Autumn Internationals

According to Auntie http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/fixtures/4776295.stm

Chronologically:
Saturday, 10 November 2012
England v Fiji, 14:30
Ireland v South Africa
Italy v Tonga

Sunday, 11 November 2012
Scotland v New Zealand, 14:30

Friday, 16 November 2012
Wales v Samoa, 19:30

Saturday, 17 November 2012
Argentina v France
England v Australia, 14:30
Italy v New Zealand
Scotland v South Africa, 14:30

Saturday, 24 November 2012
England v South Africa, 14:30
Ireland v Argentina
Italy v Australia
Scotland v Tonga, 15:00
Wales v New Zealand, 17:15

Saturday, 1 December 2012
England v New Zealand, 14:30
Wales v Australia, 14:30

Plus (according to IRFU http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/index.php )
Sat 17th Nov 12 17:30 F Ireland XV v Fiji Thomond Park Stadium
So presumably non-capped and doesn't count as an international


By country

England v Fiji, 14:30
England v Australia, 14:30
England v South Africa, 14:30
England v New Zealand, 14:30

Scotland v New Zealand, 14:30
Scotland v South Africa, 14:30
Scotland v Tonga, 15:00

Ireland v South Africa
(Ireland XV v Fiji)
Ireland v Argentina

Italy v New Zealand
Italy v Tonga
Italy v Australia

Wales v Argentina, 14:30
Wales v Samoa, 19:30
Wales v New Zealand, 17:15
Wales v Australia, 14:30

Plus:
France (http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/match/fixtures/international.html)
Sat 10 France v Australia, Stade de France
Sat 17 France v Argentina, Lille
Sat 24 France v Samoa, Stade de France


All of which poses a number of questions:

1. The potential effects on IRB world ranking points (particularly for the so-called 'prized' 4th spot for RWC 2015)
2. The effect on 6Ns Unions' relative finances
3. The effect on 6Ns Unions' relative domestic teams in European competition

Outstanding in the AI lists it occurs to me:
1. England have (however unlikely with the ABs on the scene) have a chance of a 'domestic GS' against the Top three. Plus the corollary a domestic whitewash. And are likely to slip in the International standings.
2. Wales and France each have a great chance to claim the coveted 4th spot.
3. The IRFU seem to be sublimating their national priorities to the Provinces

England face apart from Fiji,the three top sides in the World,at the end of a long season.BUT both Australia and South Africa have shown great resilence and only lost to themselves and New Zealand.
No doubt after the Draw la st Saturday ,England and Wales will fancty there chances.With NZ outside the IRB window players may not be released for that match.
Reality check in my opinion England will lose to NZ ,and one or both of the other two.Wales will lose to NZ not sure about Australia ,South Africa face Ireland and Scotland both have good records versus them.
IRB ratings at the end of the AI`s will decide seedings BUT being in a group with the SH side could be an advantage.As you would then not face them probably till the final if you got there.