THE ARU are banking on afternoon kickoffs drawing crowds in the Wallabies’ June Test series next year with only one of their three rivals inside the world top 10 — and even that side will be weakened.

The Wallabies will on Thursday announce Test matches against Fiji, Scotland and Italy for their June inbound series in 2017, with the games to be held in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane respectively.

Coming after a blockbuster June series against England this year and France in 2014, the calibre of opponents is comparatively lacklustre.

The fact the British and Irish Lions are touring New Zealand at the same time means none of the home unions can tour — or with full-strength teams at least. France are the only major northern nation not involved in the Lions, but they’re touring South Africa next June.

Sekope Kepu escapes the clutches of a Fijian defender. Picture: ARU Media Source: Supplied

Fiji pushed Australia at the World Cup last year and Scotland won in Australia in 2012, but with the best of their players will be across the ditch with the Lions, they’ll be weakened considerably. Italy are in the Six Nations but rarely challenge anyone away from home.

Presumably aware they may have problems drawing big crowds, the ARU have scheduled each game to kick off at 3pm on Saturday; a family-friendly move designed to attract interest from parents and kids who otherwise can’t make night games.

Afternoon kickoffs have been a success in recent times for the Wallabies.

Test matches at Allianz Stadium against Wales in 2012 and France in 2014 both drew crowds of over 40,000.

Allianz Stadium has proved a popular venue since Tests returned there in 2009, with France also drawing over 40,000 in 2009 and a dead-rubber Test against England earlier this year breaking the ground’s 28-year record with 44,063.

ARU boss Bill Pulver said in a release: “Fans have told us that they would like more opportunities to

watch Test Rugby in the afternoon, with clearly the biggest reason being that an afternoon timeslot makes it much easier to take the family along.”

2017 WALLABIES JUNE TESTS

v Fiji, 10 June, AAMI Park

v Scotland, 17 June, Allianz Stadium

v Italy, 24 June, Suncorp Stadium