When Springbok backs are to the wall, Ellis Park provides comfort

After the sobering sight of four World Cup semi-finalists coming from the southern hemisphere, last weekend offered a glimmer of hope for European rugby. The question now is, was it an aberration or a line in the sand?

An incredible Saturday of action not only saw an outstanding Ireland U20 side deliver a stunning victory over New Zealand at the Junior World Cup but Scotland also registered an equally famous win when defeating Australia at the same tournament.

Under Eddie Jones, England have yet to taste defeat in the test arena, but facing Australia in Brisbane was always going to be his biggest challenge. Once again he delivered. Jones would have enjoyed that one.