The Six Nations champions against the Tri-Nations winners and a repeat of last year's World Cup final are the tasty highlights of a busy and important day of international rugby today.

New Zealand travel to Cardiff seeking to complete the third leg of their grand-slam tour against Wales while England seek some revenge on South Africa after their final defeat in Paris 13 months ago.

France play Australia in Paris, Ireland take on old rivals Argentina in Dublin, Scotland face Canada in Aberdeen and the Pacific Islanders continue their search for a first win when they play Italy.

The games carry more importance than the usual November fare with rankings points at stake ahead of the Dec. 1 draw for the 2011 World Cup.

That tournament may seem a distant target but four teams - Argentina, England, France and Wales - are in the mix to occupy the vital fourth place and avoid facing any of the Tri-Nations sides in the pool stage, while the fight to stay in the top eight is possibly even more important.

New Zealand never have to worry about such issues and can instead concentrate on trying to achieve their third grand slam.

Wales have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953 though they went close four years ago in a 26-25 defeat.

South Africa are also feeling the mental and physical strain of a long campaign but England coach Martin Johnson laughed off the suggestion that they might be below par at Twickenham.

"When you get the Saturday afternoon adrenalin there will be no tiredness," he said.

"It's a big thing for teams to come here and win, as you saw with the Australians' reaction."

Johnson, frustrated by England's failure to turn possession into points in last week's defeat by Australia, has made only one change for today with the introduction of powerful flanker James Haskell.

Having beaten the Springboks seven times in a row from 2000-2006 England have now lost five in a row against them, including the 36-0 humiliation in the World Cup group stage and the 15-6 defeat in the final.