The IRB has announced the new format for the Pacific Rugby Cup, contested between two sides each from Tonga, Fiji and Samoa.
The Pacific Islanders claimed the first Test victory of their four-year existence with a 25-17 success over Italy in Reggio Emilia.
What was expected to be a benchmark tour for the Pacific Islands trundles into Reggio Emilio on Saturday looking a little glum.
Tongan flanker Nili Latu will lead the Pacific Islanders against Italy on Saturday in their tour finale after captain Mosese Rauluni was dropped to the bench.
Argentina may currently occupy fourth position in the IRB World Rankings, but were they to lose to Ireland at Croke Park this weekend then they could lose that position to England, France or Wales depending on results elsewhere.
France eased to a 42-17 win over the Pacific Islands on Saturday, but the match was marred by an appalling challenge on Jean-Baptiste Elissalde by Napolioni Nalaga, which saw the Fijian sent off and Elissalde stretchered off unconscious.
As was the case against Argentina last week, France's starting XV will see a couple of familiar faces in the opposing line-up when they host the Pacific Islanders in Sochaux on Saturday.
France showed how they could win ugly in beating bogey team Argentina last weekend, but if French fans are looking for more expansive rugby against the Pacific Islanders this weekend then they may be sorely disappointed.
The Pacific Islanders have named their team to face France in Sochaux on Saturday and many of them will feel at home - no less than seven players in the starting XV ply their trade in the Top 14 or Pro D2.
The Pacific Islanders Tongan Loose forward Finau Maka has been ruled out of his side's Test against France on Saturday due to a ankle injury.
France coach Marc Lièvremont has made three changes - two of them up front - to his line-up to tackle the Pacific Islanders at the Stade Auguste Bonal in Sochaux on Saturday.
Pacific Islanders captain Mosese Rauluni said their constituent nations of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga needed more game time between World Cups if they were to compete effectively with Rugby Union's major powers
Pacific Islanders captain Mosese Rauluni insists his side will not be "cannon fodder" for England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Fijian Seru Rabeni hopes the Pacific Islanders can "create some history" during the autumn internationals, starting with Martin Johnson's England at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Pacific Islanders have named their starting XV to face England at Twickenham on Saturday.