2021 July rugby union tests

The 2021 mid-year rugby union internationals (also known as the summer internationals in the Northern Hemisphere) were a series of international rugby union matches that are typically played in the Southern Hemisphere during the July international window. Due to ongoing restrictions around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of matches were cancelled, and some series reversed so that the Northern Hemisphere nations hosted the matches, and some teams played for the first time since their final matches of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[1]

The window was highlighted by the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, which included a three-test series between the Lions and South Africa. Ahead of the tour, the Lions hosted their first home match since 2005, against Japan in Scotland, while South Africa were scheduled to host a two-test series against Georgia; the first time the teams had met outside the Rugby World Cup. The second test of this series was cancelled. Japan went on to play Ireland. Ireland also played the United States, having had to adapt their summer tour after their test series away to Fiji was cancelled.[2] To replace Ireland's tour, Fiji traveled to New Zealand for a first ever test series against the All Blacks, who also hosted Tonga. Tonga began their preparation for their 2023 Rugby World Cup qualification series against Samoa, and Samoa used a two-match series against the Māori All Blacks as their preparation. The three-test series between Australia and France was condensed to take place within 11 days, due to French club commitments and a hotel quarantine period for the France team.[3] Australia go on to play New Zealand in the first Bledisloe Cup match of the year.

England and Wales's summer tours were reversed, as England welcomed Canada and the United States, and Wales hosted Argentina. Wales, who were originally meant to play Uruguay as part of their South America tour, instead played Canada ahead of their two-test series against Argentina. Argentina also prepared for the series with a first visit to Bucharest since 1992 to play Romania, which replaced Argentina's cancelled home game against Georgia. Romania were scheduled to face Scotland for the first time since 2011 and Scotland were also due to play Georgia as part of their Eastern Europe tour, but both matches were cancelled.

The window also contained a number of other 2023 Rugby World Cup qualification warm-ups as Uruguay played an Argentina XV, the Cook Islands played a Tasman Mako HP XV and the New Zealand U20 team, and Zimbabwe played Zambia. Zimbabwe were also scheduled to play Portugal, but the match was cancelled.

Series
Event Result Victor
South Africa v British & Irish Lions test series 2–1  South Africa
New Zealand v Fiji series 2–0  New Zealand
Australia v France test series 2–1  Australia
South Africa v Georgia test series 1–0  South Africa [lower-alpha 1]
Argentina v Wales test series 0–1  Argentina

Other tours
Team/Tour Opponents
 Argentina  Romania (won)
 Canada  England (lost) –  Wales (lost)
 Japan British & Irish Lions (lost) –  Ireland (lost)
 Scotland  Romania (cancelled) –  Georgia (cancelled)
 United States  England (lost) –  Ireland (lost)

Fixtures

June
2 June 2021
15:00 CAT (UTC+02)
Zimbabwe  31–8  Zambia
Try: Mudzekenyedzi 12' m
Juszczyk (2) 21' c, 52' c
Chiwambutsa 28' m
Burnett 34' m
Con: Mudariki (3/5) 22', 35', 53'
 Report Try: Chisenga 35' m
Pen: Mwashi (1/1) 79'
Police Grounds, Harare[4]
Attendance: 0
Referee: ZRU Appt. (Zimbabwe)
5 June 2021
15:00 CAT (UTC+02)
Zimbabwe  56–3  Zambia
Try: Mangongo 9' m
Katsevere (4) 32' m, 45' m, 48' m, 55' m
Chiwara (2) 57' m, 74' c
Mudariki 62' c
Mudzekenyedzi 65' m
Tshamala 72' c
Con: Mandivenga (1/4) 62'
White Sharpley (2/2) 73', 75'
 Report Pen: Koloko (1/3) 12'
12 June 2021
15:35 JST (UTC+09)
Japan XV  32–17 Sunwolves
Try: Horikoshi (2) 60' c, 80' c
Nakamura 65' c
Tatafu 71' m
Con: Matsuda (3/4) 62', 66', 80+1'
Pen: Tamura (1/2) 31'
Matsuda (1/1) 76'
 Report Try: Arai 19' c
Takeyama 39' c
Con: Yamasawa (2/2) 21', 40+1'
Pen: Takeyama (1/1) 68'
Shizuoka Stadium, Shizuoka[5]
Attendance: 18,434
Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)
12 June 2021
Zimbabwe  Cancelled [lower-alpha 2]  Namibia
19 June 2021
Namibia  Cancelled [lower-alpha 3]  Zimbabwe
26 June 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
Māori All Blacks  35–10  Samoa
Try: Stevenson 9' c, 38' c
Wainui 32' c
Dixon 57' c
Douglas 67'
Con: Black (3/3) 10' 33', 39' c
Ioane (2/2) 58', 68'
 Report Try: Foma'i 24'
Con: Iona (1/1) 25'
Pen: Iona (1/1) 46'

Notes:

  • The sides faced each other for the first time since 2008.
26 June 2021
15:00 BST (UTC+01)
British & Irish Lions 28–10  Japan
Try: Adams 12' c
Van der Merwe 18' c
Henshaw 23' c
Beirne 48' c
Con: Biggar (4/4) 13', 19', 24', 49'
 Report Try: Himeno 59' c
Con: Tamura (1/1) 60'
Pen: Tamura (1/2) 69'

Notes:

  • Hamish Watson and Zander Fagerson (British & Irish Lions) were named to start, but was withdrawn in the week leading up to the game due to injury and head knock. Justin Tipuric replaced Watson whilst Tadhg Furlong was promoted from the bench to replace Fagerson - Kyle Sinckler replaced Furlong on the bench.[10][11]
  • No replacement was made for Jack Conan.
  • Jack Cornelsen, Siosaia Fifita, Craig Millar and Naoto Saito (all Japan) made their international debuts.
  • Japan became the eighth test nation to play the British & Irish Lions.[12]
27 June 2021
14:00 BST (UTC+01)
England A  Cancelled[lower-alpha 4]  Scotland A

2/3/4 July
2 July 2021
19:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  40–9  Georgia
Try: Fassi 4' m
Mbonambi 35' c
Reinach 37' c
Smith 54' c
H. Jantjies 58' c
Marx 68' c
Con: Pollard (4/5) 36', 38', 54', 58'
E. Jantjies (1/1) 69'
 Report Pen: Abzhandadze (3/3) 3', 18', 25'

Notes:

3 July 2021
16:30 NZST (UTC+12)
Māori All Blacks  38–21  Samoa
Try: Dixon 22' c
Lowe (2) 34' m, 58' m
Penalty try (2) 40', 63'
Wainui 46' m
Con: Black (1/2) 23'
Ioane (1/2) 47'
 Report Try: Foma'i 24' c
Alosio 41' c
Tuiloma 80' c
Con: Iona (2/2) 25', 42'
Taefu (1/1) 80'

Notes:

3 July 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  102–0  Tonga
Try: McKenzie 2' m
Papalii (2) 5' c, 37' m
Weber (3) 7' c, 16' c, 50' c
Jordan (5) 9' m, 20' c, 47' m, 55' c, 68' m
Jacobson 42' c
Mo'unga 54' c
R. Ioane 61' c
Tuipulotu 77' c
Bridge 80' c
Con: Mo'unga (7/11) 6', 8', 17', 20', 43', 51', 54'
B. Barrett (4/5) 56', 62', 77', 80'
 Report

Notes:

3 July 2021
13:00 IST (UTC+01)
Ireland  39–31  Japan
Try: Farrell 8' c
McCloskey 26' m
Bealham 40' c
Van der Flier 49' c
Stockdale 52' c
Con: Carbery (4/5) 9', 40', 50', 53'
Pen: Carbery (2/2) 62', 69'
 Report Try: Leitch 11' c
Lafaele 36' c
Fifita 43' c
Saito 57' c
Con: Tamura (4/4) 12', 37', 45', 58'
Pen: Tamura (1/1) 4'
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)

Notes:

3 July 2021
15:00 BST (UTC+01)
Wales  68–12  Canada
Try: Williams (2) 6' c, 45' c
Botham 14' m
Holmes (2) 20' c, 80+1' c
Smith 27' c
Dee 31' c
Rowlands 36' c
Basham (2) 56' c, 61' c
Con: Sheedy (7/8) 7', 21', 28', 32', 37', 46', 57'
B. Thomas (2/2) 62', 80+3'
 Report Try: Lloyd 4' m
Coats 68' c
Con: Nelson (1/2) 68'

Notes:

3 July 2021
Portugal  Cancelled [lower-alpha 6]  Zimbabwe
3 July 2021
21:00 EEST (UTC+03)
Romania  17–24  Argentina
Try: Căpățână 45' m
Pen: Melinte (4/5) 5', 22', 32', 62'
 Report
(In Romania)		 Try: Bruni 14' m
Cordero 24' m
Penalty try 36'
González 73' c
Con: Miotti (1/1) 74'

Notes:

4 July 2021
14:00 BST (UTC+01)
England  43–29  United States
Try: Underhill 6' m
Lawrence 14' c
Cokanasiga (2) 23' c, 30' c
Blamire 49' m
Smith 65' m
Randall 69' c
Con: Smith (5/7) 15', 24', 32', 70'
 Report Try: Faʻanana-Schultz 41' m
Dolan 57' c
Germishuys 73' c
Dyer 77' c
Con: Carty (3/4) 58', 74', 78'
Pen: Carty (1/1) 5'
Twickenham Stadium, London[22]
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

Notes:

4 July 2021
14:10 UYT (UTC-03)
Uruguay  42–26  Argentina XV
Try: Vilaseca 11' c
Kessler 32' c
Dotti 40' c
Viñals 48' c
Echeverry 61' c
Gattas 80' c
Con: Berchesi (5/5) 12', 33', 40', 49', 62'
Echeverry (1/1) 80'
 Report Try: Elías 19' c
Fernández Criado 24' c
Daireaux 59' m
Simes 74' c
Con: Elías (2/2) 19', 25'
Prisciantelli (1/2) 74'
Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo
Attendance: 0
Referee: Nehuén Jauri Rivero (Argentina)

7 July
7 July 2021
13:00 NZST (UTC+12)
Tasman Mako HP XV 31–24  Cook Islands
Try: Lewis 12' c
Veamatahau 23' c
MacDonald (2) 44' m, 51' m
Napa'a 71' c
Con: Parata (3/5) 13', 24', 72'
 Report Try: Toki 31' m
Rudolph 40' c
Bikaca 63' m
Mato 67' c
Con: Sopoaga (2/4) 40', 68'
Tahunanui Fields, Nelson
Attendance: 100
Referee: NZR Appt. (New Zealand)
7 July 2021
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  23–21  France
Try: Paenga-Amosa 34' c
Hooper 71' c
Con: Lolesio (2/2) 36', 71'
Pen: Lolesio (4/4) 44', 60', 80+4'
 Report Try: Villière (2) 6' m, 22' c
Con: Carbonel (1/2) 24'
Pen: Carbonel (2/2) 19', 52'
Jaminet (1/1) 62'

Notes:

9/10 July
9 July 2021
19:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  Cancelled[lower-alpha 10]  Georgia
10 July 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  57–23  Fiji
Try: J. Barrett 9' c
Havili (2) 18' c', 21' c
Bridge 44' m
Coles (4) 52' m, 64' c, 73' c, 76' c
Jordan 69' m
Con: Barrett (6/9) 10', 18', 22', 65', 74', 77'
 Report Try: Tuisue 28' m
Kunavula 48' m
Penalty try 61'
Pen: Volavola (2/2) 6', 13'

Notes:

10 July 2021
13:00 BST (UTC+01)
Argentina  20–20  Wales
Try: Matera 39' c
De la Fuente 46' c
Con: Sánchez (2/2) 41', 47'
Pen: Sánchez (2/4) 16', 45'
 Report Try: Rowlands 51' c
Williams 71' c
Con: Evans (2/2) 52', 72'
Pen: Sheedy (2/2) 18', 27'

Notes:

  • This is the first draw between these two nations in 19 meetings.
10 July 2021
15:00 BST (UTC+01)
England  70–14  Canada
Try: Blamire (3) 1' c, 40' c', 59' c
Radwan (3) 15' c, 50' c, 61' c
Cokanasiga (2) 20' c, 23' c
Genge 46' c
Penalty try 13'
Con: Smith (9/9) 2', 16', 22', 25', 41', 46', 52', 60', 63'
 Report Try: Braude 10' c
Lloyd 33' c
Con: Nelson (2/2) 11', 34'

Notes:

10 July 2021
21:00 EEST (UTC+03)
Romania  Cancelled[lower-alpha 14]  Scotland
10 July 2021
19:15 IST (UTC+01)
Ireland  71–10  United States
Try: Baloucoune 17' c
Kelleher (4) 24' c, 30' c, 44' c, 54' c
Timoney 27' c
McCloskey 56' m
Keenan 62' c
Coombes 71' c
Bealham 80' c
Con: Carbery (5/5) 19', 25', 28', 31', 45'
H. Byrne (3/4) 55', 64', 72'
Addison (1/1) 80'
Pen: Carbery (1/1) 8'
 Report Try: Baska 78' c
Con: Magie (1/1) 79'
Pen: Carty (1/1) 20'
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Notes:

13 July
13 July 2021
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  26–28  France
Try: Gordon 38' c
Hooper 71' c
Con: Lolesio (2/2) 40', 72'
Pen: Lolesio (4/4) 17', 26', 46', 75'
 Report Try: Penaud 22' c
Con: Jaminet (1/1) 23'
Pen: Jaminet (7/7) 2', 10', 35', 51', 56', 63', 78'

Notes:

17 July
17 July 2021
12:00 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand U20 73–0  Cook Islands
17 July 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  60–13  Fiji
Try: Reece (3) 15' c, 31' c, 36' m
Savea 40' c
Jordan 42' c
R. Ioane 49' c
Taukei'aho (2) 59' m, 80' c
Frizell 68' c
Con: Mo'unga (5/6) 15', 33', 40', 42', 51'
B. Barrett (2/3) 69', 80'
Pen: Mo'unga (1/1) 29'
 Report Try: Ravai 44' c
Con: Volavola (1/1) 46'
Pen: Volavola (2/2) 5', 18'

Notes:

17 July 2021
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  33–30  France
Try: McDermott 11' c
Lolesio 20' c
Tupou 51' c
Con: Lolesio (3/3) 12', 21', 53'
Pen: Lolesio (4/5) 26', 40', 73', 79'
 Report Try: Couilloud 8' c
Woki 36' c
Barassi 47' c
Con: Jaminet (3/3) 9', 37', 48'
Pen: Jaminet (3/4) 4', 14', 75'
Lang Park, Brisbane[24]
Attendance: 34,164
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)

Notes:

17 July 2021
13:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa A  14–17 Bulls
Try: Fassi 12' c
Simelane 38' c
Con: Jantjies (2/2) 13', 39'
 Report Try: Johannes 66' c
Grobbelaar 68' c
Con: Goosen (2/2) 68', 69'
Pen: C. Smith (1/1) 76'
17 July 2021
15:00 BST (UTC+01)
Argentina  33–11  Wales
Try: Moroni 11' c
Cubelli 28' c
Matera 79' c
Con: Sánchez (3/3) 12', 29', 79'
Pen: Sánchez (4/4) 26', 57', 65', 76'
 Report Try: Lane 8' c
Con: Evans (0/1)
Pen: Evans (2/2) 31', 51'

Notes:

  • Matthew Screech (Wales) made his international debut.
  • Matías Moroni (Argentina) earned his 50th test cap.
  • This was Argentina's first win over Wales since their 26–12 victory in 2012, the last time they won in Wales.
  • Argentina win a test series for the first time since their 2-0 series win against Ireland in 2007.
  • Argentina record their biggest winning margin over Wales (22-point difference), surpassing the 18-point difference set in 2006.
  • This is the most points Argentina have scored against Wales when away from Argentina.
17 July 2021
19:00 GET (UTC+4)
Georgia  Cancelled[lower-alpha 17]  Scotland

24 July
24 July 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  17–22 British & Irish Lions
Try: de Klerk 49' m
Pen: Pollard (4/5) 13', 17', 26', 30'
 Report Try: Cowan-Dickie 43' c
Con: Biggar (1/1) 44'
Pen: Biggar (4/5) 19', 52', 55', 62'
Farrell (1/1) 78'

Notes:

31 July
31 July 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  27–9 British & Irish Lions
Try: Mapimpi 44' m
Am 60' c
Con: Pollard (1/2) 61'
Pen: Pollard (5/6) 3', 31', 70', 75', 80'
 Report Pen: Biggar (3/4) 9', 16', 36'

Notes:

7 August
7 August 2021
19:05 NZST (UTC+12)
New Zealand  33–25  Australia
Try: Reece 40' c
Mo'unga 51' c
Havili 58' m
McKenzie 64' m
Con: Mo'unga (2/4) 40', 52'
Pen: Mo'unga (3/3) 17', 21', 29'
 Report Try: Kellaway 36' m
Banks (2) 69' m, 74' m
Uelese 80' c
Con: Lolesio (1/4) 80+1'
Pen: Lolesio (1/3) 31'

Notes:

7 August 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  19–16 British & Irish Lions
Try: Kolbe 55' c
Con: Pollard (1/1) 56'
Pen: Pollard (2/4) 11', 35'
Steyn (2/2) 66', 78'
 Report Try: Owens 18' c
Con: Russell (1/1) 20'
Pen: Russell (3/3) 16', 62', 74'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Attendance: 0
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)

Notes:

Notes
  1. Second test cancelled due to COVID-19.
  2. Cancelled following COVID-19 continued restrictions in Namibia.[6]
  3. Cancelled following COVID-19 continued restrictions in Namibia.[6]
  4. Match was called off after three Scottish players tested positive for COVID-19[13]
  5. Replaces Damon Murphy after travel restrictions meant Murphy was unable to travel to New Zealand.[17]
  6. Cancelled following COVID-19 restrictions and rates in Portugal.[19]
  7. Mathieu Raynal replaces Pascal Gaüzère following the announced that Gaüzère was to retire after the Lions v Japan game.[21]
  8. Relocated to Suncorp from the Sydney Cricket Ground following new lockdown measures in Sydney.[23]
  9. Swapped appointments with Paul Williams (Samoa v Tonga) after travel restrictions changed between Australia and New Zealand and Williams was unable to travel to Australia.
  10. Match was called off following 12 positive COVID-19 cases in the South African camp and a further 4 in the Georgian team.[25]
  11. Replaces Nic Berry after travel restrictions meant Berry was unable to travel to New Zealand.[26]
  12. Although held in Cardiff, the game was listed as a home game for Argentina.[27]
  13. Evans replaces Romain Poite after he got injured during the later stages of the 2020–21 Top 14 season.[28]
  14. Match was called off following a number of COVID-19 positive cases within the Scottish camp.[29]
  15. Replaces Angus Gardner after failing to recover from injury sustained in early 2021.
  16. Although held in Cardiff, the game was listed as a home game for Argentina.
  17. Match was called off following a number of COVID-19 positive cases within the Georgian camp.[32]
  18. Replaced New Zealand's Brendon Pickerill for the full test series after Pickerill was unable to travel due to COVID restrictions.[33]
  19. Non-neutral match official team due to continued travel restrictions into New Zealand

See also

References
  1. World Rugby and unions confirm men’s July test schedule
  2. "Ireland's summer tour to Fiji cancelled". BBC Sport. 2021-04-30. Retrieved 2021-05-01.
  3. Wallabies to host France in condensed biosecure Test series
  4. "Sables return to action". 1 June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  5. "Japan XV to take on Sunwolves in Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2021". 6 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  6. "Zimbabwe: Sables to Face Western Province". All Africa. 13 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  7. "NAMIBIA TO FACE ZIM IN RUGBY FRIENDLY". 24 May 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  8. "Manu Samoa name 13 New Zealand-based players in squad to face Maori All Blacks and Tonga". Rugby Pass. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  9. "Lions Tour schedule confirmed". 14 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  10. LIONS V JAPAN: TIPURIC TO REPLACE WATSON IN STARTING XV
  11. LIONS V JAPAN: FAGERSON RULED OUT OF 1888 CUP
  12. THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS V JAPAN PREVIEW
  13. ENGLAND A V SCOTLAND A MATCH CANCELLED
  14. "Scotland confirm summer tour plans to close 2020/21 season". 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  15. "Boks to resume international action against Georgia". Springboks Rugby. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  16. "BLOCKBUSTER MATCHES UNVEILED WITH FESTIVAL OF ALL BLACKS, MĀORI AND PASIFIKA RUGBY IN JULY". All Blacks. 16 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  17. "MATCH OFFICIAL CHANGES CONFIRMED FOR MT SMART STADIUM". All Blacks. 30 June 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  18. "Eligibility drama hits Tonga rugby team on eve of test against All Blacks". Stuff.co.nz. 2 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  19. "Sables abort Portugal trip due to COVID-19 concerns". 24 June 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  20. "ROMÂNIA JOACĂ CU ARGENTINA LA BUCUREȘTI, ÎNTR-UN MECI TEST WORLD RUGBY". Romania Rugby. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
  21. "Arbitrage : Dernier coup de sifflet pour Pascal Gaüzère". FFR. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  22. "England and Ireland confirmed for Eagles in July". Americas Rugby News. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  23. "v". Rugby AU. 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  24. "Wallabies announce three-Test series with France". rugby.com.au. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
  25. Springboks’ second Test against Georgia cancelled
  26. "MATCH OFFICIAL CHANGES FOR JULY 10 INTERNATIONALS". All Blacks. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  27. Wales ready for intense meetings with Pumas
  28. "L'arbitre Romain Poite forfait pour la finale de Top 14, Mathieu Raynal devrait le remplacer". L'Equipe. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  29. ROMANIA SUMMER TEST CALLED OFF
  30. NEW ZEALAND UNDER 20 READY FOR HOME CAMPAIGN
  31. Double-header confirmed for Cape Town on Saturday
  32. Georgia test called off
  33. Meagher, Gerard (23 July 2021). "Gatland fury after South African Marius Jonker appointed Lions Test series TMO". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  34. "Wallabies fixtures confirmed for Bledisloe, Rugby Championship". rugby.com.au. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
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