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ESPN staff
While there were two games over the weekend, World Rugby’s November Test window officially begins this Saturday.
And there are some mouth-watering fixtures to be played, highlighted by the weekend’s closing encounter between Scotland and Australia at Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon [BST].
Read on as we bring you all the latest line-ups, team news and match verdicts as they come to hand.
[Note: all kick-off times are local]
SATURDAY NOV. 6
Ireland vs. Japan, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 1.00pm
Ireland:
Japan:
Team news:
Verdict:
Italy vs. New Zealand, Stadio Olimpico, Rome, 2.00pm
Italy:
New Zealand:
Team news:
Verdict:
England vs. Tonga, Twickenham, London, 3.15pm
England:
Tonga:
Team news:
Verdict:
Wales vs. South Africa, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, 5.30pm
Wales:
South Africa: Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handré Pollard, Herschel Jantjies, Duane Vermeulen, Kwagga Smith, Siya Kolisi (captain), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, Elton Jantjies, Frans Steyn
Team news: South Africa fullback Damian Willemse has been handed a rare start as one of four changes to the match-day squad for the autumn international series match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. Willemse, an exciting utility player who can feature almost anywhere in the backline, has been brought into the side that beat New Zealand last month in place of the rested Willie le Roux, and will add to his 14 Springbok caps. Jesse Kriel replaces wing Sbu Nkosi, who had his journey to Europe from South Africa delayed by passport and visa issues, while Herschel Jantjies is at scrumhalf with Faf de Klerk unavailable through injury.
– Reuters –
Verdict:
France vs. Argentina, Stade de France, Paris, 9.30pm
France:
Argentina:
Team news:
Verdict:
SUNDAY NOV. 7
Scotland vs. Australia, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, 2.15pm
Scotland:
Australia:
Team news:
Verdict: