A Classic Weekend Ahead?

After all the hype surrounding last weekends Ireland - All Blacks game in Dublin, the game failed to deliver. Rugby fans were however compensated with a great game in Limerick in mid-week. Munster's narrow lose to the All Black's midweek team served as a reminder to rugby fans of what rugby tours used to be all about.

This weekends fixtures have the potential to be remembered.

England vs. South Africa - 2.30pm GMT Saturday.

A repeat of the RWC final just over 12 months ago. The Boks have had a mixed time since their triumph in Paris. New coach, Peter de Villiers, is still under the microscope from the rugby world after South Africa's finished 3rd in this years TriNations. His team seem to rise to the occasion when pressure is put on them, the 55 - 8 drubbing of the Wallabies in Jo'burgh earlier this year a good example of this. So after a slow but winning performance at Murreyfield last weekend England should be aware of the Bok.

A lot of talk this week in the England camp, has revolved around the faith Martin Johnson has kept in his starting XV. There are indications that the England camp know that the perfect results will not come overnight. I am still wondering whether, Danny Cipriani should have been given a rest and whether with the Boks lineout dominance Nick Kennedy should have been recalled.

England fans need to remain patient. If they are and the media don't get carried away, the future could be bright for England under Johnson and Brain Smith.

Performance is key for England.

Ireland vs. Argentina - 2.45pm GMT Saturday.

This game is all about IRB rankings, and more so about World Cup seedings. Ireland need to win to ensure they stay in the 2nd tier in the seedings, while The Puma's position in the 1st tier is also threatened.

After the disappointment of last weekends performance, New coach Irish coach, Declan Kidney, will want a big response and Lions fans will want to see Ronan O'Gara put in a good performance.

The Puma's will not give up their 4th spot in the IRB rankings easily though.

Wales vs. New Zealand - 5.15pm GMT Saturday.

The big one of the weekend.

Gatland vs. Henry.

Grand Slam Champs vs. TriNations Champs.

I am trying to rack my brains for reasons why Wales will beat the All Blacks for the 1st time since 1953.

After there last two performances (not including the Munster game), despite good-looking scores, something does not look right in the All Blacks team, not the flowing rugby they often show. Again like all the Southern Hemisphere teams they had mixed performances in this TriNations.

Wales have not looked too convincing in their last two games either, like Ireland, England and Scotland (hence the Lions problem) don't seem to have a dominate 10. Andy Powell has had a great season for the Cardiff Blues, and has continued that in his first two caps for the national team, however, the question is whether he can match the dominance of the All Blacks back row. He seems to be fearless, so why not? Captain Ryan Jones will have to step up a gear though.

Still I think Henry's boys will edge it.

France vs Australia - 9.oopm GMT Saturday.

The Wallabies' reaction on the pitch at Twickenham last weekend demonstrated what it meant to Robbie Deans' side to win at RFU HQ. Could this match prove a hangover for the side at the end of a long season? The French will hope so.

Marc Lievremont's side have their own revenge to remedy after there fateful tour down under earlier this year. They are strong up front and Sebastien Chabel's presence could be match-winning.

This game could have the makings of a classic, if both teams turn up in attack, which I know they can.

Other International Games

Scotland vs. Canada and Italy vs. Pacific Island both building blocks for the European sides in preparation for this years Six Nations, they both should win.