Week 1 saw no surprises in results. Japan had a snowball’s chance in hell against New Zealand, though credit is due to Japan for holding the Kiwis to below 60, losing 54-6. They are still a second tier nation and should be praised for wishing to test themselves against the world champions. England also showed class by coming back from a poor first half performance and beating Australia 20-13. However, they have come under heavy criticism from Sir Clive Woodward for their lack of ball speed and game management.
Week 2 sees the top 6 northern hemisphere nations face off against the top 5 Southern Hemisphere and Japan.
Italy – Australia
The Australians need more than ‘just’ a win in this game. They will be looking to improve on all areas of their game. Last week England destroyed their scrums and should have scored more points then they did (due to their own short comings).
Italy will be looking for their first win over Australia. Italy has always been known as a scrummaging nation and will look to heap mountains of pressure on a crumbling Aussies pack. The key area of the game will be the lineouts. Look for Italy to keep it close and play ‘one pass rugby’, while Australia will try to spread the ball wide and use their explosive back line.
England – Argentina
England will be looking to make the changes for this fixture. Although last weeks game didn’t technically go to plan, the win was achieved. Lancaster’s men will be looking to build and move forward. A win this weekend could see them move above South Africa in the rankings and see England rise to their highest position in the world rankings since 2004. The Argentinians are up to their old habits of firing hot and cold, week-in week-out. Los Pumas haven’t won a match so far this year first losing to England over the summer, and then failing to pick up a win during the Rugby championship. Again this match (like England’s last) could be decided in the back 3. Bath’s powerhouse winger Horacio Agulla will be looking to make a dent. And also keep an eye out for the electric pace of Ben Foden (called in to the squad for the injured Christian Wade).
Scotland – Japan
Japan will hopefully learn from last week’s hiding by the Kiwis. Though at times Japan did show promise, they will be looking to continue with their development to a top tier nation. However, despite holding the world champions to under 60, I still struggle to see the Cherry Blossoms put more then a handful of points past the Scots. Scotland has had a mixed year. Finishing 3rd in the 6 nations helped put them back as a serious nation to contend with on the world stage. However, losing during the summer to France, Samoa and South Africa hindered their development and rebuilding. Nevertheless there will be good news for the Scots as they welcome back their talismanic captain Kelly Brown.
Wales – South Africa
This game, speaking as rugby neutral, is probably the highlight of the weekend’s fixtures. World-class talent across the board. South Africa will be coming in to this match as the favourite, with Wales coming in to this game with one of the worst records against any of the big 3 southern hemisphere teams.
The Bok’s will need to be careful though. Their normal kick and pressure game will need to be on the money, with the likes of George North and Leigh Halfpenny able to counter attack from almost anywhere on the pitch. South Africa will be looking to target Wales new boy Eli Walker, who is making his international Debut for the injured Alex Cuthbert. Wales’ best chance of winning will be to use the meteoric boot of Halfpenny and kick every point that comes their way.
Ireland – Samoa
Ireland, were devastated by injuries last year so will joyfully welcome back the veteran center pairing of Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy. Ulster’s Paddy Jackson will start at fly-half. The young 10 has shown much promise but is still far from the class of Sexton, given time and due cear there is no reason he couldn’t reach it. Kahn Fotuali’I will lead Somoa for the first time. Look for the 9 to beef up his forwards and target the young, Irish fly half. If the South Sea Islander’s can hold on to the ball and starve the Paddys, this game will go right down to the wire.
France – New Zealand
This game in recent years has been… eventful to say the least. France is New Zealand’s Bogie team. Many of France’s internationals have struggled with form this season; Thierry Dusautoir in particular has failed to live up to his reputation. However, if there is any game where France can find form it will be this one. Center Wesley Fofana is an outstanding player. His running lines and ability to bring people on to the ball at 12 is superb. This being said, New Zealand are the world champions, a slip up here and there would be acceptable for any other team, but not them. Last year’s loss to England will mean this year’s trip to Europe will need to be perfect. With Dan Carter pulling the strings and Richey McCaw at the helm, even the most dedicated of French supporters won’t be too enthusiastic about this game.
Predictions
Daniel Ford
Italy 15-30 Aus
Eng 33-12 Arg
Scot 40-15 Japan
Wales 15-21 RSA
Ire 18-09 Sam
Fra 14-30 NZ
Kyle Willoughby
Italy 23-18 Aus
Eng 27-14 Arg
Scot 31-17 Japan
Wales 22-29 RSA
Ire 26-17 Sam
Fra 22-37 NZ
Richard Fergie
Italy 14-35 Aus
Eng 30-21 Arg
Scot 36-21 Japan
Wales 29 – 35 RSA
Ire 37-30 Sam
Fra 27-39 NZ
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