RUGBY RUGBY RUGBY! The November internationals are tantalisingly close so we are about to be treated to three consecutive Saturdays (and one Sunday depending on how excited you are for Ireland Georgia) of breathtaking and mouthwatering rugby.
It can be tricky negotiating the labyrinth of RTE, BBC and Sky programs to map out your ideal rugby viewing schedule, so we have done it for you.
14.30 – England vs New Zealand on Sky Sports 2
What a treat it is to start the autumn tests with a match that is certain to be repeated in next year’s World Cup final (if you read the Telegraph anyway). The All Blacks have recalled Sonny Bill Williams and he starts at Twickenham against international novice Kyle Eastmond.
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Photosport / /INPHO
Photosport / /INPHO / /INPHO
England are weakened by injuries, so like the Ireland match later on in the day, it is hard to see this going any way other than to the southern hemisphere team.
There is just one problem about the 14.30 kickoff…
14.30 – Wales vs Australia on BBC One
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Whoever makes the schedules for BBC and Sky should be held in two-person stocks (or as many stocks as we need) and pelted with rotten tomatoes, turnips and avocados. There is a big gaping hole at 7.30 for a marquee game to fill and it is massive shame that rugby fans are being forced to choose between two great games.
If you are wily (and I know most of you are) you could put BBC 5live on the wireless and listen to commentary of England vs All Blacks while watching the BBC game. Or if you aren’t a dinosaur, you could get out a laptop and do an ol’ two-screener. The choice is yours.
17.30 – Ireland vs South Africa on Sky Sports 2/RTE 2
Plenty of people have commented under stories over the last few days with a variation of ‘Joe will definitely have an ace up his sleeve’. It is a testament to how successful Schmidt has been that even when we go into a game we have no business winning – South Africa are at full strength! – we still have faith.
Inpho / Billy Stickland
Inpho / Billy Stickland / Billy Stickland
Here you have a choice between the home-grown indigenous coverage and the evil foreign analysts and commentary. You can’t go far wrong with the RTE pre-match and Sky commentary combo. Luckily, Ireland vs South Africa doesn’t clash with anything.
17.30 – Scotland vs Argentina on BBC 2
Wait, there is a match clashing! This actually has the potential to be an exciting game (don’t laugh!) as Verne Cotter has picked the bulk of Glasgow’s attacking talent and Argentina travel at close to full-strength. Once again, it is a shame that fans can’t watch both. What is wrong with playing on a Sunday!
17.45 – France vs Fiji on Sky Sports two (red button)
This game is only available to Sky viewers so UPC subscribers can get lost. France are playing a somewhat experimental team with a couple of debutants so you probably aren’t missing a whole lot here.
Here's your rugby TV guide for today so you don't have to leave the couch once*
RUGBY RUGBY RUGBY! The November internationals are tantalisingly close so we are about to be treated to three consecutive Saturdays (and one Sunday depending on how excited you are for Ireland Georgia) of breathtaking and mouthwatering rugby.
It can be tricky negotiating the labyrinth of RTE, BBC and Sky programs to map out your ideal rugby viewing schedule, so we have done it for you.
14.30 – England vs New Zealand on Sky Sports 2
What a treat it is to start the autumn tests with a match that is certain to be repeated in next year’s World Cup final (if you read the Telegraph anyway). The All Blacks have recalled Sonny Bill Williams and he starts at Twickenham against international novice Kyle Eastmond.
England are weakened by injuries, so like the Ireland match later on in the day, it is hard to see this going any way other than to the southern hemisphere team.
There is just one problem about the 14.30 kickoff…
14.30 – Wales vs Australia on BBC One
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Whoever makes the schedules for BBC and Sky should be held in two-person stocks (or as many stocks as we need) and pelted with rotten tomatoes, turnips and avocados. There is a big gaping hole at 7.30 for a marquee game to fill and it is massive shame that rugby fans are being forced to choose between two great games.
If you are wily (and I know most of you are) you could put BBC 5live on the wireless and listen to commentary of England vs All Blacks while watching the BBC game. Or if you aren’t a dinosaur, you could get out a laptop and do an ol’ two-screener. The choice is yours.
17.30 – Ireland vs South Africa on Sky Sports 2/RTE 2
Plenty of people have commented under stories over the last few days with a variation of ‘Joe will definitely have an ace up his sleeve’. It is a testament to how successful Schmidt has been that even when we go into a game we have no business winning – South Africa are at full strength! – we still have faith.
Here you have a choice between the home-grown indigenous coverage and the evil foreign analysts and commentary. You can’t go far wrong with the RTE pre-match and Sky commentary combo. Luckily, Ireland vs South Africa doesn’t clash with anything.
17.30 – Scotland vs Argentina on BBC 2
Wait, there is a match clashing! This actually has the potential to be an exciting game (don’t laugh!) as Verne Cotter has picked the bulk of Glasgow’s attacking talent and Argentina travel at close to full-strength. Once again, it is a shame that fans can’t watch both. What is wrong with playing on a Sunday!
17.45 – France vs Fiji on Sky Sports two (red button)
This game is only available to Sky viewers so UPC subscribers can get lost. France are playing a somewhat experimental team with a couple of debutants so you probably aren’t missing a whole lot here.
What games will you be watching this weekend?
Originally published yesterday at 10.00
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