshing that Ireland tore up the script.

The last match the Boks played saw them beat world champions New Zealand - only their second defeat in (what was then) 45 matches.

But even 15 QCs could not have mounted a defence as Ireland came up with today and it was that bodies-on-the-line commitment that laid the groundwork for their victory.

I'll be back next week, but big Mike Henson will have all the reaction for you up until eight.

Andy Burke

BBC Scotland at Murrayfield

"Scottish fans leaving Murrayfield in good spirits. Not often they've witnessed their team outscoring top level opposition by five tries to four. They'll need to tighten up the defence if they are to achieve that first-ever win over New Zealand next weekend though."

Get involved

Lewis Moody

Former England captain on BBC Three

Lewis Moody is providing analysis right now with Andrew Cotter on BBC Three with the highlights of England v New Zealand.

He's tweeted this picture: Good chat on @BBCSport. Tough loss for @EnglandRugby. Backlash from this SA game could make next week even harder.

@LewisMoody7

Bad news. You have just missed the World's Craziest Fools on BBC Three in which the A Team's Mr T tracks down everyone from dumb drivers to reckless teens.

Good news. If you tune in now you are just in time for highlights of England v New Zealand.

Every cloud and that.

Get involved #bbcrugby

Stewart Milligan: Great performance from the Irish. Can't remember the last time I saw such a great defensive display from the men in green!

Get involved

John McEnerney: the intensity Scot have brought to the table has been immense that's what Vern expects every game, he'll smile but not for long!

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Two

"I don't think they'll be a huge amount of changes next week.

"The substitutions came at the right time today when the game was starting to drift a bit.

"All the players should be relatively fresh after that, but they have to back up a great performance with another one next week."

There is definitely something smouldering in Scotland's belly as the players gather around to listen to Vern Cotter's debrief. The players then huddle up for the captain's thoughts from Greig Laidlaw.

New Zealand next week will be a real test of that growing optimism.

Get involved

DavidWSteel: Scotland score 41 points in a rugby international! It usually takes us the whole of the 6 Nations to notch that.

Full time score summary

Ireland (6)

Tries: Ruddock, Bowe

Pens: Sexton 3, Madigan. Cons: Sexton 2

South Africa (3)

Tries: Coetzee, Pietersen

Pens: Pollard. Cons: Pollard

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Euan Morrison: A few silly bits from us but I think overall we have a lot of positive's from the win. #scotland2015worldchampions

Full time score summary

Scotland (24)

Tries: R Gray, J Gray, Maitland, Hogg, Seymour

Pens: Laidlaw 2. Cons: Laidlaw 4, Weir

Argentina (10)

Tries: Desio, Ortega, Penalty try, Cubelli 2

Pens: Sanchez. Cons: Sanchez, Hernandez 3

PA

Scotland second row Richie Gray (pictured above right): "In very tough conditions we held onto the ball well. We were delighted with the first half and we have some things to work on from the second half."

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

"Ireland have been well worth this really fantastic victory. They really did confound the form book.

"They have had a lot of injuries and it was unclear if they were going to be able to compete with South Africa's power. But there was no precision with the ball from South Africa and Ireland were more savvy and kept the scoreboard ticking over."

Get involved #bbcrugby

Patrick McLaughlin: [Ireland coach Joe] Schmidt is a genius.

PD: Ireland show England how to play with intelligence against 14 men.

Graeme Hobbs: What a day of international rugby!

Sir Ian McGeechan

Former Lions and Scotland coach on BBC Two

"Scotland would've been looking for that ruthlessness in the second half to try and maintain momentum.

"It just felt like the game dropped a little when Scotland would've been keen to maintain it."

Getty Images

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw: "We played with loads of confidence. I enjoyed it today, with the forwards going forward it makes everything so much easier"

FULL-TIME

CONVERSION

The last kick of the game.

FULL-TIME

PA

With 15 minutes left, the visitors only trailing by six points and the momentum swinging in their favour, it looked as though South Africa might fight back and claim victory.

But then Adriaan Strauss made contact with big air specialist Rob Kearney as he jumped for a hanging kick, referee Romain Poite flourished a yellow card, and Ireland took full advantage.

Suddenly their attack showed the same teeth as their defence and by the end they were in total control.

TRY (Pietersen)

The last word goes to the Springboks as Willie Le Roux's trickery and acceleration gives JP Pietersen a free run to the line.

TRY

A ridiculous try to concede. Duncan Weir runs a penalty from his own line, his team-mates don't realise that is the plan and the ball is turned over. Tomas Cubelli, who has been bright since he came on, returns it with interest.

Argentina are piling on the late pressure, but a great cover tackle from Mark Bennett turns over the ball on his own line.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

"South Africa have not raised their game at all tonight and have come off second-best in all areas, apart from maybe the scrum.

"Before the yellow card South Africa had the momentum. Would they have gone on and won the game? We'll never know."

PENALTY (Madigan)

This is turning into a romp - just how expensive has that yellow card proved to be.

Ian Madigan with the penalty this time.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"It's been a really strange second half.

"Scotland have scored two tries but the backs have hardly touched the ball.

"It's not been as free-flowing as the first half, but the stats are the reverse."

CONVERSION

Juan Martin Hernandez slots the conversion. Loads of points, but zero tension at Murrayfield since the break.

The Irish defence is the sort of thing that inspires sports writers to hyperbole. Look up relentless in the dictionary and there's a picture of Paul O'Connell. Ferocious? Peter O'Mahony. Tremendous? The whole bally lot of them.

TRY

Replacement scrum-half Tomas Cubelli goes superman, throwing a dummy before flinging himself over the top of a heap of bodies to score.

He just about grounds it and Argentina have third try. It has been a funny old second half.

SIN BIN

Jim Hamilton's appearance of the bench is a short cameo. He has been dispatched back there after getting caught the wrong side.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

"That was a rehearsed move, because Ireland brought the ball into the middle of the pitch and Tommy Bowe stayed on the wing. It was really, really well executed and I think that's the game."

Conversion

Regulation conversion from Duncan Weir.

TRY (Bowe, con Sexton)

Absolute class. Jonathan Sexton runs hard and steps inside his man to get the hosts on the prowl.

From the ruck Conor Murray clips over a pin-point box kick and Tommy Bowe wins the race to claim the ball and score. Textbook.

Sexton converts and mine's a pint of Guinness.

TRY

AFP

Argentina turn the gun on their own foot. Juan Martin Hernandez's long mis-pass is snaffled by Tommy Seymour as they attempt to play out of their own 22. It is a stroll over.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC Two

"That's going to give Vern Cotter's team a bit to talk about in terms of where they need to improve.

"They've conceded a bit of the initiative tactically by allowing Argentina to play a bit more in this second half.

"They'll want to wrestle that back before full time."

Conversion

Argentina snap a drop-goal conversion. Ten minutes to go. Surely not?

TRY

Scotland had been warned. After a series of set-piece infringements in the shadow of their own posts they wheel a scrum round to exhaust Wayne Barnes' patience. Penalty try.

PENALTY (Sexton)

Jonathan Sexton pins the Boks back to within five metres of their line and Peter O'Mahony then earns a turnover at the resulting line-out.

Ireland go on the attack, the Boks fail to release at a ruck and Sexton strokes the ball between the sticks.

The lead is now more than a converted try, they hosts are a man up and the wind is beneath their wings.

Ireland can do this. Ireland should do this. Ireland will do this.

Reuters

Another two changes from Scotland who replace Richie Gray with Jim Hamilton and Alasdair Dickinson with Gordon Reid.

SIN BIN (A Strauss)

Big, big call from referee Romain Poite.

Replacement Bok hooker Adriaan Strauss clips Rob Kearney in the air as the full-back takes yet another commanding catch from a swirling high kick.

It's not much contact but Poite is unhappy with the general South African discipline following Duane Vermuelan's high tackle a couple of minutes ago, and Strauss is in the sin bin.

Get involved

Lewis Roberts: This Scotland team clearly had their porridge this morning. Loving the number of tries, could get used to this

Rob Harley is keeping warm during his sin-binning by doing an 80s 'running man' dance on the sidelines.

That could be an extended sentence from Wayne Barnes if he spots it.

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AFP

Euan Morrison: Greg Laidlaw has had a blinder.

REPLACEMENT

A slew of changes from Scotland. Scott Lawson, Henry Pygros and Duncan Weir on, Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw and Ross Ford off.

NO TRY

It is a double movement from Tomas Lavanini. If he showed a little patience, one of his team-mates would have been over.

TRY REVIEW

Argentina have bundled over from short range. But the score has been sent upstairs to pick out what actually happened with bodies all over the shop.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC Two

"I think that's very harsh and I don't agree with that at all.

"We see that a lot now in international rugby where the lifters at the line-out aren't paying full attention and they just let their jumpers go.

"That's what I think happened there."

SIN-BIN - Rob Harley

Leonardo Senatore comes crashing back down to earth at the tail of a lineout. What was the cause of the subsidence?

Well, Wayne Barnes is suspicious. The referee gets a video review and decided that Rob Harley has taken out one of his lifters. It looks like a tough call, but Harley is going to the bin for 10 minutes.

PENALTY (Sexton)

PA

Oh ye of little faith.

Duane Vermeulen can only halt a Jamie Heaslip carry with a high tackle and up steps Jonathan Sexton.

The fly-half has missed the odd pressure kick for Ireland before - New Zealand 2013 anyone? - but he makes no mistake with this one and Ireland have a precious six point lead.

Twenty minutes to hold on for Ireland, but you can't hold on for that long.

Somehow Ireland have to lift themselves and take the game back to the Boks. Easy to say that sitting here, and Denis Hickie warned us at the start that the visitors have the stronger bench and that it might make the difference.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"Scotland have had to defend for the last 10 minutes.

"They not conceded, weathered the storm and then gone up the other end to add three more points.

"That's really encouraging and builds momentum."

PENALTY

After Stuart Hogg's miss, Greig Laidlaw wins the right to take a shot from 46m out and on an angle. I think that might be him on the kicking duties for the rest of the match.

A mighty hoof just about creeps over the crossbar.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

"Ireland's defence completely disintegrated and South Africa made scoring that try look very easy. Now, the scoreboard doesn't tell the whole story. Ireland are still ahead but in the last few minutes the momentum has swung decisively behind South Africa. Ireland must score next, even a penalty, to stay in the game."

REPLACEMENT

The first change of the night from Scotland as Blair Cowan makes way for Alasdair Strokosch.

Tomas Lavanini attempts to steamroller through some hard yards. Scotland are hunting in packs though. Finn Russell goes low, Alex Dunbar goes high and between them they force the second row to spill forward.

TRY (Coetzee, con Pollard)

So, great decision it is then.

Someone must have called "bundle" as that's exactly what the Boks launch, and great seething mass of bodies sending Marcell Coetzee surging over the line and leaving a fairly simple conversion for Handre Pollard.

Jack McGrath is pinged at the scrum and South Africa kick the penalty to the corner rather than go for goal - great decision if they score.

If not, well...

Get involved #bbcrugby

John McEnerney: Great start by Ireland, now time two keep the foot on the gas and not let South Africa unleash the Abokalypse. If that happens, we're in trouble!

Ollie Castle: Great pressure from Ireland, defiantly the dominant team. South Africa having to make changes.

The number seven scavenger role has been a hard one today. After Richie McCaw was pinged a few times earlier today, Wayne Barnes gets stuck into Scotland's forwards as they try to seal off a ruck.

With the clock and the scoreboard against them, Argentina tap and go from the penalty.

That was like watching a harassed parent pushing a fully laden shopping trolley, such was the speed Ireland went backwards at that scrum.

The Boks win it against the head and set off on the attack but they cannot break down the Ireland defence - total commitment from the hosts.

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PA

Alex Begg: Most exciting/clinical rugby I've seen @Scotlandteam play in forever. 40 more please.

Fraser Morgan: Only thing missing is flowing play from backs. Been all forwards and quick taps from Scotland so far #backingblue

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

PA

"More brilliant awareness there from scrum-half Greig Laidlaw.

"He went to the space vacated by the Argentine defence and then it was all about Hogg's pace to get to the corner."

Argentina have been playing disjointed, aimless, meandering rugby. They finished third at the 2007 World Cup. You would not put a whole heap on them repeating the trick next year.

CONVERSION

Greig Laidlaw keeps the scoreboard ticking with a well-struck conversion.

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Ryan Judson: This Ireland outfit is very impressive, and Sexton just gets better and better. Best 10 around at the moment perhaps?

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Andrew Priestley: Great from Ireland! Great kick, chase and take from Bowe, excellent tactical kick from Henshaw and a brilliant driving maul try.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

"Great start to this half from Ireland, although there's an awful lot of rugby still to be played. But an ideal start to the second period if you're Irish, and terrible if you're a South African."

TRY

AP

Four tries and, if there was a bonus point, Scotland would have it bagged.

Nicolas Sanchez, the Argentina 10, goes walkabout, circling round a ruck when the ball is not out. He leaves a gaping gap on the fringe which Greig Laidlaw is through like the proverbial rat down the drainpipe. Stuart Hogg bursts up to support his skipper and gets his reward with an offload and saunter into the corner.

Argentina had not been able to get the likes of Juan Martin Hernandez up and running in the first half. The Pumas show a little more ambition early in the second though, offloading out of tackles and trying to prise open a solid Scotland defence.

TRY (Ruddock, con Sexton)

And that start just got even better...

Ireland win the line-out, shift the drive and Rhys Ruddock explodes through the Boks and plunges over.

Jonathan Sexton converts from wide out and a 10-point lead in a tight game suddenly looks very pretty indeed.

MISSED PENALTY

Argentina make a mess of the resulting scrum however, their front row heading nose first for the turf.

Penalty Scotland and, from the angle and with plenty of distance to make up, Stuart Hogg is going to have a pop.

Nope, well wide from the full-back's boot.

We're back. A soaring take from Tommy Bowe gets Ireland on the front foot and a Robbie Henshaw kick earns them an attacking line-out. Great start from Ireland to the second half.

KICK-OFF

Finn Russell's attempt at a sneaky low drop-out for Sean Maitland almost comes of, but the Scotland winger fails to gather.

Elsewhere in Europe

@sergioparisse

There has been international rugby going on elsewhere in the northern hemisphere today.

Italy have recorded a 24-13 win over Samoa that was only slightly overshadowed by the discovery that Sergio Parisse owns some sort of special selfie-taking tripod.

Elsewhere Racing Metro winger Teddy Thomas has scored a hat-trick on debut with France 40-8 to the good in the last 10 minutes of their meeting with Fiji.

Tonga have beaten Georgia 23-9 in Tbilisi as well.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"From a South African perspective they will note the progress they've made during the half and will want to kick on and dominate. Ireland's scramble defence has been fantastic but it will be hard for them to sustain it for another 40 minutes.

"There won't be too much panic in the South African dressing room. Ireland have a pretty callow team, a brand new centre partnership and some very inexperienced guys up front, yet they have played very well against what has been an all-conquering South Africa side."

Half-time score summary

Ireland

Pens: Sexton 2

South Africa

Pen: Pollard

HALF-TIME

Getty Images

We've had some spectacular tries and plenty of thrilling running rugby today, but this match is an altogether gamier dish, one packed with meaty, brutal defence and seasoned with handfuls of ferocity.

It may not be to everyone's taste but it is a compelling belly-filler of a match, the sort of game that leaves you in a coma on the sofa.

No quarter asked, none given. More gravy please, this is a proper Test match.

Half-time score summary

Scotland

Tries: R Gray (5), J Gray (22), Maitland (24)

Pens: Laidlaw. Cons: Laidlaw 3

Argentina

Tries: Desio (2)

Pens: Sanchez. Cons: Sanchez

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

PA

"Very good first half from Scotland.

"They've done the basics very well and after conceding a try so early, it's been a very, very satisfactory first 40 minutes."

HALF-TIME

Well, another 40 minutes of that and the Murrayfield turnstiles will be clicking a little more frequently next weekend.

Lots of enterprise and invention with Scotland playing at a relentless pace.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC Two

"You can see elements of Argentine indiscipline when they start dragging down mauls."

MISSED PENALTY

Ay, ay. Trouble up mill. Argentina's Tomas Lavanini has flown into a ruck, hard and late. Penalty to Scotland and Wayne Barnes could have been kenneling one of the visitors for that.

As it is he just awards the penalty. Greig Laidlaw cannot land the three points on offer though.

PENALTY (Pollard)

Getty Images

They've been word perfect in defence so far, but Ireland are penalised as Paul O'Connell goes off his feet at a ruck after Handre Pollard is swallowed up by the hosts, and the fly-half picks himself up to slot the penalty.

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Fergus Critchley: Haven't seen this kind of rugby from Scotland in 10 minutes unless watching a highlights clip on YouTube!

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Andrew Cotter

BBC Sport commentator

So the news from Murrayfield seems to be that Scotland are playing very well against Argentina. And it's scaring people.

MISSED PENALTY

Richie Gray's attempt to tackle his man slips up towards the Argentine's neck. As it tends to when you are six foot 10 or so.

Penalty says Wayne Barnes, while keeping his cards in his pocket. Nicolas Sanchez cannot exact any more punishment though. His kick hooks wide like a weekend hacker on the links.

The Ireland defence getting stuck in like it's the New Year sales.

Every South Africa attempt is met with a concerted fury that is sucking the life out of the big Bok ball carriers.

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Graeme Donaldson: What is Vern Cotter doing? I much preferred it when we spent 75 minutes frustratingly trying to score. More attrition please

Neil Greening: Finally getting rid of the try scoring phobia. Well done Scotland!

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC Two

"Argentina have got to keep their discipline here.

"If they don't - I can really see Scotland building a big lead here."

PENALTY

Has it got the legs? It has! Up pop the flags.

Argentina are not doing themselves any favours here. Clean ball in midfield and they look like they have the Scots going back. But Facundo Isa has come in the side in his attempt to accelerate the ball back to the scrum-half.

Penalty Scotland and this is just about pot-able for Greig Laidlaw.

Andy Burke

BBC Scotland at Murrayfield

"Murrayfield may only be two-thirds full but the place is rocking at the moment. Three tries and the promise of more has the Scottish crowd on the edge of their seats. Vern Cotter's new Scotland being very well received up to this point."

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Tom Dickson: Erm, 3 tries in 25 minutes. Am I dreaming?

Do not adjust your set.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"Vern Cotter's given them the licence to play and that's exactly what Maitland did there.

"Great drive and upper body strength to force a turn over and quick thinking from Greg Laidlaw.

"Then a great pass right into Maitland's path to run over for the try."

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Sean: Boks their own worst enemy right now. Tryline fever?

CONVERSION

Greig Laidlaw has been neat and tidy off the tee and his side are making hay during Juan Imhoff's sin bin. I think the Argentine would have been better letting Tommy Seymour run past him, even if it came at the cost of seven points.

TRY

PA

That is what was promised in the Vern Cotter brochure. Greig Laidlaw has licence to tap and go as Wayne Barnes awards a penalty deep in Scotland's half. The scrum-half is off, slaloming between retreating defenders, and a half-break becomes a full one. He slings the pass wide to the left wing where Sean Maitland gathers and presses the gas to beat the tattered cover.

CONVERSION

Greig Laidlaw swings his right peg and Scotland push out to four points.

Huge scrummage from the South Africa pack wins a penalty and they kick to the corner. Good position for the Boks this, but Ireland throw themselves at the resulting rolling maul and win the turnover.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"What a start to the game for the Gray brothers.

"It was almost Richie Gray-esque that try from Jonny there.

"Great try."

TRY

PA

Whatever your big brother does you tend to copy. Jonny Gray lives up to the template, slithering past his man and over to put Scotland ahead for the first time in the match.

SIN-BIN

Scotland secure a turnover of their own but a promising attack is brought to an end as Tommy Seymour's attempt to chase his own kick is halted by a blatant body check from Juan Imhoff.

He will have ten minutes in the bin to consider what he has done.

PENALTY (Sexton)

But anything Willie Le Roux can do, Ireland full-back Rob Kearney can do too.

It is his break through the Boks' midfield that sets up the position for Jonathan Sexton to take the lead out to 6-0 as the visitors infringe.

In an age of gym-honed monsters, 17-stone centres and 6ft 5in full-backs, South Africa 15 Willie Le Roux is a throw-back to the black and white era.

He weighs about 13 stone wet through but he is having another superb match and sparks a threatening attack with a soaring catch followed by a weaving 40m run that takes him past about five defenders.

Scotland are up to within five metres but Greig Laidlaw is too quick for his own support. Argentine strip the ball and turn the tables with a break upfield of their own.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"Referee Wayne Barnes is getting frustrated as the front rows are not implementing what he told them before kick-off.

"Penalties will come."

There is some jiggery-pokery going on between the two front row. Wayne Barnes reads the riot act to the big lads as he resets another scrum. Nope. He has had enough. Free-kick Scotland and they tap and go from 25 metres out.

REPLACEMENT

Argentina are forced into a back row reshuffle as flanker Rodrigo Baez limps out of the fray and Facundo Isa comes on to make his debut as his replacement.

MISSED PENALTY (Pollard)

After the big build-up I gave him, Handre Pollard has just hoicked his first shot at goal badly wide.

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Dennis M: Argentina have ruined the best kit in world rugby

Kieran Alexander: 6500 miles away, but still supporting our lads! Cmon Scotland!

AP

I hear what you are saying Dennis. Give it a couple of years though, the fashion wheel will turn and they will be back out in a retro style one.

MISSED PENALTY

Greig Laidlaw lines up a shot at goal, but he has got his geometry a little askew.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC Two

"Scores have come from possessions and restarts pretty quickly.

"The scoring rate has been pretty high so Scotland will want a reply almost instantly here."

PENALTY

Bodies strewn across the pitch as a ruck disintegrates into chaos. Referee Wayne Barnes decides it was Scotladn who got the wrong side of the advantage line first. Nicolas Sanchez calls for the tee and wallops over a solid kick.

Stuart Hogg comes off his left foot and swats aside the flailing arms of an Argentine defender. He is the sort of runner who could beat his man in a phone box. Unfortunately for Scotland Mark Bennett makes a mess of his attempt to pick and go, spilling forward.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

"Ireland have started well. The analysis before this game is that in the last 20 minutes, when games are won, the South Africa bench is stronger than Ireland's. We shall see."

PENALTY (Sexton)

Ireland win a penalty as Jack McGrath gets the upper hand on Jannie Du Plessis at a scrum and Jonathan Sexton kicks the hosts into the lead.

CONVERSION

A superb stick-splitter from way out West from Greig Laidlaw pulls Scotland level.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"That was a very good reaction by Scotland to conceding an early try.

"Very simple play with numbers in the wider channels and it's a great example of what Richie Gray can do."

TRY

Getty Images

Scotland bounce back with an immediate response. Sean Maitland draws his man and Richie Gray is roaming outside him, showing a sniff of a pass to winger Manuel Montero who is only too pleased to buy the dummy. Gray shifts his angle inside and slides over.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC Two

"Scotland will want to get on top of this Argentine pack as much as they can when the ball gets loose.

"They just need to be patient in the 22 and maintain some composure."

Better from Scotland. Finn Russell is playing up on the back foot..

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"That's not the start Vern Cotter would've wanted, but now Scotland have got to react to it."

CONVERSION

Nicolas Sanchez adds another two points with a accurate boot from out by the touchline.

About as much atmosphere at Murrayfield as in deep space after that deflating start.

Get involved via #bbcrugby

Sanj: So confused... do the Irish have two national anthems?

Have a read of this BBC Sport explanation, Sanj. At home games at Lansdowne Road, Amhran na bhFiann (A Soldier's Song) is followed by Ireland's Call.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

"From an Irish perspective, I'm very excited to see the new centre combination of Robbie Henshaw [who starts at 12] and Jared Payne. I think the players will switch around a bit as to who plays 13."

Click here to listen to Radio 5 live commentary

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"A couple of great kicks from Scotland.

"Suddenly a big tackle goes in - there's a turn over and Ortega Desio runs the length of the field to score."

Ireland full-back Rob Kearney takes out South Africa counterpart Willie Le Roux in the air as he catches a hanging kick, but it is just a penalty to the visitors.

We're under way in Dublin and Bryan Habana is soon bundled into touch for the Boks.

TRY

AFP

Scotland looked like they were building nicely as Finn Russell put up a statospheric bomb and his team-mates chased hard. The hosts regained possession but Jonny Gray gives Greig Laidlaw a hospital pass, soft and loopy, and Manuel Montero flattens the scrum-half.

The ball spills loose and Javier Ortega Desio scoops up and scampers in from halfway, showing a good turn of pace.

KICK-OFF

The kick-off is safely gathered by the Scotland forwards and we are up and running.

"'Gainst who!"

A superb rendition of Flower of Scotland as the pipes dies away to let the crowd make their own way. Blair Cowan only just keep it together.

Kick-off next.

There are two world class fly-halves on show tonight in Ireland's Jonathan Sexton and his South Africa counterpart Handre Pollard.

The Springbok 10 is just 20 but is already being credited with transforming the traditionally forward-dominated Boks into a much more threatening outfit with all in hand.

Possessed of a booming boot and a running game to match, the youngster seems set to be a fixture on the Test scene for years to come.

The Argentina side, as ever, look like a set of men weaned straight to fillet steak.

A couple of British-based players to look for in their line-up. Centre Marcelo Bosch plys his trade with Saracens while captain Agustin Creevy and number eight Leonardo Senatore are Worcester Warriors.

The two teams are out at Murrayfield, lining up to face the main stand and observe a minute's silence ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Andy Burke

BBC Scotland at Murrayfield

"A wet afternoon in Edinburgh and in very recent times that would've made for a rather poor spectacle at Murrayfield with the pitch breaking up badly.

"However, we hope the never-ending scrums resets are a thing of the past now that the home of Scottish rugby boasts a brand spanking new hybrid pitch which looks absolutely fantastic."

Sir Ian McGeechan

Former Lions and Scotland coach on BBC Two

"Richie Gray has to be a leader for Scotland in this team in the way he plays.

"He's a ball carrier and he's not an easy man to tackle when he gets in those positions."

TEAM NEWS

Scotland: 15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Sean Maitland, 13-Mark Bennett, 12-Alex Dunbar, 11-Tommy Seymour, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Greig Laidlaw (capt); 1-Alasdair Dickinson, 2-Ross Ford, 3-Euan Murray, 4-Richie Gray, 5-Jonny Gray, 6-Rob Harley, 7-Blair Cowan, 8-Adam Ashe

Replacements: 16-Scott Lawson, 17-Gordon Reid, 18-Geoff Cross, 19-Jim Hamilton, 20-Alasdair Strokosch, 21-Henry Pyrgos, 22-Duncan Weir, 23-Sean Lamont

Argentina : 15-Joaquin Tuculet, 14-Juan Imhoff, 13-Marcelo Bosch, 12-Juan Martin Hernandez, 11-Manuel Montero, 10-Nicolas Sanchez, 9-Martin Landajo; 1-Marcos Ayerza, 2-Agustin Creevy (captain), 3-Ramiro Herrera, 4-Tomas Lavanini, 5-Juan Cruz Guillemain, 6- Rodrigo Baez, 7-Javier Ortega Desio, 8-Leonardo Senatore.

Replacements: 16-Matias Cortese, 17-Lucas Noguera Paz, 18-Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19-Lucas Ponce, 20-Facundo Isa, 21-Tomas Cubelli, 22-Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23-Horacio Agulla

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Two

"New coach Vern Cotter will look to this first game as a big thing for him.

"I don't think we'll see too many changes over these coming games. He'll want to create a settled side.

"He'll be pumped and I think the players will be too."

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Scotland's back division, from 10 to 15, is an all Glasgow affair. And with good reason.

Gregor Townend's side are sitting pretty at second in the Pro 12 after just one defeat in their opening seven matches. A back three of Stuart Hogg, Sean Maitland and Tommy Seymour have plenty of gas and dancing feet to rival Michael Flatley.

Get involved

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

Join myself & Denis Hickie for #IRLvSA commentary on @bbc5live. Listen by clicking on the live tab at the top of this page to access the 5 live commentary.

BBC Sport

TEAM NEWS

Ireland: R Kearney; Bowe, Payne, Henshaw, Zebo; Sexton, Murray; McGrath, S Cronin, Ross, Toner, O'Connell, O'Mahony, Henry, Heaslip.

Replacements: Strauss, Kilcoyne, Ah You, McCarthy, Ruddock, Reddan, Madigan, Jones.

South Africa: Le Roux; Hendricks, Serfontein, De Villiers, Habana; Pollard, Hougaard; Mtawarira, B du Plessis, J du Plessis, Etzebeth, Matfield, Coetzee, Mohoje, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Strauss, Nyakane, Oosthuizen, Botha, Burger, Reinach, Lambie, Pietersen.

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Overall Ireland's record against the Boks is not great, with just four wins in 21 attempts, but they won three in a row between 2004 and 2009 before losing the last two by a combined margin of six points.

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Right then, Ireland v the Springboks next up for me. Fancy coming along for the ride?

Some late Irish team news to report as flanker Chris Henry is a late withdrawal because of illness.

Leinster's Rhys Ruddock replaces Henry with Munster's Tommy O'Donnell drafted into the replacements.

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Victor Matfield was playing Mr Motivator for South Africa's team run at the Aviva Stadium last night.

If you want to see how he and the rest of the Boks get on against Ireland, BBC Radio 5 live is the place to tune into.

BBC Two have fired up with live coverage of Scotland v Argentina.

On the live text it will be Mike Henson on all things Murrayfield, James Standley reporting goings-on in Dublin.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Two

"The pitch had been a bit of an embarrassment over the last two years here.

"There's no excuses today for Scotland. Even though there's been some rain, it's set up for them."

Sir Ian McGeechan

Former Lions and Scotland coach on BBC Two

"The surface at Murrayfield looks fantastic and a real picture."

Getty Images

Vern Cotter's previous post saw him in charge of a Clermont Auvergne side who thrilled with the like of Wesley Fofana and Aurelien Rougerie.

If he is turning Scotland into something similar it might be a slow process.

The Scots won away, in less than convincing style, to United States, Canada and Argentina on their summer tour before taking a thrashing at the hands of South Africa.

PA

Spot what is wrong with this picture. Bagpipes in place? Check. A chilly Scottish autumn evening? Check.

But where is the usual Murrayfield quagmire? Scotland HQ has undergone a £1.25m hybrid surface refit so Vern Cotter has a perfect emerald carpet to make an entertaining home debut as Scotland boss.

Ignoring Fiji for the moment (and given they're every neutral's second team that isn't easy) here's a pointer to the size of the task facing Wales in their matches against New Zealand and South Africa - the two best teams in the world.

Since taking charge of Wales, head coach Warren Gatland has won only one of 26 matches (including today's) against the three southern hemisphere giants.

Sweet dreams Wales fans, and over to you Scotland and Ireland.

Get involved

Ed Reynolds: Lack of an out and out no.7 again coming back to haunt England. #ENGvNZL

Get involved

Brian Moore

Former England hooker

Have to admit to erring re Jonny May; fantastic first international try. Although it was close on the board the Blacks were much better.

Get involved

Injured England prop forward Alex Corbisiero tweets: Brave fight from @EnglandRugby , almost had it. Lessons to learn, onwards and upwards. Bring on the Boks

Never mind the line-outs won or lost, the turnovers pinched or conceded, I think the key stat from today was one that you could have found before kick-off.

New Zealand had 1,023 caps in their match-day squad to England's 437. They were more streetwise, more wily and just shut the game down to ensure that there was a big W on the board.

So the southern hemisphere giants come to town and show the northern hemisphere pretenders how to do it once again.

Next up for Wales are Fiji. They'll win that one won't they? What's that about the 2007 World Cup? Ah. Moving on.

After that come world champions New Zealand and the ever-physical South Africa. *gulp*

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England captain Chris Robshaw says that are positives to take from defeat, but admits that his team need to pick their places to play with the ball and where to kick.

Get involved

John M Butt: Eng players trained into the ground by November by the clubs. Eng out of wc by group stages

Louis Strong: Wrong decision for the scrums in the 77th minute. At least NZ gave England a lesson on how to play a 2nd half

Jonathan Chase: Our kicking against NZ isn't good enough - we just put it down their back three's throats and don't challenge.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"There are a lot of positives from the first half for England. Up until the last minute, England didn't score a point in the second half, they didn't get into the right areas. It was as if they stopped playing and New Zealand came on. They lacked the physicality and experience and the New Zealand bench told.

"I am confident that England can win in the World Cup against anyone. When the players are fit and the coach Stuart Lancaster works out what to do with the midfield. There is no question they can compete."

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw speaking to Sky Sports: "It felt like we had control for most of the game, bar those last few minutes. We are just happy that our last visit to Twickenham of the season is a win. Ten months is a long time in rugby though, we will have to see if it has any affect at the World Cup."

Full time score summary

England (14)

Tries: May, Penalty try

Pens: Farrell 3

Con: Ford

New Zealand (11)

Tries: Cruden, McCaw, Faumuina

Pens: Cruden 2 Barrett

FULL-TIME

Jonny May regains possession from the kick-off, but England's long journey upfield falters at the first as Chris Robshaw spills forward.

That is the final action of the match.

CONVERSION

George Ford snaps a drop-goal conversion. New Zealand stroll slowly upfield to restart the game. England will have one more play to get within sight of the sticks.

TRY

Nigel Owens finally goes between the sticks to punish the persistent infringements.

A third penalty against New Zealand. Ben Youngs taps and goes. The All Blacks are not back on their line. A fourth penalty. Chris Robshaw calls for a scrum. But all this whistle-peeping and scrum-setting has left him with no time left.

Matt Giteau

Former Australia international on BBC One

"The worst thing for Wales was they attacked well. They made small breaks and then when the ball was turned over, they were vulnerable.

"But, for Australia this was a tight game, which they were able to close out and that's only going to build character going forward."

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

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"You could see from early on the way Wales wanted to play - it was high tempo.

"But, there comes a point when you have to slow down and read the game situation.

"That's the difference between the top sides and the rest."

This needs to be swift. The clock is ticking as Nigel Owen sets the scrum.

Getty Images

Another penalty against New Zealand. The All Blacks were offside in midfield. Chris Robshaw calls his forwards together for a scrum.

Three minutes left.

England with a scrum up on the New Zealand 22 metres line. They put the push on, win a penalty and kick for the corner...

They need a try from this. They have yet to score this half...

Man of the match Bernard Foley speaking on BBC One after Australia's win against Wales: "It was a squad effort today.

"The guys were relentless in their efforts and it was a true team effort."

Full time score summary

Wales

Tries: Webb, Cuthbert, Jones, Penalty Try

Cons: Halfpenny 2, Biggar, Priestland

Australia

Tries: Folau 2, Kuridrani

Pens: Foley 3

Drop-goal: Foley

Cons: Foley 3

There for the taking. Again.

We've been here before Wales fans, it must be like being stuck in a nightmare version of Groundhog Day for the players.

In just under 11 months' time the two meet again, this time in the World Cup at Twickenham. Good time to end a 10-match losing streak I suppose.

MISSED CONVERSION

Beauden Barrett with another eyesore of a kick. That has been the one weakpoint of the world champions' game so far.

The rain is monsoon-style by the way. Dan Carter, on waterboy duties, looks like he has been on a dunking chair.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"The Wales players will be sick as dogs yet again.

"They did everything but put the points on the board.

"That was the one, it was there for the taking today for Wales."

Get involved

Dave Morgan: Can't give the other team so many points. Otherwise, pretty even match. #WALvAUS

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Too many individual errors in the first half from Wales just gifted Australia the lead.

"Then in the second half, it was a lack of composure.

"Australia went up the other end and took advantage."

TRY

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Lovely delicate hands from the big men. Patrick Tuipulotu thrusts to within two metres after a snap pass inside and then fellow subsititute Charlie Faumuina picks, goes and plunges over to all but kill the game off.

New Zealand are up to within five as Ben Smith burrows. This could be the knock-out punch...

England are being forced back, inch-by-inch, step-by-step, phase-by-phase. It looks like the Kiwi replacements are adding more muscle to their side than their England counterparts.

FULL-TIME

That's three penalties in a row from the Wallabies, but Wales move it wide and George North works up a head of steam on halfway.

He makes 15m but when he steps inside, the ball squirms out of his grasp and once again it is Australia who come out on top.

North slumps to his knees, spent physically and emotionally.

Wales are giving it one desperate last go, attacking from deep inside their own half as Australia infringe with impunity.

Get involved

Patrick Maughan: Think this game will be decided by who uses their bench best #ENGvNZ

Dane Coles' enforced time-out is over and we are back to 15-a-side. New Zealand won the preceding 10 minutes 3-0.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Bernard Foley has orchestrated this Australia side.

"Tempo, passes, when to bring other players in - he has just been the general today."

Get involved

Louis Emmerson: Poor conditions favour England's game. I predict a trademark dart over the line from Youngs to win it late. Have faith!

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Another break from Sonny Bill Williams, he is making a real nuisance of himself. He went selfishly for the try but still managed to recycle the ball. England were in allsorts of shambles."

PENALTY - Beauden Barrett

England's defence cut to ribbons by a barrelling run from Sonny Bill Williams. He should put his support in under the posts, but England's desperate defence just about drags him down short. Tom Wood has given away a penalty though, straying offside at the resulting ruck.

This time Beauden Barrett makes no mistake. The gap is up to five.

PENALTY (Foley)

Australia will indeed go for goal, which means Wales will have one minute to try and avoid a 10th straight defeat by the Wallabies.

And the seventh by less than a converted try.

Australia are slowing the pace down, happy to win penalties and force Wales to panic.

They kick deep into Welsh territory and will have the throw. They win it, Wales infringe and surely they will go for goal now.

REPLACEMENTS

Kyle Eastmond off. So George Ford comes on and Owen Farrell shuffles out into the centres.

MISSED PENALTY

A huge let-off for England. New Zealand have a very presentable penalty, but with the rain lashing and the wind howling, Beauden Barrett slashes his kick wide of the sticks. That could be big.

Get involved

Tam Asken: Well at least Wales didn't wait until the last minute to go behind...

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"That is absolutely perfect rugby.

"It was so efficient.

"It wasn't overly-exciting, just cool, calm and the man who has pulled the strings for Australia - Foley - just nudged it over the posts."

There are only three minutes left of England's power-play after Dane Coles' yellow card. They have wasted it so far.

REPLACEMENTS

Stuart Lancaster rings the changes. Off comes Semesa Rokoduguni and Danny Care. On comes Anthony Watson and Ben Youngs.

DROP-GOAL (Foley)

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Here we go again? Surely not.

Australia clinically work their way into position and Bernard Foley pops over a drop-goal with all the tension of a man picking up the morning paper.

Get involved

Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington tweets from Twickenham: Come on England!!!!!!!! #ENGvNZL @EnglandRugby amazing atmosphere here!!

@Beckadlington

So. for those of you not fully aware of the recent history between Wales and Australia, here's the stat that will make Welsh hearts beat just that little bit faster than they are already. If that is possible.

Wales have led Australia inside the last six minutes in three of the last four meetings between the two - and lost the lot.

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Sonny Bill Williams on the charge. Kyle Eastmond bravely throws himself in front of the All Black centre's wheels and the tourists give away the ball as it is recycled. Julian Savea loses his grip to allow England to clump it up field.

England are pinned down in their own corner as Beauden Barrett chips over the top, Semesa Rokoduguni gathers, but is carried over the whitewash by an enthusiastic chase.

New Zealand with a scrum five out. It might be Julian Savea on the rumble.

REPLACEMENTS

A double switch for New Zealand. Ben Franks is on for the cowboy-named Wyatt Crockett and Beauden Barrett is on for Aaron Cruden at 10.

Get involved

Tim Lawley: One point lead for Wales. What are the odds we'll keep it like this until 79th minute and then concede...

Wales are solid at a scrum in their own half and Rhys Priestland drills a fine scudding kick into touch midway inside the Australia half.

If Australia are going to score, Wales want to make sure they have to do it from deep.

Reuters

The heavens have opened over Twickenham. Greasy ball and an extra man up front. Up the jumper time for England for my money.

If there was one area Wales were expected to get the upper hand it was the scrum, which has been a weakness for the Wallabies for years.

They held out for five minutes but they looked under pressure and the penalty try had an air of inevitability.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Wahey, congratulations to Nigel Owens. It has only taken 10 minutes to reach the decision."

SIN BIN - Dane Coles

Nigel Owens decides the retaliation is not merited by the provocation and dispatches Dane Coles to the bin. England are a man up and two points down.

It is the two hookers who are the guilty parties. Dylan Hartley tugs the shirt of opposite number Dane Coles. Coles lashes out with his boot, catching Robshaw on the shin, sparking the melee. What is the punishment though?

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

PA

"The pressure just told in the end there from Wales.

"There was a little bit more of a pull on that last scrum.

"The big front five in the pack made sure and you can just see how much effort that took from them all with the puffing of cheeks that was happening as they walked back."

A spark point up near the England line. Danny Care is down and Chris Robshaw is incensed. Referee Owens is getting the video official to sort it out..

TRY (Penalty, con Priestland)

PA

Wales back in front.

Big congratulations to Samson Lee (he could only ever have been a prop) and co as they get the better of the Wallaby scrum.

Forget your fancy passing and dazzling running, this is proper northern hemisphere rugby here as Wales try and bully the Wallabies into conceding a penalty try.

We're right in the shadow of the sticks, vital moments here.

Twice the scrum goes down, but no fault either side says the referee and we'll pack down again.

This is a bloodsport out there.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"That is never on the line in a million years. Referee Nigel Owens has kept New Zealand happy by saying it is on the line and kept England happy by saying it is a knock on. He has taken himself completely out of the equation."

Click here to listen to Radio 5 live commentary

England look to have saved themselves, setting up a barricade of a ruck on their line. The ball is coming back the home side's way, but, in a lapse in concentration, it pop out behind the back foot. Sam Whitelock is first to react, steaming in to try and get downward pressure.

His attempt is sent upstairs and the video ref rules that he has knocked on. Scrum five and the pressure is still on England.

That's two penalties in a row to Wales at the scrum, one more and surely it will be a penalty try.

NO TRY

NO TRY. Australia held the ball up - great defence from Adam Ashley-Cooper and co to deny George North.

But it's a scrum five metres out for Wales.

PA

Kyle Eastmond's kick is charged down! England at sixes and sevens...desperate defence...

And just as I say that George North powers over from close range, but does he get the ball down? This will be up to the TMO. Try or no try?

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Australia are starting to put Wales under the cosh a bit and the hosts have conceded five penalties since the break - that's a pretty worrying stat for the Welsh.

Israel Folau confirms his all-round skills with a delightful flick pass over his head as George North threatens an interception.

Got to be said North's been quiet so far.

A change in the back row for England as Ben Morgan is allowed out for a rumble. Billy Vunipola is the man to make way.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Solid is Australia fly-half Bernard Foley. He does everything very, very well.

"He's had a very good game."

Get involved

Louis Strong: Half-time lead really meant nothing...NZ so good at turning on a switch which turns on their domination. Just looked too easy

Jonathan Chase: New Zealand look quite a bit more dangerous in attack than England at the moment.

REPLACEMENT

Ryan Crotty is on in place of Conrad Smith in the New Zealand midfield.

MISSED CONVERSION

Aaron Cruden butchers his attempt to add the extras, shanking an awful one wide and low.

PENALTY (Foley)

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That's a penalty to Australia, and after being well-disciplined in the first half the Welsh forwards are starting to be pinged at the ruck.

Bernard Foley will go for goal... and Australia now lead by six.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

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"England have lacked the forwards making metres and New Zealand have done just that in the middle of the field. England were panicking and scrambling, they got sucked in to the ball but the old stagers for New Zealand had so much width and options. It was a fantastic try, that was class to manipulate the opposition so well. A walk-in score."

SUBSTITUTION

Wales have brought on a big man of their own as the 6ft 3in scrum-half (that's huge for a number nine, they're the size of normal people usually) Mike Phillips enters the field to loud acclaim.

How big is Will Skelton? Well, he's smaller than the Eiffel Tower, but bigger than every person you've ever met in your entire life.

TRY

AP

It only takes one man to sell themselves cheap in defence for New Zealand to profit. England replacement second row George Kruis rushes up in search of a big hit on Sam Whitelock, but is taken out of the action by Aaron Cruden's cut-out pass. Owen Franks rumbles, his team-mates recycle and England are hopelessly exposed on the short side.

Richie McCaw has time to gather Israel Dagg's sloppy pass and flop over.

MISSED PENALTY

Aaron Cruden is right at the limits of his range. His kick bounces back off the upright and into the mitts of Dave Attwood. With the All Black hooves thundering up behind him the Bath second row dummies a pass, dips inside his man and canters up to gain another 20 metres.

Extraordinary scenes.

Get involved

Johnny McCormick: Biggar and Halfpenny both off for Wales. Priestland's kick % hasn't been great this year. Could be crucial

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"This a big change this for Australia as Will Skelton is massive and he carries balls in big offloads.

"Wales will have to pick his support runners on either side too."

Julian Savea sends Brad Barritt into a backward roll with a powerful shoulder barge as he runs back Owen Farrell's overcooked kick. That give New Zealand some momentum and they have a penalty just over halfway...

AP

Down to your third-choice kicker, your forwards are looking a little tired and you're trailing by three points a side you've lost to nine times in a row - anyone fancy those odds?

Scrum to Wales on the 10m in the Wallaby half. Can they work something - a penalty perhaps?

Oh, and Australia have brought on the 6ft 8in, 20-stone Will Skelton. This kid is an absolute giant, with the hands of a fly-half to boot.

KICK-OFF

AFP

Aaron Cruden gets the hostilities restarted.

The teams are back out at Twickenham. The New Zealanders have made a change in the second row with Patrick Tuipulotu on in place of Brodie Retallick.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"I'm sure they were thinking of bringing nine and 10 on off the bench at some point, but not this early in the game.

"Big test this now for Rhys Priestland."

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"The pace of the Welsh forwards has gone right down.

"It's now incredibly slow compared to the first half."

OUCH!

Dan Biggar is going off - looks like a groin injury... not good for Wales.

Rhys Priestland is on as the replacement fly-half.

From this...

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..to this in nine months.

AP

Jonny May deserves his first international try after a long wait punctuated with a broken nose.

Get involved

Alex Spicer: Alex Cuthbert's boots and socks combo make it look like he's that kid wearing school shoes to games lessons.

BBC Sport Wales' Gareth Roberts at the Millennium Stadium

"Wales go into the second half without full-back Leigh Halfpenny who failed to pass a concussion test after being replaced by Cory Allen, prompting a back division reshuffle. Allen has gone to centre and George North back to his familiar wing spot, with Liam Williams switching to his preferred full-back berth."

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"In the first couple of minutes, Wales give away two penalties there, having not given away any in the first half.

"It could be a crucial difference."

PENALTY (Foley)

A Wales penalty gives Bernard Foley a simple shot at goal and he edges the visitors back in front.

Australia coach Michael Cheika speaking on BBC One in the tunnel: "It's been not too bad for game one with a new system in place.

"We've attacked pretty well and if we can keep that going for 80 minutes, it'll be a case of who can last the pace."

We're back and it's Australia attacking inside the Wales 22.

This has been a rugby match as if directed by Hollywood's Michael Bay. Spectacular, lacking in any sort of narrative, wildly incoherent, highly entertaining and utterly preposterous, all it's missing is the massive gratuitous explosions.

A reminder that should you wish to watch this mindless blockbuster, click the play button at the top of this text or click on the live tab.

We'll be back for Rugby Apocalypse (part II) in a minute.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

"Tighter than a prop's shirt out there - England dominating the first quarter, New Zealand the second. With Courtney Lawes already off, you wonder already if the power and experience of the All Blacks replacements - Mealamu, Franks, Messam, Barrett - could be the defining factor."

Get involved

Tim Carlisle: Yes! Half-time lead. It means nothing but we have a great opportunity now. Let's get organised, refocus and bring it!.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"The way the game is going at the moment, the benches are crucial. You look at the experience New Zealand have to come on, they are littered with big players.

"You cannot discount England but they need to be a little bit more disciplined and not give away the six points that they did."

The All Blacks have 121-cap hooker Keven Mealamu on the bench if they need a bit of nous come kill-time.

Half-time score summary

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England

Tries: May. Pens: Farrell 3

New Zealand

Tries: Cruden. Pens: Cruden 2

PENALTY

AP

Owen Farrell makes the New Zealand skipper pay, slotting over to give an England a lead to enjoy over their half-time isotonic.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"Wales have set their plays up really well and sometimes when you're on the front foot, you want to score as quickly as possible.

"We've talked about how clinical Australia have been, Wales have not.

"They've gone for the Hollywood pass on a couple of occasions, when the simple ball has been on."

Get involved

Charles Nurick: Wales and Australia have scored more tries in one half then Scotland probably will all series. Hope I'm wrong

Thomas Lewis: Great first half, got to believe if the errors are controlled Wales have a chance of taking this! #WALvAUS

Camilla Louise Bush: Nails almost non-existent and on the edge of my seat

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"The referees are just not scared of Richie McCaw anymore. He won the ball fair and square but the referees are not intimidated by him. They don't care he is this captain and legend. It is affecting the way New Zealand play."

Brad Barritt chases up a long kick and snares Julian Savea as the winger wastes some time looking for the right route to run the ball back. Turnover ball. Owen Farrell darts, Danny Care wriggles and Richie McCaw drops down to his knees as he clamps over the top.

Penalty to England.

Half-time score summary

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Wales

Tries: Webb, Cuthbert, AW Jones. Cons: Halfpenny 2, Biggar

Australia

Tries: Folau 2, Kuridrani. Cons: Foley 3

PENALTY

There she blows. Aaron Cruden clips it over and we are back at level pegging.

Sonny Bill Wiliams on the crash ball draws England defenders like a magnet. Owen Farrell and Kyle Eastmond are the tag-team that get the job of bringing the big man down up on the England 22 metre line. They succeed, but Farrell has not rolled away.

It's a gimme of a penalty.

Matt Giteau

Former Australia international on BBC One

PA

"Australia hasn't had great control of this game, but at 21-21 it's still all to play for."

Get involved

Tim Lawley: Wales the better team but punished by individual errors- heard this too many times

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"It's been a great Test match.

"Lots of errors, but when the ball has gone wide, it's been great entertainment."

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

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"England are not used to this pace, they haven't played for two weeks, whereas New Zealand have the game against USA behind them. England have given everything in the opening period from the last scrum, you could see forwards were in the wrong position and there was no room on the short side."

HALF-TIME

This has had pretty much everything - spills, thrills and all manner of spectacular tries.

If Wales can stop making mistakes they really are well in this, but if they keep gifting the ball to an Australia team possessing attacking talents such as Israel Folau and Tevita Kuridrani, you feel the Wallabies will make it it 10 wins in a row.

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"Great leadership from Wales captain Sam Warburton.

"He wasn't waiting for anyone else and lead the charge for the line there."

MISSED DROP-GOAL

Owen Farrell drops back into the pocket and it is a cosy little one to settle into - 35 metres out and bang central. He never really gets hold of his drop-goal attempt though and a wafty one lands wide.

England's scrum is sent all squiffy by a big Black shove. That looked like New Zealand's ball, but Nigel Owens rules that Owen Franks has brought the whole thing crashing down on his side.

A bit of a let-off from my view.

Try (Wyn Jones, con Bigar)

PA

After all this running about, how nice to see a collapsed scrum. At least I imagine that's what the forwards are thinking as Dan Biggar kicks to touch inside the Australia 22.

One last chance for the hosts here and out comes the sledgehammer, and over batters Alun Wyn Jones. Just.

Get involved

Louis Strong: Just as things were going well...as clinical as you can get with that try. A prime example proving NZ are the no1 team

Ally Scott: New Zealand are just so clinical, that's the difference

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New Zealand trail on the scoreboard, but it feels like that magic mojo is with them in the last five minutes. England are struggling to get up over halfway and they are not helped by Mike Brown's duffed clearance kick which is snaffled by Richie McCaw.

Get involved

Stewart Milligan: Unbelievable opening 30mins to the autumn internationals! 5 tries already in the Wales game, great entertainment

Matt Giteau

Former Australia international on BBC One

"We're only 30 minutes into the game - as soon as Australia get a turnover, Wales' line is disjointed and that's where the scoring chances appear."

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"This has suddenly become bizarre.

"It's as if there's been no tackling in the midfield, then some big hits in between and some great line running."

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When they come off they are magic, but Sonny Bill Williams pushes his luck with an offload, popping out the sidedoor and to England hands when the white defence was scattered and the line just 15 metres away.

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They're both swinging wildly out there, big scything haymakers of attacks coming one after the other - and it's Wales mistakes making the difference at the moment.

Wales are hammering away inside the Australia 22 but when Rhys Webb again hurls out a long pass, this time it is Bernard Foley who picks it off.

The fly-half feeds Tevita Kuridrani but Wales this time manage to cut him down before he can do too much damage.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"You always get the impression that as soon as New Zealand get into the 22, they will score points."

Click here to listen to Radio 5 live commentary

Jonny May does well to gather an awkward bounce up on his own 22-metre line. England recycle the ball through big Billy Vunipola and, although May can't gather Danny Care's on-the-money box kick, Dave Attwood pilfers the New Zealand line-out.

There could be some gains to be made at the line-out today for England and Richie McCaw is in Nigel Owens' ear asking for the gap to be better policed.

PENALTY

Aaron Cruden steps up for the All Blacks and slots with room to spare on either side.

REPLACEMENT

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Courtney Lawes has taken a knock. George Kruis of Saracens comes on to make his international debut.

Skulduggery from Dylan Hartley who, as the most-capped England player on the pitch, should know better.

It isn't even that sneaky. A clear shoulder barge, late, high and with no attempt to wrap the arms, on Aaron Cruden gives the All Blacks a chance to pot at goal.

TRY (Kuridrani, con Foley)

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Speaking of 6ft 5in backs...

This time it's Australia centre Tevita Kuridrani bursting between Alun Wyn Jones and Alex Cuthbert on the 22 before romping over untouched.

I'm struggling to make half-time and I'm only typing - lord knows how the players are feeling out there; this is pulsating, end to end stuff.

Get involved

Edward Mountain: A great try for Wales at last

Dai Wynne-Jones: Wow that was a good try. There may be hope. Maybe the victory might just go North for a change!

PENALTY

Whisper it quietly, but the England forwards are turning the screw on their Kiwi counterparts. A rolling maul is gathering ominous momentum and the All Blacks comes streaming round the wrong side attempting to bring it to a halt.

Nigel Owens blows up and Owen Farrell makes it two from three from another good bit of real estate.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"That's great play from George North.

"It was an easy two-on-one but he did it exceptionally well.

"Great awareness once again and Biggar spotted the threat."

TRY (Cuthbert, con Halfpenny)

PA

Oh, this is turning into a classic as Wales score from their own 22 - and this time the ball does go to George North!

Dan Biggar spots that there is a chance in his 22, feeds North and the in-form Northampton winger, playing centre for Wales today, dummies and bursts pass his man.

He has support streaming up inside and outside and elects to feed the 6ft 5in flyer Alex Cuthbert, who strides over like a stilt-walker after a dozen cans of Red Bull (other energy drinks are available).

Get involved

Chris Kane: Israel Falou is playing lights out rugby #WALvAUS

Rhodri Lewis: Wales in 'shooting themselves in the foot' shocker #WalesvAustralia

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Why oh why do you need to push it there? It's the dreaded miss pass.

"It was on there and Wales tried the miracle ball.

"Once Folau caught it, it was good night."

PENALTY

A canny restart from Owen Farrell allows his chasers to get up and under the dropping ball, causing a bit of chaos. The pill is pocked by white hands and the All Blacks infringe in their frustration.

It is front and centre for Owen Farrell who calls for the tee and dots it over.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Winning games of this magnitude is about getting on the scoreboard. Get three, six, nine ahead, just keep building the score."

MISSED CONVERSION

Aaron Cruden just wide with his kick from out wide and it is a back to square one for England.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"How many times have they had the ball? Once. Length of the field stuff from New Zealand. Even when Jonny May had the ball, it was a quick turnover. It was training park stuff. England looked solid n defence but you cannot afford to miss tackles against opposition like this."

TRY (Folau, con Foley)

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Israel Folau has read that like his ABCs.

Wales put together a threatening attack, sparked by a Jamie Roberts rampage through the middle, and work a three on two down the left.

It looks on but Rhys Webb tries a Hollywood miss-pass - leaving out George North of all people - and Folau cannot believe his luck.

He intercepts and no-one's catching him as he gambols 80m to score.

TRY

Clinical from the All Blacks. First visit to the England 22 and they come away with five points as easy as a morning trip for the papers.

Ben Smith wins an aerial contest with Jonny May to regain the ball, the All Blacks spin wide, Jerome Kaino barges between Chris Robshaw and Courtney Lawes and, although he is pulled down just short, Aaron Cruden snipes round the fringes to, just about, make it over.

Get involved

Dai Wynne-Jones: Wales will loose against Australia, Wales always fold after a good start. Wales line creaking Wales 17 Australia 42

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"One of my big bug-bears is if a guy has made a mistake and then he goes for a high-pressure kick from the restart like Biggar did there."

Get involved

Adam Marshall: Savea may be the new Lomu, but could Johnny May be the new Rory Underwood?

Cameron Wicks: Johnny May unbelievable wheels!! Cracking start! #ENGvsNZL

It has been a furious start from England. They will want to bank the points while they have the upper hand though. This New Zealand side are as indestructible as cockroaches.

Agonising for England as the ball spills out of Mike Brown's hands with the unguarded corner in front of him!

The Quins full-back was picked out by a lovely mis-pass from Kyle Eastmond and, although Julian Savea was trying to make up the ground, I don't think the All Black cover would have been able to prevent him diving over.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"He (Folau) hasn't scored for a few games, so it had to come.

"Great, great running. There's a bump off the tackle and Folau takes advantage of the support and as ever, he will finish."

TRY (Folau, con Foley)

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Israel Folau, the 6ft 5in full-back, scores tries for fun and he is on Michael Hooper's shoulder to score.

Wallaby captain and flanker Hooper is the creator, bashing through the tackle of Wales fly-half Dan Biggar.

Disappointing for Wales and we're all-square in Cardiff, with the hosts not helped when Biggar's restart does not travel far enough.

More England pressure as Chris Robshaw rumbles up to within 10 metres...

England were within an offload of a 12-point lead!

Jonny May gathering a kick ahead via an awkward bounce and is only just snagged by Israel Dagg before he can flip the ball to Owen Farrell with the line beckoning.

New Zealand are reeling from England's blitz start.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"You can see that Wales aren't committing many into the rucks and the Australians have got to work that out."

Get involved

Louis Strong: I HAVE NEVER A SCREAMED SO LOUD IN MY OWN HOUSE!! WHAT AN INCREDIBLE TRY

Lisa Allison: COME ON ENGLAND #ENGvNZ

Shyam Patel: Jonny May! What a try, brilliant start! #ENGvNZL

MISSED CONVERSION

Order just about restored at Twickenham. Owen Farrell has the tightest of angles to stare down and can't split the sticks.

Ian Robertson

BBC rugby union correspondent on Radio 5 live

"That is one of the tries of the season. That is one of Jonny May's tries of his life."

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Where did that come from?? Where on Earth? There was no space, everyone was matched up. Everyone thought Jonny May would go into traffic. He gassed Israel Dagg on the outside and used the touchline as his friend. Incredible try!"

This time Australia win a penalty inside the Welsh half and kick to touch - good chance for the Wallabies here in the 22.

They sweep the ball wide but a Welsh knock-on halts proceedings. Alun Wyn Jones has a quick bit of treatment but it does not look too serious.

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Wales back in the Australia 22 and nearly force a turnover through hooker Richard Hibbard, but the visitors wrestle it back and then win a penalty to clear their lines.

TRY

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Seven Tests without a try, but what a time and manner to open your account!

Jonny May jags outside Conrad Smith up around the New Zealand ten-metre line, leaving the Kiwi treading water. "It's alright," think the All Blacks, "Israel Dagg has got him". No, he hasn't. After-burners from May send him past the full-back and into the corner.

Sensational score!

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Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

Twickenham crowd greet haka with rolling choruses of Swing Low. Fitting response or disrespectful? (ducks for cover, turns off Twitter)

Get involved

Kyle Cryto: Wales vs Australia, let's do this!

Edward Mountain: Common Wales make it count

A good early take under the high ball from Mike Brown for England, but England squander possession with an over-hit up and under from Farrell which Julian Savea claims under no pressure, calling the mark.

Get involved

Rachel Bradley: Great start Wales!! Could be an exciting match

Ida Horner: Great start Wales- lets do this

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"On the front foot, the dummy and show-and-go from Webb and he's over the whitewash at the first attempt.

"Great, great start for Wales.

"A good call from the referee as well on the [Biggar] forward pass, which wasn't."

KICK-OFF

Owen Farrell boots long, Israel Dagg gathers cleanly and we are under way.

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Ireland and British Lions hooker Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live: "At times I think the haka is used too much as a marketing tool. It was great when we were growing up and you would only see it every three or four years in the flesh. Now though we see it 14 or 15 times a year, it is part of the showcase and I am not so keen on it."

Owen Farrell was stony-faced, staring straight back at the haka and though his opposite man Aaron Cruden.

It is go time.

TRY (Webb, con Halfpenny)

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Huge roar as George North hammers on with his first touch, Leigh Halfpenny takes a delightful pass from Dan Biggar and feeds Sam Warburton who makes 30m, and then it's the Rhys Webb Show.

The scrum-half looks up outside the 22 and hints at spreading the all wide, but instead he snipes round the fringes and scoots clear to score - classic scrum-half try that.

Leigh Halfpenny pops over the conversion, and the hosts are looking good.

Time for the haka... and a sizeable portion of the Twickenham crowd are whistling the war dance! And now choruses of Swing Low...

It is going to a feisty first five.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"That'll be a huge relief for Alex Cuthbert as you've got to take those kick-offs.

"Great patience in the Wales defence and Warburton wins the penalty."

Poor start from Wales as Alex Cuthbert drops the kick off and here come the Wallabies...

...but captain Sam Warburton gets over the ball at a ruck and wins the penalty as Australia hold on. Welcome back to Test rugby Sam!

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Now, God Save the Queen. Chris Robshaw's other half Camilla Kerslake has been usurped on singing duties by one Laura Wright.

If you are going out with the captain and you don't get the gig you have to ask questions don't you?

Wales may have lost nine in a row against the Wallabies, but they are not without attacking threat.

Jamie Roberts and George North - fresh from running in four tries against his compatriots from Ospreys a couple of weeks ago - form a huge centre partnership.

Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar are the half-backs and the fit-again Leigh Halfpenny will punish any Australia indiscipline with his unerring boot.

Get involved

BBC Radio 5 live

The @bbc5live commentary team all set to go for England v New Zealand at Twickenham

BBC Sport

You can listen live to full match commentary here.

Prince Harry in the posh seats, a group of Chelsea pensioners in the stalls and Semesa Rokoduguni on the pitch. As you might expect, an impeccably observed and poignant minute's silence at Twickenham.

Now, anthems. God Defend New Zealand is first up, with a black-clad soprano on the mic.

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Olivia Jade Hughes: Rugby time, come on Wales!! CYMRU CYMRU CYMRU #WalesvAustralia #comonwales #CymruAmByth

The pyro pops into the sky as Chris Robshaw bounds out to wild cheers.

The two teams come together for a minute's silence, just as they have in Wales.

The Last Post echoes around the Millennium Stadium on Remembrance weekend.

A moment of silence follows.

Richie McCaw jogs out with his team twitching and popping behind him.

The Twickenham crowd afford them a polite welcome of applause. You don't want to give these boys any more motivation.

Wales coach Warren Gatland speaking on BBC One on the importance of a win against Australia: "It's part of the psychology we're employing for the next 12 months.

"A win's not the be all and end all, but it would be a massive boost for us.

"Our rationale is about the long-term. There's no point in having a good autumn and then not getting through our World Cup group."

PA

Australia have trimmed their bench and it is Quade Cooper who misses out in Cardiff today.

The teams are about to take the pitch at the Millennium Stadium...

If you want to watch the action, click on the live tab above to watch the game.

BBC

Jonny Wilkinson, on media duties, and Dan Carter, on the water bottles for the All Blacks, exchange a handshake and a smile in the Twickenham tunnel.

You have expect sparks to fly such is the fly-half magic in those twos' fingertips.

Ten minutes to kick-off.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"You can never dismiss it (the poor record against Australia).

"The first group of players weren't good enough to get over the line, but now it's psychological.

"We know we've got good enough players, but we can't quite get over the line."

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

"More trepidation than expectation from England's support against a team who have only lost twice in 46 matches - but wasn't it the same two years ago, when England shocked us all?"

It was indeed.

Gareth Roberts, BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

"There's been the usual hype in Wales ahead of the latest attempt by Warren Gatland's men to improve their dismal record against southern hemisphere teams.

"But a dip in ticket sales means a giant Welsh flag covers the seats at one end of the ground with only ground 55,000 tickets sold by lunchtime on Friday at the 74,500-capacity venue in Wales' capital."

Get involved

Jack Parry: I hope Jonny May's continues the fantastic form he's had this season and shows everyone what he's capable of.

Tom Hill: England to be ahead. NZ to win in last few minutes.

TEAM NEWS

England: Brown, Rokoduguni, B. Barritt, Eastmond, May, Farrell, Care, Marler, Hartley, Wilson, Attwood, Lawes, Wood, Robshaw, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Webber, Mullan, Brookes, Kruis, Morgan, Youngs, Ford, Watson.

New Zealand: Dagg, B. Smith, C. Smith, Williams, Savea, Cruden, A. Smith, Crockett, Coles, O. Franks, Retallick, Whitelock, Kaino, McCaw, Read.

Replacements: Mealamu, B. Franks, Faumuina, Tuipulotu, Messam, Perenara, Barrett, Crotty.

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Matt Giteau

Former Australia international on BBC One

"What's happened recently (Ewen McKenzie's resignation and the off-field issues) is sad for Australian rugby.

"Michael Cheika is the man to come in. He's a good coach and one the players want to play for.

"He's very tough on the guys, but at the same time he sticks up for the team.

"When you've got someone like that, you really want to play for them."

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Australia coach Michael Cheika speaking on BBC One: "Since I've been here as coach, I've seen nothing but a team that's committed.

"It's within our power to play good, committed rugby on the field and make people talk about the rugby, rather than anything else."

TEAM NEWS

Wales: L Halfpenny (Toulon); A Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), G North (Northampton), J Roberts (Racing Metro), L Williams (Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), R Webb (Ospreys); P James (Bath), R Hibbard (Gloucester), S Lee (Scarlets), J Ball (Scarlets), A-W Jones (Ospreys), D Lydiate (unattached), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: S Baldwin (Ospreys), G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Scarlets), B Davies (Wasps), J Tipuric (Ospreys), M Phillips (Racing Metro), R Priestland (Scarlets), C Allen (Cardiff Blues).

Australia: I Folau; A Ashley-Cooper, T Kuridrani, C Leali'ifano, J Tomane; B Foley, N Phipps; J Slipper, S Fainga'a, S Kepu, S Carter, R Simmons, S McMahon, M Hooper (capt), B McCalman.

Replacements (from): J Hanson, T Faulkner, B Alexander, J Horwill, W Skelton, M Hodgson, W Genia, R Horne.

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa).

Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa) and Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland).

Get involved

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England and Wasps flanker James Haskell tweets: Good luck to all the @EnglandRugby team today playing Nz. Especially the Backrow. @tomwood678@ChrisRobshaw Big Billy V and @Ben_J_Morgan8

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Semesa Rokoduguni will have his England debut in perspective today. The Fiji-born Bath winger qualifies for England on residence ground, after leaving home at 19 to serve in the British Army.

In his first week in Afghanistan, a marine he was on patrol with stepped on a mine and lost both legs.

"I came back from Afghanistan I had a different view of life: make the best use of every chance you have, because that chance might only come round the once," Rokoduguni said.

You can read more of his story in Ben Dirs' excellent profile.

BBC

Get involved

Aaron Curtis: Come on England!!! Swing low, sweet chariot!!! #ENGvNZL excited to see #Rokoduguni in action

Jon Harrison: Go England! Pretty nervous about this All Blacks outfit though...

Samuel Crowhurst: come on England , big win today !!

Andy Farrell has no qualms about putting Eastmond into the sights of the former New Zealand heavyweight champion.

"Size is irrelevant. Mike Tyson wasn't that big either but he could knock a few people out," said the England attack coach.

"Iron Kyle" it is then

Sam Warburton is back in Wales colours for the first time since dislocating his right shoulder in the Six Nations.

And he will hope to be at the forefront as the hosts look to turn the tide in a fixture which just will not go their way.

In three of their four most recent defeats against Australia, Wales have led heading into final six minutes. Can they break the hoodoo today? Let us know on #bbcrugby

That poor record against Australia is something that exercises Wales captain Sam Warburton.

"Every time it seems we have the gameplan, the belief, the attitude and the effort - only for a small mistake in the 79th minute to cost us.

"Our players know how to see out games: they do it for their clubs all the time. But in the last five minutes of an international match you are absolutely spent. It's our decision-making under extreme fatigue that has let us down."

Wales fans will be pleased to know they've been training three times a day in an attempt to eliminate this late weakness.

Key Battle

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You have to be a pretty special sportsperson to be known just by a few letters and the odd number.

CR7 or KP perhaps. Give KJT a few years.

SBW or Sonny Bill Williams is right up there. The code-crossing 29-year-old is fresh back from a spell in league and, after a successful run-out against the United States, is straight into the starting XV of the most successful team on earth.

Opposite him will by another former league man in Kyle Eastmond. Eastmond is giving up eight inches in height and 27kgs in weight to the Kiwi, but has the sort of skittish pace that might unsettle Wiliams as he gets his 15-man bearings.

It's not that Wales haven't been competitive in their nine successive defeats by Australia - all bar the first have come by fewer than 10 points and six have been by less than a converted try.

Wales' problem has been getting over the line (as former Wales winger Ieuan Evans has just said on BBC One).

Since Warren Gatland took charge Wales have beaten one of the three southern hemisphere giants on just one occasion, the 21-18 win over Australia in 2008.

Get involved

BBC Radio 5 live producer Ed Marriage is pitchside at Twickenham and has already got a glimpse of the All Blacks inspecting the pitch before their warm-up.

This tweet of captain Richie McCaw simply says it all: Game Face

BBC Sport

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Wales scrum-half Rob Jones on BBC Radio 5 live: "England will go out believing that they can win but this New Zealand side are a little bit special. The results and performances, but also their ability to hang on in there and win so often, so late.

"That sets them apart really."

We've met before

BBC Radio 5 live

• England beat New Zealand at Twickenham in December 2012 for the first time in 10 attempts - but have lost the subsequent four meetings.

• England's 38-21 victory in 2012 is their highest points tally and biggest margin of victory against New Zealand.

• The All Blacks have won 31 of the 39 meetings, losing seven and drawing 26-26 in 1997.

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And why is Martin (see below) suggesting Wales would be "so lucky, lucky, lucky" to beat Australia.

Well that would be because Australia have won nine in a row against the Welsh.

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England changed their pre-match routine before the Six Nations meeting with Ireland earlier this year, parking their team bus further away from the stadium than usual so that Chris Robshaw and his troops could walk through the West Car Park and soak up some of the support.

They won that day and the tactic has been given another go today.

Half an hour to kick-off.

Get involved

Martin Howells: Talk about psychological boost - if Wales win this they'll feel better than waking up with Kylie! We'd be so lucky, lucky, lucky!

"Everything can change," says Australia coach Michael Cheika, and he would know better than anyone.

A month ago Ewen McKenzie was still in charge of the Wallabies but he resigned after a defeat by New Zealand following a run of poor results and off-field rows.

Former Leinster coach Cheika, the only coach to win both the Super Rugby and Heineken Cup titles, stepped up to add the Wallabies role to his one in charge of New South Wales Waratahs.

Get involved

England Rugby tweets the all important news: Chris Robshaw won the toss against Richie McCaw; England will kick off #comeonengland ENGvNZ

@EnglandRugby

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre

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"England should have noticed how much ground South Africa made off line-outs in their last game when they beat the All Blacks 27-25 in the Rugby Championship last month.

"On two occasions, the Boks won clean ball off the top of line-outs on halfway, got it into the scrum-half's hands and sharply out to the three-quarters.

"There were a couple of dummy runners, nothing amazing but enough to cause the New Zealand centres slight indecision, and each time it created the chance to allow full-back Willie Le Roux to get outside Conrad Smith."

Read more of Jeremy's thoughts ahead of kick-off.

BBC Radio 5 live

Where will the game be won and lost today?

You might expect a dashing centre like former England and British and Irish Lions star Jeremy Guscott to be drawn to the glamour boys out wide.

But, ever one with an eye for the unexpected, he has plumped for the line-out as the area that England can get at the All Blacks.

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Chris Jones

BBC Radio 5 live reporter at the Millennium Stadium

BBC Sport

Kickers out, band playing, atmos building at the Millennium ahead of Wales v Australia. Closed roof and new pitch points to points.

BBC Radio 5 live

Former England fly-half Rob Andrew on BBC Radio 5 live: "It is really important going into a World Cup that the players have the victories under their belt and two three wins is what England they should be aiming for over the next few weeks."

After a sobering reminder of the risks the players take every time they step onto the pitch, we turn our attentions back to this afternoon's game.

With less than 12 months until they meet at the World Cup you'd have thought the game would have even more riding on it than normally, wouldn't you?

Not if you're new Wallabies boss Michael Cheika apparently: "There is no marker ahead of the World Cup; I have never seen a game of rugby that has had an influence on another match in 12 months.

"Everything can change."

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Louis Mascarenhas: Hate to say it but sonny bill and Savea might just have a field day.... #ENGvsNZL

Dominic Dyer: Can see England competing for 80 minutes but coming up short by 2 points. Farrell and Eastmond to shine for England

BBC Radio 5 live

England coach Stuart Lancaster speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "Just having got off the bus and felt the atmosphere, it is rocking. And that is as it should be - England v New Zealand at Twickenham is one of the great sporting occasions.

"You don't get the results without the performance, what I want to see is the lessons from the training field and our previous two games applied today."

Chris Robshaw has just been saying all the right things to the television cameras as he prepares to trot out for a the last few drills.

"Fresh" and "raring to go" is how he feels apparently.

The man he will be packing down behind might not be able to say the same. Second row Dave Attwood had to leave camp earlier this week to help fiancee Bridget swell the number of England supporters for today's game.

@Dmjatwood

"Extremely excited for the game today. Got myself a special little fan for it as well!," he wrote on Twitter.

Get involved

Adam Payne: Good luck Wales today lets get a good win and good start to the autumn series #WALvAUS

Get involved

@QuadeCooper

Australia's Quade Cooper has been to visit Wales and Cardiff Blues centre Owen Williams as he continues his recovery from a serious spinal injury.

The 23-year-old centre, who has won four Wales caps, was injured playing for Blues in Singapore during the summer.

His father spoke to BBC Wales' Scrum V programme in September about how Owen is doing.

Australia fly-half Cooper, who is on the bench for today's game, tweeted the picture above.

"Great meeting @Owilliams91 today! Such an inspiration with his strength of character! #StayStrongForOws" tweeted Cooper.

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Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

Classic British autumnal day at Twickenham pre England v All Blacks - mild, grey, never raining properly, never actually not raining

Tale of the 10s

Things are already warming up at Twickenham.

Give it 357 days and they really will be jumping with the World Cup final just hours away.

The man who started the 2011 showpiece for New Zealand - Aaron Cruden - is in harness again today for the All Blacks as Dan Carter feels his way back from a serious leg injury.

This is how he compare with England's key man Owen Farrell.

BBC

Yes, much as he rattles across those keys, not even Mike could watch two games at once, so I'll be your guide to matters in Cardiff.

On 10 September next year Wales meet Australia in what looks set to be the decisive match in who qualifies from Pool A at the 2015 World Cup.

Our two combatants at the Millennium Stadium today, along with World Cup hosts England, are the teams likely to be fighting for the two knockout places from the pool.

And as we know, three into two just does not go. Can either team seize a psychological advantage today? Not long to wait to find out now.

Even the world speed-typing champion would struggle to keep across two games kicking off at the same time.

This live text is going to be a two-man show, with James Standley across all things Wales v Australia, while Mike Henson is your man for England v New Zealand.

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AP

The fastest feet in the northern and southern hemisphere are all in action today.

But who is the king wing?

Are you carried away by the galloping power of Julian Savea?

Or captivated by the side-stepping and still-searing pace of Bryan Habana?

Wales' George North, despite being parked in the centres, is also part of our vote today.

Have your say with a click of your mouse finger over on the right-hand side of this page.

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Luc Turnbull: Even though England are missing a lot of 1st team players, I can see us winning by 5 #ENGvNZL

Bold stuff, Luc.

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England Rugby tweets a picture as the atmosphere builds ahead of kick-off: England captain @chrisrobshaw leads the team through packed crowds outside Twickenham Stadium #carrythemhome

@EnglandRugby

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While the tape is unrolled and the heat spray applied in the Millennium Stadium and Twickenham dressing rooms, we want you to flex off your predicting muscles.

It is a simple formula. Pick your match and tell us who, by how much and why.

For example, "Wales, by three, because a double-figure losing run would be just ugly."

Use #bbcrugby or if you want to explain your reasoning in more than 140 characters, then try 81111 on text, or our Facebook and Google+ pages.

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Australia full-back Israel Folau has been enjoying the Welsh hospitality ahead of match time and tweets: Love the buzz around Cardiff on game day..

BBC Radio 5 live

As Alistair Bruce-Ball hints at, you only need to move your mouse finger muscle to take in all the good stuff today.

BBC One, Two and Radio 5 live are all getting in on the action and their coverage is available on this very page.

This is the nitty-gritty:

Wales v Australia live on BBC One and online from 14:00 GMT

England v New Zealand live on BBC Radio 5 live from 14:30 GMT, highlights at 19:00 GMT on BBC Two

Scotland v Argentina live on BBC Two from 17:00 GMT

Ireland v South Africa live on BBC Radio 5 live from 17:30 GMT

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Alistair Bruce-Ball

BBC commentator at Murrayfield

The sun doth shine in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Really looking forward to Sco vs Arg at Murrayfield, on @BBCTwo from 1700

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The second part of the day's action lands like a Federico Mendez haymaker at 17:30 GMT.

Scotland have seen more new dawns than a Ibiza veteran. Vern Cotter, the man who oversaw an ever-entertaining Clermont side, is presiding over the latest.

He makes his Murrayfield debut against an Argentina side who recorded their first Rugby Championship win in 18 attempts last month.

A world without BOD is the scary place that Ireland are entering. Ulster's Jared Payne is the man tasked with filling the 13 shirt left behind by the great man. A South Africa side with stalwarts Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers and Victor Matfield firmly in place is the opposition.

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Chris Jones

BBC Radio 5 live reporter at the Millennium Stadium

Huge Wales flag to cover some of the empty seats in the Millennium Stadium.

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Brian Moore

Former England hooker

Big games like the All Blacks are the times I miss playing most; the times I want to be back at pitch level amidst the battle.

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It is a double double-header for Britain and Ireland's finest this afternoon.

The first instalment comes at 14:30 GMT when Wales attempt to turn around a run of nine successive defeats against an Australian side who have been through enough recent dressing-room hoo-haa to fuel three Kevin Pietersen volumes.

At the same time, 140 miles to the east, England attempt to puncture the All Black aura. Will it be the giddy days of 2012's 38-21 win or something more like the sobering 26-point defeat of 2008? I'd put your money on something a whole lot tighter...

BBC

"Other Internationals" is how the five hours from 14:00 GMT today are, rather coyly, listed in the fixtures.

With respect to Georgia v Tonga, Hong Kong v Russia, and Romania v USA later, I don't think they are going to keep these "other internationals" off the back pages.

The start of the autumn series, the lead-in to the Six Nations, the first step on the road to the little golden fella.

What a year to come. What an afternoon in store.

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Centuries of rivalry, more than 2,000 caps worth of experience, several tonnes of grunting muscle, hundred of thousands of spectators, the world's top 10 sides and only a handful of points, a couple of inches, a fraction of a second between defeat and victory.

It is a day like no other on the rugby calendar.