Team of the Week
Another whopping set of games had to be digested, but finally the team of the week is here. As usual there are some obvious ones and maybe a couple surprises.
In Review Part 2
On to the remaining four games of the weekend, including the almighty clash in Dublin between an inspired Ireland and the All Blacks, and matches in Bucharest, Edinburgh, and Paris.
In Review Part 1
A review of four more of the weekend’s games, including an upset in Tbilisi, a surprising scoreline in Cardiff, and two blowouts over the Iberian sides in Lisbon and Madrid.
Sanchez Outkicks Allan In Rome
The Pumas ended their year on a win over the Azzurri in a terrible match at the Stadio Olimpico, with both sides happier kicking the ball instead of passing it.
Eagles Win Silently Against Russia
American fans were forced to wait until a soundless analyst video was made available via YouTube to watch the match, a complete debacle but a discussion best saved for later.
Match Preview – Ireland vs New Zealand
Only Ireland stand in the way of a perfect calendar year for the All Blacks, a feat never before accomplished even by some of their legendary teams of the past.
Match Preview – France vs South Africa
This week’s choice match-up features the volatile French against the mighty Bokke, with the two combatants going head-to-head in a battle between two of the heavyweights in the IRB rankings.
Match Preview – Scotland vs Australia
Scotland, amazingly, are riding a two-game win streak against the Wallabies. To put that into proper perspective, Australia had won the previous 16 matches covering a span of 24 years.
Match Preview – Spain vs Japan
After two previous matches in Tokyo, the Brave Blossoms finally return the favour and head to Madrid to face a new-look Spanish side, fresh off a narrow defeat to Uruguay.
Match Preview – Portugal vs Canada
Canada look to end their disappointing tour on a more positive note as they travel to Lisbon for the third time to face Portugal, a side determined to play spoiler.