RWC Forecast Round 3a

Hard to believe we’re already into week 3! The games are getting tougher, attrition is starting to become more of a factor, and a couple wild upsets have us all second guessing our picks. We’re splitting up the week once again, with our midweek choices up now and the weekend to come later on.

The big result from the weekend of course was the now-legendary Welsh victory over England, a result that only Paul had the gumption to predict. In fact, Paul had the best round of the tournament so far, going an incredible 6-for-6 and shooting out in front of the crowd with a 16-2 record overall. Ted just missed out with his England pick, while the rest spluttered by choosing either Canada or the USA to win. There’s one big game on deck this week, and it’s Wales involved again. Can Fiji score the upset?

Paul is once again flying the South American flag with Chris and Victor wrapped up in a rugby kit bag somewhere, and we continue to carry on with our North American pundits extraordinaire: Doug Coil (DJ Coil Rugby / TIAR), Junior Blaber (Rugby Wrap Up), and Patrick Johnston (The Province)!

STANDINGS
16-2 Paul
15-3 Ted
14-4 Junior, Patrick
13-5 Bryan, Doug

Here are our RWC 2015 Round 3(a) predictions!

ROUND 3(a)	TON v NAM	WAL v FIJ	FRA v CAN	GEO v NZL
Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News	TON +12	FIJ +5	FRA +12	NZL +35
Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby	TON +15	WAL +13	FRA +17	NZL +29
Junior Blaber Rugby Wrap Up	TON +10	FIJ +2	FRA +10	NZL +20
Patrick Johnston The Province	TON +5	WAL +3	FRA +14	NZL +50
Paul Tait Americas Rugby News	TON +13	WAL +10	FRA +25	NZL +31
Ted Hardy Americas Rugby News	TON +8	FIJ +3	FRA +20	NZL +50

 

TONGA v NAMIBIA

Nobody picking the Welwitschias here, looks like a reasonably secure Tongan win.

BR: Tough ask for Namibia after New Zealand, but they do start Bothma, Kitshoff, and Botha which helps. Even minus Latu, Tonga are still the stronger side.

DC: Short turn around for Namibia. Tonga make nine changes, Latu is out nursing a hamstring. 327 caps for Tonga with the average age almost 31. This is the best chance for both teams to shine.

JB: Tonga will want a win to give their quarter-final chances hope, and Namibia emptied their tank against the All Blacks.

PJ: Gotta go with Tonga. They have to win one, don’t they? Gonna be close though.

PT: Namibia mean business and that first RWC win has never been closer. A rested Tonga awaits.

TH: Going to be a better match than some might think.

 

WALES v FIJI

Our first 50/50 call of the tourney! Can a battered Wales rise against a determined Fiji?

BR: I was leaning towards an upset before the Welsh injuries, after them I’m convinced it’s on the cards. Loss of Nadolo is unfortunate, but Fiji have wings to spare.

DC: The Welsh roster is taking an injury hit, but they are in contention to win the pool with Australia. They will find a way to beat a very good Fiji side.

JB: I just don’t see the Welsh depth deep enough to bounce back after such a short time. Fiji will be raring to go, so expect the upset.

PJ: Dare I call the upset? Nadolo’s suspension probably kills Fiji’s chances – especially because of his quality as a goal kicker. I still can’t believe Wales are making this work. Will the emotional letdown from Saturday be too much? They seem to be showing their squad depth.

PT: Clouds over both with Wales suffering an injury crisis and Fiji having judiciary concerns. Wales’ home advantage to be key.

TH: Wales absolutely cannot afford to lose this match. It is going to be a tough turnaround. Fiji going to throw everything they have at Wales.

 

FRANCE v CANADA

Nobody willing to stake their name on Canada this week.

BR: I have no idea what kind of Canadian side will be rolled out with Romania so soon afterwards. Doesn’t really matter, France are good enough to win even playing poorly.

DC: Canada clicked against Italy. France can’t take them lightly as they battle Ireland to top the pool.

JB: The French have too much individual talent for the Canucks. Canada will be fired up, but France know how to win ugly – and that they will.

PJ: How much will Canada keep from the side which should have beaten Italy? I have a feeling we’ll see a return of Thorpe at 7. France is France and they’ve got a lot to prove.

PT: Yet to truly impress, this will be France’s opportunity against a Canadian team likely to be under-strength, with Romania just four days afterwards.

TH: France continues to enjoy their soft pool. Will hurt them in the quarter-final.

 

GEORGIA v NEW ZEALAND

Easy win for New Zealand, but they will take some lumps.

BR: I predict bruises. And tries. And more bruises. Maybe some tears.

DC: Look for a physical first half battle before the New Zealand backs attack and the floodgates open.

JB: Come on I would pick this one with eye closed, you can count it for the All Blacks.

PJ: Love the Lelos but really, the All Blacks won against Namibia at a trot.

PT: Georgian power will test the All Blacks throughout the opening half. New Zealand, though, too strong.

TH: The All Blacks didn’t score enough points against Namibia. Georgia to face an even better lineup.