New Zealand Consecutive losses to South Africa and a shock reverse to Argentina in Wellington means an expectant public will demand a response from Scott “Razor” Robinson’s team. They’re stacked with talent but no longer carry that invincible aura they once brought to every contest. Veterans Sam Cane and TJ Perenara are off to Japan next year and other ageing stalwarts have struggled to paper over cracks at fly-half and in the second row. Patience is needed but might be in short supply if a challenging tour goes sideways. Key question: How deep can they go?
Before their final Rugby Championship game, New Zealand had conceded 95 second-half points in five matches while scoring 38 in return. Their bench struggled to make good on a strong start against Japan last week and there are serious concerns around a lack of depth beyond the starting XV. Player to watch: Wallace Sititi
The rampaging loose forward is only 22 but has already caused havoc every time he’s donned the black jersey. Adept at blindside or at No 8, he is a threat on either side of the ball and offers options at the lineout. Prediction: 2/4
England could catch them cold in week one before trips to Dublin and Paris. One win from those three games before a victorious curtain call against Italy in Turin would be par. Australia For the first time since he took over as coach, Joe Schmidt has the pick of the bunch. His phase-play approach has drawn criticism for being overly pragmatic, but there is at least a plan in place to be competitive against the British & Irish Lions next year. Consistency in selection will be key and the inclusions of Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi provide much-needed heft in the tight five and midfield. Key question: Can Schmidt stick with the same 23?
Rob Valetini is a genuine superstar in the back row and hooker Matt Faessler, flanker Harry Wilson and outside back Andrew Kellaway showed promise, but most others have yet to make the jersey their own. Schmidt will want to know who he can trust and may have to sacrifice a result or two to find out. Player to watch: Joseph Sua’ali’i
The latest talent to be lured from rugby league, the 196cm, 100kg 21-year-old has to deliver on a lot of hype. Rugby Australia paid AU$5m (£2.54m) for a three-year contract and will be desperate for the schoolboy prodigy to come good at full-back, wing or outside centre. Prediction: 1/4
They’re not as bad as some think, though there are still too many holes. They play all Home Nations but will only start as favourites against Wales. Argentina A world-class back row, a gifted fly-half, and a frenetic gameplan that gives opposing packs whiplash as they constantly shift the point of contact; coach Felipe Contepomi has gone back to Argentina’s traditional strengths. Their struggles in the wet may be exposed but this is an improved outfit from the one that finished fourth in last year’s World Cup. Key Question: Which Argentina will show up?
Once it was France, now it is the Pumas who are the kings of inconsistency. They beat New Zealand (in Wellington), South Africa (by a point) and Australia (by a record score) but have also been frustrating this year. If they can put together an 80-minute show they’ll challenge anyone. Player to watch: Tomás Albornoz
A proven star at Benetton, he is now pulling the strings at Test level. Thanks to his composure on the ball and pinpoint kicking, Argentina can set the tempo of games rather than simply react to what’s in front of them. Prediction: 1/3
France and Ireland should have too much at home which means the game against Italy is a must-win. Smaller teams coming to the party This autumn the traditional powerhouses that compete in the Six Nations and Rugby Championship will square off to prove which hemisphere rules the oval ball. But a few from the outside have been welcomed to the party, at least on the periphery, not too close to the turntable or drinks fridge. Fiji, perhaps as a reward for their tremendous show at the last World Cup, play Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Japan, with Eddie Jones at the helm, have big days out at the Stade de France and Twickenham. Portugal - against Scotland - and Georgia - against Italy - also have rare opportunities to show what they’re about. While this is a sign of progress more needs to be done. Rugby is growing, but a larger cohort of competitive nations will benefit all. Including the so-called minnows at the top table is paramount to the game’s future. Memory lane | 