The second week of the autumn international rugby window brings a full slate of tantalizing matchups as the northern hemisphere hosts the rugby powerhouses from south of the equator. After New Zealand’s thrilling win over England last weekend, the spotlight shifts to Dublin where Ireland take on the All Blacks in a rematch of their 2019 World Cup quarterfinal. Meanwhile, England aim to rebound against the Wallabies, Scotland battle the world champion Springboks, and Wales and Fiji face off. Here’s a closer look at the key clashes and how to catch all the action.
Ireland vs New Zealand: Heavyweight Clash in Dublin
Friday night rugby under the lights at Aviva Stadium as world #1 Ireland collide with #2 New Zealand. The Irish edged the All Blacks 29-20 in their July series down under and will be determined to make another statement against their 2019 World Cup conquerors. According to sources, the All Blacks will be without star playmaker Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor due to injury, a major blow to their chances.
Ireland are the best team in the world. This is a massive challenge for us and an exciting opportunity to test ourselves against the very best.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson
The dynamic Caelan Doris captains an Irish side featuring the electric back three of Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, and James Lowe. The halfback combination of Jamison Gibson-Park and emerging star Jack Crowley will look to pull the strings. Up front, the mobile Irish pack is bolstered by the return of hooker Ronan Kelleher from injury.
For the All Blacks, Jordie Barrett shifts to flyhalf in the absence of his brother. Hard-running midfielders Rieko Ioane and David Havili will need to punch holes in the stout Irish defense. Captain Sam Cane and the bruising Ardie Savea lead the forward charge.
- Kickoff: Friday Nov. 8, 8:15 p.m. local / 7:15 a.m. AEDT Saturday
- How to watch: TNT Sports / Discovery+
England vs Australia: Borthwick’s Men on the Rebound
After a gut-wrenching 24-22 loss to the All Blacks, England have their backs against the wall as old rival Australia come to town. Coach Steve Borthwick has largely kept faith with the side that came up just short, with Ollie Lawrence promoted to start at outside center. The Wallabies, who narrowly fell to France in Paris, sense a prime opportunity to knock over the English at Twickenham.
The mercurial Marcus Smith retains the #10 jersey and will be keen to pull the strings and unleash a dangerous outside backs contingent featuring Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman. In the pack, the return of Saracens hooker Jamie George from injury is a big boost.
- Kickoff: Saturday Nov. 9, 10 p.m. local / 2:10 a.m. AEDT Sunday
- How to watch: TNT Sports / Discovery+
Scotland vs South Africa: Hogg-less Hosts Face Champions
After routing Fiji 73-28 at Murrayfield, Scotland brace for a far stiffer challenge in the form of the reigning world champion Springboks. The hosts will be without talisman Stuart Hogg, who pled guilty to domestic abuse charges and is taking time away from rugby. South Africa arrive battled-hardened from a bruising Rugby Championship campaign.
- Kickoff: Sunday Nov. 9, 4:10 p.m. local / 12:10 a.m. Monday AEDT
- How to watch: TNT Sports / Discovery+
Other Week 2 Matchups
- Italy vs Argentina
- Saturday Nov. 9, 3:10 p.m. local in Udine
- France vs Japan
- Saturday Nov. 9, 8:10 p.m. local in Paris
- Wales vs Fiji
- Saturday Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m. local in Cardiff
It’s shaping up as another thrilling weekend of international rugby as the north-south rivalry resumes. Will the European sides gain a measure of revenge after largely being outgunned by their southern hemisphere foes in week one? Tune in to find out in what promise to be a fascinating set of autumn tests.
