Test Rugby This Weekend

31.10.2009
New Zealand v Australia in Tokyo (Bledisloe Cup)
Belgium v Moldova in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Croatia v Malta in Split (ENC 2B)-More to come

Briefly
International rugby takes a new leap into the future. New Zealand and Australia clash away from Oceania for the second year in a row. This year they meet in Tokyo on the way to their northern tours. Is this the way rugby is heading with major teams clashing in exotic and developing rugby nations. Tokyo has been awarded the 2019 Rugby World Cup and this clash is grand way to celebrate the holding of the Rugby World Cup finals outside the top nations.

New Zealand and Australia have made changes to their lineups since their last clash in Wellington.

Belgium and Moldova clash in Brussels. Both teams look well out of contention for a top spot in this division. Both teams are in danger of relegation to ENC 2B so the outcome is important for that reason.

Croatia were successful against latvia last weekend, whilst Malta has its first outing since last northern autumn. Croatia's win last weekend took it to the top of ENC 2B but needs to win again here at home as second placed Netherlands has a game in hand. Malta is placed in middle table.

More to come.