England and Wales faced some tough tests during the autumn internationals.

England and Wales enjoyed mixed fortunes in this year's autumn internationals picking up impressive wins and suffering disappointing defeats.

For the English this was an opportunity to relieve a bit of pressure on head coach Stuart Lancaster who had endured a humbling tour of New Zealand where his side failed to beat the All Blacks in three attempts. It was a similar story in Cardiff where Welsh boss Warren Gatland was feeling the heat following a disappointing Six Nations and a fruitless tour of South Africa.

England started the QBE Autumn Internationals slowly, losing to both New Zealand and South Africa but managed to find some form towards the end of the month. Wins over Samoa and, more importantly, Australia showed what this England side is capable of and provides some momentum for the 2015 RBS Six Nations.

Under the Millennium Stadium lights, Wales endured a stuttering start. The Red Dragons took Australia in a pulsating opening match but ultimately lost out. A narrow win over Fiji did little to improve the mood and there was further heartbreak to come. New Zealand proved too much for the Welsh when they thought victory was within reach, losing 16-34.

Gatland's side clawed back some much needed confidence with a morale-boosting 12-6 win over South Africa with wing Leigh Halfpenny proving to the Welsh hero.

With the World Cup looming, it was an early test of both England and Wales' credentials to see if they were possible contenders.

Here is our look back at the 2014 autumn internationals.

England

England opened their QBE Autumn Internationals with a visit from the world champions New Zealand. As teams go, this was by far Stuart Lancaster's men's sternest test and a chance to banish the poor showing on the summer tour in New Zealand. The All Blacks arrived at Twickenham with just one defeat since December 2012.

Despite the heroics of Jonny May in the opening exchanges, New Zealand built up a considerable lead thanks to points from Richie McCaw, Charlie Faumuina and Aaron Cruden. England did manage to pull back some of the deficit but was ultimately fruitless as they lost 24-21.

South Africa were up next and England were still unable to break that losing run. The Springboks, fresh from a surprise defeat to Ireland in Dublin, bounced back at Twickenham to claim a 31-28 win. Trademark power and commitment from the South Africans put them into a 20-6 lead with Billy Vunipola dominating throughout. England did produce somewhat of a fightback but were unable to overturn a commanding lead against the 2007 world champions.

Things began to turn for England as Samoa arrived in London. May was once again in the heart of the action claiming the only try of what was a scrappy affair. While it was far from a perfect performance from the English, the win 28-9 gave them confidence heading into a tussle with Australia.

The Wallabies came to Twickenham on the back of a defeat to Ireland in Dublin. The visitors looked unusually weary and England took full advantage. Penalty conversions from George Ford and two Ben Morgan tries gave the home side a victory and the Cook Cup, providing a positive end to the series.

Wales

Wales, like England, had a mixed Dove Men Series Autumn Internationals. There were highs and lows as Cardiff welcomed some of the best in the business. It kicked off in dramatic fashion with a hugely opening game against Australia at the Millennium Stadium.

The Red Dragons had not beaten the Wallabies in their last nine matches but they came flying out of the blocks building a 7-0 lead within just three minutes. The game swung back and forth throughout the first half with both teams scoring tries and were tied 21-21 after the opening 40 minutes.

Australia came back out strongly and as the clock ticked down, Bernard Foley kicked a decisive drop goal to give the visitors a 33-28 win. Despite the heartbreak, Wales rallied and beat Fiji in their following match. However, it was not all plain sailing as Warren Gatland's side only squeaked past the Fijians 17-13.

New Zealand were next up for Wales as they looked for their first win against the All Blacks since 1953. In a feverish atmosphere in Cardiff, the Welsh pushed the world champions all the way with a Rhys Webb try and the kick of Leigh Halfpenny giving the Red Dragons a point lead with 11 minutes remaining.

However, it was not enough as New Zealand fought back and triumphed 16-34 demonstrating exactly why they are world champions.

Wales brought their autumn internationals to a close against South Africa. Indebted to the kicking performance of Halfpenny, Wales edged past the Springboks 12-6 in a game of very few chances. The Gloucester wing kicked all of the Welsh points while they stayed resolute at the back to give them their first win over South Africa since 1999.