Round 2 North vs South, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Wales, England, Italy

Friday , June 18


New Zealand Maoris vs Ireland 08:30

Saturday , June 19

New Zealand vs Wales 08:35

Australia vs England 11:00

South Africa vs Italy 14:00

Argentina vs Scotland 19:45

Ireland are fielding a very experimental side for this match, and the Maoris look pretty strong, so fans of Irish Rugby should probably look away – in fairness, the point of the game is a bit of experience for the Ireland’s fringe players so the result is immaterial.

The All Blacks should account for Wales on Saturday morning. It’s been a strangely muted build up for the match with Warren Gatland shockingly NOT blowing his mouth off about his team’s chances. I still think New Zealand are there for the taking, but maybe not this weekend.

Graham Henrys been talking up the Welsh – tell us what you really think Henry, don’t tell me you are secretly scared of Wales in reality. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10651732


I just wish James Hook was playing, he has the ability to open up defenses, but whatever happens Wales are to give it a full tilt.

Australia vs England could be the match of the weekend, England have made a few changes and bought in Ben Youngs and Courtney Lawes.

To me, neither of these players is ready to be a regular international but they need some experience now, and that’s what these tours should be about, not playing old timers who are one injury way from retirement. If only we could fast forward past those scrum resets. Come on England, show us you’re not boring.

Will Genia is back for Australia, although Luke Burgess had an outstanding match last weekend, Will can bring a danger to the game that’ll make it worth watching. Who’s going to win? Another pom bashing I’m afraid.

The Boks have made a host of changes for the visit of the Azzuri, with several players getting a well earned rest. The Italian scrum should pose a few challenges, and the match could resemble a mass exhibition of Greco/Roman wrestling for long periods.

The Boks to do what Bafana Bafana can’t seem to do.

Argentina and Scotland could be pretty good too, Scotland to win again but I hope they score some tries this time.