Following some big games last week, teams playing in series now have a good gauge on their opponents, and those touring will have acclimatised to their surroundings.
England are looking to beat Los Pumas for the second time running after a surprising result in La Plata, whilst Wales are still on the hunt to end their 18-Test losing run against Japan.
The British and Irish Lions are also in action for their final game before their Test series against the Wallabies, facing an AU-NZ Invitational XV.
With plenty of other matches on the horizon, here are some of the best head-to-head matchups to look out for.
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Shannon Frizell v Henry Pollock
At blindside, experience faces off against youth when the Lions play the AU-NZ Invitational XV.
The experienced Shannon Frizell was a regular feature for the All Blacks until 2023, when he moved to Japan to play for Tokyo Brave Lupus.
After a couple of years away from the international scene, he is back up against one of the most exciting youngsters in world rugby.
Henry Pollock has been in outstanding form this season for Northampton Saints and, since earning a first England call-up during the Six Nations, has not looked back.
He now finds himself well in contention for a shirt in the first Test against the Wallabies, either in the 23 or as a starter.
Frizell is an enforcer-type player, so could well lock down Pollock, but if the youngster gets the better of such an experienced player, he will do his Test hopes a world of good.
David Havili v Sione Tuipulotu
In the centres, it is still all to play for ahead of the first test. Nobody has made the 12 shirt their own yet, and Tuipulotu has one final chance to do so.
With 30 All Blacks appearances, Havili is no amateur and will provide stern competition for the Scotland star.
The Crusader is fresh from winning a Super Rugby title with the Christchurch team and captains the AU-NZ Invitational XV for this game.
Known for his leadership, Havili will want to put a marker down early on that his team are up for the battle, which may throw a spanner in the works given the Lions’ tendency to start games slow on this tour.
Rieko Ioane v Theo Attissogbe
Now that France have shown that they can go toe-to-toe with the All Blacks, this second Test looks much more appealing than the first.
There have been a number of changes for both teams, but the two who started the first game and start this week provide the most entertaining battle.
Theo Attissogbe was unstoppable last week from fullback, with some incredible running with the ball that beat plenty of defenders.
That was from fullback, but he is shifted to the wing for this Test, meaning that he will be up against Ioane.
Ioane is a top player on his day and will be seeing a bit of redemption after a decent but unspectacular game last time out.
These two can both run for fun, and seeing them against each other should provide a good watch.
Seungsin Lee v Dan Edwards
Dan Edwards will make his first Wales start this weekend, and the young Osprey will be under a lot of pressure to end their 18-Test losing run.
He has featured in the past at international level from the bench, but is now in the limelight.
After last week’s disappointing loss in Kitakyushu, Kobe provides the setting for a game which will almost certainly be memorable for Wales, whether that be good or bad.
Up against him is Seungsin Lee, who has the added motivation of playing in his home stadium. Lee was born in Kobe and has spent his entire professional career at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Buoyed by a home crowd, Lee could step up his game and prove a difficult opponent for Edwards.
Lucio Cinti v Luke Northmore
England have been forced to select an uncapped 13 this week after Henry Slade’s injury.
Max Ojomoh, Oscar Beard and Luke Northmore were the three players in contention, and Northmore got the nod.
At 28 years old, the Harlequin has enjoyed a solid season, but his selection has raised eyebrows given that Ojomoh was one of the standout players in Bath‘s title win.
Three years his junior but 16 caps his senior is fellow centre Cinti.
Cinti will be a familiar opponent for Northmore, given that he plays on the other side of London for Saracens.
It may prove to be positive that his direct opponent is somebody that he has played against and will know as a player, because it might help to bridge the gap between club and country.
It won’t be easy for Northmore, and there is a lot of talent in Los Pumas’ team, but he might back himself to come out on top in this battle.
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