The July internationals burst into action this weekend with five Tests showcasing depth, strategy, and momentum-building opportunities.
Week 1 of the mid-year internationals features five national teams clashing in high-stakes Tests, offering crucial assessment opportunities and momentum shaping.
Wales and Japan open proceedings, followed by New Zealand hosting a France side without its top selections. Georgia meets restructured Ireland, Argentina challenges England in La Plata, and Australia tackles Fiji in Newcastle.
These matches promise strategic evolution, player trials, and tactical refinement ahead of a critical rugby season.
Japan vs Wales – Kitakyushu, Saturday, 5 July, 7:00 SAST
Wales head into this match on the back of a record 17-game Test losing streak, suffering heavy defeats in the Six Nations. This unprecedented record dates all the way back to the 2023 World Cup. With only two Welsh players making the British & Irish Lions squad, Wales’ interim coach Matt Sherratt has the luxury of stability in his selection.
Japan (4.10), guided by Eddie Jones, has achieved moderate success under his second tenure but lacks consistency. This fixture offers Wales (1.25) a chance to rediscover momentum and confidence against a technically proficient, disciplined Brave Blossoms side. Expect a tight Test defined by forward battles and Japan’s controlled counter-ruck strategy.
New Zealand vs France – Auckland, Saturday 5 July, 9:05 SAST
France travelled to New Zealand with a second-string squad, giving the All Blacks a golden chance to assert dominance. The All Blacks (1.05), under Scott Robertson, aim to refine the combination play earned through Super Rugby Pacific performances. New Zealand will look to boost their forward platform and tempo control, testing their depth and execution. France (9.20) will rely on defensive organisation and breakdown disruption to slow the All Blacks’ trademark ball speed. The hosts are odds-on favourites to win this encounter, but expect a hell of a fight from these young Frenchmen.
Georgia vs Ireland – Dublin, Saturday 5 July, 19:00 SAST
Ireland enters this Test with a youthful squad after 15 regulars were called up for Lions duty. Interim coach Paul O’Connell has to count on a revamped backline featuring Craig Casey as captain. Georgia (7.60) arrives fresh off its eighth European Championship title, carrying confidence and physicality. This match will serve as a vital trial where Ireland (1.09) must integrate emerging talent and refine breakdown tempo. Georgia aims to disrupt that tempo with aggressive rucking and set-piece resilience. The encounter offers a snapshot of Ireland’s future depth and Georgia’s ability to challenge Tier 1 sides.
Argentina vs England – La Plata, Saturday 5 July, 21:40 SAST
Argentina (1.29) features a buoyant squad under Felipe Contepomi, still exhilarated by their stunning upset win over the British & Irish Lions. Los Pumas operate with superb phase continuity and open-field skill. England (3.80), missing 13 Lions, field a largely domestic squad co-captained by veterans George and Ford. This Test becomes a battle of intensity and game management, especially in La Plata’s unique conditions. England will need structured systems and physical discipline, but Argentina’s tempo and tactical maturity will prove a stern competitor on home turf.
Australia vs Fiji – Newcastle, Sunday 6 July, 5:30 SAST
The Wallabies players improved steadily in Super Rugby Pacific and face one final challenge before the Lions Test series begins. Fiji shocked Australia (1.09) during the World Cup, emphasising breakdown delight and open-play explosiveness. Under Joe Schmidt, Australia aims to reinforce their defensive structures and fine-tune attack phases in the lead-up to the July series. Fiji (7.40) poses a physical challenge and will seek continuity through flair and dynamic breaks. This match provides Australia with an opportunity to regain supremacy and control intensity in preparation for the upcoming Lions series.
