Rugby Union Today: November International Previews
Another busy day in the rugby union game as we take an in-depth look at the November Tests, previewing all the key matches this weekend.
What’s on the site
It is all about the internationals and we have looked ahead to the big games. Ireland face New Zealand in the standout contest, while Scotland take on South Africa and England play Japan.
There are also previews of Italy v Australia, Wales v Tonga and France v Argentina. We have predicted the outcome of those encounters, as well as the Premiership matches that take place this weekend.
Elsewhere, there is a betting piece looking at the best odds from the main contests and, finally, check out this feature on the rise of Japanese rugby ahead of the country hosting the World Cup next year.
What’s in the news
English rugby has been shocked by the departure of CEO Steve Brown, who is set to leave at the end of the year after only being in the job since September 2017. The RFU has struggled financially recently with over 60 members of staff being made redundant.
Meanwhile, there have been several late withdrawals ahead of this weekend’s internationals with Dan Leavy (Ireland), Jordan Petaia and Rory Arnold (both Australia) being ruled out of Saturday’s encounters.
What’s on social media
A great gesture from legendary France flanker Serge Betsen:
What a man! My dad was walking back from the train station, having just flown back from Aus, when @SBetsen saw him, stopped, picked him up and dropped him home! 🇫🇷🙌🏻
— Joe Simpson (@joesimpson9) November 16, 2018
What’s on TV
It is once again a packed schedule this weekend with the November internationals continuing and Channel 4 will show Ireland’s highly-anticipated clash against the All Blacks.
On the BBC, they have two matches, with Wales v Tonga and Scotland v South Africa being shown, while England’s encounter with Japan will be on Sky Sports.
Elsewhere, Premier Sports have a couple of intriguing matches with Italy hosting Australia and France facing Argentina in Lille.
Finally, the English Premiership returns on BT Sport after a three-week break and Gloucester v Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears v Exeter are the featured games.