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Week Two Results – June Internationals Produce Quality Rugby

Argentina v England

Last Word on Rugby, by Scott Hornell.

As the wealth of games built-up, World Rugby was truly reflected in June Internationals matches that produced quality rugby. It was across the men’s and women’s game, in junior rugby and in Sevens played in Europe.

Many of these match outcomes are listed below, but there were so many more. Better resources to discover those include a plethora of pages on Social Media: Ultimate Rugby, UR7’s, Rugby Europe/Oceania Rugby, and all of the other informative sites that are dedicated to representing the sport. WorldRugby.org is the first stop for most, but do go out and search….discover the enjoyment of following results, across the rugby globe.

Week Two Results – June Internationals Produce Quality Rugby

Some of the memorable games this weekend included Fiji v Italy. Two teams on the edge of Tier One, who could secure crucial rankings points in Suva. With the ‘thrust and counter-thrust’ culminating in a drawn game right up til the very last minute. Riveting stuff!

In Rotorua, as the curtain-raiser for the Maori v Lions game, Women’s rugby took centre stage. The current champions were looking to go undefeated on tour–while the New Zealand Black Ferns wished to do the same. A climax to the quadrangular series involving Canada and Australia too.

In scenes of jubilation, the visiting England Roses took the game in the second half. A match that will have repercussions in August, as the Women’s Rugby World Cup is played in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

In the United States, John Mitchell was looking to end his term in charge on a high, but the high-flying Georgian team showed a better grasp of the game. The USAvGEO game highlighted the skills of European rugby player Merab Kvirikashvili, who scored all of his countries points in a stellar performance.

And of course, in Sydney, Scotland ‘ripped the heart’ out of the Michael Cheika Wallabies side. Taking revenge for the 2015 RWC result, it was Scotland’s day as they played a ferocious game, as the host wilted under huge pressure. The final play of the game was a mistake by the Aussies….so common this season already, in Super Rugby.

June Internationals Continue Across World Rugby

Week Two Results

Across every region, there were matches which counted for plenty. Some results had wider implications; from Rugby World Cup qualification, to world rankings – for the full story, visit WorldRugby.org.

Tuesday June 13 – Under 20 World Championship, Tblisi 

England 24 South Africa 22 | Scotland 29 Wales 25 | Australia 42 Italy 19 | Argentina 25 Georgia 26 | Ireland 52 Samoa 26
Canada 20 England 27 (Women’s) – Rugby Park, Christchurch
New Zealand 44 Australia 17 (W) – Rugby Park, Christchurch

Wednesday June 14 – Nations Cup, Montevideo

Namibia 38 ‘Emerging Italy’ 22 | Argentina XV 37 Spain 5 | Uraguay 32 Russia 29

Friday June 16

Tonga 6 Wales 24 – ‘Pacifika Challenge’ Eden Park, Auckland

New Zealand 78 Samoa 0 – Eden Park, Auckland

South Africa ‘A’ 36 French Barbarians 28 – Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Saturday June 16

Canada (U20) 25 United States (U20) 27 – Ellerslie Rugby Park, Edmonton

Japan 22 Ireland 50 – Ogasayama Sports Park Ecopa Stadium, Shizuoka

Australia 5 Canada 45 (W)- Smallbone Park, Rotorua

New Zealand 21 England 29 (W) – Rotorua International Stadium

Australia 19 Scotland 24 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Fiji 22 Italy 19 – ANZ Stadium, Suva

South Africa 37 France 15 – Kings Park, Durban

United States 17 Georgia 21 – Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw

Canada 9 Romania 25 – Ellerslie Rugby Park, Edmonton

Argentina 25 England 35 – Estadio Brigadier Estanislao Lopez, Santa Fe

Sunday June 18 – U20 World Championship, Tbilisi

Wales 25 Italy 24 | South Africa 37 France 15 | Scotland 24 Australia 17 | Ireland 24 Georgia 18 | Samoa 42 Argentina 53

U20 Championship Grand Final

New Zealand met reigning U20 Champions England in the ‘clash of titans’. Each side had smashed their way through the tournament, especially the Baby Blacks. And that form was the indicator of how the Georgia tournament was going.

England seemed to be memorized by the Kiwi attack. While the tough England pack attempted to halt the New Zealand set-piece, it was the broken play where the former champions eliminated any England threat. The biggest threat was hooker Afaso Aumua, who seemingly could break tackles at will.

In the 11th year of this annual championship, the alumni includes so many of the stars of the game today. Even players from recent years tournaments; Jordie Barrett and Anthony Watson, are now playing on the full world stage. A great step to leap into the highest ranks, for many a player.

World Rugby Nations Cup, Montevideo – Namibia 10 Russia 31 | Argentina XV 15 ‘Emerging Italy’ 10 | Uraguay 24 Spain 14

British and Irish Lions 2017 Tour of New Zealand

Tuesday June 13 – Highlanders 23 Lions 22, Dunedin

Saturday June 16 – Maori All Blacks 10 Lions 32, Rotorua Int. Stadium

The tour has had it’s ups and downs, with the weight of coverage on this site only a fraction of the world’s media attention. Warren Gatland has felt that, as has Steve Hansen but the Lions look to have there Saturday game sorted.

As the Out Roar 17 bandwagon roams the country, there is both a serious side…but also the lighter, fan-friendly element. Last Word on Rugby wishes to celebrate both. In-depth analysis, along with a good reflection of the ‘rugby united’ values that the tour is built upon.

June Internationals Forecast – Week Three

Next weeks June Internationals include the most anticipated series in 12 years. The DHL Lions tour is unmistakably the highlight. Not entirely a ‘one match’ weekend, as the volume is continued.

Again, your best avenue to preview these games is via that union website, local newspapers and via LWOR coverage. To view the World Rugby fixture list, click here.

But most importantly, enjoy. Plan your viewing to coincide with games in Samoa, Japan, Argentina and Canada. Five continents will host several key games, but as the LWOR team say,

‘this is Rugby Nirvana!’

“Main photo credit”

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