Weekend International Friendlies team news + predictions

Another weekend of International Friendlies is upon us, and we have a lineup of Tier 1 versus Tier 2 teams. With the teams having been announced, it’s no surprise that most of the Tier 1 teams have rested their regular starters and have given a host of players their first call up whereas the Tier 2 teams have gone for their strongest possible lineups.

Let us look at some of the main fixtures and who we predict the winner will be.

New Zealand v Fiji

New Zealand have named six debutants in their matchday squad led by 30-year-old Scott Barret. The Flying Fijians will be led by experienced midfielder Waisea Nayacalevu, who is a serious talent.

H2H results

The last two times the sides met the All Blacks won on both encounters.

17 July 2021 – New Zealand 60 – 13 Fiji

10 July 2021 – New Zealand 57 – 23 Fiji

Prediction

The All Blacks to win by a 30+ margin.

Australia v Georgia

Australia seems to have changed things around for the better and are on an upward trajectory Since the arrival of Joe Schmidt. Schmidt has made ten changes to the starting side that defeated Wales last week at the Allianz Stadium. Allan Alaalatoa will lead the side against Georgia.

Georgia has made six changes to the side that won 25-23 in Japan last week. Flanker Beka Gorgadze will lead the side.

H2H results

The last two times the sides met the Wallabies won on both encounters.

9 September 2023 – Australia 35 – 15 Georgia

11 October 2019 – Australia 27 – 8 Georgia

Prediction

Australia to win 28 - 14

South Africa v Portugal

Portugal coach Simon Mannix has made a few changes to his team that beat Namibia in Windhoek last weekend. Tomas Appleton takes over the captaincy from Nicolas Martins.

Rassie has named Salmaan Moerat as captain, with the squad featuring seven uncapped players. Rassie explained his selection by saying “Portugal are a quality team as we saw with their victory against Fiji in the RWC, while they also drew their clash against Georgia 18-18,”

“It was important for us to select a quality team with a bunch of experienced players, while at the same time delivering on our objective of growing our squad depth by naming a few debutants.”

 H2H results

This will mark the first Test between the Springboks and Portugal.

Prediction

South Africa to win 29 – 10.