The Rugby weekend which took place on Saturday, 24th of June was the last weekend of the June Tests window in 2017. It was also the first Test match between the New Zealand team and the British & Irish Lions. The game was taking place in Eden Park, Auckland.
First of all, following a surprising defeat against Scotland last weekend, Australia was trying to make amends against Italy. Similarly to what he did after the England defeat in the first June Test in 2016, Michael Cheika decided to axe some key players in his squad.
Besides, there was obviously the much-awaited contest in Auckland with the World Champions hosting Warren Gatland’s team. Both sides were carrying momentum with New Zealand having beaten Samoa and the British & Irish Lions taking four wins.
Morevoer, the Springboks were looking for a clean sweep against France when hosting them in Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Having won the last two games in Pretoria and Durban, South Africa was targeting another improved performance for their fans.
Finally, following two close losses against the England side, Argentina had got no choice but the win against Georgia. It was an oppotunity for Daniel Hourcade’s players to end a winless streak since their win against South Africa in the Rugby Championship, in 2016.
* Australia vs. Italy : June Tests (Brisbane, Australia)
Played at Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane, the Wallabies wanted to make amends against an improving Italy side. Australia started the game pretty well with Israel Folau scoring a brace and becoming the first Wallaby to score multiple tries across 3 Test matches.
However, Italy was never out of this game with the Exeter Chiefs centre Michele Campagnaro showing his class to keep Italy in the game. The Northerners got close with an intercept try in the last quarter when they came back to just one point of difference.
Keeping the composure, the Wallabies finally managed to win it thanks to their expansive brand of play. First, playmaker Bernard Foley secured the win before utility back player Reece Hodge put the icing on what was a thrilling encounter (FT : 40-27).
* New Zealand vs. British & Irish Lions : Lions Tour (Auckland, New Zealand)
That was a big contest at Eden Park with the two forwards pack showing their strength. Overall, the defensive plays were better than the attacking moves with both teams not managing to find much space in the wide channels throughout the 80 minutes of play.
New Zealand had the better start thanks to a Beauden Barrett penalty and a Codie Taylor try but the British & Irish Lions came back. Liam Williams counter-attacked brillantly from his won-half before combining with teammates with Sean O’Brien scoring the try.
In the second-half, the British & Irish Lions had some opportunities to come back. Nevertheless, the All Blacks held on in defence and winger Rieko Ioane scored a brace. The British & Irish Lions scored a late try but New Zealand had the big win (FT : 30-15).
* South Africa vs. France : June Tests (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Third game of the June Internationals between these two countries, France wanted to make an impression after two poor showings. South Africa had already won the series folowing two big wins against their opponents in Pretoria and in Durban, as well.
South Africa brought their physicality and that was too much for France, once again. Even if the Springboks need to work on their expansive game, they did the job. Hooker Malcolm Marx scored his first international try with Eben Etzebeth also touching down.
Finally, scrum-half Rudi Paige and centre Jesse Kriel also scored. As for France, the players did not find the key to the success. There is pressure on the current coach Guy Noves who will have to perform in November if he wants to keep his job (FT : 35-12).
* Argentina vs. Georgia : June Tests (Jujuy, Argentina)
After two close losses against England, Argentina wanted to right a few wrongs against an ambitious Georgia team. The first-half was a bit scrappy from both sides with Argentina taking the control of the lineout, skipper Agustín Creevy scoring a good try.
Georgia remained in the contest until the beginning of the second-half. However, the Argentina winger Ramiro Moyano showed his class and scored a treble in 11 minutes. Then, the Pumas controlled the game and tried to defend on their line at the very end.
Therefore, the Georgia team had more ball at the end of the second-half and they almost came back in the contest. Finally, that was a bridge too far but they can take some pride in the result. Argentina just got a good win before the Rugby Championship (FT : 45-29).
Conclusion
The last weekend of the June Tests raised a lot of questions about the different nations involved. First of all, given how tough it was for them to win against Italy, Australia’s coach Michael Cheika said that his players were not fit enough to play Test Rugby.
According to the national coach, the ARU (Australia Rugby Union) must work with the Super Rugby franchises on that issue. About the French team, there is a big crisis as the federation’s boss Bernard Laporte put some pressure on Guy Noves after their series.
Bernard Laporte confirmed later in the weekend that if Guy Noves wanted to save his job, he will have to win at least 3 games in November. Given that France will face Japan, South Africa and New Zealand (twice), it seems to be a tough ask for coach Guy Noves.
Moreover, the Springboks kept their momentum while Argentina got back to winning ways. It is worth saying that Italy and Georgia were deserving something from their performances. They pushed the opponents and there are obvious signs of improvement.
Finally, the British & Irish Lions series will keep going on in the next weeks with three more games. The British & Irish Lions will face the Hurricanes before the last two Test matches against New Zealand who leads the series (1-0) after the win at Eden Park.
Great June Tests ! Great Rugby played !
Max.
Rugby, Only Rugby ! 