On Wednesday morning, the Six Nations Council announced its plans to trial a bonus-point system in 2017.
The decision means that the Northern Hemisphere championship falls into line with all the other major leagues in world rugby, but is it the correct one?
Have your say below:
VOTE: Should the Six Nations adopt bonus points?
A bonus points system will be used in this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship.
The Six Nations Council announced bonus points will be trialled in the Six Nations, women's Six Nations and Under-20 Six Nations tournaments, and then reviewed.
The Council said it had taken the decision "to encourage and reward try-scoring and attacking play."
The first game of this season's Six Nations is Scotland against Ireland on Feb. 4.
More to follow...
Six Nations to trial bonus-point system in 2017
Eddie Jones has yet to choose between Semesa Rokoduguni and Marland Yarde over who will start on the right wing for England against Australia on Saturday.
The two are competing to replace the suspended Elliot Daly in the climax to the autumn series at Twickenham and -- in an unusual move by Jones -- both players have been retained in a 25-man squad ahead of Thursday's team announcement.
The indication from training on Tuesday is that the more experienced Yarde has the edge over Rokoduguni, who was dropped for the 27-14 victory over Argentina after being told he needs to improve aspects of his game if he is to return to Test rugby.
One of the pair will return to his club after the team is named, as will either Dave Attwood or Charlie Ewels with the Bath locks competing for a bench spot against the Wallabies in support of George Kruis and Courtney Lawes.
Nathan Hughes is poised to replace Billy Vunipola at number eight after making a full recovery from a foot injury, with Teimana Harrison continuing as the replacement back row.
Vunipola has been ruled out for at least three months after undergoing knee surgery and could miss the entire RBS 6 Nations.
England trained against a backdrop of tightened security around the perimeter of the high performance centre at their Surrey camp as they continued preparations for their quest to secure a fourth successive victory over Australia.
The players were joined by 2003 World Cup winner Will Greenwood, who performed a tracksuit role in the early part of the session. Prop Joe Marler and fullback Mike Brown did not train due to load management, while Alex Goode return to Saracens with an unspecified 'leg' injury.
England 25-man squad retained to prepare for Saturday's match against Australia at Twickenham:
Forwards (14): D Attwood (Bath Rugby), D Cole (Leicester Tigers), C Ewels (Bath Rugby), J George (Saracens), T Harrison (Northampton Saints), D Hartley (Northampton Saints), N Hughes (Wasps), G Kruis (Saracens), C Lawes (Northampton Saints), J Marler (Harlequins), C Robshaw (Harlequins), K Sinckler (Harlequins), M Vunipola (Saracens), T Wood (Northampton Saints)
Backs (11): M Brown (Harlequins), D Care (Harlequins), O Farrell (Saracens), G Ford (Bath Rugby), J Joseph (Bath Rugby), J May (Gloucester Rugby), S Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby), H Slade (Exeter Chiefs), B Te'o (Worcester Warriors), M Yarde (Harlequins), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers).
Jones to decide between Rokoduguni, Yarde for Australia clash
Nathan Hughes is available for England's final autumn international against Australia on Saturday after taking a full part in training.
Hughes missed the 27-14 victory over Argentina with a foot injury but has been cleared to replace Billy Vunipola in the back row against the Wallabies at Twickenham in what would be his full Test debut.
Vunipola has been ruled out for at least three months after undergoing knee surgery, jeopardising his participation in the RBS 6 Nations, and Eddie Jones has already described the Fijian-born Hughes as the "obvious" replacement at number eight.
"Nathan has done really well in camp since he joined, last week's injury aside," forwards coach Steve Borthwick said. "Billy is a tremendous player who has done really well for us and has been a big figure in our team.
"But injuries are an opportunity for other players and what we've seen throughout this series is players coming in and taking chances presented by injury.
"This is another one of those opportunities. We have a lot of quality back row forwards in the squad."
Jack Clifford offers number eight cover but having just made his comeback from ankle surgery, he must now observe the return to play protocols for concussion after taking a blow to the head for Harlequins against Bath on Sunday.
England defeated Argentina despite seeing wing Elliot Daly sent off in the fifth minute and for all the Pumas' cluelessness at exploiting their numerical advantage, it was a remarkable performance.
"It was colossal. We had 14 men for 75 minutes but we still won a Test match against a team that's as strong as Argentina," defence coach Paul Gustard said. "Everyone was raving about Argentina in the World Cup 12 months ago and they had a strong Rugby Championship.
"For 15 minutes we had 13 men. At the start of the second half, one bad defensive error led to a try and that's Test match rugby - you get punished for respects.
"We all felt unbelievably privileged to be part of a group that responded so courageously and heroically for a large portion of the game."
Hughes fit to replace Billy Vunipola for England
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has accused Eddie Jones of tarnishing his legacy with his constant sniping about Australia in the media.
Jones has lit the blue touch paper for Saturday's clash at Twickenham by issuing concerns over Australia's pack and saying he'll request a meeting with referee Jaco Peyper to address the Wallabies' scrummaging techniques.
Cheika, whose side missed out on winning the grand slam for the first time in 32 years in Dublin against Ireland on Saturday, is expecting more mind games from Jones this week in the build-up to the Test.
During the three-match series in June when England won 3-0 in Australia, Jones was constantly using his press conferences to make statements about Cheika's side, something that disappointed his former Randwick teammate.
"In June, maybe I gave him the opportunity to be like the goalscorer who scores against his old team," Cheika said.
"It's always difficult when you go back into a tournament against teams you have coached before and you don't know how to play it.
"Do you go reserved or get stuck into them? I know what I do.
"Even in a country like Ireland where I coached for many years. But that is the choice he wants to make and thinks that is the best for his team.
"There was a lot a vitriol about Australia his home nation where he coached and opportunities were given to him to grow up as a coach and play.
"Personally, if you want to leave a legacy somewhere you don't hit back at it do you when you leave."
Cheika is yet to hear back from IRB referees chief Alain Rolland and said he doesn't expect to after he called for a hearing with the Irishman after his side were pinged 13-3 in the penalty count against Ireland.
"I've got nothing from him. You'll have to ring him and ask him where it's at," Cheika said.
"I made my calls the other night, the ball is in their court now.
"If they do want to get back to us, I don't know. We'll just see what happens.
"I've got to think more about this weekend than what happened last weekend right now."
Cheika: Jones is tarnishing his legacy
Tom HamiltonRugby Editor
England have added Harlequins back-row Jack Clifford to their squad ahead of Saturday's Test against Australia.
Clifford comes in as Billy Vunipola was ruled out for 12 weeks after undergoing knee surgery on Sunday. But there are no guarantees Clifford will be fit for the weekend's match as he will be assessed by England's medics this week after requiring a Head Injury Assessment in Harlequins' win over Bath on Sunday.
Sunday's match -- one where Clifford was named Man of the Match -- was his first since suffering an ankle injury in September.
With Vunipola absent, England will also be monitoring Nathan Hughes' fitness with the Wasps No.8 nursing a foot injury while Josh Beaumont and Teimana Harrison will also be in contention to start in the back-row.
Elliot Daly is omitted from the squad as he faces a disciplinary panel on Monday following his red card against Argentina. Both Semesa Rokoduguni and Marland Yarde do make the cut in the 33-man squad and will be in the frame to start against the Wallabies if Daly is handed a suspension.
England squad for Australia:
Forwards (19): Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), Josh Beaumont (Sale Sharks), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Tommy Taylor (Wasps), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints).
Backs (14): Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Alex Goode (Saracens), Mike Haley (Sale Sharks), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te'o (Worcester Warriors), Marland Yarde (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
England call up Jack Clifford ahead of AustraliaTom HamiltonRugby Editor
England's star No.8 Billy Vunipola is out for 12 weeks and therefore a doubt for the Six Nations after undergoing surgery on the knee injury he picked up in Saturday's win over Argentina.
Vunipola had the surgery on Sunday to repair his torn knee cartilage, an injury he picked up in the first half against the Pumas.
The prognosis means he is ruled out of next weekend's match against Australia and is a doubt for their Six Nations campaign which starts on February 4 against France.
"Billy's been absolutely fantastic for England over the last 11 months and we wish him a quick recovery," said England head coach Eddie Jones. "He's a very influential player in the set-up and there's no doubt he'll be missed for the game against Australia.
"But where there is an injury there's an opportunity for someone else. We've had five or six front line players missing throughout the series so I've no doubt we'll adapt and work that little bit harder this week. I'm sure the players will respond to this by going up a level and peak for this game."
As one of England's key players, Vunipola's absence will be a blow to Jones' plans and he will have to draft in a new face at No.8 for this weekend's Test against Australia.
Vunipola had started all but one game at No.8 in the Jones era and the England coach will now look to Nathan Hughes, Ben Morgan or potentially Jack Clifford as options to start at the back of the pack on Saturday as they look to end the year unbeaten.
Vunipola out for 12 weeks after knee surgery
After the fourth week of internationals, it's time to make your vote for player of the weekend.
Beauden Barrett
The World Player of the Year showed once again why he is so crucial to the All Blacks in a fine display against France. Just another day out for Barrett, a cross kick to set up an Israel Dagg try and a breakaway try of his own.
Chris Robshaw
Robshaw had to put in an immense shift with England down to 14 men. His work-rate secured him the man-of-the-match performance. His ball carrying and fierce tackling was crucial as Argentina threatened to fightback.
Josh van der Flier
After being drafted in at the last minute when Sean O'Brien was ruled out, he put in a man-of-the-match performance to prove his ability once again. He led the Irish in tackles in defence, beat two Australian defenders in attack and was everywhere.
Ross Ford
After Ryan Wilson, Ford was the biggest forward carrier for Scotland and matched Stuart Hogg by beating five defenders and was part of a pretty solid pack at set piece.
Justin Tipuric
Tipuric put in a man of the match performance, blocking a clearance from Elton Jantjies, carried superbly and rounded off his display with a great try, stepping inside Johan Goosen to score, after bursting onto a Faletau pass.
Sonatane Takulua
The Tongan kicker was immense throughout to cause an upset against Conor O'Shea's fancied Italy team. His kicking kept them in the game and showed nerves of steel to seal the win with an injury-time kick.
VOTE: Player of the week
Jonathan Davies described how Wales silenced their critics after they concluded their November schedule with a record victory against hapless South Africa.
A 27-13 victory at the Principality Stadium was only Wales' third victory over the Springboks in 110 years, and it secured a 75 per cent autumn success-rate following earlier wins against Argentina and Japan.
It was Wales' best autumn return since 2002, but unquestionably a better achievement than 14 years ago, when their scalps were Romania, Canada and Fiji.
And while critics have been quick to condemn Wales' style of play for chunks of the November schedule, they have ended 2016 on a three-game unbeaten run and with momentum going into this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship.
"I think it has been an upward curve," Wales centre Davies said. "We have always said that traditionally we get better as a team when we stay together longer, and I think it showed.
"There has been a lot of criticism over the way we've played. In parts (against South Africa) we showed we could silence those critics. Whatever they think, it is their own opinion obviously, but we have beaten South Africa, and that's the most important thing.
"They are a Rugby Championship team, one of the best teams in the last couple of years, and we have to make sure we beat what is put in front of us, regardless of the form they show.
"We've beaten South Africa, and there were 13 players in our changing room who have now beaten South Africa twice (Wales also toppled them two years ago), and we can take a lot from that."
Second-half tries from hooker Ken Owens and flanker Justin Tipuric eased Wales home, while full-back Leigh Halfpenny moved past 550 points for his country by kicking five penalties and a conversion.
Davies: Wales silenced critics in Springboks win
England concluded their autumn series with a resounding 39-6 victory over Canada at Twickenham.
Simon Middleton's team ran in seven tries as they overwhelmed the opponents they defeated 21-9 in the 2014 World Cup final.
The result moves England back up to second in the global rankings behind New Zealand after they had slipped below Canada following last weekend's 20-25 defeat by the Black Ferns.
Middleton said: "That was a brilliant way to end the series. I am really pleased with the manner in which the team executed our game plan.
"It is always special to come out and play at Twickenham and the girls certainly delivered a great performance, both in attack and defence. There is still a lot for us to work on, but that has given us confidence today."
Alex Matthews, Amy Cokayne, Danielle Waterman, Kay Wilson, Emily Scarratt, Lydia Thompson and Claire Allan scored England's tries.
England women enjoy big win over Canada
Eddie Jones turned his attention to taunting Australia immediately after 14-man England had crushed Argentina in an exceptional 27-14 victory at Twickenham.
The Grand Slam champions were forced to play 75 minutes of the match without Elliot Daly after the left wing clattered into Leonardo Senatore while the number eight was catching a high ball, resulting in a red card.
Remarkably, England finished the stronger team with Jonny May's 68th-minute try sealing the victory and setting up the prospect of amassing a national record-equalling 14th successive Test win when the Wallabies visit Twickenham on Saturday.
And Jones has already landed the first verbal blows by highlighting the weak scrummaging of a team thrashed 3-0 during last summer's tour Down Under.
"We are looking forward to Australia next week. It is going to be a bit of fun because the Australian media last June was very disrespectful to us," Jones said. "I am sure that they are going to be at that again, so we have got to be prepared for that and I am very keen to have a chat to the referee about the Australian scrummaging.
"They have got some issues with the way that they scrum so we need to have a meeting with the referee and we will invite the Australian coaching staff to come along. We will submit an agenda and make sure that everything is above board.
"They were penalised four times in a row against France so they have got some technical issues. I am not going to sort them out for them. The best win is to come, Australia will be the best win."
Senatore landed head first and the concussed back row's afternoon was over, as was Daly's, after French referee Pascal Gauzere reached for the red card. Jones had no complaint with the decision.
"Elliot made a judgement error. We all make them. These things happen and you have to get on with it. I make an error of judgement every time I go outside, we all do it," Jones said.
"He has to bounce back, he has no choice mate. What is he going to do, sit in the corner and feel sorry for himself and never play rugby again? "No one holds any recrimination against him and I don't understand the questioning on this. I have probably had five words with him saying just get on with it, there's nothing else to say."
Billy Vunipola's serious-looking knee injury cast a cloud over an otherwise remarkable victory, but Jones was unable to offer an update on the number eight's fitness.
Jones' focus turns to Wallabies after Pumas victory
Sean O'Brien of Ireland is tackled during the international rugby match between Ireland and the New Zealand All Blacks.
Ireland have been forced into a late change for their autumn Test clash with Australia in Dublin, with Sean O'Brien ruled out through injury.
Josh Van der Flier will start at openside flanker, with Munster's Peter O'Mahony stepping up to the bench.
Ireland confirmed the change on Twitter, little more than an hour before kick-off at the Aviva Stadium.
Flanker O'Brien and centre Jared Payne were late injury doubts on Friday with what assistant coach Andy Farrell described as "lower-limb tweaks".
And now the influential Leinster star O'Brien has been forced out of Ireland's final autumn Test match.
Elliot Daly became only the fifth England player in history to be sent off as he saw red Argentina at Twickenham.
Here Press Association Sport takes a look at the five red card incidents.
MIKE BURTON, 1975, second Test v Australia, Brisbane
Dubbed the 'Battle of Brisbane' the match started with a punch-up between both packs and Burton was dismissed in the fourth minute by local referee Rob Burnett after a late tackle on Wallabies wing Doug Osborne.
DANNY GREWCOCK, 1998, v New Zealand, Dunedin
Grewcock was sent off for kicking All Blacks hooker Anton Oliver and received a five-week ban.
SIMON SHAW, 2004, second Test v New Zealand, Auckland
Shaw saw red for kneeing All Black Keith Robinson.
LEWIS MOODY, 2005, v Samoa, Twickenham
Became first England player to be sent off at Twickenham by punching Leicester team-mate Alesana Tuilagi and sparking a brawl following Tuilagi's late tackle on England wing Mark Cueto. Tuilagi saw red as well.
ELLIOT DALY, 2016, autumn international Test v Argentina, Twickenham
Daly tackled Argentina No8 Leonardo Senatore while he was still in the air after catching the ball. The challenge was late, clumsy and dangerous, causing Senatore to land on his head. The referee reached for the red card after consulting the TMO.
Daly becomes fifth England red card everLewis Moody of England is shown the red card during the Investec Challenge match between England and Samoa.
Elliot Daly became only the fifth England player in history to be sent off as he saw red Argentina at Twickenham.
Here Press Association Sport takes a look at the five red card incidents. MIKE BURTON, 1975, second Test v Australia, Brisbane - dubbed the 'Battle of Brisbane' the match started with a punch-up between both packs and Burton was dismissed in the fourth minute by local referee Rob Burnett after a late tackle on Wallabies wing Doug Osborne. DANNY GREWCOCK, 1998, v New Zealand, Dunedin - Grewcock was sent off for a kicking All Blacks hooker Anton Oliver and received a five-week ban.
SIMON SHAW, 2004, second Test v New Zealand, Auckland - Shaw saw red for kneeing All Black Keith Robinson.
LEWIS MOODY, 2005, v Samoa, Twickenham - became first England player to be sent off at Twickenham by punching Leicester team-mate Alesana Tuilagi and sparking a brawl following Tuilagi's late tackle on England wing Mark Cueto. Tuilagi saw red as well.
ELLIOT DALY, 2016, autumn international Test v Argentina, Twickenham - Daly tackles Argentina No8 Leonardo Senatore while he is still in the air after catching the ball. The challenge is late, clumsy and dangerous, causing Senatore to land on his head. The referee reaches for the red card after consulting the TMO.
Andy Farrell has endorsed Rory Best as "a contender" to captain the British and Irish Lions next summer.
Ireland assistant Farrell is expected to be named as Lions defence coach when boss Warren Gatland confirms his back room staff on December 7.
And former England coach Farrell has hailed Ireland skipper Best as among the nucleus of stars who can be under serious consideration to lead the Lions' three-Test tour to New Zealand.
Best will win his 100th Ireland cap in Saturday's autumn Test clash with Australia in Dublin, amid firm backing over his Lions credentials from Farrell.
"There's no doubt that he's a contender when he's doing as good a job as he is for his national team and his national team is doing pretty well," said Farrell, of Best's potential candidacy as Lions captain.
"He's a big part of that so he has to be right up there doesn't he?"
Wales flanker Sam Warburton and England hooker Dylan Hartley have so far been the bookies' front-runners to assume the Lions captaincy next summer.
But since assuming Ireland's armband Best has led Ireland to a first-ever victory over the Springboks on South African soil in June, and also a maiden win over New Zealand this autumn.
Ulster's evergreen hooker Best has been roundly hailed as producing the finest rugby of his career, despite hitting 34 years of age. And Farrell insisted the gritty farmer's son has the cool demeanour that marks out the sharpest leaders.
Farrell's backing certainly carries weight given the former dual-code international is all-but inked in as part of Gatland's Lions coaching staff.
"As a player given the ups and downs of international rugby, when you've got 100 caps you've certainly been through a hell of a lot," said Farrell. "Your experience of how you deal not just with your own game and the players around you for the feel of the game in the white-hot heat of the moment is priceless.
"That's what I've been super impressed with: not only is Rory laying his body on the line but his decision-making and his calmness under pressure in the big games that we've been in, certainly since I've been here in the last six months, has been fantastic to watch.
"That's proper leadership, that's what that is, so anyone who has that skill or that trait has to be up there."
Ireland's Best gets endorsed for Lions captain role
Tom Wood has urged his England team-mates to beware of Argentina's passion in Saturday's showdown at Twickenham.
The Grand Slam champions are seeking to extend their winning run to 13 Tests while the Pumas need victory to give them the best possible chance of avoiding inclusion in a tortuous pool at the 2019 World Cup.
Wood led England twice against Argentina in 2013 when Chris Robshaw was rested and knows the value of the spirit they bring to a match.
"Their passion is still relevant. Rugby isn't chess and you can't take emotion out of it. Emotion and that level of passion counts for an awful lot," Wood said.
"Emotion can bridge a gap between teams because that level of physicality and desperation, pride and togetherness is a leveller and can make it a very tough game.
"You've got to match that and bring a level of intensity too. There are technical things that you can do to take the sting out of it - for example you can put kicks in behind and not allow them to engage.
"If you provide them with a static target to hit when all of that passion and power is brimming early doors after the anthems, then maybe that will play into their hands.
"Emotion is really big. Obviously it is also about how you use it because equally it can get the better of you to the point that you're so fired up you miss the obvious things.
"It's definitely a weapon that you can use and it can also work against you if you get it wrong."
Wood has fought his way back into the England fold this autumn to make his first appearances under Eddie Jones and the Northampton captain is content focusing on playing alone having been part of Stuart Lancaster's leadership group.
"I don't mind being a foot soldier and not a leader. I'm happy being a foot solider," Wood said. "That's kind of the definition of an openside - get your head down, work, chase rucks, chase kicks and get stuck in.
"You put your body on the line and that's what I do best. I'm more than happy doing that. I'm not trying to be a leader, I'm not afraid to say things and to mention things when I think that it's important but I'm not crying out to be known as a leader."
Wood: Emotion can bridge gap for Pumas
Australia are determined not let England boss Eddie Jones' early broadsides derail Saturday's Test clash with Ireland in Dublin.
England head coach Jones branded Argentina "probably the second best team in the Rugby Championship" ahead of facing the Pumas at Twickenham this weekend.
That has been interpreted as Australian Jones' first barb against his compatriot Wallabies, who face England at Twickenham on December 3.
But Australia captain Stephen Moore has insisted Michael Cheika's men will not disrespect Ireland by even thinking of England this week.
"I think if we started thinking about England this week then we'd come up short tomorrow," said Australia captain Moore. "So we haven't even thought about that game yet.
"It's disrespectful to the Irish team to even talk about I think. We've got a massive Test tomorrow, we've spent the whole week preparing for that. And next week we'll talk about England, so I haven't given it any thought."
England whitewashed the Wallabies three-nil in Australia in June, so Michael Cheika's side will doubtless be out for revenge at Twickenham.
But first the Wallabies must take on Ireland and Moore insisted Australia need the best performance of their northern hemisphere tour to topple Saturday's hosts.
Moore believes Ireland's 40-29 victory over New Zealand in Chicago merely serves to underline their growing prowess under Kiwi head coach Joe Schmidt.
"If you look at the way Ireland have played this month it's clearly a huge challenge for us," said Moore. "They are playing as well as they have for a while.
"They showed that in Chicago and even last weekend, I know they didn't get the result, but they played some great rugby, the consistency was there. We know it's a huge challenge and we're going to have to play our best game of the tour to win."
Moore will move second on Australia's all-time Test appearances list this weekend, drawing level with Adam Ashley-Cooper and Nathan Sharpe on 166 caps.
The 33-year-old always relishes taking on Ireland having spent the first five years of his life in Galway. Moore's father will attend Saturday's Aviva Stadium clash, with the Queensland Reds front-rower admitting he spent Wednesday catching up with his cousins in Dublin.
"It's a busier week than usual, there's a lot of people to catch up with so I did a lot of that on Wednesday," said Moore. "Growing up I've probably not seen a lot of my cousins for most of my life so whenever I come to Dublin that's great, it was nice this week.
"With mum and dad it is a little bit extra special the week, and my dad will be in the crowd tomorrow, so that's something that means a lot to me."
Wallabies captain focused on Ireland Test
Sean O'Brien and Jared Payne are late doubts for Ireland's final autumn Test against Australia in Dublin on Saturday.
Ireland have drafted in Munster flanker Peter O'Mahony to cover O'Brien and already had Rory Scannell on hand to cover centre Payne.
Ireland's assistant coach Andy Farrell has insisted both men had merely carried "lower-limb tweaks", and so sat out Friday's captain's run training session.
Farrell remains confident the influential duo will be fit for Saturday's Test, but Ireland will check on both men on the morning of the match.
"We've had a couple of guys that's had a couple of niggles, and the captain's run is normally just a stretching-legs type session," said Farrell. "We made a couple of decisions this morning to rest Jared Payne and Sean O'Brien and see how they are in the morning.
"We'll have a discussion in the morning about their situation.
"They both have just lower-limb tweaks, that's what normally happens during the week.
"You pick things up on the way from the game, through the week and so on.
"The main session was yesterday and we decided to give a couple of players more time.
"We've kept Peter O'Mahony here, and we've got Rory Scannell as well covering for Jared Payne.
"All the main work's been done already, that's why we are resting them, to give them every chance to feel 100 per cent."
O'Brien and Payne injury concerns for Ireland
Many of the current England crop would have grown up wanting to be rugby players but Kyle Sinckler has revealed that all he wanted to be when he was younger was a dinosaur.
The bulldozing England prop Sinckler, who has two caps, revealed this as the current squad were asked what their childhood dreams were.
"I used to think I was a dinosaur," Sinckler said on O2's Inside Line. "Genuinely. I used to run around eating leaves. I swear to you on my life.
"My mum would be like, 'What are you doing? You think you are a dinosaur, get in the car!' I would just be there eating the leaves.
"No banter! I used to eat all the bushes and leaves. It was terrible. Then I realised I can't sustain the lifestyle of just the greens -- I like my meat."
His England teammate Joe Launchbury also revealed what his younger self aspired to be.
"I had a weird phase. I thought it would be quite cool to work in Spar -- the little off-licence on the corner," Launchbury said. "Fill up with chocolate and sweets.
"For a few months I thought that would be pretty cool. But I grew out of that."
Other England stars were asked what they wanted to be when they were younger with Danny Care saying he wanted to be a fireman and Dan Cole said he dreamt of being a Formula One driver.
Sinckler: 'I used to think I was a dinosaur'
Manu Tuilagi will make his comeback from a groin problem when Leicester face Bristol on Friday night.
Tuilagi has been sidelined since the opening match of the season in order to heal a persistent injury that has interrupted the last two years of his career, but has been named on the bench for the Aviva Premiership showdown.
"Manu Tuilagi is named among the replacements in his comeback from a groin injury," a Leicester statement read.
More to follow...
Tuilagi to make Leicester return against BristolTom HamiltonRugby Editor
England have made four changes for Saturday's match against Argentina with Tom Wood, George Kruis, Jonny May and Mike Brown returning to the starting 15.
Wood is preferred in the back-row to Teimana Harrison, who drops to the bench, while Kruis returns in the second-row to replace the suspended Joe Launchbury.
May and Brown form a back three with Elliot Daly, who keeps his place in the squad after impressing against Fiji, with Semesa Rokoduguni and Alex Goode dropping out of the matchday 23.
"Selection was interesting this week but it shows how competitive and how much depth we are developing," England coach Eddie Jones said. "We've had a strong week's preparation and I've been really impressed by the players desire to get better.
"It is a strong and relentless team. All the credit for what the team has done so far this autumn deserves to go to the players who have been absolutely exceptional.
"Dylan Hartley has led from the front as have Owen Farrell, George Ford and Billy Vunipola. There are a number of other players that have been in leadership roles helping to develop the team."
Kruis is back in the matchday squad having missed the first two matches of the Old Mutual Wealth Series due to ankle surgery while May returns having scored against South Africa but was left out against Fiji last weekend. The same goes for Brown and Wood who started against the Boks but sat out the 58-15 win over Fiji.
England are currently on a 12-match winning run, 11 coming under Jones, and are wary of the threat Argentina pose.
"This game against Argentina is a big step up for us as they were probably the second best team in the Rugby Championship and played some exceptional rugby," Jones continued. "They are a quality team, have power in the forwards, speed and guile in the backs as well as great experience.
"We appreciate they have threats across the field and they have always been a physical, tough side. They still have their set-piece armoury in the scrum and lineouts so we're looking forward to a great game of rugby against them.
"The set-piece is going to be important. We have worked hard on our scrum and maul this week so they are areas we feel we can get a slight dominance in. We are looking forward to that physical challenge because when you play against the Argentinians it is a challenge.
"It is forwards against forwards, backs against backs. It is a bit of an old fashioned game."
England:
Mike Brown, Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Mako Vunipola, Dylan Hartley (captain), Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes, George Kruis, Chris Robshaw, Tom Wood, Billy Vunipola
Replacements: Jamie George, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Charlie Ewels, Teimana Harrison, Danny Care, Ben Te'o, Henry Slade
Wood and Kruis start as England change four
Wales captain Sam Warburton will miss his side's final international of the year against South Africa through injury.
Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric returns to the No. 7 shirt alongside Dan Lydiate and Ross Moriarty, while, Taulupe Faletau is on the bench as expected.
More to follow...
Warburton out of Springboks clash, Faletau on bench
The All Blacks have dropped Aaron Smith for Saturday's Test against France with TJ Perenara starting at scrum-half as the world champions make five changes.
New Zealand head to France off the back of their 21-9 win over Ireland in Dublin but with Sam Cane and Ben Smith out injured, Steve Hansen has been forced to mix up his team selection.
With Cane sidelined, Matt Todd starts at openside with Jerome Kaino replacing Liam Squires at blindside.
In the backs Perenara replaces Aaron Smith at No.9 while Israel Dagg shifts to fullback to cover the injured Ben Smith. Waisake Naholo comes in on the wing to step into Dagg's shoes while Ryan Crotty replaces the suspended Malakai Fekitoa in the centres.
One-cap Rieko Ioane is named among the replacements.
"When it came to selecting this side, we had to make some changes because of injuries, but we also looked to pick the best side possible for what we think will be a titanic battle against the French," Hansen said.
"It was a very physical match in Dublin on the weekend so we have looked to get this week's preparation spot on - both mentally and physically - as we know France will also be looking to impose themselves upon us come Saturday night.
"We're excited by the unique challenge that comes with playing the French. They've improved immensely since the Rugby World Cup when we last played them, and we're well aware they'll be looking to finish their autumn season with a big performance.
"As we all know, they're capable of producing wonderful rugby on their day. As always, we're looking forward to the challenge.
"The Test is also another opportunity for our team to experience the Northern Hemisphere style of rugby which will give this new group another chance to learn and grow. We have introduced 11 new players to the All Blacks environment this year which can only bode well for the future. "
New Zealand:
Israel Dagg, Waisake Naholo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Matt Todd, Kieran Read (captain) Replacements:
Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Aaron Cruden, Rieko Ioane
All Blacks start Perenara over Smith for France
Wales flanker Justin Tipuric expects South Africa to be "pretty pumped up" for Saturday's clash at the Principality Stadium.
The Springboks have arrived in Cardiff for their final game of a dismal year that has seen them suffer seven defeats.
The sorry chapter includes a home loss to Ireland, an historic first defeat against Italy, a 37-point drubbing by England and a record home reversal against world champions New Zealand, while they were also beaten in Argentina.
Such a sequence has cranked up the pressure on head coach Allister Coetzee, while South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander issued a strongly-worded statement immediately following defeat by Italy in Florence when he talked about "deeply worrying aspects of the performances" in 2016.
While Wales are seeking a third successive win against all opponents - albeit a week after substitute Sam Davies' drop-goal got them out of jail against Japan - they have only toppled South Africa twice in 31 previous meetings.
"It is a massive game against South Africa," Tipuric said. "They will be pretty pumped up this weekend. They are a wounded animal at the minute and are coming under a lot of pressure at home. They will be coming here and fighting for everything.
"There is pressure in any international game. If we win this weekend it will equal the most successful autumn campaign ever (for Wales), but it won't be easy. We know we have to go out there and perform."
If Tipuric is involved on Saturday, then he will be braced for South Africa's inevitable physical onslaught, which is unlikely to vary from their tried and tested script despite injuries sidelining key performers like Eben Etzebeth, Francois Louw and possibly Willem Alberts.
"They look like they are trying to beef up the pack even more, which is hard to do when you are that big!" Tipuric added. "Francois Louw was a big loss for them and (Marcell) Coetzee too, but they have some really good back-rowers in reserve."
Wales have come in for some fierce flak during an autumn campaign that began with them suffering a heaviest home defeat for 10 years when Australia triumphed 32-8, before narrow victories were achieved against Argentina and Japan, although the latter result posed way more questions than it provided answers.
"We are trying to get the ball a little bit wider, but it has to be at the right time and in the right areas," Tipuric said. "It takes time. We have been used to a system for a long time now, and we're going through a process and trying to get everyone on the same page. Hopefully, it doesn't take much longer to get used to. We are getting there."
Tipuric: Wales face wounded animal South Africa
England insist the decision to drop Semesa Rokoduguni for Saturday's clash with Argentina is based on the desire to restore Jonny May to the starting XV.
Rokoduguni's Bath teammates Matt Banahan and Matt Garvey have expressed their surprise after the wing was sent back to the Recreation Ground despite scoring two tries in Saturday's 58-15 victory over Fiji.
It is the second time in his two caps that Rokoduguni has been axed immediately after making a Test appearance, the first taking place after defeat by New Zealand in 2014, seemingly on the grounds of stage fright.
Jones spoke of the need to handle the 29-year-old with care because of the treatment he received at the hands of Stuart Lancaster's regime, only to now discard him for Argentina.
Banahan tweeted: "Just caught up with the news Rocco has been released after his display at the weekend, what message does that send after a MOM #whybother?"
Garvey was equally confused by the axing of the 29-year-old, tweeting "Words fail me! #rokoduguni"
May will replace Rokoduguni on the right wing after being given an extra week to sharpen his conditioning having started the opener against South Africa, while Elliot Daly wins a second opportunity on the left wing after excelling against Fiji.
"We've seen this before haven't we between week one and week two of the autumn. Jonny May had a good game against South Africa and scored a try," defence coach Paul Gustard said.
"On a game by game basis we have to pick a team that we think is most appropriate for the threats that we are going to face and for the opportunities that we want to exploit. He [Rokoduguni] along with several others miss out this weekend."
England have stretched their winning sequence to 12 Tests with victories over South Africa and Fiji but they have leaked five tries, some of which Gustard believes were "unbelievably soft".
"There have been some really good signs, positive signs and growth areas post the Australia tour," Gustard said.
"Unfortunately we've shipped a couple of unbelievably soft tries which is disappointing. We're better than that, but stats don't always reflect the performance of the team.
"We've spoken as a group of the need to raise our level again and that's what we're doing.
"We had a great day on Tuesday and we're looking forward to a good performance on Saturday.
"Yes we can be better, but we are the same group of players and same coaching group that conceded four tries in the Six Nations.
"We've not quite hit our straps yet. We know we can be better and we will be better on Saturday."
England defend dropping Rokoduguni for Argentina clash
Liam Williams could see his hopes of playing for Wales next season relying on a wildcard selection if he joins Aviva Premiership champions Saracens.
It has been reported in Wales that 37 times-capped full-back or wing Williams has agreed a two-year deal with Saracens from next term.
Saracens have made no comment, but speculation is rife that a swoop for 25-year-old Williams could be announced in January.
If that materialises, then Scarlets star Williams could find himself competing for one of four wildcard places available in 2017-2018 under Welsh Rugby Union rules for players who ply their trade outside Wales.
Speaking on Tuesday, Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins said: "We've said we want to keep our best players in Wales, and Liam is certainly one of those.
"We would love to keep him in Wales.
"I am sure we will fight in every way possible to keep our best players, and Liam is one of them."
The WRU senior player selection policy currently limits the number of wildcard players to three for any one international campaign. It affects players who play outside Wales if they have rejected a contract offer in Wales.
Wildcard selections in Wales' current autumn Test squad are Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts, Northampton wing George North and Bath number eight Taulupe Faletau.
Full-back Leigh Halfpenny, meanwhile, could also find himself on the list of so-called captured players next year if he signs a new contract with his current club Toulon, rather than return to Wales.
Jenkins added: "We have said from day one that we want our best players playing in Wales. Leigh comes into that category, and so does Liam.
"We would love Leigh back, and we would love to keep Liam, there is no doubting that.
"If Leigh stays [in Toulon], if Liam goes, it does become an issue, obviously, but at some point in time it is an opportunity for other players as well."
Williams may need Wales wildcard if he joins Saracens
Steve Borthwick credits his accelerated coaching development to Eddie Jones as a place on Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions staff beckons.
Borthwick is set to take charge of the forwards in New Zealand next summer and, although an appointment has yet to be finalised, Gatland has held talks with the England assistant coach.
The 37-year-old ended his playing career at Saracens in 2014 and immediately took up a role with Jones in Tokyo, using his line-out expertise to help Japan record their finest World Cup performance including a shock upset of South Africa.
When Jones was recruited by Twickenham last November, among his first steps was to prise Borthwick away from Bristol, and England's pack have flourished under his guidance.
Jones has already given his blessing to any of his lieutenants joining the Lions, and Borthwick insists it is down to the Australian that he is in the position to be considered.
"If I'm asked the question by the Lions, it would be an honour to be asked and a privilege to do it," Borthwick said. "I have definitely benefited from working under Eddie Jones, who has been phenomenal for me as a young coach developing.
"I have an awful lot to learn, but I feel very fortunate that I've got a head coach like him and some excellent assistant coaches that I work with."
Borthwick's promotion by the Lions would be welcomed by Mako Vunipola, his former Saracens team-mate and a tourist when the elite of British and Irish rugby crushed Australia in 2013.
"Steve was a great coach when he was still playing," Vunipola said. "It was like having your forwards coach out there with you.
"It made it very easy for us as players and it is the same now that he is coach. That detail makes it very easy to understand.
"He picks up on anything. From my job as a lifter, you think you have a great lift but he will pick up on where your feet are positioned.
"Even the smallest things make a massive difference for him. He is all about getting the basics right first and the rest will come along with it.
"It is the way he trains, too. He is always bringing in new ways of making us better lifters, better jumpers.
"It was obvious he was going to be a great coach. He is a great leader and when he talks, people listen. That is not a bad trait to have as a coach."
Jones 'phenomenal' for me as young coach - Borthwick
Harlequins lock James Horwill should face a short stint on the sidelines owing to the gruesome compound fracture of his finger suffered in Sunday's 25-6 defeat at Leicester.
Former Australia captain Horwill asked physios to tape up his nasty finger injury so he could keep playing, immediately inking his name into rugby's hard-man annals. Stills of the horrific injury were quickly tweeted and duly went viral.
The 31-year-old had no option but to be withdrawn from the closing stages of the Aviva Premiership clash at Welford Road, and has since undergone corrective surgery.
Horwill's humour has remained undimmed in light of the nasty blow, as he took to social media to offer an update on his recovery.
"Finger is looking normal again and all good!" tweeted Horwill. His message continued: "Thanks to Doc @mike_hayton for seeing me on a Sunday. Appreciate all the messages. #COYQ"
Specialist hand and wrist surgeon Hayton is based in the north-west and was able to quickly carry out the procedures to repair Horwill's awful-looking injury.
Television cameras picked up the extent of Horwill's injury during Sunday's Premiership encounter, leading to immediate messages of respect from fellow rugby stars on Twitter.
Former Leicester and England fly-half Andy Goode tweeted a picture of the injury with the message: "Fair play to @JHorwill playing for @Harlequins, hard as nails asking the physio to tape this up to play on!"
Horwill later quipped back: "Fair to say my days as a hand model may be over!"
Harlequins are continuing to monitor Horwill's condition before determining when he can return to action.
New Zealand full-back Ben Smith suffered a similar injury in the All Blacks' 21-9 win over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
The 30-year-old was immediately led from the field for treatment, with All Blacks boss Steve Hansen quickly ruling him out of New Zealand's forthcoming Test clash with France this weekend.
Horwill faces spell out after gruesome finger break
George Kruis is available against Argentina on Saturday with Eddie Jones considering his immediate return to England's starting XV.
Kruis has missed the autumn victories over South Africa and Fiji after undergoing minor ankle surgery and his club Saracens estimated that he would be sidelined for four to eight weeks.
The second row, an ever-present under Jones until injury struck, has made a rapid recovery while ensconced at England's Surrey training base and Jones must decide whether to break up the Courtney Lawes-Joe Launchbury partnership that has served him well so far this autumn.
"Kruis is probably going to be available - he's fit and ready to go. He doesn't necessarily need to play for his club first," Jones said. "It's not necessarily better to bring him off the bench. You talk to the players and they like to play with the best players at the start of the game. We'll wait and see.
"We've got great competition in there because Launchbury and Courtney Lawes have done superbly for us.
"Neither Joe nor Courtney had great training weeks. They both had ailments that clouded our selection a bit, so their effort against Fiji was good."
Jones has already pencilled in his starting XV to face Argentina at Twickenham with Mike Brown set to return at the expense of Alex Goode at full-back.
"I think I know the team, but it's always up for grabs. The players have until 2.20pm on Saturday to get picked!" Jones said.
"A few players may have clouded it a little bit after the Fiji game. I thought Elliot Daly was good on the left wing.
"Whether that's his best position, I'm not sure, but it certainly worked. I was pleased with him and with Jonathan Joseph, whose defence was absolutely outstanding.
"Jonny May has had a good training week. He's definitely fitter, definitely ready to go. And Mike Brown is in good nick, so they'll be back competing for selection."
When asked about the duel between Brown and Goode, Jones replied: "Where do I see it? Intriguing.
"There's always one above the other. It's like life. Someone is always above the other. You'll find out when I pick the side next week."
Kruis back in the frame for Argentina clash
Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw thinks his side got their reward for refusing to panic against Argentina.
The scrappy Scots struggled to shake off the streetwise South Americans but eventually ground out a 19-16 win thanks to their captain's stoppage-time penalty.
It was sweet relief for the Gloucester scrum-half after he admitted letting Australia off the hook in last week's narrow 23-22 defeat when he struck the post with a conversion.
But having earlier seen his side cancel out Nicolas Sanchez's opening try with a quick-fire Sean Maitland touchdown, the captain kept his nerve when he was given a second chance, knocking over the decisive kick with 82-and-a-half minutes on the clock.
Laidlaw, who kicked 14 points in total, said: "That post doesn't like me at the minute. I struck it lovely but it just stayed dead straight and hung out to the right.
"The boys were giving me stick for taking two goes to win it but I was pretty happy to see the second one go between the posts.
"The key was after they scored. We stood under the posts and said, 'Don't panic, we can score tries.'
"We hit straight back and scored then pegged them back straight away. Psychologically that was a huge blow to them.
"We were still annoyed from that Australia game last week so we were delighted to get on the right side of one today."
Amid cold and wet conditions in Edinburgh, they struggled to keep hold of the ball while their fresh-faced pack toiled against the wily Pumas pack.
But head coach Vern Cotter said: "It's nice to be able to come away with the win. We knew it was going to be an arm-wrestle but I thought the boys responded really well.
"It wasn't perfect by any means but what we saw was a lot grit and character. The guys got what they went for and there are a lot of positives to come out of the game.
"We dominated territory in the first half, which I thought was good. We had opportunities and perhaps didn't make the most of them but it wasn't going to be an open game. "Argentina came to squeeze us and get the win that way. We defended well and the win was a reflection of our determination.
"What I really liked was that they scored a try and we scored one ourselves straight back. That was important. I'm very proud of the way the guys went about their business."
Laidlaw delighted with Scotland resolve
Rory Best has admitted Ireland are "frustrated and annoyed" at blowing the chance for a second win over New Zealand in as many weeks.
The Irish captain revealed Ireland knew they had let the All Blacks off the hook in Dublin, as New Zealand sneaked home 21-9 at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland claimed their first-ever win over New Zealand at Chicago's Soldier Field, but could find no repeat two weeks on despite dominating territory and possession.
Johnny Sexton is a serious doubt for Ireland's final autumn clash with Australia next weekend, with CJ Stander, Rob Kearney and Robbie Henshaw all facing concussion checks.
"We're frustrated and annoyed," said Best. "But we've got to park a bit of that as well, and make sure we move onto focusing on Australia. When we look back on it though we'll feel we didn't attack them enough."
Referee Jaco Peyper awarded New Zealand the pivotal score without any thought of a television match official (TMO) review. Beauden Barrett's inside pass offload to TJ Perenara appeared forward, but Peyper waved away Ireland captain Best's lengthy protests after Malakai Fekitoa's score.
Both Best and Ireland boss Joe Schmidt refused to be drawn into any critique of the referee's performance, however. Fekitoa claimed a try brace but was also yellow-carded for a high tackle on Simon Zebo.
Barrett claimed New Zealand's other try, with Ireland only able to muster three penalty goals. "We have three guys getting head injury assessments; Rob Kearney, Robbie Henshaw and CJ Stander," said Schmidt.
"It looks like Johnny Sexton has a hamstring issue, so we'll find out in the next couple of days what chance he has of being available for next weekend. "You've got to take heart from our performance that but it's not good enough, losing.
"They were pretty relieved to get off the pitch. I thought we probably didn't get the rub of the green on one or two calls, but that's something that can be a distraction. We'll leave that to the authorities, we'll feed our feedback through the appropriate channels.
"They'll send out edicts and we'll try to keep the game safe and make it enjoyable. The one thing I'd say for the players, they enjoyed rolling their sleeves up and giving it their best shot. "We are frustrated. To be honest I'm really proud of the effort the players put in."
Ireland frustrated, annoyed after defeat
England head coach Eddie Jones has accused Wales of complacency in a damning assessment of their 33-30 victory over Japan.
It took an 80th-minute drop goal from replacement fly-half Sam Davies to defeat the brave blossoms at the Principality Stadium and former Japan coach Jones pulled no punches in his verdict on Rob Howley's men.
"There will be some tears. The Japanese cry when they win and they cry when they lose, so there will be plenty of tears," Jones said.
"It's a fantastic result for them and Wales were obviously complacent again. "You look at the side Wales put out, they shouldn't be winning by three points against a Japanese team that has seven or eight new caps.
"And those new caps are coming out of company rugby. You or I could play company rugby. It's not a good result for Wales."
Eddie Jones accuses Wales of complacency
Eddie Jones has given Steve Borthwick his blessing to join the British and Irish Lions coaching team in the summer and will travel to New Zealand under instructions to begin plotting England's route to victory over the world champions.
The Grand Slam champions extended their triumphant run to 12 Tests after routing Fiji 58-15 in the second of the autumn's four internationals at Twickenham, amassing nine tries against the outgunned Islanders.
Borthwick is reported to have been offered a position on Warren Gatland's coaching team for next summer's Lions tour to New Zealand, reprising the forwards tracksuit role he currently performs for the Red Rose.
Any such appointment would receive the blessing of Jones, who sees an opportunity to seize an early advantage ahead of England's next scheduled meeting against New Zealand in 2018.
"I'm happy for all of my coaching team except me to be involved in the Lions tour," Jones said.
"If they are offered a job I will encourage them to take the job and get down there and work out how to beat New Zealand because that is one of our aims. They can help us and the Lions.
"What a great opportunity to spend six weeks in New Zealand on the Lions tour. Ten weeks of hearing 'bro' seven million times and getting to understand everything about New Zealand rugby.
"Ultimately, if New Zealand are number one when we play them they will be the side to beat, but we are not sure they are going to be number one."
Eddie Jones gives Borthwick Lions green light
Castres' fly half Julien Dumora passes the ball during the French Top 14 rugby union match between Castres and Toulon.
Toulon's climb up the Top 14 table was arrested by Castres Olympique on Saturday afternoon, as the home team prevailed 34-19 at the Stade Jean-Pierre Antoine.
Two early Pierre Bernard penalties saw the visitors into a 6-0 lead, but a 17th minute try to Robert Ebersohn was then converted by Geoffrey Palis - who would put together a 19-point haul on the day - and it was the hosts who led 13-9 at half-time.
Ebersohn crossed for his second try of the game just after the break, and it was Palis himself taking the score out to 25-12 in the 55th minute after converting his own try.
Jean Charles Orioli struck in the 59th minute for the visitors sole five-pointer, but in the end it fell to substitute Tudor Stroe to seal a big win for Castres with his try shortly before the final whistle.
A Morgan Parra penalty in injury times gave Clermont a 16-13 victory over Lyon at the Stade Marcel-Michelin.
Jacques-Louis Potgieter kicked Lyon ahead 11 minutes in, but two kicks from Parra saw Clermont lead 6-3 at the break. Arthur Iturria jotted down after the break, a try which Parra converted. But a Potgieter penalty and his conversion to Baptiste Couilloud's try 15 minutes from time looked to have sealed a draw for Lyon.
But there was late drama as Mickael Ivaldi was sin-binned in injury-time and Parra converted the penalty for the win.
Racing 92 defeated Grenoble 29-24 in a try-fest in Paris. Yannick Nyanga crossed for Racing inside six minutes but was cancelled out four minutes later as Fabien Alexandre touched down.
Dimitri Szarzewski put Racing back in front on the half hour, as James Hart converted, who led 14-10 at half-time as a Jonathan Wisniewski penalty narrowed the margin.
Grenoble, who have managed just two wins this season led when Laurent Bouchet's try was converted four minutes after the restart.
The lead lasted 10 minutes before Francois van der Merwe crashed over and Henry Chavancy sealed the result with a fourth Racing try 15 minutes from time.
Simon Hickey kicked 14 points as Bordeaux Begles leapfrogged La Rochelle into second in the table after a 26-0 victory.
But it was closer than the result suggests as Hickey kept the scoreboard ticking over at every opportunity for a 6-0 half-time lead. He added two penalties and conversion to Sebastien Taofifenua's try on the hour to stretch their lead.
Front row replacement Jean-Baptiste Poux touched down two minutes from time for a convincing win.
Brive climbed to ninth as they brushed the challenge of Pau aside, 38-25. A converted Benjamin Lapeyre try and penalty from Gaetan Germain saw Brive lead 10-3 before Charly Malie pulled a try back for Pau who trailed 13-8 at the break.
Both sides saw two players sin-binned in the second-half as tries from Seremaia Burotu, Nicolas Bezy and Takudzwa Ngwenya saw them to victory. Pau added consolation tries through Chris King and Marvin Lestremau in the final 10 minutes.
South Africa born Dries van Schalkwyk scored a try to help Italy defeat the Springboks for the first time in thirteen attempts, in a historic 20-18 win in Florence.
South Africa started well and were ahead inside 10 minutes as Bryan Habana scored his 67th international try. But after a quick conversion, the Springboks were punished as Dries van Schalkwyk touched down following a lineout drive.
The conversion gave them a 7-5 lead 13 minutes in. South Africa, who never lost to Italy replied with Damian de Allende crossing after a great pass from Willie Le Roux. Pat Lambie nailed the conversion for a 12-7 lead. Edoardo Padovani kicked a penalty on the half hour to leave them just two points behind, 12-10 at the break.
Pat Lambie added a penalty after the break, but Italy's intensity reaped a reward when Giovanbattista Venditti and Carlo Canna added the conversion to give Italy a 17-15 lead going into the final quarter.
A long range penalty from Elton Jantjies pushed South Africa back in front just after the hout, but there was would be no denying Italy. Up stepped Canna with 15 minutes to go to kick a penalty which proved to be the winning score.
Italy claim historic first win over Springboks
New Zealand will aim to summon Jonah Lomu's smiling assassin spirit when seeking revenge over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
Captain Kieran Read admitted the All Blacks have talked at length this week about former wing Lomu, who died a year ago on Friday, aged just 40.
The All Blacks will pay tribute to Lomu in Saturday's Aviva Stadium showdown, where New Zealand are aiming to atone for their first-ever loss to Ireland, the 40-29 defeat in Chicago.
Giant wing Lomu changed rugby forever with his bullocking running, winning 63 caps between 1994 and 2002, only to suffer serious kidney problems later.
"We've certainly spoken about it as a group," said Read when asked if New Zealand will pay tribute to Lomu this weekend. "He's one of our legends in this All Blacks family, we certainly feel for his family at this time of the year.
"It's extra motivation for the group, so we'll be playing for him and his family. But the other thing is the earthquake, that's something else that's on a lot of the guy's minds."
Early on Monday, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in New Zealand left two people dead, triggered a small tsunami and brought down rocks and mud that swept across highways.
Read continued: "So the best way we can honour all of that is to go out there and perform on the pitch."
He admitted suffering his first defeat as All Blacks captain against Ireland in Chicago has made for an "uncomfortable" two weeks since.
New Zealand have the chance to avenge that Soldier Field loss this weekend however, and Read insisted it is vital the All Blacks produce a performance worthy of the late Lomu.
Read revealed Lomu as the reason he started playing rugby himself, having watched from the terraces as a youngster as the potent winger carved up defences for Counties Manukau.
"To me he was a massive inspiration, he's the reason why I played footie," said Read. "I grew up in the area where he was from and played his footie, and I went to watch him every weekend.
"It would have been down at Pukekohe Stadium, watching him for Counties, and he was just a legend for what he did on the pitch. But also his smile, and how he conducted himself off the pitch, that shone through too. He was a top man.
"It's something I guess we can perhaps use on an individual level. But the way we can do that is by preparing and playing to the highest standard. Every time he ran out he did that and that's what we'll try to do tomorrow.
"That defeat in Chicago makes guys uncomfortable, suffering the loss and how to deal with it. So you might look back on this as defining, the loss and how you respond to it. We've never had it easy coming to Ireland and the Aviva, and we certainly won't have it easy this weekend either."
All Blacks' Read: Lomu the reason I played rugby
The "wounded" All Blacks will be desperate to avenge their Chicago defeat against Ireland on Saturday - to fend off a summer of ignominy in New Zealand.
That is the view of Kiwi and former Ulster coach Mark Anscombe, ahead of New Zealand's rematch with Ireland in Dublin this weekend.
The fanatical New Zealand public demand the All Blacks win every single match, and their 92 per cent victory ratio under coach Steve Hansen has so nearly achieved that aim.
But Canada coach Anscombe believes New Zealand's 40-29 loss to Ireland in Chicago on November 5 stung national pride - and he expects the All Blacks to hit back without mercy this weekend.
"You know they're wounded; they'll be desperate to put that last performance to bed, they'll have held some of it back for the weekend," said Anscombe. "When the All Blacks lose the New Zealand public goes into mourning for a period of time. It's not something we like and accept very well.
"So if they want to have a decent summer when they return from this tour they'll need to avenge that loss!" Ireland's first-ever win over New Zealand in 111 years of trying also ended the All Blacks' record-breaking 18-match winning sequence.
Head coach Hansen's side hit back to form by thrashing Italy 68-10 last weekend, but will now set about righting a perceived wrong by chasing vengeance against Ireland.
Joe Schmidt's Irish side so nearly toppled New Zealand in Dublin in 2013, leading 22-7 only to lose out 24-22 with the last play of the match.
Former Auckland flanker Anscombe watched on from the Aviva Stadium stands that day, the clash falling during his Ulster tenure. Anscombe knows full well the hurt Ireland suffered in that last-gasp loss three years ago, and hailed Schmidt's side for their maiden win over New Zealand, pulled off earlier this month.
"I sat up there at the Aviva three years ago with my son, and I said to him 'well it's not been a good day today, but at least we can say we were at the game where Ireland beat the All Blacks for the first time' - and then the All Blacks scored," said Anscombe.
"They couldn't get away with it again. I know the players, I know Joe and when you see teams and players growing and progressing, you want to see success come to those teams."
While Anscombe believes the All Blacks will be desperate not to dent their reputation in their homeland, he does not believe Kiwis will hold any bitterness towards compatriot and Ireland boss Schmidt.
"As New Zealanders we're pretty competitive but we're pretty supportive of each other around the world in all sports," said Anscombe. "If you see a New Zealander succeed in something he's supported.
"And I think Joe, he's a gentleman and he'd be well liked in New Zealand, and the public there understand that Ireland has a good New Zealand coach at the helm here."
Anscombe: Kiwi public go into mourning in defeat
Ireland captain Rory Best insists big one-off performances, that are not backed up, are no longer good enough for Joe Schmidt's side on the eve of their rematch with New Zealand.
Ireland ended their 111-year wait for a maiden victory over the All Blacks with the 40-29 win in Chicago on November 5, and are now primed for a furious backlash in Dublin on Saturday.
Best knows full well the anger the back-to-back world champions will throw into their Dublin revenge mission - and has challenged his side to scale new heights in performance to pull off another victory.
"This week we'll need a performance that's up there with the best we've ever produced in an Ireland shirt," said Best, who will win his 99th Test cap this weekend.
"It's about us being consistent with our performance levels, that's the most important element. "Big one-off performances and then a drop-off isn't acceptable any more with this group of players."
New Zealand have been able to summon fit-again lock duo Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock for the Dublin showdown. Retallick has recovered from concussion while Whitelock has finally beaten ankle trouble, to allow the All Blacks to restore one of the game's most potent double acts.
Best accepts that Ireland must raise their set-piece work even higher than in Chicago in order to counter the influence of New Zealand's all-new second row pairing.
"They are going to be hurting a little bit and they will come after us there, in the set-piece," said Best. "We looked back on Chicago and we were fairly hard on the defensive elements in our performance.
"(Defence coach) Andy Farrell expects us to go out and deliver. He's focused on our systems and how we stop these tries. For us we looked back at some of the scores, some of the breaks, there's a lot of improvements we can make in our systems.
"We've had three weeks together now so we should be better than we were in Chicago. Defensively we should be better and we need to be better."
Ireland need to back up All Blacks winTom HamiltonRugby Editor
England have made five changes ahead of Fiji with Jonathan Joseph, Alex Goode, Semesa Rokoduguni and Teimana Harrison all starting while Elliot Daly shifts to the wing.
Eddie Jones delayed the team announcement to Friday as he monitored the fitness of Billy Vunipola, Nathan Hughes and Daly but all three are passed fit to feature at Twickenham on Saturday.
Daly, who started at outside centre against the Springboks, moves to the wing where he is joined by Rokoduguni and Goode in the back three while Mike Brown, Jonny May and Marland Yarde miss out. Joseph starts at outside centre.
In the back-row Harrison comes in at openside while Hughes is named on the bench with Billy Vunipola starting at No.8.
Both were doubts heading into the match with Hughes nursing a lower leg injury and Vunipola upper body soreness, according to the RFU.
Henry Slade is included on the bench while Charlie Ewels could make his debut if given the nod from the replacements.
"We've picked a side to beat Fiji," England boss Eddie Jones said. "Every Test match is an opportunity for us to keep improving and to increase the depth of the squad.
"We've made a few changes from last week and those players have a great chance to put their best foot forward and make the team better.
"England at Twickenham is the game Fiji will have targeted on their tour. They are one of the iconic rugby nations of the world and we respect them enormously.
"They bring flair and an unbridled enthusiasm to move the ball at pace, with running skills -- if the game becomes unstructured they can be a very dangerous team. They'll come to Twickenham with no fear and hungry to cause an upset.
"While we were satisfied with last week's result against South Africa, there was plenty to improve on. We want a much more complete performance on Saturday - we want to be in total control of the game and tidy-up the things we didn't do well enough last weekend."
England:
Alex Goode, Semesa Rokoduguni, Jonathan Joseph, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Mako Vunipola, Dylan Hartley (captain), Dan Cole, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Chris Robshaw, Teimana Harrison, Billy Vunipola
Replacements: Jamie George, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Charlie Ewels, Nathan Hughes, Danny Care, Ben Te'o, Henry Slade
England make five changes for FijiTom HamiltonRugby Editor
The day Eddie Jones imposes a curfew on his England team will be the day he believes he has the wrong leadership group at the core of his squad.
As the Football Association conducts an investigation to determine exactly what happened on Saturday evening with England football captain Wayne Rooney, Jones backed his squad to self-police their own discipline off the field.
Jones dismissed any need for a curfew, saying he expects England's leadership group of captain Dylan Hartley and vice-captains Billy Vunipola, Owen Farrell and Mike Brown to maintain discipline.
But when asked whether he would ever consider imposing a curfew, he answered if that were to happen then he would have the "wrong captain and the wrong vice-captains".
He added: "[The England team] are professional sportsmen who have the privilege of playing for England. They have to do everything to be at their best for England.
"If they do anything outside of that, then they don't want to play for England.
"Every player is different; we've got payers I this group that have transgressed. If they transgress again, they'll be in trouble. We've got players with perfect records.
"Everyone makes a mistake so everything is looked at individually, we don't have any set rules or regulations about how we treat them."
Central to self-policing squad discipline is captain Hartley. He says he trusts "individuals to make the right decisions" and said following Saturday's match against Fiji, the players will turn attention to their next Test against Argentina.
It is a different policy to the previous regime under Stuart Lancaster, which ex-England captain Will Carling described as "prescriptive", "a classroom-orientated environment" where players were treated as "schoolboys".
Under Jones, Hartley feels England "have just gone the other way".
"We just trust in the guys to make good decisions," Hartley said. "We don't have an A4 sheet with rules written on it.
"We just trust the guys to do the right thing. Luckily we haven't had any issues as of yet. We just treat men like men and you get men."
Eddie Jones: If we need curfew then we have wrong leaders
England have delayed naming their team for their clash with Fiji until Friday morning to give Billy Vunipola, Nathan Hughes and Elliot Daly every chance to prove their fitness.
Vunipola has upper body soreness, Hughes is struggling with a lower leg injury and Daly has an upper body injury and a decision has yet to be reached on their availability for the second autumn international at Twickenham on Saturday.
"There are a few injury concerns which we're sorting through at the moment. We're announcing the team on Friday," head coach Eddie Jones said.
Teams have traditionally been named 48 hours before kick-off but England have not broken any regulations in postponing until the eve of the match.
"This delay is a deviation from our normal procedure but is in line with the regulations for team announcements," Jones said.
"Billy and Nathan are still carrying knocks from the previous game. Elliot Daly is also carrying a knock from the previous game and we're looking to see how they resolve themselves over the next 24 hours before making a final decision.
"It's ongoing, sometimes these things take a good turn and sometimes they take a bad turn. You get more information or less information, good information or bad information. We're processing all that."
Billy Vunipola, Hughes, Daly given chance to prove fitness
Ireland's Joe Schmidt has gone for the tried and tested, naming just one change from the starting fifteen that beat the All Blacks in Chicago, for Saturday's rematch in Dublin.
That change sees Sean O'Brien start in place of long-term absentee Jordi Murphy, while Josh van der Flier is once again on the replacement bench. O'Brien has returned from injury over the past few weeks, first with Leinster and then with Ireland against Canada last week and Schmidt feels he's ready to take on the challenge of the All Blacks.
The only other changes see Paddy Jackson replace Joey Carbery on the bench, while Iain Henderson gets the nod ahead of Ultan Dillane who was man of the match against Canada.
Ireland team to face New Zealand
Rob Kearney, Andrew Trimble, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best (c), Tadhg Furlong, Donnacha Ryan, Devin Toner, Stander, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Josh van der Flier, Kieran Marmion, Paddy Jackson, Garry Ringrose.
One change for Ireland for New Zealand battle part II