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Don't be fooled by the rare compliments coming from Australia and New Zealand, this weekend's Tests promise to be as one-sided as usual.

France, Italy and England are all in action on Saturday, with only the latter's clash in Argentina likely to be a genuine contest.

It's one of rugby's unwritten rules: weakened European side gets thumped in the Southern Hemisphere; weakened Southern Hemisphere side does the thumping in Europe.

Of course there have been exceptions to this: England under Clive Woodward achieved an impressive winning run against the three Southern Hemisphere giants, while France have a few memorable wins to their name.

But on the whole Europe's finest do not travel down under at all well.

Thankfully France and Italy will be at near full strength for their clashes with New Zealand and Australia respectively, both of whom have played up the visitors' chances, presumably to try and drum up interest.

"The Italians will have brought the belief from that performance (a 30-20 loss in Padua last year) with them and will be looking to add to it. Far from being daunted, they will be excited by the opportunity that is ahead of them," said Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Meanwhile, All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen went so far as to claim that France will be confident they have a chance in the House of Pain.

"They've seen we've got a few injuries and feel they've got a show and have brought the best side they can possibly bring," said Hansen.

Yeah right. It may be the start of the Southern Hemisphere's international season, the All Blacks and Wallabies may be missing a few key players, but does anyone really think France and Italy have a decent chance of winning?

Even England, who have four wins and a draw from their last seven Tests in Argentina, will know the likelihood of repeating their Old Trafford victory is slim.

The Pumas were well below par last weekend and Martin Johnson's side can expect a much stiffer examination in the hostile environment of Salta.

When the Southern Hemisphere's big three - New Zealand, Australia, South Africa - came calling last autumn, only Wales managed to claim a scalp, a 21-18 victory over the Wallabies at the Millennium Stadium.

That's one European win from 10 games - 11 if you include the All Blacks' victory over Munster - so there's little reason to think the return will be any better over the next few weeks.

Despite what they say, Australia and New Zealand will expect to win, and win well, while the Pumas will be confident they can beat an England side minus eight Lions players, plus one or two more to injury.

At least we can take some heart from the Lions' victories in South Africa.

Or can we? Judging by their below-par effort against the Cheetahs - the Super 14's weakest club - the Lions' winning run is likely to end as soon as they face the Springboks, if not before.

A return to normal service, if you like.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport