While Ireland are focusing on the Springbok challenge tomorrow, it’s easy to forget there are other games happening this weekend in the Autumn internationals.
By Declan Whooley
Kiwis to shoot Scottish fish in a barrel
If Ireland think they face an uphill challenge facing South Africa without injuries to number of key players, spare a thought for Scottish coach Andy Robinson. Scotland have played the All Blacks 28 times and have yet to register a win.
Their last encounter was a 49-3 defeat two years ago and the All Blacks are unbeaten in a November international since 2002. The task looks ominous to say the least.
New Zealand make 10 changes from the team that drew with Australia, but with names such as Carter, Weepu, Dagg, Jane and McCaw in the side, it could be a torrid evening in Edinburgh for the locals.
Oh and the bench features Woodcock, Franks, Williams and Nonu.
Lancaster gives youth its chance
England face Fiji on Saturday with the least experienced team to have taken to the field in more than a decade. Stuart Lancaster is continuing to overhaul the ageing squad, with hooker Tom Youngs, a converted centre, coming in for his first cap.
Debutant Tom Youngs
Chris Ashton is suspended for the game – pleases don’t shed a tear on our account – and Chris Robshaw again captains the side.
With upcoming games against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, Lancaster knows only too well sterner challenges lie in wait.
Clash of styles at the Millennium Stadium
In theory this will see the clash of two very distinct styles of rugby, the free flowing Welsh back play meets the bruising forward dominated Argentinean game plan.
Mike Phillips has been dropped in a move that will have Jamie Roberts fearing over his future with a move to France likely next summer. Rob Howley has said such moves could potentially jeopardise international careers.
James Hook also finds himself on the subs bench but the home side should have too much for their visitors, though expect a couple of yellow cards in this one.
Wallabies look to re-ignite their va-va-voom
The late kick off tomorrow night sees Australia take on France in their own back-yard. Robbie Deans is a man under pressure but will hope to build on their draw with the All Blacks last time out, depriving their rivals of a world record winning sequence.
Freddy Michalak makes his first start at home in five years, Brice Dulin gets just his third cap at full-back while Yannick Forestier makes his debut in the front row.
We were trying hard to avoid the word unpredictable, but this is the French we are talking about, so anything goes.
For Australia it is worth keeping an eye on Michael Hooper who is emerging as a real threat to David Pocock in the number seven jersey.
Should be a high scoring encounter, with a cautious vote going to the home side. Very cautious indeed.
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