NZ v England
Saturday on SS1 at 9.35am
And so, the June Tests are upon us ... far quicker than we thought. Kicking off a month without Super Rugby are the All Blacks, who host England in three Tests. There has been plenty of fighting talk from the visitors but once again it’s not likely they’re going to go to New Zealand after a long domestic season and win. And let’s be honest, the All Blacks don’t just lose in Auckland. This first Test could get ugly ... Kiwis to win by 20.
Australia v France
Saturday on SS1 at 12pm
It’s not the Wallabies team we’ve come to expect over the last year or two with plenty of fresh faces in the ranks, but then, the French team also looks to be a new one. The Aussies in Brisbane will always be the favourites, but I believe the French will give them an almighty go. We just don’t know what to expect of the French – they finished fourth in the Six Nations – but they have the ability to turn it on at any stage. Wallabies to scrape it.
Boks v World XV
Saturday on SS1 at 5pm
It may be a friendly without Test status but there will be nothing friendly about the Boks. Coach Heyneke Meyer will tell his players to stick to the plan and structures and ensure they kick off the season on a high. All eyes will be on Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha in the second row, while World XV players Craig Burden and Rory Kockott will be out to impress Meyer. The Boks will be rusty at first but should win by at least 15.
Saturday Star