Best Head-to-Head Matchups of the Weekend in the Rugby Championship, Women’s World Cup and Pacific Nations Cup

Rugby fans are spoiled this weekend with the Women’s World Cup kicking off in England, round two of the Rugby Championship lighting up Cape Town and Buenos Aires, and the Pacific Nations Cup getting underway in Calgary.

Each competition brings its drama, from old rivalries to fresh storylines, and some of the game’s biggest stars are set to collide.

From a clash of global icons in Sunderland to a sprint showdown on the Cape Town wing, these individual battles will help shape the weekend.

Here, Charlie Elliott highlights the head-to-head matchups that could define the action.

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Meg Jones v Ilona Maher

The opening night of the Women’s Rugby World Cup serves up a fascinating clash at outside centre, where England’s Meg Jones meets America’s Ilona Maher.

Jones has been at the heart of the Red Roses’ recent dominance, a ball-player with pace and vision who can slice open any defence.

Maher, meanwhile, is rugby’s most followed player worldwide, a dynamic figure whose personality is matched by her physical presence.

She impressed with Bristol Bears in the PWR last season, but this will be her first taste of the game’s biggest stage at 15s level.

The question is whether her explosive sevens pedigree and new XVs experience will be enough against Jones, who thrives under pressure. 

Expect fireworks whenever these two collide.

READ MORE: Biggest Weekend Talking Points – Springboks looking for revenge + Women’s World Cup begins

Leia Brebner-Holden v Keira Bevan

Scotland‘s meeting with Wales in Salford could come down to the battle at scrum-half. 

When the two sides met in the Six Nations earlier this year, Scotland edged home 24-21 in one of the tightest contests of the tournament.

Both ranked inside the world’s top 10, they are evenly matched and rely heavily on their No.9s to dictate tempo.

Leia Brebner-Holden, who plays her club rugby with Loughborough Lightning, is sharp around the breakdown and thrives on quick ball.

Keira Bevan, a player at Bristol Bears, brings experience and a tactical kicking game that can pin opponents back. 

With so little to separate the teams on paper, whichever scrum-half takes control may well decide the outcome of this intriguing Celtic clash.

Cheslin Kolbe v Corey Toole

Cape Town is set for a thrilling contest of pure pace when Cheslin Kolbe lines up opposite Corey Toole.

Toole, finally making his Wallabies debut, arrives with serious hype after lighting up sevens and scoring almost 30 tries in three seasons with the Brumbies.

He has blistering speed, capable of hitting around 10 metres per second at his quickest, and carries the raw unpredictability of a man eager to announce himself on the Test stage.

Facing him is Kolbe, back from injury and desperate to help South Africa bounce back from last week’s collapse.

The 31-year-old has been one of rugby’s most electrifying players for years, capable of turning a half-chance into a match-winning moment. 

With both stationed on the left wing, this duel of speed and guile could shape the rhythm of the game.

Jean-Luc du Preez v Rob Valetini

The No.8s will play a huge part in Saturday’s second Rugby Championship Test. Jean-Luc du Preez has waited seven years to earn another Springbok start and now gets his chance to impress in front of a home crowd.

Known for his power and work rate, he will be determined to show he still belongs in a fiercely competitive South African back row. 

Rob Valetini returns for Australia after a frustrating calf injury, restoring balance to the Wallabies pack.

Many believe he is their best player when fully fit, combining explosive carries with relentless defence.

Valetini will be asked to fill the leadership void left by Harry Wilson’s absence, while Du Preez has the chance to redefine his Test career.

It’s a fascinating subplot that could influence the physical battle up front.

Santiago Chocobares v Jordie Barrett

There are several scintillating matchups in Buenos Aires, as Los Pumas aim to win their first-ever game against the All Blacks on home soil, following on from a pretty comprehensive defeat last week.

One of the Pumas who could have a huge impact on things is inside centre Chocobares, who is at The Rugby Championship off the back of a Top 14 triumph with Toulouse.

He is revered for his playmaking skills and speed, but he will be against one of the best in the game in the form of Barrett.

Barrett is the vice captain for this one and will want to put out a statement that he is still top dog in the centres against someone who could pose a threat.

Julian Montoya v Codie Taylor

Captain against someone making their 100th All Blacks appearance, the hooker battle is set up to be something very special.

Montoya has recently left Leicester Tigers, and his leadership skills are well documented, but that is not to take away from his rugby ability, as he is an extremely solid hooker who is one of the first names on the Pumas teamsheet.

Now at 31 years old, he will face off against a 34-year-old Taylor, marking a century of appearances for his country, and therefore will have extra motivation for this game.

For all of the flair in either team, these hookers bring an air of dependability, and whichever wins this battle could create a platform for the rest of the team to work from.

Tyler Ardron v Makeen Alikhan

Friday night in Calgary brings together two players at very different stages of their Test careers.

Tyler Ardron, Canada’s former captain, makes a long-awaited return after nearly four years away from the international scene.

At 34, and still performing strongly for Castres in France, he brings vast experience and leadership to a team desperate to fight its way back into Rugby World Cup contention.

For Ardron, this is more than just another cap; it is a chance to lead by example as his country rebuilds. 

Across from him is Makeen Alikhan, a relative newcomer with only a handful of appearances for the USA.

The ex-Harlequins forward, now with Anthem Rugby Carolina, faces a baptism of fire. 

By Charlie Elliott

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