Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is unsure about his future. Here’s how to keep him

However, if Japan lose heavily to England it will mean a grim end to a disappointing year for Japanese rugby. Wallabies fans, of course, have seen this movie before.

3. Why the next TV deal is critical

Australia and New Zealand are joined at the hip financially. The formula that was struck to share the broadcast spoils for Super Rugby Pacific was beneficial for Rugby Australia, but it also leaves them exposed to any decline in the New Zealand Rugby deal with Sky.

Those negotiations, for the period commencing in 2026, appear to be reaching the pointy end with a deal before Christmas still a possibility. Parity with the last deal – which was artificially boosted by competition from the now-defunct Spark Sport – would be a reasonable result for NZ Rugby, but any decline would also have an impact in Australia.

Any potential broadcast upside for Super Rugby is arguably on the Australian side.

4 The surprise team of November

The big winners of the past three weeks? The US, who wrapped up their campaign at the weekend with a 26-23 victory over Spain, following earlier wins against Tonga and Portugal.

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Given where the men’s Rugby World Cup is heading in 2031, these are not insignificant results. The Eagles missed out on qualification for the Rugby World Cup last year, and there are real challenges in joining the dots between Major League Rugby, USA Rugby and World Rugby, but these three wins suggest they are doing something right.

If rugby is to have any sort of cut-through in the US, the Eagles have to be competitive. It’s the secret sauce to that market – everything else is window dressing.

5 Ireland’s big threat

The Irish warmed up for their game against the Wallabies next week with a 52-17 win against Fiji – a confidence-boosting performance after a narrow win against Argentina and a loss to the All Blacks.

At the heart of it was a familiar star, Bundee Aki. The New Zealand-born midfielder carried brilliantly throughout the Test, and even at 34 years old he remains indispensable for the Irish.

No one consistently gets over the gainline like the bruising No.12, and when he does that Ireland can get into the patterns of attack that have become their trademark. His duel with Wallabies centre Len Ikitau will be a beauty.