2013 June rugby union tests
The 2013 mid-year rugby union tests were international rugby union matches that were played in June 2013, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere.
These matches were played in the second year of the global rugby calendar established by the International Rugby Board, which ran until 2019. They included tests between Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere nations, whilst some of the touring teams played mid-week matches against provincial or regional sides.
The international window coincided with the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, consisting of a three-test series between the Lions and Australia, plus seven non-test matches. South Africa hosted a quadrangular tournament, with Italy, Samoa and Scotland. France toured New Zealand, playing a three-test series and a mid-week match against the Blues. England played a two-test series against Argentina, after a warm-up match against South American XV, made up of players from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
Like in 2012, the new global calendar provided expanded Test opportunities for Tier 2 nations. Japan hosted a two-test tour by Wales, their first home matches against a Tier 1 side since their defeat against Italy in 2006. Ireland visited North America, playing one test each against United States and Canada. Argentina played Georgia for the first time on home soil, and for the first time outside the Rugby World Cup.
Overview
| Event | Result | Victor |
| Australia v British & Irish Lions test series | 1–2 | British & Irish Lions |
| [2013 France national rugby union team|France rugby union tour of New Zealand|New Zealand v France test series] | 3–0 | |
| [2013 England national rugby union team|England rugby union tour of Argentina|Argentina v England test series] | 0–2 | |
| [2013 Wales national rugby union team|Wales rugby union tour of Japan|Japan v Wales test series] | 1–1 | Drawn |
| [|South African Quadrangular Tournament] | – |
Note:
- The South African Quadrangular Tournament was a tournament that consisted of hosts South Africa and three visiting nations; Italy, Scotland and Tier 2 nation Samoa. South Africa beat Samoa in the final.
Matches
1/2 June
----8 June
Notes:- Dan Baker, Dafydd Howells, James King, Rhys Patchell, Emyr Phillips, Andries Pretorius and Owen Williams made their international debuts.
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Notes:
- This match set a record attendance for a United States home game.
11–12 June
----Notes:
- This match was to mark Fiji's centennial celebrations.
- This was a full capped test match for Fiji.
15 June
Notes:- This was Japan's first ever victory over Wales.
Notes:
- This was the 500th test match for the All Blacks in 110 years
- Captaining the All Blacks for the third time, Kieran Read earned his 50th cap in this match.
- This was the first time France has failed to score against the All Blacks.
Notes:
- Winger Christian Wade was named in the starting XV, but was withdrawn following a British & Irish Lions call-up
- First test series win for England in Argentina since 1981
Notes:
- This match set a record attendance for a rugby match on Canadian soil.
22 June
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South African quadrangular tournament
On 6 December 2012, the SARU announced that South Africa would host Samoa, Italy and Scotland in a four-team tournament. The hosts and Samoa each played Italy and Scotland in a league format. On June 22, the top two teams, South Africa and Samoa, played to determine first and second place, and the bottom two, Scotland and Italy, played for third and fourth place.Matches
Notes:- Prop Ryan Grant was originally selected at loosehead prop, but was replaced following a call-up for the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.
- This was Samoa's first victory over Scotland.
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Notes:
- Siya Kolisi made his international debut.
Third-place play-off
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'''Final'''