Predictions: June Tests, Week Two

Editor

Ahead of the second full weekend of the June international fixtures, we are putting our head on the block and picking our winners.

The big three games once again sees New Zealand host France, Australia face Ireland and South Africa take on England, with the southern hemisphere trio all looking to secure series victories over the European outfits.

Elsewhere, Wales go head-to-head with Argentina in Santa Fe hoping to maintain their unbeaten record in June, while Japan could make it two from two against Italy. Finally, the other matches see Tonga, Fiji, Canada and USA take on Samoa, Georgia, Russia and Scotland respectively.

Here we go…

JUNE TESTS

New Zealand v France

Preview: France will be looking to end a 12-match losing streak against the All Blacks when these sides resume hostilities in Wellington on Saturday.

Prediction: The world champions will continue where they left off last weekend and cruise to another victory. New Zealand by 32 points.

Australia v Ireland

Preview: Ireland will be looking to turn around a 1-0 deficit when they take on Australia at AAMI Park in the second Test between the sides on Saturday.

Prediction: The tourists to bounce back. Ireland by eight.

South Africa v England

Preview: A huge encounter awaits in Bloemfontein on Saturday as South Africa and England go into battle for the second time in this three-Test tour.

Prediction: It will be a case of who can improve their defence in time for the game and we think the hosts will be far more assured this weekend. South Africa by nine.

Argentina v Wales

Preview: Wales will be looking to wrap up a 2-0 series win over Argentina when the teams clash at Estadio Brigadier Lopez in Santa Fe on Saturday.

Prediction: Argentina can’t be much worse than last week but we still feel the visitors will sneak this one. Wales by three.

Other international predictions:

Tonga v Samoa: Samoa by 5
Fiji v Georgia: Fiji by 15
Japan v Italy: Japan by 7
Canada v Russia: Canada by 6
USA v Scotland: Scotland by 20