International rugby is returning to a regular schedule, including a full slate of games this weekend. With plenty of action coming your way, we, need to discuss some things before kickoff on Saturday. Here are three things to watch in men’s rugby this weekend.
France’s International Rugby Starting Lineup
France is one of the most exciting teams in the world. They’re ranked sixth and are prepping to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Some of that preparation begins this weekend as they face Argentina in a rematch of their Pool C game from 2019.
France is coming into this game with one of the most impressive lineups. When Les Bleus traveled to Australia over the summer, their top star was Matthieu Jalibert. He is a rising star but not on the same level as players like Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack.
Now, heading into this weekend, France will have all three players playing for them against Argentina. Dupont will start at scrum-half, Jalibert at fly-half, and Ntamack is at inside-center for the first time in his career. They are still missing their captain, Charles Ollivon, as he recovers from an ACL injury in June. France is an impressive team and will look even better if their trio performs like we think they can.
Canada’s Performance Against Portugal
The Canadian men’s team needs some momentum in international rugby. And I’m not even talking about their sevens squad. They lost to Chile on aggregate in their 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifying series, missing the tournament for the first time in history. It’s going to affect the team in many ways, especially financially and possibly performance-wise.
However, the beat still goes on for Canada. They’re in Portugal to face Os Losbos (The Wolves) and never lost in four previous matchups. All of this is taking place one week before they play Belgium in Brussels. No matter how you slice it, these are must-win games for head coach Kingsley Jones and Canada.
If Canada does not show effort and consistency on Saturday, Jones will be on the hot seat. Winning these games doesn’t make up for missing the World Cup, but it does put them on the path for redemption. With that said, this is a can’t lose for Canada.
Stuart Hogg’s Return for Scotland
Sunday marks the return of Scotland’s captain Stuart Hogg after missing last week’s match against Tonga. Hogg is coming off a long summer after playing with the British and Irish Lions and finishing second in the Premiership with the Exeter Chiefs. Now with some important matchups ahead, it’s critical for Scotland to get their captain back.
Scotland is a highly competitive team on the international circuit. This team beat France (in Paris) and England (in London) earlier this year. Their head coach is Gregor Townsend, who also coached for the British and Irish Lions this summer. While I was concerned for his job security about 12 to 18 months ago, he is looking extremely safe right now. Getting Hogg back will only help his case.
This week’s game against Australia could be a look-ahead game as they play the Springboks next week. This game is going to be a sellout, and everyone watching is going to want an unforgettable moment, considering what’s happened over the last 20 months. This game will be memorable, especially when the closest thing to a Scotland hero Stuart Hogg returns to the pitch.
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