England and Wales both played host to Argentina and South Africa, while the Pumas and Springboks also travelled to Scotland and Italy respectively.
Unlike previous November tests, World Rugby has given more tier 2 nations a tier 1 fixture, seeing not only the touring Pacific Island nations; Fiji, Samoa and Tonga compete against a top side, but also Canada, Georgia and Japan.
It will be the first time since November 2014 that Georgia has played a tier 1 test, excluding their 2015 World Cup games against Argentina and New Zealand.
[citation needed] Following a reduced 2016 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup to include just the Pacific nations, World Rugby organized intercontinental matches between the Pacific Islanders, North America and Japan at neutral venues in Europe; Fiji will play Japan and Samoa will play Canada in France, while Tonga will play the United States in Spain.
In addition to these tests, Japan and Samoa will be hosted by Georgia, while both Canada and the United States will travel to Romania.
[citation needed] As part of World Rugby's strategy to provide increasing support to cross-regional international competition, Brazil embarked on their first ever European tour, playing a two-test series against Germany, in what was Germany's first ever home test against Brazil, and their first non-European opponent at home since Hong Kong in 2010.
[citation needed] Several invitational teams were in action during the window, where the Barbarians played three national sides; South Africa, competing for the Killik Cup, Fiji and Czech Republic.
[citation needed] Man of the Match: Matt Todd (New Zealand) Touch judges: Craig Joubert (South Africa) Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa) Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa) Man of the Match: Akira Ioane (Māori All Blacks) Touch judges: USA Appt.