Manu Samoa on the training pitch. Photo: Manu Samoa Facebook
The international rugby calendar continues in earnest this weekend, with Samoa, both of Fiji's national teams, and the All Blacks in action.
On Friday night, Manu Samoa faces Italy at Apia Park.
Theo McFarland will captain the team which includes five uncapped players in the matchday 23: Marco Fepuleai, Murphy Taramai, Sebastion Visinia, Lolani Faleiva, and Afa Moleli.
The Fijiana and Flying Fijians are both in action on Saturday.
Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne has named four debutants in the lineup to play Georgia on Saturday morning.
FBC reported Kitione Salawa, Peni Dakuwaqa, and Inia Tabuavou are set to start; while Elia Canakaivata will come off the bench.
Earlier this week, Byrne said the preparation had been good, and the Georgian people had been 'excellent'.
The two teams will clash on Saturday at 4am Fiji time, at the Adjarabet Arena.
The Fijiana are up against the Wallaroos in Sydney that evening.
Fijiana XV coach Mosese Rauluni said his players have improved since last month's series against Japan, but time would tell when they face the Wallaroos.
The team lost one and won one against Japan, and face Australia at Allianz Stadium.
Rauluni said while the Wallaroos have been struggling, the Fijiana can not take them lightly.
"We've got to be on song," he said.
"The girls have been training well; they've improved a lot since the Japan game."
He said the Wallaroos are in a changing phase, similar to the Fijiana.
"They're a team that are still to be reckoned with...They've lost all their test matches so far but they're still going to be strong."
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Also on Saturday, the All Blacks are playing England in Dunedin, their first match under new head coach Scott Robertson.
Robertson has opted for Damian McKenzie at first five over former World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett, with the Blues Super Rugby winner Stephen Perofeta at fullback.
Robertson said Perofeta's recent performances have been impossible to ignore.
"A guy who's in form. Good around the high ball. Playing great footy. Just two weeks ago was in a test match level game in the (Super Rugby) final and Beauden can play his part covering 10 and 15."
The Wallabies kick off their 2024 against Wales at Allianz Stadium, a double header with the Fijiana-Wallaroos match.
The Under-20s trophy - the second-tier competition - also continues. Samoa plays Japan early on Monday morning.
Rugby kick-offs (all times NZT):
Friday:
Samoa v Italy, Apia Park, 4pm
Saturday:
Georgia v Fiji, Adjarabet Arena, 4am
USA v Romania, SeatGeek Stadium, 12pm
Australia v Fiji (women's), Allianz Stadium, 5.55pm
New Zealand v England, Forsyth Barr Stadium, 6:05pm
Australia v Wales, Allianz Stadium, 8.45pm
Japan v Maori All Blacks, City of Toyota Stadium, 9pm
Sunday:
South Africa v Ireland, Loftus Versfeld, 3am
Argentina v France, Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, 7am
Chile v Hong King China, Estadio Fiscal, 7am
Canada v Scotland, TD Place Stadium, 9am
