England's hopes of top tier dashed

Tongatriumphed in Aberdeen as Scotlandslumped to another miserable loss which is sure to pile pressure on head coach Andy Robinson.

Tries from Lua Lokotui and Connacht’s Fetu’u Vainikolo and 11 points from the boot of Fangatapu Apikotoa earned Tonga a memorable 21-15 win at Pittodrie.

Greig Laidlaw kicked five penalties for Scotland, who were blunt in attack, as Robinson’s men slumped to a third defeat of the series, following losses to New Zealand and South Africa, and 12th in the world rankings.

Australiasurvived a second-half fightback to maintain their perfect record against Italywith a 22-19 win in Florence.

The Wallabies had looked to be coasting after Nick Cummins’s second try in as many weeks helped them into a 22-3 half-time lead, but Robbie Deans’s men ground to a halt after the interval as the Azzurri sensed a first-ever win against their southern hemisphere rivals.

Robert Barbieri dived over for a converted try two minutes after the restart before a pair of Luciano Orquera penalties drew them to within three points with 25 minutes remaining. But, despite some torrid play from the Wallabies, they held on to grab back-to-back wins on their European tour after their Twickenham success over England last weekend.

World champions New Zealand destroyed Wales with a Millennium Stadiummasterclass, but they also graphically displayed the ugly side of rugby.

The All Blacks stretched their unbeaten record to 20 Tests against all opponents and inflicted a 25th successive defeat on Wales, stretching back 59 years.

Tries by flanker Liam Messam, prop Tony Woodcock and lock Luke Romano, plus 18 points from an injured Dan Carter’s deputy Aaron Cruden confirmed Wales’ worst losing run since current All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen was in charge 10 years ago.

Wales claimed consolation tries by substitute Scott Williams and wing Alex Cuthbert, yet they lost three players injured inside the opening 20 minutes, including lock Bradley Davies, who was floored by a sickening act of foul play.

All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore punched Davies from behind, and although he escaped censure from match referee Craig Joubert, citing commissioner Mike Rafter is likely to take a different view.

IRB RANKINGS(updated after November 24th matches)
1 New Zealand
2 South Africa
3 Australia
4 France
5 England
6 IRELAND
7 Wales
8 Samoa
9 Argentina
10 Italy
11 Tonga
12 Scotland