In football (soccer) the international matches which aren’t part of the World Cup or European Championships are called ‘Friendlies’.
In Rugby Union the international matches which aren’t part of the World Cup or Six Nations are called ‘Test Matches’.
Last autumn (fall) the England football team had ‘Friendlies’ against Brazil and Germany. What should be two of the biggest tests of a footballer’s career were marred by no-shows due to a multitude of minor injuries. The coach was reduced to picking his 3rd, 4th or even 5th choice players in some positions.
The England rugby team had 'Test Matches' against Samoa and Argentina, hardly the All Blacks or Springboks, but the only no-shows were for concussion or broken bones.
Deciding what is important starts with how we label it.