The Autumn Nations Series got off to an exciting start last weekend, with Blair Kinghorn missing a last-gasp penalty as Australia beat Scotland 16-15 at BT Murrayfield.
Fans will have even more to look forward to this weekend, with 12 teams in action across six fascinating fixtures.
In each of the encounters, a lot will come down to team selection and what the coaches go for in terms of personnel.
Italy v Samoa
Italy head to Padua this weekend for what is expected to be a sell-out against Samoa.
The Azzurri will play their first match since a 29-19 defeat to Georgia in July and will want to put that behind them with a strong showing.
Samoa will be no pushovers and look set to be a force again, as they build for next year’s World Cup.
Italy head coach Kieran Crowley will name his team at 2pm on Thursday, while Samoa’s boss Seilala Mapusua will name his overnight.
Scotland v Fiji
Scotland will look to bounce back from the crushing 16-15 loss against Australia when they welcome Fiji to BT Murrayfield for their second game of the Autumn Nations Series.
Kinghorn’s missed penalty took some of the shine off a strong performance from the fly- half, but will he keep his place for Saturday’s game? Almost certainly, based on his all-around performance.
Both Scotland and Fiji are expected to announce their squads on Thursday at 3pm.
Wales v New Zealand
Wales will hope they can capitalise on Ian Foster’s difficult start to life as New Zealand head coach and beat the All Blacks for the first time since December 1953.
But if Wayne Pivac’s side are going to make history and end a run of 32 consecutive defeats against New Zealand, team selection will be key.
New Zealand will announce their team on Thursday morning, with Wales set to follow at 12pm.
And with captain Dan Biggar set to miss this month with a knee injury, it will be fascinating to see who Pivac picks in his place.
Ireland v South Africa
Two of the world’s best teams will go head-to-head at Aviva Stadium on Saturday when World Rugby’s highest-ranked side Ireland take on 2019 World Cup winners South Africa.
It will be the first game of the Autumn Nations Series for both sides, but how will the teams line up?
South Africa are due to announce their starting XV by 12pm on Tuesday 1st November, while Andy Farrell will name his side two days later on Thursday.
The Springboks have one of the toughest teams to predict, with Jacques Nienaber expected to rotate his immense pool of talent throughout the Autumn Nations Series.
Ireland’s strength in depth is growing, particularly on the wing where Farrell must choose between exciting prospects like Robert Baloucoune, Calvin Nash and Mack Hansen as well as the more experienced Jacob Stockdale.
France v Australia
France and Australia will collide at the Stade de France on Saturday, and the Wallabies will be hoping to build on their Round 1 win.
Bernard Foley kicked the Wallabies into a 6-5 half-time lead before adding a further five points to his tally after James Slipper’s score to wrap up a nerve-wracking win.
In contrast, this will be France’s first game of the Autumn Nations Series, but when will the two teams be announced?
Both teams will be announced at 12pm on Thursday.
Will Australia stick with the side that were victorious in Edinburgh, or will Dave Rennie usher in the changes ahead of a clash against one of the form sides in world rugby?
England v Argentina
Eddie Jones has selected a fresh-faced training squad ahead of England’s clash with Argentina on Sunday.
Both sides will be playing their first game of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series in Round 2, but which players will be getting the nod from their respective coaches?
England’s squad will be announced at 11.15am on Friday, while Argentina are also expected to announce their squad on Friday.
In the wake of an impressive display in the summer’s Rugby Championship, it will be interesting to see how Argentina set up for this crucial clash against England.
