Biggest Talking Points Of The Quilter Nations Series So Far
November 17, 2025The Quilter Nations Series has already delivered some of the biggest rugby highlights of the year, with standout tries, star player performances, and game-changing moments that fans can’t stop talking about!
The Story of the 2025 Quilter Nations Series So Far…
Week 3 of the Quilter Nations Series has just concluded with extraordinary drama, but before diving into the action, a brief look back at Week 2 sets the scene!
England delivered a composed 38-18 victory over Fiji with Ben Earl and Henry Arundell impressing, while Scotland fell narrowly 17-25 to New Zealand at Murrayfield in a match that felt poised to turn. Elsewhere, Italy stunned Australia 26-19 with maturity and belief, Ireland controlled Japan 41-10 with systematic precision, South Africa overpowered France 32-17, and Argentina dismantled Wales 52-28. Patterns were forming: England building control, Scotland agonizingly close to landmark results, and Argentina growing in confidence heading into the final week of this quite thrilling series so far!
Now, Week 3 has delivered rugby’s defining narrative of the autumn: stunning comebacks that have rewritten the script. Most significantly, Argentina orchestrated the greatest comeback in their history, overturning a 21-0 deficit to stun Scotland 33-24 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield – a result that epitomizes the unpredictability and drama that has defined this series. Meanwhile, England ended 13 years of frustration on home soil against New Zealand, and Ireland continued their dominant form with a straightforward victory against Australia. Guests with Corinthian Sports witnessed these extraordinary moments first-hand through our rugby hospitality packages at both Allianz Stadium, Twickenham and Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
England 33 – 19 New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
England produced arguably their most significant result under Steve Borthwick, ending a painful 13-year wait for victory over New Zealand at Twickenham. Trailing 12-0 within 18 minutes after tries from Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor, England demonstrated remarkable composure to turn the match on its head. George Ford orchestrated the comeback with precision, slotting two crucial drop goals before halftime to reduce the deficit to just one point at 12-11. The second half belonged to England. Sam Underhill powered over early to give them their first lead, before Fraser Dingwall extended the advantage. Though Will Jordan’s try briefly threatened an All Blacks resurgence during Ben Earl’s sin-bin period, Ford steadied English nerves with a late penalty before Tom Roebuck sealed the victory with an opportunist try in the 77th minute. The atmosphere inside Twickenham hospitality was electric, with guests experiencing one of English rugby’s most memorable recent triumphs.
Man of the Match: George Ford (England)
Orchestrated England’s comeback with tactical brilliance. His two first-half drop goals kept England within striking distance, and his composure under pressure – particularly the crucial 76th-minute penalty – exemplified championship-winning mentality. Contributed 13 points in a flawless tactical display.
Scotland 24 – 33 Argentina, Scottish Gas Murrayfield
This match produced the single biggest talking point of the Quilter Nations Series so far. Scotland appeared to be cruising toward victory, racing to a commanding 21-0 lead through tries from Jack Dempsey and a brace from Ewan Ashman. Los Pumas looked completely outplayed, disjointed, and heading for humiliation on Scottish soil. Then came one of rugby’s most extraordinary turnarounds.
Felipe Contepomi’s tactical intervention – making five substitutions including the introduction of Santiago Carreras – transformed the contest entirely. Argentina scored five unanswered tries in the final 25 minutes, completing their greatest comeback in history. Julian Montoya broke the deadlock, Rodrigo Isgró followed quickly, and despite Finn Russell’s penalty momentarily steadying Scottish nerves, Pedro Rubiolo, Pablo Matera, and Justo Piccardo completed the most improbable of victories. Murrayfield fell silent, then erupted in boos as Scotland were booed off their own pitch – a stark illustration of the pain of such a spectacular collapse.
For Scotland, this defeat carries profound implications. Having fallen narrowly short against New Zealand the previous week, they’ve now squandered two golden opportunities to establish themselves among rugby’s elite. Their hopes of achieving a top-six world ranking before the Rugby World Cup 2027 draw in December have evaporated. For Argentina, this remarkable triumph – their first at Murrayfield since 2009 – represents their finest hour and positions them for a potential clean sweep of home nations.
Man of the Match: Santiago Carreras (Argentina)
The substitute changed the entire trajectory of the match. Scored two conversions, created two try assists, and brought authority and composure when Argentina desperately needed leadership. His introduction sparked the most remarkable comeback in Los Pumas history.
Elsewhere in Week 3…
Ireland 46 – 19 Australia, Aviva Stadium
Ireland delivered their most comprehensive performance of the series, dismantling Australia with clinical efficiency. Mack Hansen stole the headlines with a first-half hat-trick completed inside 28 minutes – only the second Irishman in history to achieve such a feat. Sam Prendergast continued to grow into the playmaker role with intelligent distribution and a well-taken drop goal. Australia briefly threatened with tries to Fraser McReight and others, but Ireland’s quality and depth proved overwhelming. The victory sets up a mouth-watering clash with South Africa next weekend.
Man of the Match: Mack Hansen (Ireland)
An irresistible hat-trick performance that showcased pace, positioning, and clinical finishing. His three tries inside the opening half-hour set the tone for Ireland’s dominant display.
France 34 – 21 Fiji, Stade de France
France secured a workmanlike victory in Bordeaux against a Fijian side that showed flashes of their trademark flair. Les Bleus controlled territory and momentum for extended periods, though Fiji’s attacking ambition created several scoring opportunities. France’s superior fitness and structure ultimately told, but Fiji demonstrated why they remain dangerous opponents capable of troubling any team on their day.
<p”>Man of the Match: Antoine Dupont (France)
Controlled the tempo and rhythm of France’s performance with intelligent game management and sharp decision-making around the breakdown.
Italy 14 – 32 South Africa, Stadio Olimpico
The world champions navigated a second consecutive match with 14 men – this time losing Franco Mostert to a red card – yet still demonstrated their championship pedigree. South Africa’s depth and tactical discipline proved too much for an Italian side that had shocked Australia the previous week. The Springboks’ ability to win despite numerical disadvantage underlines their status as the benchmark side in world rugby.
Man of the Match: Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
Stepped up magnificently after Mostert’s dismissal, dominating the lineout and carrying with power to maintain South Africa’s forward dominance despite the disadvantage.
Wales 24 – 23 Japan, Principality Stadium
Wales narrowly avoided further embarrassment with a nerve-shredding one-point victory over Japan in Cardiff. After heavy defeats to Australia and Argentina in previous weeks, Wales needed a response and just about delivered. The narrow margin suggests ongoing concerns for Welsh rugby, but they at least avoided what would have been a damaging third consecutive defeat.
Man of the Match: Tomos Williams (Wales)
Provided energy and tempo from scrum-half that helped Wales maintain just enough pressure to secure the narrow victory.
Looking Ahead to the Final Round of Fixtures
The 2025 Quilter Nations Series reaches its thrilling conclusion on Sunday, November 23rd, with England hosting Argentina at Allianz Stadium at 16:10 GMT and Scotland welcoming Tonga to Murrayfield at 13:40 GMT. England will be seeking revenge after Argentina’s dramatic 30-29 victory at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in 2022, with Los Pumas arriving in strong form and currently ranked sixth in the world, just one place behind England.
The final round comes after an action-packed series that’s seen some impressive performances from the home nations. England secured a statement 33-19 victory over New Zealand at Twickenham as we know, while Ireland powered to a commanding 46-19 win against Australia – both of these nations will be looking to close out the Quilter Nations Series with a perfect, 4-0 record. With pride and momentum at stake heading into 2026, both England and Scotland will be eager to close out their campaigns with strong performances in front of their home crowds!
Experience the Final Round of the Quilter Nations Series Live!
To experience the Quilter Nations Series in premium hospitality surroundings, Corinthian Sports hosts guests at both Allianz Stadium, Twickenham and Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Our matchday environments are designed for comfort, atmosphere and connection, combining relaxed dining, attentive hosting and seating positioned close to the action.
Beyond the Quilter Nations Series, elevate your match day with Corinthian Sports at the Guinness Men’s Six Nations and Gallagher Premiership – where unforgettable rugby meets five-star hospitality:
Make your next rugby adventure unforgettable – Enquire today and experience it the Corinthian way!
