Last Word On Rugby, by Scott Hornell.
In a memorable weekend, there were over a dozen International Test Rugby matches played across Europe. Both Men’s and Women’s teams competed on the International stage–some predictable results, while there were some incredible match outcomes.
International Test Rugby Results – Week Three
If anyone were to tell you last week, that Italy would secure a win during the Autumn International window, you might say ‘they were dreaming’. Well, dreams can come true. The Italian nation are still celebrating one of their greatest victories, as the Azzuri (main picture) defeated the touring South Africa side 20-18 in Florence.
While that International Test Rugby result may haunt the Springboks, others will rejoice in their success. Tonga were over the moon in defeating the United States. So was Romania–winning 21-16 over Canada in Bucharest, it was a great step forward for European rugby.
https://twitter.com/RugbyROM_/status/800096955405926401
The one other significant result on Saturday, was the Ireland v New Zealand outcome. The All Blacks managed to avenge the loss in Chicago, but the effort put in by each side gave credibility to the match. Rugby of the highest standard, not just a friendly-game. It was worthy of a World Cup final, and during the week that Ireland formally announced their bid to host the 2023 RWC. It was a re-match worth waiting for.
Another factor that is a wonderful tribute to the sport, are the different hosting cities. From the Estadio Anoeta in San Sebastian, Spain to the Stade de la Rabine, in Vannes, France. Those cities and towns have been wonderful hosts, for not only their venues but also the people and crowds that enjoyed International Test Rugby on their doorstep.
International Test Rugby Results
Week Three would see an even higher volume of matches than the week before. Teams were now playing their second or third matches, so sides could build in combinations and patterns. Women’s matches are noted (W).
See all the latest results here, with LWOR;
Sunday November 13
Ireland 10 England 12 (W) – UCD Bowl, DUBLIN
Wednesday Nov 16
Harlequins 10 Maori All Blacks 26 – Twickenham Stoop, London
Friday Nov 18
Scotland 5 Spain 10 (W) – Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
Saturday Nov 19
Georgia 20 Samoa 16 – Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi
Romania 21 Canada 16 – Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf, Bucuresti
Italy 20 South Africa 18 – Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
Tonga 20 United States 17 – Estadio Anoeta, Spain
Spain 33 Uruguay 16 – Stadium Ciudad de Malaga, Malaga
France 23 Australia 25 – Stade de France, Paris
England 20 New Zealand 25 (W) – Twickenham Stoop, London
Ireland 7 Canada 48 (W) – UCD Bowl, Dublin
Ireland 9 New Zealand 21 – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wales 33 Japan 30 – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Scotland 19 Argentina 16 – Murrayfield, Edinburgh
England 58 Fiji 15 – Twickenham, London
After another great weekend, teams will now travel to the next city and prepare for week four. This maybe the final match for some most nations, so improvements can still be made.
For teams like Romania, Italy and Tonga, they will still be on a high. Others; like South Africa and Canada will have retribution on their minds. A common motivating factor, there is pride and important World Rugby rankings on the line too.
Beside the rankings, one team are close to achieving a feat of great importance. Australia have one goal left for 2016–a Grand Slam. After winning against France, the fated streak of victories over the home nations is next on the list: Ireland, followed by England. How they go next weekend will determine if they can dream big, or they fall flat?
UPCOMING FIXTURES–WEEK FOUR
Wednesday November 23
France v United States (W) – Stade de la Mediterranee, Béziers
Canada v New Zealand (W) – Donnybrook, Dublin
Thursday Nov 24
French Barbarians v Australia – Stade Chaban Delmas, Bordeaux
Friday Nov 25
Samoa v Canada – Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
France v USA (W) – Altrad Stadium, Montpellier
Saturday Nov 26
Spain v Scotland (W) – Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid
Scotland v Georgia – Rugby Park, Kilmarnock
England v Argentina – Twickenham, London
Italy v Tonga – Stadio Euganeo, Padova
Partita di #rugby "Italia vs Tonga" 26/11 allo stadio Euganeo, biglietti disponibili https://t.co/YVyGJklrEC #ITAvTON #Padova @Federugby pic.twitter.com/5v79PgsYMs
— Comune di Padova (@comunepadova) November 15, 2016
Fiji v Japan – Stade de la Rabine, Vannes
Romania v Uruguay – Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf, Bucuresti
England v Canada (W) – Twickenham, London
Ireland v Australia – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wales v South Africa – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
France v New Zealand – Stade de France, Paris
Look forward to full coverage from Last Word On Rugby, everywhere from Stadio Euganeo to Kilmarnock, Scotland, to the Stade de France. Let LWOR update you weekly with all the International Test Rugby Results.
“Main photo credit”
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