The Autumn Nations Collection/ Spring Tour continues within the northern hemisphere this weekend and the Wallabies have entered the chat.
Joe Schmidt pulled an enormous choice shock by together with 21-year-old rookie Joseph Suaalii in his beginning group to face England at Twickenham.
The Australia XV will play Bristol Bears on Saturday morning AEDT however as of time of writing there are not any leads on a possible broadcast or stream – which is certain to go away many Aussie followers pissed off.
Each match of the Autumn Nations Collection will likely be proven stay on Stan Sport.
Eire vs New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Saturday Nov 9, 7.10am
Eire (1-15): Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jack Crowley, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Ciaran Frawley, Jamie Osborne.
New Zealand (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett (c), Tupou Vaa’i, Wallace Sititi, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Will Jordan.
Replacements: George Bell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samipeni Finau, Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert-Brown, Stephen Perofeta.
Speaking factors: A particular rivalry has been brewing in recent times between these two powerhouses and issues are positive to have some added spice because of the current verbal sparring between Rieko Ioane and retired Irish legend Johnny Sexton over the All Blacks tight World Cup victory.
New Zealand had been lucky to flee with a win over England final weekend and can face a more durable opponent on the Aviva Stadium.
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett stated he was braced for an “intense” battle – the place the world No.1 rating is on the road.
New Zealand might change into Check rugby’s main nation for the primary time in 5 years by beating Andy Farrell’s males in Friday’s blockbuster conflict at a sold-out Aviva Stadium. They’ll maintain the rating via the weekend if Scotland can beat South Africa.
“Eire have been proper up there, not simply the previous few years, I feel for the final 10 years they’ve been main the way in which in plenty of areas,” stated Barrett.
(Photograph by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby by way of Getty Photographs)
“Us as All Blacks, we prefer to be within the image by way of the world No.1. That’s a crown they’ve acquired for the time being.
“What extra might you need than taking part in Eire at residence? It’s going to be intense.”
After dominating the fixture for greater than a century, New Zealand have misplaced 5 of the final 9 conferences between the international locations, together with a 2-1 collection defeat on residence soil in 2022.
The All Blacks ignored Ethan de Groot and have Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor lacking after fialing HIAs in opposition to England.
Eire are practically at full energy with hooker Ronan Kelleher handed match to face, nevertheless prop Tadhg Furlong will miss the conflict via harm.
There are a number of returning backline gamers from Eire’s final outing – a slender victory over South Africa in Durban in July – together with a trio of New Zealand-born gamers.
Jamison Gibson-Park is again at scrum-half to associate quantity 10 Jack Crowley, whereas Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose make up the centre pairing.
Fullback Hugo Keenan, and wings Mack Hansen and James Lowe are the again three.
Prediction: It will likely be tight however the Irish, with residence floor benefit and energy throughout the XV, will edge it.
England vs Australia, Twickenham, London, Sunday Nov 10, 2.10am
England (1-15): England: Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, George Martin, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Ben Spencer, Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman, Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Furbank.
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Nick Isiekwe, Alex Dombrandt, Harry Randall, George Ford, Ollie Sleightholme.
Australia (1-15): Angus Bell, Matt Faessler, Taniela Tupou, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Dylan Pietsch, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright.
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Langi Gleeson, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Max Jorgensen.
Speaking factors: Joe Schmidt’s choice to place Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii straight into the group has prompted loads of debate on each side of this recreation. Past the 21-year-old rookie, Schmidt has caught with the identical XV that misplaced the newest conflict – in opposition to New Zealand.
Schmidt opted in opposition to bringing within the huge expertise of Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi – gamers who is likely to be very helpful in entrance of an expectant 80,000 crowd.
The Poms are additionally protecting it secure – their beginning XV is similar because the one which narrowly misplaced to the All Blacks final weekend, though there’s a swap of positions in midfield for Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence.
England have an rising 21-year-old famous person of their very own in Immanuel Feyi-Waboso who scored an electrical attempt in opposition to the All Blacks and can face the Wallabies for the primary time.
Prediction: England ought to step up one other gear after the All Blacks defeat and will overcome Australia within the second half to win by two clear tries.
Italy vs Argentina, Stadio Friuli, Udine, Sunday Nov 10, 4.40am
Italy (1-15):
Mirco Spagnolo, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Marco Riccioni, Niccolò Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro, Lorenzo Cannone, Martin Web page-relo, Paolo Garbisi, Monty Ioane, Tommaso Menoncello, Juan Ignacio Brex, Louis Lynagh, Ange Capuozzo.
Replacements: Giacomo Nicotera, Danilo Fischetti, Simone Ferrari, Dino Lamb, Manuel Zuliani, Alessandro Garbisi, Tommaso Allan, Marco Zanon.
Argentina (1-15): Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya, Joel Sclavi, Franco Molina, Pedro Rubiolo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Santiago Grondona, Joaquin Oviedo, Gonzalo Bertranou, Tomas Albornoz, Bautista Delguy, Matias Orlando, Lucio Cinti, Rodrigo Isgro, Juan Cruz Mallia.
Replacements: Ignacio Ruiz, Ignacio Calles, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Matias Alemmano, Bautista Pedemonte, Gonzalo Garcia, Matias Moroni, Santiago Cordero.
Speaking factors: Louis Lynagh has saved his place as Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has opted for a principally tried and trusted group for the Check in opposition to Argentina in Udine.
The 23-year-old wing Lynagh, son of former Wallabies’ World Cup winner Michael Lynagh, was eligible to play for one in all three international locations – England, Australia or Italy – till he plumped for the Azzurri and made his debut on this yr’s Six Nations, beginning in Italy’s wins over Scotland and Wales.
Louis Lynagh of Italy gestures throughout the Guinness Six Nations 2024 match between Italy and Scotland at Stadio Olimpico on March 09, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photograph by Silvia Lore/Getty Photographs)
He additionally then performed two additional matches, together with Italy’s final recreation, a victory over Japan.
Now Quesada has caught with Lynagh in his squad, whereas giving Mirco Spagnolo his first begin, with the prop having made eight appearances from the bench.
He has gone for expertise, with fullback Ange Capuozzo, flanker Sebastian Negri and fly-half Paolo Garbisi all within the aspect.
The coach has caught with the centre pairing of Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello who impressed within the Six Nations, two of 9 Benetton gamers within the beginning aspect, which is captained by their membership teammate, flanker Michele Lamaro.
“It could have been very harmful to vary an excessive amount of in 4 coaching periods,” Quesada stated.
“We’ve added two or three new issues as a result of we wish to implement them in view of the following video games and the Six Nations, however we didn’t wish to take the danger of constructing too many adjustments as a result of we wish to give continuity to the technical mission carried out to date.”
Tommaso Allan is among the many replacements after the fly-half returned to the squad following a break from worldwide rugby earlier this yr, and Dino Lamb can also be on the bench, within the lock’s first call-up by Quesada after getting back from harm.
Accidents have pressured Argentina into a serious reshuffle among the many backs however the forwards keep nearly intact after coach Felipe Contepomi named his aspect.
Within the backline, solely flyhalf Tomas Albornoz and wing Rodrigo Isgro maintain their locations from the beginning lineup that misplaced 48-7 to South Africa in September’s Rugby Championship decider in Nelspruit.
Centre Santiago Chocobares is out for the remainder of the yr after choosing up an harm in opposition to the Springboks whereas Santiago Carreras misses out due to a calf pressure.
At fullback, Juan Cruz Mallia replaces Carreras whereas Matias Orlando is in for Chocobares at centre, with Bautista Delguy coming onto the wing rather than Mateo Carreras.
At scrumhalf Gonzalo Garcia drops to the bench to get replaced by Gonzalo Bertranou.
With Pablo Matera suspended and Marcos Kremer nonetheless injured, the free ahead trio stays the identical however within the second row Franco Molina is in for Tomas Lavanini, who has a sprained ankle.
The 40-year-old prop Francisco Gomez Kodela, who gained a recall to the touring occasion for this month checks in opposition to Italy, Eire and France, is among the many replacements.
Prediction: Italy have the power to spring a serious shock in opposition to the World Cup semifinalists, and the Pumas accidents points is likely to be sufficient to swing this narrowly the way in which of the hosts.
France vs Japan, Stade de France, Paris, Sunday Nov 10, 7.10am
France (15-1): Leo Barre; Damian Penaud, Emilien Gailleton, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont (capt); Gregory Alldritt, Alexandre Roumat, Francois Cros; Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament; Tevita Tatafu, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements: Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi, Georges-Henri Colombe, Mickael Guillard, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert, Gael Fickou.
Japan (15-1): Malo Tuitama; Jone Naikabula, Dylan Riley, Siosaia Fifita, Tomoki Osada; Harumichi Tatekawa (capt), Naoto Saito; Faula Makisi, Kazuki Himeno, Kanji Shimokawa; Warner Dearns, Epineri Uluiviti; Shuhei Takeuchi, Mamoru Harada, Takato Okabe
Replacements: Kenta Masuoka, Yukio Morikawa, Keijiro Tamefusa, Amato Fakatava, Tevita Tatafu, Shinobu Fujiwara, Yusuke Kajimura, Takuro Matsunaga.
Speaking factors: Halfback Antoine Dupont returns to captain France after they start their autumn rugby Check marketing campaign in opposition to Japan at Stade de France.
It’s the identical stadium the place he impressed France to a gold medal in sevens on the Paris Olympics, scoring two tries in opposition to Fiji within the remaining. But in addition the identical the place he skilled heartbreak as France misplaced by one level to South Africa within the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals one yr in the past.
Dupont took a sabbatical to be taught sevens and ended up stealing the present from Fiji’s dazzlers.
This time he’s main Fabien Galthié’s XV, having marked his return at membership degree for Toulouse with an excellent quickfire hat-trick coming off the bench.
Galthié’s aspect will likely be out to indicate backline versatility.
Léo Barré wins his fifth Check cap at fullback to permit Thomas Ramos to play flyhalf alongside his membership teammate Dupont. Winger Yoram Moefana slots into midfield alongside 21-year-old Émilien Gailleton, who wins his fourth Check cap.
France carry try-scoring menace all through the beginning lineup, with hooker Peato Mauvaka boasting 9 worldwide tries and averaging higher than one each 4 video games.
Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert, veteran centre Gaël Fickou and scrumhalf Maxime Lucu are the backs in a 5-3 cut up on the bench.
Eddie Jones made six adjustments to the Japan aspect.
(Photograph by Koki Nagahama/Getty Photographs)
Among the many backs scrum-half Naoto Saito, who performs for French Prime 14 champions Toulouse, centre Siosaia Fifita and winger Tomoki Osada are available in for Shinobu Fujiwara, Nicholas McCurran and Yoshitaka Yazaki from October’s 64-19 drubbing by New Zealand.
Within the forwards, flanker Kanji Shimokawa, lock Epineri Uluiviti and hooker Mamoru Harada change Amato Fakatava, Sanaila Waqa and Atsushi Sakate for Saturday’s recreation on the Stade de France.
No 8 Tevita Tatafu, who additionally performs membership rugby in France however for Bordeaux-Begles, is known as on the bench as skilled fly-half Harumichi Tatekawa continutes to captain the aspect.
Prediction: France have named a powerful group and Eddie Jones is about for an additional depressing night time within the nation the place his Wallabies World Cup marketing campaign got here a cropper.
Wales vs Fiji, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Monday Nov 11, 12.40am
Wales (15-1): Cameron Winnett, Mason Grady, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Blair Murray, Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Taine Plumtree, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake (captain), Gareth Thomas.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Christ Tshiunza, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow.
Fiji (15-1): Vuate Karawalevu, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Eroni Mawi.
Replacements: Sam Matavesi, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Simi Kuruvoli, Isaiah Ravula, Sireli Maqala.
Speaking factors:
Gareth Anscombe has been chosen at fly-half and there’s a first cap for New Zealand-born wing Blair Murray within the Wales group to play Fiji in a Cardiff Check between Australia’s World Cup conquerors.
Warren Gatland’s Welsh group are looking for to keep away from a tenth successive Check defeat after a horror run, with Australia displaying greater than a passing curiosity within the consequence of Sunday’s match as they play Wales subsequent, after their England opener, on the ‘grand slam’ tour.
The 24-year-old Murray qualifies for Wales via his mom and has solely just lately signed for the Scarlets, however will get a direct probability to impress.
“I feel he’s been taking part in nicely for the Scarlets,” coach Warren Gatland advised reporters on Friday. “He hasn’t had plenty of video games. He got here via the New Zealand pathway. We had been fairly excited when he dedicated to us. He provides us a left-footed choice which we haven’t had shortly. He will get touches and defends nicely.”
Gatland has additionally chosen a number of much less skilled gamers, together with centre Max Llewellyn, who has two earlier appearances, his midfield associate Ben Thomas (4 caps) and prop Archie Griffin (three).
“We’ve glorious competitors within the squad, so it was a tricky choice and there have been some shut calls however I feel there’s a very nice steadiness for Sunday. We’ve some skilled gamers again alongside some thrilling children,” Gatland stated.
Anscombe, making a primary Wales look since final yr’s Rugby World Cup when his 23 factors with the boot helped crush Australia, has been most well-liked to Sam Costelow, who’s among the many replacements, and could have the vastly skilled Tomos Williams alongside him at halfback.
Fiji, who additionally beat Australia 22-15 in France final yr, have made 4 adjustments and one positional change to their backline as they welcome again a number of skilled gamers.
Vuate Karawalevu strikes from the wing to fullback, with Jiuta Wainiqolo taking his place within the quantity 14 jersey.
Waisea Nayacalevu and Josua Tuisova take over because the centre-pairing, with Semi Radradra additionally into the group on the alternative wing.
The adjustments will increase a aspect that was thumped 57-17 by Scotland final weekend in a recreation that fell exterior of the worldwide window.
Fiji’s solely earlier victory over Wales in 14 Assessments got here on the 2007 World Cup in France, although they did additionally handle a attract 2010.
Prediction: Neither group precisely conjures up confidence however Wales ought to edge this at residence to finish their stunning run of losses.
Scotland vs South Africa, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Monday Nov 11, 3.10am
Scotland (15-1): Tom Jordan, Blair Kinghorn, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu (captain), Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Ben White; Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Grant Gilchrist, Zander Fagerson, Ewan Ashman, Pierre Schoeman.
Replacements: Dylan Richardson, Rory Sutherland, Elliot Millar Mills, Josh Bayliss, Jamie Ritchie, Jamie Dobie, Stafford McDowell.
South Africa (15-1): Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Jaden Hendrikse; Kwagga Smith, Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth (captain), Thomas du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Grant Williams.
Speaking factors:
South Africa No. 8 Kwagga Smith will play his fiftieth Check in a vastly modified Springboks’ group to face Sione Tuipulotu’s Scotland of their European tour opener at Murrayfield.
Double world champ Smith reaches the landmark after six years, and regardless of 11 adjustments to the beginning XV, 21 of the Boks’ matchday 23 have gained a World Cup or two, demonstrating their exceptional energy in depth.
Lock Franco Mostert returns from a damaged leg in July and can associate Eben Etzebeth, who captains the aspect and extends his Springboks caps report to 129. Siya Kolisi is on the replacements’ bench.
The Springboks have been overhauled with England at Twickenham in thoughts subsequent weekend, after profitable the Rugby Championship decider in opposition to Argentina 48-7 in Mbombela in September.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a 7-1 bench, with scrum-half Grant Williams the one reserve again.
“This can be a seasoned and high quality group … in order that they know what it takes to carry out at this degree,” Erasmus stated on Friday.
“Many of those mixtures have additionally performed collectively this season both throughout the (July residence) collection and Rugby Championship, or each, which will likely be priceless in opposition to a high quality group similar to Scotland.’
New Zealand-born again Tom Jordan will make his first begin for Scotland amongst 4 adjustments to the beginning XV, as Melbourne’s Tuipulotu faces his final problem as skipper.
The versatile Jordan made his debut as a substitute within the 57-17 win in opposition to Fiji final Saturday after qualifying on residency grounds, and is chosen at fullback rather than injured Glasgow colleague Kyle Rowe.
Toulouse’s Blair Kinghorn, Bathtub flyhalf Finn Russell Toulon and Toulon scrumhalf Ben White — all of whom had been unavailable final weekend because the match was exterior the worldwide window — are the three others added to Gregor Townsend’s aspect for the go to of the world champions.
Kinghorn, Scotland’s common fullback, will begin on the wing rather than Darcy Graham, who scored 4 tries in opposition to Fiji however dropped out with a head harm. White and Russell take over from final weekend’s halves Ali Worth and standout Adam Hastings, who each miss out completely.
Prediction: The Springboks have gained eight consecutive Assessments in opposition to Scotland since 2012, together with an 18-3 victory on the World Cup final yr. All of it factors to a ninth, however not by many.
