It’s week three of the Autumn international Series, aka the Spring Tour for us down under. Here’s all the team news and storylines to watch.

Italy vs. Argentina, Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso, Sunday 12:00am AEDT

Italy: Matteo Minozzi, Edoardo Padovani, Ignacio Brex, Luca Morisi, Montanna Ioane, Paolo Garbisi, Stephen Varney, Giovanni Licata, Michele Lamoro, Sebastian Negri, David Sisi, Niccolo Cannone, Marco Riccioni, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Ivan Nemer.
Replacements: Luca Bigi, Danilo Fischetti, Pietro Ceccarelli, Alessandro Fusco, Federico Mori.

Argentina: Facundo Isa, Tomas Cubelli, Santiago Carreras, Mateo Carreras, Jeronimo De La Fuente, Matias Moroni, Santiago Cordero, Emiliano Boffell, Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Marcos Kremer, Tomas Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Juan Martinv Gonzalez.
Replacements: Facundo Bosch, Ignacio Calles, Santiago Medrano, Lucas Paulos, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Bertranou, Nicolas Sanchez, Lucio Cinti.

Talking points: Italy coach Kieran Crowley made five changes to the team beaten by the All Blacks in what should be a tight and tough affair. Edoardo Padovani replaces Federico Mori at right wing and Luca Morisi replaces Marco Zanon at inside centre with three changes in the pack.

The Pumas had a torrid time in the Rugby Championship but showed signs of promise in the brave effort against France last week. Mario Ledesma made two changes form that 29-20 defeat, bringing in Santiago Cordero on the wing and Juan Martin Gonzalez on the flank.

Prediction: Italy are on a 15-match losing streak since the 2019 Rugby World Cup and Argentina has lost their last seven Tests, including a winless Rugby Championship, so it’s fair to say neither are the form side. But Argentina, if they can stay focused at the end of an arduous run against South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and France, should get the win.

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Scotland vs. South Africa, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Sunday 12:00am AEDT

Scotland: Stuart Hogg, Rufus McLean, Chris Harris, Matt Scott, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Ali Price, Matt Fagerson, Jamie Ritchie, Nick Haining, Grant Gilchrist, Sam Skinner, Zander Fagerson, Stuart McInally, Pierre Schoeman.

Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Jamie Bhatti, Oli Kebble, Jamie Hodgson, Hamish Watson, George Horne, Adam Hastings, Blair Kinghorn.

South Africa: Willie le Roux, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Elton Jantjies, Herschel Jantjies; Duane Vermeulen, Kwagga Smith, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, Handré Pollard, Frans Steyn.

Talking points: South Africa made three three changes to the starting team that ended their eight-year wait for a win in Cardiff against Wales last weekend. Elton Jantjies replaces Handre Pollard at No.10, while Willie le Roux comes in at fullback ahead of Damian Willemse and Franco Mostert starts at lock ahead of Lood de Jager.

(Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Scotland brought back centre Matt Scott after a four-year absence in one of four changes to the team that edged the Wallabies. Considering that win, it was surprise to see Gregor Townsend shuffle his team, especially his decision to drop Hamish Watson, who faced the Boks as part of the Lions tour in July.

Townsend said there were two reasons for picking Nick Haining ahead of Watson.

“One is around Nick, who we believe will perform well in this game,” said Townsend. “We think the style of his play can really test our opposition this week.

“On the other side, it’s a case of what we feel is best for Hamish too. Hamish hadn’t had any rugby before the Tonga game. We got him through 40 minutes of that game and he played well at the weekend, but we’ve got to have a view of where he is after so little rugby.

“We also believe Hamish can have a big impact, whether that’s some point in the second half or earlier if he has to. This game is likely to be decided by how well teams play in the last 20 minutes as much as it is in the first 20 minutes.”

Prediction: This is shaping up as a belter and Scotland showed their tenacity and spirit in the defeat of the Wallabies. The Scots have put together four wins on the trot but the Boks have bounced back from their losses to Australia and should dominate up front, winning, but just.

Ireland vs. New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Sunday 2.15am AEDT

Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Andrew Conway, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson Park, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, James Ryan, Iain Henderson, Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Keith Earls.

New Zealand: Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sevu Reece, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Replacements: Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Akira Ioane, Finlay Christie, Richie Mo’unga, David Havili.

Talking points: Ian Foster made 14 changes from the side that beat Italy in a poor quality international last weekend, with winger Sevu Reece the sole survivor. They’re back at full strength, which now means Beauden Barrett is re-established at No.10 ahead of Richie Mo’unga. Ireland made one change from the side that crushed Japan last week with Iain Henderson coming in at lock.
With Barrett up against Johnny Sexton fans will be treated to two world class No.10s at the top of their games, and the pair were extremely complimentary about each other this week.

Jonathan Sexton (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

“He is just a freak of a runner, and he has got a lot of skills as well with it, a great kicking game out of hand, those kick passes that he can do, that small kicking game that he does for himself or for others,” said Sexton.

Barrett described his opponent as a ‘clear competitor’: “He loves to win, he loves to get amongst the physicality, and he’s a huge part of their team and how they play.”

Prediction: Excepct to see Ireland test out the NZ back three with high balls, and expect the visitors’ devastating counter attacking to take advatange of any loose kicks. Another fascinating match looms and it could be tight for an hour or more. But the All Blacks, with their insane depth and drive, should power home like they did two weeks ago in Cardiff.

England vs. Australia, Twickenham, London, Sunday 4.30am AEDT

England: Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Slade, Owen Farrell (captain), Jonny May, Marcus Smith, Ben Youngs, Bevan Rodd, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Jonny Hill, Courtney Lawes, Sam Underhill, Tom Curry.

Replacements: Jamie Blamire, Trevor Davison, Will Stuart, Charlie Ewels, Alex Dombrandt, Sam Simmonds, Raffi Quirke, Max Malins.

Australia: Kurtley Beale, Andrew Kellaway, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Tom Wright, James O’Connor, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Michael Hooper, Rob Leota, Izack Rodda, Rory Arnold, James Slipper, Folau Fainga’a, Angus Bell.

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson, Oliver Hoskins, Will Skelton, Pete Samu, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Izaia Perese.

Talking points: Eddie Jones answered the biggest talking point in English rugby when he named brilliant youngster Marcus Smith at No.10 and retained captain Owen Farrell at 12. That move pushed Manu Tuilagi out to the wing for the first time since 2014.
Australia have also gone back into the past with their selection. The 112-Test veteran James Slipper will play at tighthead prop for the first time since 2012 with Allan Alaalatoa and Taniela Tupou suffering from concussion last week. Dave Rennie called up Ollie Hoskins for a debut off the bench, the latest in a long line of reinforcements he’s called on with the Giteau Law turned to dust, for a season at least.

Kurtley Beale returns at fullback and with James O’Connor at No.10, Australia have the experience to deal with a seeing Twickenham crowd – but England’s pace poses a huge threat.
England, having already lost Joe Marler to a positive COVID test before team selection also lost loose-head prop Ellis Genge for the same reason.
Genge’s exclusion meant uncapped Sale prop Bevan Rodd comes into the starting XV with Newcastle’s Trevor Davison, who played a solitary game in July has been named on the bench.

Prediction: It must be hugely frustrating for Dave Rennie to have come this far through the season to a marquee fixture and be bereft of so many first choice players. England have won the past seven matches against Australia stretching back to the 2015 World Cup. It’s hard to see anything but a comfortable win for the hosts.

France vs. Georgia, Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux, Monday 12:00am AEDT

France: TMelvyn Jaminet, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Romain Ntamack, Matthis Lebel, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (capt.), Gregory Alldritt Sekou Makalou, Anthony Jelonch, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki, Uini Antonio, Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille.

Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Demba Bamba, Thibaud Flament, Paul Willemse, Francois Cros, Maxime Lucu, Jonathan Danty.

Georgia: Team TBC.

Talking points: Spare a thought for Georgia, hit far worse than the bigger nations by the pandemic. The team last played against South Africa in July, before a second Test was cancelled due to COVID cases in the squad, including head coach Levan Maisashvili.

A Test against Samoa was subsequently canned but Maisashvili saifd this week he had been able to select his “most optimal” squad since the 2019 Rugby World Cup for Tests against France and Fiji, next week.

Pau No.8 Beka Gorgadze is set to make his first Test appearance since last November after suffering a knee injury but veteran Agen hooker Jaba Bregvadze is missing.

“For the first time in the last two years, we have gathered the most optimal composition,” Maisashvili said in a Georgian Rugby Union statement.

“For the games we have almost all the players we wanted to see at this point.

“It is a pleasant fact to see everyone together after a long break.”

France, who overcame a dogged Argentina last week, made five changes – four in the forwards – with a Test against the All Blacks looming in a week.

France coach Fabien Galthie has kept faith in Romain Ntamack and Matthieu Jalibert despite a disappointing showing last weekend.

Jalibert will again start at flyhalf alongside scrumhalf Antoine Dupont with Ntamack being fielded at centre as the France staff looks to boost the team’s creativity.

Prediction: France, with a relatively strong side, by plenty.

Wales vs. Fiji, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Monday 2.15am AEDT

Wales: Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, Josh Adams, Johnny Williams, Louis Rees-Zammit, Dan Biggar, Kieran Hardy; Taine Basham, Thomas Young, Ellis Jenkins, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Tomas Francis, Ryan Elias, Rhys Carre.

Replacements: Bradley Roberts, Gareth Thomas, WillGriff John, Christ Tshiunza, Seb Davies, Tomos Williams, Callum Sheedy, Nick Tompkins.

Fiji: Setareki Tuicuvu, Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), Vilimoni Botitu, Eroni Sau, Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani, Vilimae Mata,Mesulame Kunavula, Albert Tuisue, Temo Mayanavanua, Api Ratuniyarawa, Mesake Doge, Sam Matavesi, Peni Ravai.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Eroni Mawi, Leeroy Atalifo, Tevita Ratuva, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Nikola Matawalu, Apisai Naqalevu, Aminiasi Tuimaba.

Talking points: Wales tune up for the following week’s clash with Australia and Josh Adams will start at centre with Wayne Pivac keen to see if he can provide cover in that position with the 2023 Rugby World Cup in mind. Louis Rees-Zammit switches to the left wing and Alex Cuthbert comes in on the right for his first cap in four years. Liam Williams returns to the starting line-up at fullback, while Kieran Hardy replaces Tomos Williams in a halfback pairing with Dan Biggar.
In the only change in the pack, Thomas Young moves to flanker and Taine Basham switches to number eight in place of the injured Aaron Wainwright.

Fiji will be Wales’ opponents in Bordeaux in their opening game of the 2023 World Cup, and they are coached by a Welshman – former Cardiff scrum-half Gareth Baber, who was in charge of the Tokyo Olympics sevens gold medallists.

“We know they are a side that is quite physical and particularly like to off-load and try to play in behind,” said Hardy. “We are prepared for anything this weekend. We’ve trained for all scenarios. We know what is coming at us. They can be unpredictable at times.”

Fiji made seven changes to their starting line-up including a return for Api Ratuniyarawa at lock and the selection of scrumhalf Frank Lomani.

Ratuniyarawa, who plays for English side Northampton Saints, has been given the responsibility of calling the lineouts after replacing Leone Nakarawa in the team that beat Spain 43-13 last weekend.

Peni Ravia returns at loose-head prop in a front row that also contains tight-head Mesake Doge and hooker Sam Matavesi.

Ratuniyarawa will be partnered by Temo Mayanavanua at lock, while the back row is made up of Albert Tuisue, Mesulame Kunavula and Viliame Mata, who returns to his favoured number eight position.

“With everyone injury-free, we got a big pack loaded with experience so it’s important that we utilize them correctly,” said Baber.

Lomani returns at scrumhalf to partner flyhalf Ben Volavola as Nikola Matawalu drops to the bench, while wingers Josua Tuisova and Eroni Sau retain their places after a strong showing against Spain.

Captain Waisea Nayacalevu and Vilimoni Botitu make up the centre pairing, with Setareki Tuicuvu at fullback.

“We named the team taking into consideration a little bit of continuity from last week and a couple of changes in positions as well. I’m looking forward to seeing them go and we are excited about the prospects and the responsibilities ahead,” Baber said.

Prediction: Wales have beaten Fiji in 10 of their previous 12 meetings but four of those wins were by seven points or less. The Welosh have, including an 11-10 verdict in 2005, and Fiji led 10-0 during the last meeting – a 2019 World Cup pool game – before Wales prevailed. The Welsh have claimed just one win from five starts since being crowned Six Nations champions last season. This should be two from six, with one eye on the Wallabies a week later.