Former Doncaster Knights prop Tomas Francis exemplifies Welsh spirit
Francis’ early try – no Wales prop had previously touched down in Tests against South Africa, New Zealand or Australia – sent his team on their way to a 20-11 victory over the Springboks.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWales extended an unbeaten run to nine games – their longest winning sequence since 1999 – and they have not lost at home for a year.
It augers well for a Six Nations campaign that begins against France in Paris on February 1, with former Doncaster Knights prop Francis, who had never scored a try for Wales or his club Exeter, enthused by what lies ahead.
“Winning is a habit and, as a squad, we believe,” he said. “Everyone works for each other, and we are on a good run at the minute. It is a squad you want to be involved in. The atmosphere is unreal.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“It was a great feeling to score a try – it is not something I do very often. I think the last one was when I played for London Scottish or Doncaster.”
Sean Maitland’s try ensured Scotland ended their autumn campaign on a high as they edged out a misfiring Argentina side 14-9 at Murrayfield.
Defeats to Wales and South Africa left Gregor Townsend’s side in danger of losing momentum ahead of the Six Nations.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut they got back on track as Maitland’s second-half touchdown and nine points from captain Greig Laidlaw ensured they held off the Pumas.
Andrew Conway’s hat-trick sealed Ireland’s second-straight autumn series clean sweep with a 57-14 win over the USA in Dublin.
The biggest surprise of the final weekend of the Autumn Internationals came in Paris where Fiji claimed their first ever win over France with a surprise 21-14 victory at the Stade de France.