The best reactions from Saturday

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. [more]

The best reactions from Saturday

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.

Click here to buy your brand new Lions jersey from the Official Store
 
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

Previous story LionsWatch: Mixed fortunes for Wales after Davies’ drop-goal delight
Next story LionsWatch: In-form Sharples leads Gloucester revival