2012 June rugby union tests explained
The 2012 mid-year rugby union tests (also known as the Summer Internationals in the Northern Hemisphere) refer to the rugby union Internationals that were played through June, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere.
These matches marked the start of a global rugby calendar established by the International Rugby Board (IRB), which runs until 2019. The calendar includes a return of traditional tours by European teams, in which a team plays multiple Tests against a southern hemisphere side, often with mid-week matches against provincial or regional sides. This year, all three of the teams that competed in the Rugby Championship's predecessor tournament, the Tri Nations, hosted European nations in three-Test series. Australia hosted Wales, marking the first three-Test series in Australia by a top European side since the British & Irish Lions' 2001 tour.[1] South Africa hosted England for three Tests, the first extended tour of that country by a single nation since New Zealand toured in 1996.[2]
The new calendar also provided expanded Test opportunities for so-called "Tier 2" nations. As part of this IRB initiative, another tradition returned – tours of the Pacific Islands by major nations. Scotland became the first Tier 1 nation to play a Test in the Pacific Islands since 2006, visiting Fiji and Samoa.[3] Also, Italy toured the Americas, claiming wins over Canada and the United States and a loss to Argentina.
Overview
Series
Other tours
| Team/Tour | Opponents |
|---|
| Barbarians end of season tour | (lost) – (won) – (lost) |
| Italy tour | (lost) – (won) – (won) |
| Scotland tour | (won) – (won) – (won) |
| Georgia tour | (lost) – (lost) | |
Fixtures
Week 1
- As per tradition, the Barbarians' side featured uncapped players: Jérôme Fillol, Ernst Joubert and Anton van Zyl.
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Week 2
- Contrary to tradition, the Barbarians side did not feature any uncapped players.
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Week 3
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- Tomas Cubelli, Ignacio Mieres, Manuel Montero, Bruno Postiglioni and Joaquin Tuculet made their full international debuts for Argentina.
- Alberto de Marchi made his full international debut for Italy.
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Week 4
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- This was Ireland's first test match in Christchurch.
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- Tim Visser made his debut for Scotland, only four days after becoming eligible by completing three years' residency.
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- Brice Dulin, Romain Taofifenua, Christopher Tolofua and Yvan Watremez made their full international debuts for France in this match.
- Rodrigo Baez made his full international debut for Argentina in this match.
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- Three players made their full international debuts for the USA: Derek Asbun, Shaun Davies, and Tolifili Liufau.
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Week 5
- This match was the first ever encounter between Japan and the French Barbarians. (Both teams had however played twice against each other in Sevens tournaments, at the Hong Kong Sevens in 1987 and at the Air France Sevens in 1999, the Baa-Baas claiming both victories.)
- Pierre Bernard, Hugo Bonneval (following in his father Eric's footsteps), Henry Chavancy, Ibrahim Diarra, Thierry Lacrampe, Camille Lopez, Romain Millo-Chluski, Marvin O'Connor, Rabah Slimani and captain William Servat all made their debuts in the blue-striped shirt.
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- Originally, New Zealand referee Chris Pollock was meant to referee this match, but due to injury, Jaco Peyper of South Africa was the referee. He also refereed both the Australia and the Fiji games.
- It was announced 50 minutes before kick-off that Nick De Luca was out of the match due to a thigh strain, and would be replaced by Joe Ansbro.
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- New Zealand captain Richie McCaw picked up his 94th Test victory, breaking the all-time record he previously shared with Australia's George Gregan.[6]
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- Facundo Barrea made his full international debut for Argentina in this match.
- Maxime Machenaud and Christophe Samson made their full international debuts for France in this match.
- France won by a margin of 39 points, the biggest margin of victory for either side in matches between Argentina and France.
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- Pierrick Gunther, Jean-Marc Mazzonetto and Ollie Phillips made their debuts for the French Barbarians.
See also
External links
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/3194026.stm
Notes and References
- News: Wallabies confirm dates with Wales and Scotland . ESPN Scrum . 4 November 2011 . 11 November 2011.
- News: England book three-Test series with Boks . ESPN Scrum . 19 May 2010 . 11 November 2011.
- Inbound tours return for Pacific Islands . International Rugby Board . 15 June 2012 . 17 June 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120618043134/http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2062854.html#inbound+tours+return+pacific+islands . 18 June 2012 . dead.
- Web site: Williams Set to Reach 100 Caps . Graeme . Gillespie . Welsh Rugby Union . 8 May 2012 . 11 May 2012.
- News: Australia 6-9 Scotland . Colin . Moffat . BBC Scotland . BBC Sport . 5 June 2012 . 5 June 2012.
- News: Graham . Jenkins . Poking the bear . ESPN Scrum . 23 June 2012 . 23 June 2012 .
