The winds are blowing, the nights are getting longer and autumn internationals are kicking off.
Japan – New Zealand
Japan is slowly raising their stock in the rugby world; a 23-8 victory over a second-string Wales outfit was their first ever win over a top tier country. That said, they have along way to go. Competing against the world champion New Zealand is a tough task for any team and ‘The Cherry Blossoms’ will need to bring more then just their A-game. Though it’s a bit harsh, there can only be one clear winner. Look for Japan to try and gain pride in this fixture. If they can hold New Zealand to under 40 points or keep them within 30, they should take great heart. Though even in my wildest dreams I struggle to see that.
Final score prediction
Richard Japan 21 – 45 NZ
Kyle Japan18 – 43 NZ
Dan Japan 12 – 50 NZ
England- Australia
England will be relishing the return of the Wallabies to their shores. England will be without the Lion’s trio of Geoff Parling, Brad Barritt and Manu Tuilagi. However, look for the other five victorious Lions to pick up the slack and demolish the enfeebled Wallabies. Owen Farrell has been superb for Saracens this year, so look for him to bring a swift gain line attack and place kick to the corners to pin the Wallabies in their own 22.
Australia are the proverbial “wounded-beast’ of the top tier of rugby. Their reputation is in shreds, their pack has been dissected and their star players’ have had more bad press than Danny Cipriani’s love life. The Aussies have won just 3 of their last 9 fixtures; 1 against the Lions and 2 over ‘Los Pumas’. Their only chance of winning will be to try and crack the young guns of England. Look for Adam Ashley-Cooper and Nick ‘The Honey Badger’ Cummins to target England’s young winger, Marlon Yard.
Richard Eng 21 – 16 Aus
Kyle Eng 38 – 12 Aus
Dan Eng 29 – 19 Aus
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