South Africa may have the strongest pack in the world, but former British & Irish Lions coach believes Europeans also impressed in the recent series.

England

Strengths: England have experienced an epiphany since this year’s Six Nations, completely changing their approach from a data-led game that focused on numbers to one that focuses more on chemistry on and off the pitch. The other big positive is that Eddie Jones blooded a number of young players this autumn (and from lots of different clubs, too, rather than just the usual Exeter/Saracens contingents, etc), all of whom rose to the challenge, adding not only to the depth but a real feelgood factor to the squad.

Weaknesses: England were put under severe pressure by South Africa at scrum time. While they were missing a number of front-row stalwarts, you will not win many games conceding that number of penalties. Forwards have to be able to keep in the game up front and there is a worrying lack of depth at tighthead. Attacking game exciting, but still a work in progress. 

Key player: Marcus Smith. Still very inexperienced but has changed what is possible in terms of England’s attack. Immediate signs that Henry Slade, in particular, has raised his game. Big credit, too, to England’s attack coach Martin Gleeson.

Rating: 8/10

Scotland

Strengths: If everyone is fit, this is probably Scotland’s strongest team for 15-20 years. Excellent attitude and approach. You know Scotland will attack you. Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell are two world-class backs, while Gregor Townsend has an excellent front row and more options than ever in the back row. Scotland’s two tries from the set-piece against South Africa showed their potential. Dangerous team but need more overall consistency to build real, meaningful momentum over the next 18 months.

Weaknesses: Depth is still the biggest issue. Scotland cannot afford too many injuries, particularly to key players like Hogg and Russell. Discipline is also a concern. Still too many unnecessary penalties being conceded. Also need forwards to stay in the game as a pack, allowing their backs to play rugby. Against South Africa they were bullied at the set-piece and contact area. 

Key player: Hogg. Scotland’s captain, talisman, record scorer. He and Russell are such important players.

Rating: 7/10

Ireland

Strengths: Where to start? Ireland have no real weaknesses. They boast an immense pack of established players such as Tadhg Furlong and James Ryan, complemented by exciting young forwards such as Caelan Doris and Ronan Kelleher. They overpowered New Zealand. And they have a back division which can play rugby. The back three are exciting – Hugo Keenan has been a real find and James Lowe is growing in confidence – while the midfield is rock solid and Jamison Gibson-Park looks another useful option at scrum-half. Ireland are showing more ambition now as well, and are creating impressive ball speed out of contact situations. Credit to Andy Farrell for that.

Weaknesses: Joey Carbery’s return is huge news as Ireland cannot afford to be as reliant on Johnny Sexton as they have been for the last few years.

Key player: Caelan Doris. Obviously Sexton is still so important, but Ireland’s power is what is impressing me. Doris was immense against the All Blacks. I have never seen them on the back foot for 70 minutes of a game.

Rating: 8/10

Wales

Strengths: Despite so many injuries Wales actually came out of the autumn with some credit. That win against Australia was so important for confidence as it allowed them to look ahead to the Six Nations with confidence. With Liam Williams, Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit back, and Jonathan Davies firming things up in the midfield, Wales will be a different kettle of fish.

Weaknesses: Despite so many injuries, Wales came out of the autumn with some credit. That win against Australia was so important as it allowed them to look ahead to the Six Nations with confidence. With Liam Williams, Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit back, and Jonathan Davies firming things up in the midfield, Wales will be a different kettle of fish.

Key player: Alun Wyn Jones. Wales’s captain is such a totemic presence. They will hope he gets over his latest injury in double-quick time.

Rating: 6/10

France

Strengths: Pace, power, panache. This France team have the ability, as all great French teams do, to run tries in from anywhere. They just have so much talent. A pack of monstrous forwards including a ball-carrying front row. The best half-back combination in the world. The impact of Shaun Edwards has also been notable. Some of France’s defensive work now is outstanding. Home advantage in 2023. Another 18 months to build. Will not have to change too much as they have already brought the youngsters in. Scary.

Weaknesses: Discipline can still be an issue at times. But under Edwards, Less and less.

Key player: Antoine Dupont. Phenomenal. Arguably the best player in the world.

Rating: 9/10

And the three southern hemisphere giants. . .

New Zealand

Strength: Still the team to beat. You cannot judge the All Blacks on the basis of an autumn campaign in which they were clearly running on fumes. At their best, New Zealand still play a brand of rugby to which the rest can only aspire. Never out of a contest, as they proved against Ireland and France.

Weaknesses: Front-five involvement. Outgunned by Ireland and France. Retallick and Whitelock are not young men any more. Ian Foster has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He also needs to settle on a first-choice balanced midfield. 

Key player: Beauden Barrett. New Zealand really felt his absence against Ireland and France.

Rating: 8/10

South Africa

Strengths: So impressive up front. Strongest pack in the world. And will add more variety to attacking game. Incredible athletes in the backs as well as the forwards. They are settled and with the return of Kolbe, De Klerk and Du Toit have strong foundations to continue to move their game forward. 

Weaknesses: On the field, discipline is probably the biggest concern. Off it, a disorganised domestic game. Potentially overly reliant on overseas players. Complicated politics. 

Key player: Eben Etzebeth. Fearsome specimen. And the man who sets standards for the Boks pack.

Rating: 8/10

Australia

Strengths: Attacking potential. When they are all fit, Australia have some wonderful backs. Showed the type of game they can play when they beat South Africa in the Rugby Championship in September. Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi are so important to them. 

Weaknesses: Strength in depth. As the autumn internationals just proved. There is a big difference between their first choices and back-up in midfield and in the front row. Set-piece can let them down, too, at times. They are also an ageing team. 

Key player: Michael Hooper. Long in the tooth but still so influential.

Rating: 7/10