Spectators were put through an emotional wringer on Saturday afternoon as Wales and Scotland snatched victory in the dying embers of their respective matches against Japan and Argentina.
And on a day that also saw England storm to victory against Fiji and Ireland throw everything at New Zealand before coming up just short – social media was abuzz with reaction to the home nations’ efforts.
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It looked as if the game was up for Scotland when Finn Russell’s drop-goal attempt was charged down with a minute to play, only for Greig Laidlaw to smash through a last-ditch penalty and secure a 19-16 victory over Argentina.
Wales needed to summon all their reserves to see off a tenacious Japan 33-30 and it was left for Ospreys fly-half Sam Davies, on just his second international appearance, to land a winning 80th-minute drop goal.
An impressive England scored nine tries in a 58-15 win over Fiji, including doubles for Joe Launchbury, Jonathan Joseph and Semesa Rokoduguni, but it was the latter who won the man of the match in a powerful performance.
And the Irish, who beat New Zealand a fortnight ago at Soldier Field in Chicago, lost 21-9 in a match that could have gone either way.
1. Harry Potter author JK Rowling was left spellbound by Laidlaw’s wand of a right boot:
YYYYEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#SCOARG #AsOne
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 19, 2016
2. Jonny Gray was one of the star performers in a superb shift from Scotland's forwards:
Surprise, surprise…Jonny Gray was Scotland's top carrier (12) and tackler (12). Barclay, Watson & Gilchrist all industrious.
— Jamie Lyall (@JLyall93) November 19, 2016
3. Davies was over the moon with his contribution for Wales – but he was more focused on the victory:
??? happy to get first win with Wales !! https://t.co/ioSu8oziT4
— Sam Davies (@samdavey1993) November 19, 2016
4. Leigh Halfpenny is snapped with some enthralled young fans after the game:
We enjoyed @WelshRugbyUnion v Japan! Thanks so much for the photo @LeighHalfpenny1 pic.twitter.com/7qyxkRTUM3
— Richmond Park School (@RichmondParkCPS) November 19, 2016
5. Rokoduguni and company console a spirited Fiji side when the final whistle is blown at Twickenham:
Rugby is a game of sportsmanship.
Well played Fiji ?https://t.co/YmWzsEXbPo https://t.co/fJej3OLKZS
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 19, 2016
6. The Bath wing won the fans’ vote on Twitter after he scored his first tries in an England jersey:
Your Man of the Match…
SEMESA ROKODUGUNI#ENGvFJI #OMWSeries pic.twitter.com/yZ0btBoVI3
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 19, 2016
7. And on the opposite wing, Wasps back Elliot Daly was similarly left overjoyed:
So happy to have scored my first international try yesterday! Thanks for all the support ? https://t.co/iQ8PA12pRK
— Elliot Daly (@elliotdaly) November 20, 2016
8. Ireland clap New Zealand off the Aviva Stadium pitch after a fortnight that saw the two teams evenly-matched:
Massive respect between these sides after two epic Test matches this year.#IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/mFn2BW6jXe
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 19, 201
9. And though the result wasn’t the one Ireland wanted, they continue to wins admirers from the other home nations:
@ireland_rugby very unlucky not to get another win against the mighty @allblacksrugby showed amazing passion & fight until the end! #IREvNZL
— Martin Regan (@welshregan) November 19, 2016
