Last Word on Rugby, by Scott Hornell.
Kicking off early, the June Internationals have begun across World Rugby fixtures. In helping to celebrate and grow the game, the ongoing relationships and first-time matches saw a range of results and outcomes. Last Word on Rugby begin our weekly recap of results.
The early start of June 9 was due to many factors. Some due to upcoming tournaments and series, with others aiming to work within ‘bye rounds’ of many domestic competitions. From Wellington, to Kumamoto, Romania.
This also included the ‘Nations Cup’. Held in Montevideo, South America, it also is an important step in the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualification. While rankings have played their part, the pressure is now applied to sides like Russia, who wish to be present for the first RWC tournament in Asia.
Nations Cup Wrap. https://t.co/3s9Z0kxIYf pic.twitter.com/8LUeM6CEOU
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) June 11, 2017
The mix of traditional fixtures, new meetings and crucial tier one and tier two games, it all makes for some sensational June Internationals over the next five weeks [and ongoing].
June Internationals Begin Across World Rugby
Week One Results
Aside from the World Rugby U20 Championship, matches over the next five weekends will hold attention in every region. This over view wishes to capture the majority, but some matches may be missed – visit WorldRugby.org for more details.
Friday June 9
New Zealand 28 Canada 16 (Women) – Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Australia 10 England 53 – Jerry Collins Park, Porirua
Saturday June 10
Canada 0 Georgia 13 – Rugby Park, Calgary
Argentina XV 38 Russia 39 – Estadio Achurra, Montevideo
Brazil 25 Portugal 21 – Estadio do Pacaembu, Sao Paulo
Namibia 13 Spain 15 – Estadio Achurra, Montevideo
Japan 33 Romania 21 – EGAO Kenko Stadium, Kumamoto
Australia 37 Fiji 14 – AAMI Park, Melbourne
Italy 13 Scotland 34 – National Stadium, Singapore
Argentina 34 England 38 – Estadio Del Bicentenario, San Juan
📝 | Solomona overwhelmed by joy and pride after match-winning try against Argentina. More ➡️ https://t.co/oR8ubnNy7x pic.twitter.com/Le2WVEoRVC
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 11, 2017
Uganda 18 Kenya 23 – Legends RC, Kampala
South Africa 37 France 14 – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
United States 19 Ireland 55 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey
Wales 10 Japan 52 (W) – CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach
Plus many more across World rugby.
British and Irish Lions 2017 Tour of New Zealand
Wednesday June 7 – Blues 22 Lions 16, Auckland
Saturday June 10 – Crusaders 3 Lions 12, Christchurch
After arriving in New Zealand for the 12th official tour by the combined United Kingdom sides, the Lions suffered their first loss midweek but also, they beat the ‘unbeaten’. When playing on Saturday night, the Lions showed their metal and held the Crusaders to that sides first loss of 2017. A real benefit; not only to the thousands following the popular tour, but also the large tour group of players and managements’ confidence.
The Lions tour continues where the ‘Maori All Blacks’ host the tourists in Rotorua–some are calling it the unofficial fourth test. Some of the best talents; not to make the All Blacks squad, will run out in attack of the Lions tour record.
Ngatai, Milner-Skudder in star-studded Maori All Blacks side for Lions clashhttps://t.co/hupkkQj517 pic.twitter.com/SRNxwBizZS
— 1News – Sport (@1NewsSportNZ) June 8, 2017
The forecast ahead continues to involve International games entirely. With Super Rugby on hiatus, only one game was played last week. Another of the highly charged local derby games, Hurricanes v Chiefs was a complete opposite to Lions match. The 14-17 score had action across the field. many attacking plays, with stout defense holding up the attack. Two tries each, only with a Damian McKenzie penalty separating the sides.
June Internationals Forecast – Week Two
Next weeks June Internationals will only increase the intensity. More Nations Cup, more International fixtures and thrilling series. Across five continents, both Tier One and Tier Two nations will challenge each other.
In the women’s teams preparations for the August Women’s Rugby World Cup, those sides play on Tuesday in Christchurch, NZ. The quadrangular series see’s the women ‘hold no punches’ in crucial matches that are completed on Saturday. The New Zealand v England clash is the most anticipated since November 2016.
The week two fixture list is here, with highlights being the second test in South Africa, the All Blacks playing Samoa in a double-header; Tonga take on Wales in the opening match at Eden Park. Plus many more matches next weekend.
And the World Rugby Under 20 Championships end, with the semi-finals to be played today in Georgia. The young stars will line-up: England v South Africa and New Zealand v France, to find the two sides to compete in the U20 Final, on Sunday June 18 in Tblisi.
“Main photo credit”
