There are some very intriguing WXV match-ups if you need a dose of international rugby this weekend.
If you’re unaware, there are three WXV tournaments currently being held in Canada (WXV1), South Africa (WXV2) and Dubai (WXV3).
WXV1
This weekend the WXV1 tournament could not be more fascinating. All three matches have a great storyline. First-round losers USA and France kick things off. USA were belted by England, no real surprise, except maybe the size of the win.
In more than a surprise, Canada gave France a good working over with a 46-24 win – and without taliswoman and arguably the best player in the world Sophie de Goede. So, USA and France will be looking for their first win.
Then Round 1 winners Canada and Ireland face off. Canada is really good and Ireland did the unthinkable, defeating the Kiwis last weekend.
Lastly, on Monday morning, England take on the Black Ferns. The Kiwis will be stinging big time after their loss to Ireland. England, who are in imperious form, will want to put a stake in the ground against the current World Cup holders. The England-New Zealand fixture will be broadcast on Stan Sport.
WXV2
The Wallaroos tournament does not quite have the storylines of WXV1. First up this weekend is Japan vs Scotland, a bit of a ‘meh’ game (unless of course you’re Japanese or Scottish fans). Japan lost in a close game to South Africa and Scotland had a reasonably comfortable win over Italy. So it should be a Scotland win.
Next up is Wales and Italy. Both lost their first-round matches so will be eager to make amends. There should be a bit of excitement between the teams as Wales pipped Italy 22-20 with a converted try in the last couple of minutes in the Six Nations earlier in the year.
Lastly is the Wallaroos vs South Africa match. This will be interesting as they have not met for over ten years, with the Wallaroos getting wins in their previous three encounters. In reality, it was so long ago that the results are irrelevant except for the pride of keeping an unbeaten record.
While the Wallaroos should get the win, it will be interesting to see if there are any selection changes. So far, coach Jo Yapp has stuck to pretty similar teams over the last few weeks. All the WXV2 matches are on Stan.
WXV3
The WXV3 tournament is just interesting with a mixed bag of countries competing: Netherlands, Spain, Fiji, Samoa, Madagascar and Hong Kong China. Without any form insight, it did seem a surprise that the Netherlands and Samoa ended up with an 8-all draw.
In no real shock, Fiji had an easy win over Hong Kong China and Spain really did a number on Madagascar. What is most interesting is that two of these countries could qualify for next year’s Rugby World Cup. So while many may not be that excited or have any interest at all, there is a lot at stake in Dubai.
This weekend features Madagascar vs Hong Kong China, a Pacific battle between Fiji and Samoa and a European battle with the Netherlands and Spain.
Definitely worth a watch if you’re in need of an international rugby fix.