ARN Forecast July 29-August 1

There’s no Rugby Championship this week but the Pacific Nations Cup is still on, and there’s also a match between an Argentina XV and Uruguay to rule over.

 

PACIFIC NATIONS CUP

 

July 29 – USA v Tonga

Paul – Being able to back-to-back Pacific Nations Cup victories for the USA would be truly remarkable but the tight turn-around is likely to prevent this given who will and who will not be playing for the Eagles. Last November’s match between the teams in Vannes, France saw the Pacific Islanders completing a comfortable victory. It should serve as a benchmark as to what is required of the Eagles. Tonga should be a more rounded team. Prediction: Tonga to win by 15.

Bryan – The Eagles have traditionally struggled with the physicality of the Tongans, and with an experimental lineup it’s hard to see how it will be any different this time. L’Estrange hasn’t tasted test rugby in more than a year, and it’s been two for Hall. A test debut is an exciting time, but Baumann vs Tonga’uiha seems like a big mismatch in the scrum. USA can keep it respectable, but a win seems unlikely. Prediction: Tonga by 12.

Ted – USA is coming off a big upset of Japan and now set their sights on another as they face Tonga. The USA lineup undergoes massive changes as the coaching staff is in need of taking a look at players to round out their RWC squad. Tonga has also made changes, but not nearly as many as the Eagles. If the USA had their lineup from last week, I’d give them a shot at taking down Tonga. The changes are necessary to test depth, so the Eagle faithful will need to take this one on the chin. Prediction: Tonga by 10

 

July 29 – Fiji v Japan

Paul – Two of the most exciting teams in our sport are arguably to contest the match of the week. It is a fixture of interest to North and South Americans given that Fiji is to meet Uruguay in the World Cup and the USA will be facing Japan. The performances of Fiji to date in the Pacific Nations Cup have been that of a team on the rise. The scrum issues of the past have seemingly vanished while the flair of the backs continues to be as alive as ever. Prediction: Fiji by 8.

Bryan – Fiji are in an interesting place right now. They have a handful of players set for starting roles and a number of positions still up for grabs in the World Cup side. It seems to be bringing out the best, and they’re playing some exciting rugbt at the moment. Japan meanwhile haven’t quite fired in the PNC, but they’ve rolled out the big guns with Leitch, Tui, and Tanaka all back. This should be a pretty tough contest, but Fiji have a little more momentum behind them. Prediction: Fiji by 10.

Ted – After the loss to USA and a less than convincing win over Canada, Japan is in a position where they need to string together some good performances to build confidence leading into the World Cup. They’ll have their hands full taking on Fiji who are still in the hunt for the PNC title. Fiji has looked dangerous in their PNC matches thus far, so it is hard to see them not attacking Japan with everything they have in their arsenal. Japan will need more discipline than they displayed in being penalized 14 times against the USA. Prediction: Fiji by 12

 

July 29 – Canada v Samoa

Paul – Canada is in quite a hole and desperately requires a win but in backing-up so shortly after facing the physical Tongans a win against Samoa is a big ask. Samoa, though, will not be fielding a full-strength side but ought to nevertheless have sufficient firepower to run away with a win. Prediction: Samoa to win by 15.

Bryan – Samoa have a few players who might start to feel a little tired in the second half, but have added some new bodies to keep things fresh. Tekori and Levave will add massive presence around the fringes, and those Newcastle wingers are just a little bit terrifying. Canada have an all new lineup and while there are some exciting new players like Sears-Duru and Olmstead, it’s hard to see them having enough cohesion as a unit to topple the Manu for the first time ever. Prediction: Samoa by 12.

Ted – It has been a rough start to the summer for Canada who have suffered two losses. They are looking for answers, but unfortunately are tasked with finding some of those answers against a tough Samoan side. Samoa is physical and will punish mistakes, of which Canada has made many. Canada is going to need a huge turnaround to challenge Samoa. Prediction: Samoa by 15

 

WORLD CUP WARM-UP

 

August 1 – Uruguay v Argentina XV

Paul – Although Argentina is not sending a squad consisting of many Rugby Championship players the strength of Argentina should nonetheless be too strong for Los Teros. The fixture is vital to Uruguay’s preparation and the URU hopes for a capacity crowd to farewell the home side. For those interested in the art of scrummaging it is a must-see encounter. Argentina’s wingers have had success in Rugby Sevens and will be looking to impress given the loss of Manuel Montero. Prediction Argentina to win by 25.

Bryan – It’s only an Argentina development side, with a mix of u20 grads and fringe players, but they will still be a formidable unit. That said, an upset victory isn’t completely out of the question for Uruguay, who should be close to World Cup strength. I think this one will reasonably close for most of the game. Prediction: Argentina by 12.

Ted – The two South American rivals line up for a World Cup warm up. Argentina has a deep squad that should be more than capable of taking down Uruguay. Expect some fight from Uruguay though as they look to build some momentum and set their squad for the RWC. Prediction: Argentina by 20