As the International window opens, fans can expect World Class rugby fixtures from Georgia to Ireland. The International test match schedule will see many of the top ranked teams across World Rugby face each other in the first round of the November schedule from Friday.
All the leading nations are lining up this weekend, with domestic rugby pausing for the ‘best of the best’ to face-off.
Tier one, tier two and development tours have been signalled. So the range of matches and options will hold fans attention right through-out November.
International Window Opens, World Class Rugby Fixtures Lined Up
The following list is only a portion of the wide range of choices fans have. At this time in the Northern hemisphere, the season is in full swing.
Friday November 10
Hong Kong Cup Of Nations 2017: Kenya v Chile | Hong Kong v Russia
Munster v Barbarians (Women’s) – Thomond Park, Limerick
Barbarians v Tonga – Thomond Park, Limerick
French Barbarians v New Zealand Maori – Stade Chaban Delmas, Bordeaux
Saturday November 11
2018 Rugby Europe Trophy: Moldova v Netherlands | Israel v Bosnia and Herzegovina | Cyprus v Austria
Germany v Brazil – Bruno-Piache-Stadion, Leipzig
Georgia v Canada – Dinamo Arena, Tbilisi
Italy v Fiji – Stadio Angelo Massimino, Catania
England v Argentina – Twickenham, London
The first of the Tier One fixtures, it sees Los Pumas arrive from a disappointing Rugby Championship season. They have not reached that bar; coming up short. So Agustin Creevy will be determined to strike early, against an England team who have had little preparation.
Eddie Jones may be one of the most calculating coaches in World Rugby, but he will see the risk of this world class rugby fixtures–so early in their season. Will the burden of Premiership and Champions Cup fixtures have already taken much out of the English sides stamina?
Expect a match that could change late in the piece.
Scotland v Samoa – Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Gregor Townsend to hands Darryl Marfo his Scotland debut against Samoa. #SCOvSAM https://t.co/3MSmlPjS7M pic.twitter.com/7057nh4G1V
— ESPN Scrum (@espnscrum) November 9, 2017
2018 Rugby Europe Conference 2: Luxenbourg v Estonia, Stade Josy Barthel
Wales v Australia – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Ireland v South Africa – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
If two sides are keen to make higher claims, than the hosts and their guests, are. Each has seen good mixed with bad results. That does not bring the continuity of others, and reflects their ambition. The Irish would have wanted to follow-on from Chicago, but did not produce in Six Nations.
Springbok pride took a severe dent in 2016, losing more than they won. 2017 has seen a slight return, but after a demoralizing 57-0 thrashing by the All Blacks, the November Internationals could bring a recovery.
With such motivation, the two sides will wage war in Dublin.
France v New Zealand – Stade de France, Paris
And as these clashes are fought for, in the South Pacific, the Oceania Sevens tournament is in play. Bringing together the best men’s and women’s teams across the Pacific region, it has both pride on the line–as well as Rugby World Cup Sevens qualification on the line.
So for rugby fans worldwide, the selection is like a ‘rugby buffet’. Add to that any domestic rugby, and the weekend is a feast.
Nothing better than the November International window, when it opens and a flood of rugby is unleashed.
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