Week three results – June Internationals ‘test’ the very best

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June Internationals

If the results over the last two weeks prove anything, it is that after 25 International test matches, the very best teams were on display. Excluding the British and Irish Lions nations, the June Internationals are where the leading nations face off.

After two weeks, the undoubted draw event was scheduled. The DHL Lions Series was always the finale to most of the June fixtures. As well as the already completed England v Argentina, the South Africa v France series was going to climax. After two clear wins, the question was ‘how could France come back from the abyss?’

Week Three Results – June Internationals Test the Very Best

Even with an injury to Warren Whiteley, stand-in captain Eben Etzebeth ran out and performed more than admirably. His team secured the series by using their squad depth.

In testing the best, selection is critical. As teams spread across the rugby world, many brought in players who might promote their ambitions. This included both Tier One, and Tier Two countries.

The larger nations; Australia, South Africa and New Zealand had halted domestic competition, offering those nations the available weaponry to achieve goals. Some accepted the troops; many Pacific nations, South Africa and European countries like France. By employing them, they hoped that match-ready players could add plenty.

June Internationals Continue Across World Rugby

Week Three Results

After many first class matches, the number of games played over the June Internationals would test the very best. A number of sides would now begin to peak, while others might feel fatigued after long domestic seasons – for the full story, visit WorldRugby.org.

Friday June 23

Samoa 17 Wales 19 – Apia Park

South Africa A 48 French Barbarians 28 – Orlando Stadium, Soweto

Saturday June 24

Canada 28 United States 28 (draw) – Tim Horton Field, Hamilton

Senegal 16 Zimbabwe 28 – Stade Iba Mar Doip, Dakar

Japan 13 Ireland 35 – Tokyo Stadium

Australia 40 Italy 17 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Fiji 27 Scotland 22 – ANZ Stadium, Suva

Argentina 45 Georgia 29 – Estadio de Agosto, Jujuy

South Africa 35 France 12 – Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kenya 33 Uganda 33 (draw) – RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi

Romania 56 Brazil 5 – Stadionul National Arcul De Triumf, Bucuresti

British and Irish Lions 2017 Tour of New Zealand

Tuesday 20 June  – Chiefs 6 Lions 34, Hamilton

Saturday June 24 – All Blacks 30 Lions 15, Eden Park, Auckland

See our first test match analysis here, but it was an highly anticipated event. The fans would all converge on Auckland, looking to see if all the hype was worth the wait.

And it sure was!! A terrific atmosphere at Eden Park.

With a wet surface, the Lions tighter game was favoured yet each side were able to show glimpses of brilliance. One of the Lions tries will be included in one of the years very best. Wow it was good.

But the composure held by all 23 All Blacks players was self evident. Beauden Barrett kicked at 100% which underlined his all round skills. Although threatened, skipper Kieran Read threw a brilliant ball to Aaron Smith, which released Rieko Ioane to score. Shear brilliance, and a step toward a series victory–however, do not think too far ahead.

Test two – Westpac Stadium, Wellington. 7:35pm (NZT)

June Internationals Forecast – Week Four

Now that the main competitors have either completed [England/South Africa] their schedules, or still have plans to meet an objective, week four will continue the pattern. Top class rugby union, no matter the region.

Matches begin for the Pacific Nations Cup, with Tonga hosting Samoa in Nuku’alofa. The Rugby Africa Gold Cup continues too, as the competition across the rugby world encompasses the very best.

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.

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