The Flying Fijians fell 34–21 to France after a late fightback, the All Blacks were beaten 33–19 by England at Twickenham, ending their Grand Slam hopes, and Australia’s Wallabies lost 46–19 to Ireland in Dublin, leaving all three Southern Hemisphere sides reflecting on tough nights in Europe.

Fiji walked off the field in Paris on Sunday knowing they had pushed France harder than any team expected and that they had let a huge chance slip away.

The 34–21 scoreline didn’t reflect how close Fiji came to ending France’s long-standing dominance and handing them another painful defeat. For much of the game, Fiji were the better side. Their big ball carriers forced France backwards.

Their offloads and running lines broke the home defence again and again. Twice in the final quarter, Fiji were only metres from the try line with France hanging on desperately.

But small errors and missed chances kept the scoreboard from matching the effort. From the Fijian camp, the feeling was clear: this was an opportunity that got away.

A frustrated Flying Fijians coach, Mick Byrne, rued his team's missed opportunities. He told a post-match interview that they had their chances but failed to convert them into points.

Fiji captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere spoke about how the team felt France looked shaky and vulnerable, especially early in the second half.

"We're gutted. We think we had them, but some decision-making we made and our discipline let us down again, especially letting a top side like France go 21 points up and having to chase them. They are a quality side and they showed that today.

"We've got the courage, we got the firepower to take on any team in the world, but it just comes down to the little moments, the little disciplines. We can do it come 2027.

Flying Fijians' captain Tevita Ikanivere scored a try against England in their 38-18 loss at Twickenham last week. Photo/Facebook/Fiji Rugby Union

"We fell short and we'll learn from it as we head to Spain next week and get a win there. We want to end the year on a high."

While they matched the French for much of the game, it was not enough to cause an upset like the one they pulled off seven years ago.

In 2018, Fiji made history by beating the French for the first time, 21-14, in Paris. But on Sunday, while France celebrated a long-awaited win after months of losses, Fiji focused on the positives. Their improvement is now impossible to ignore.

They matched France physically, tactically, and in fitness in Bordeaux - areas that once separated the teams. Sunday's performance showed Fiji can push top-tier nations for 80 minutes, not just in bursts.

But the Fijians also know that at Test rugby level, pressure moments decide matches, and France handled those moments better.

The result stings, but the message from the Fijian camp was forward-looking. With more composure and sharper finishing, this is a Fiji team capable of turning near-wins into victories, even against teams ranked above them. The France match showed how close they are to breaking through.

England stun All Blacks

Earlier, the All Blacks left Twickenham frustrated after a 33-19 loss that felt like one they allowed to slip away.

New Zealand made the perfect start, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes and putting England under real pressure. But after that strong beginning, the All Blacks stalled, and England took full advantage with a steady, patient comeback.

New Zealand’s early tries through Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor showed how dangerous their attack can be when they get quick ball. But once England slowed the game down and began winning the kicking battle, momentum shifted.

Two George Ford drop goals dragged England back into the match, and from there, the All Blacks struggled to regain control.

Inside the New Zealand camp, the mood was clear: too many chances wasted, too many key moments lost.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson rued his side's lack of cutting edge in the defeat. "We created a lot. There's so much good stuff that we did out there, we just didn't take advantage of it.

A dejected All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and his players after the loss to England at Twickenham on Sunday. Photo/Photosport/Matt Impey

"It hurts, you know, because we wanted to put our name on the history board like the others have done and make them all proud."

The All Blacks did fight back late through Will Jordan’s try, but by then England had surged to a commanding lead and were playing with confidence.

New Zealand’s discipline also slipped at crucial times, giving England easy territory and allowing Ford to control the match with his boot.

The loss also ended the All Blacks’ hopes of sweeping their Autumn Nations Series after earlier wins over Ireland and Scotland. For a team that pride themselves on closing out tight Tests, the disappointment was clear.

Looking ahead, the All Blacks know they will face a fired-up Wales side next week. The focus now is on fixing their decision-making, improving their composure under pressure, and turning strong starts into complete 80-minute performances.

In other results in the Autumn Nations Series this weekend:

• The Wallabies suffered their biggest loss to Ireland, 46-19, in Dublin, despite rallying just before the break. But the Irish completely controlled the second half.

• Wales edged Japan 24-23 in a tense finish in Cardiff, with replacement Jarrod Evans kicking the winning points just minutes after coming onto the field.

• World champions South Africa overcame a first-half red card to win 32-14 over Italy in Turin after their victory against France last week.

Looking ahead, Scotland will host Argentina in Edinburgh on Monday morning, NZT. Next weekend's fixtures: Sunday - Wales vs NZ, Ireland vs South Africa, France vs Australia, Italy vs Chile. Monday: Scotland vs Tonga, England vs Argentina.