2018 June rugby union tests explained
The 2018 mid-year rugby union internationals (also known as the summer internationals in the Northern Hemisphere) are international rugby union matches that are mostly played in the Southern Hemisphere during the June international window.
The matches are part of World Rugby's global rugby calendar (2012–19) that includes test matches between touring Northern Hemisphere nations and home Southern Hemisphere nations. In addition, the global calendar gives Tier 2 nations the opportunity to play Tier 1 nations outside the November International Window, increasing competitiveness from the Tier 2 sides ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Series
Fixtures
27 May
Notes:- This is the first time since 2014 the Barbarians had defeated England.
2 June
Notes:- Tomos Williams (Wales) and Robert du Preez, Thomas du Toit, André Esterhuizen, Travis Ismaiel, Jason Jenkins, Makazole Mapimpi, Ox Nché, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Marvin Orie, Embrose Papier, Kwagga Smith, Akker van der Merwe and Ivan van Zyl (all South Africa) made their international debuts.
- This victory saw Wales record a record third consecutive win against the Springboks.
9 June
Notes:- This is Japan's biggest winning margin over a Tier 1 Nation, surpassing the 15-point difference set in 1998 and 2013 with wins over Argentina and Wales.
- Giosuè Zilocchi (Italy) made his international debut.
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Notes:- Paul Mullen (United States) and Anton Drozdov (Russia) made their international debuts.
- The 49-point difference set surpasses the previous record set in 2004 when the United States won by 30 points (41–11)
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16 June
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Notes:- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) made his international debut.
- This was Ireland's first win in Australia since their 9–3 victory in Sydney in 1979.
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Notes:- This win sees Wales claim their first series victory over Argentina since 1999.
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Notes:- Jorden Sandover-Best (Canada) made his international debut.
- This was Russia's first victory over Canada.
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Notes:- Matt Fagerson and George Horne (both Scotland) made their international debuts.
- This was the United States first win over Scotland, and their first against a Tier 1 nation since winning 17–3 against France in 1924.
23 June
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Notes:- Masakatsu Nishikawa (Japan) made his international debut.
- Viktor Kolelishvili (Georgia) earned his 50th test cap.
- This is Japan's biggest winning margin over Georgia, surpassing the 25-point difference set in 2006.
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Notes:- This was England's first victory over South Africa in South Africa since they won 27–22 in 2000.
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See also