Throughout August 2003, various teams prepared for the Rugby World Cup in Australia with a short series of test matches, and involving the RBS Six Nations sides. In addition, South Fiji toured New Zealand and South America and Samoa played two match with New Zealand provincial team . Argentina, South Africa played other matches (not international)(Main article: 2003 Rugby World Cup) The tests are effectively a replacement for the usual Autumn international series in November which does not take place in World Cup years. There were also a tour of Fiji in New Zealand and South America