RWC Forecast Round 3b

Into the big weekend with some games doubling as extra knock-outs. Can Japan pick themselves up again after the tough match against Scotland? Does Samoa have another gear? Will England dig themselves out of the abyss with the Wallabies ready to trample on their dreams?

Paul is our token ‘South American’ with Chris and Victor still lost in dangerous World Cup waters, while Junior is busy honeymooning, or something silly like that! It’s down to the Fab Five for the weekend, the editors plus Doug Coil (DJ Coil Rugby / TIAR) and Patrick Johnston (The Province)!

We’ll update the standings after the weekend!

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

ROUND 3(b)	SAM v JPN	SCO v RSA	ENG v AUS	ARG v TON	IRE v ITA
Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News	JPN +5	SCO +5	AUS +6	ARG +18	IRE +24
Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby	SAM +3	RSA +5	ENG +2	ARG +9	IRE +16
Patrick Johnston The Province	JPN +3	RSA +6	AUS +7	ARG +15	IRE +20
Paul Tait Americas Rugby News	JPN +3	RSA +8	AUS +4	ARG +35	IRE +12
Ted Hardy Americas Rugby News	JPN +7	SCO +3	AUS +5	ARG +20	IRE +17

 

SAMOA v JAPAN

Looks like a close game in store, but Japan have the edge based on form.

BR: Samoa just haven’t looked motivated in this tournament. Japan had a tough time against Scotland but will follow up their early success with a solid victory.

DC: This match should be close. Samoa can’t afford to make mistakes through overly aggressive play or Japan will win. Samoa’s punishing style will be the difference.

PJ: Samoa have had their moments but Japan have looked so good when they’ve been on in the last few seasons. It’s going to be tight but I’m going Japan, with Goromaru nailing a kick on the final play to win it!

PT: Likely to be one of the matches of the tournament, these teams know each other very well. Time for Japan to deliver.

TH: Samoa hasn’t been impressive this tournament but have a chance to redeem themselves. Japan is rested up and should rebound. Going to be a close one.

 

SCOTLAND v SOUTH AFRICA

A perilously close match, with all agreeing that South Africa are in for a fight.

BR: I’m just not into the Boks this tourney. They aren’t playing with anything extra. I think Scotland can squeak this one and end South Africa’s misery a week early.

DC: South Africa will play with abandon, as another loss in pool play would be viewed as a complete disaster back home. Scotland will excite, but fall just short of a win.

PJ: The Boks learned their lesson against Japan and it showed against Samoa. I’ve been impressed by what Vern Cotter has assembled with the Scots, but South Africa are just too powerful.

PT: South Africa will take this one setting up an enthralling final week.

TH: This is going to be a more interesting match-up than most expect. South Africa can’t afford to lose while Scotland has more wiggle room. Scots may go for the jugular.

 

ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA

Poor England, they look set for an early exit at home.

BR: England have been out since they were awarded the tournament. Australia will make it official.

DC: This is a pivotal match, a knockout match for the quarter-finals. The loss to Wales has the host country on the precipice of not advancing. That would be discussed for years. Australia is a formidable opponent and a loss would mean a win against Wales would be essential. Both sides will be motivated.

PJ: England seem in disarray but are they really? The Aussies are in fine form and having Giteau and Mitchell back in the mix has done wonders for the psyche. Wallabies knock England out of the tournament.

PT: Desperate times for England, who choked against Wales and were underwhelming against Fiji. The Wallabies also failed to deliver against Fiji but, nonetheless, are well placed.

TH: What a great round of games! Going to be a fun weekend. This is a must win match for England. The Aussies can put them away with a good showing.

 

ARGENTINA v TONGA

The Pumas are a step too far for the engaging Tongans.

BR: I’ve enjoyed watching the Tongans play, but Argentina are class.

DC: Tonga will continue to play their physical style with abandon. Argentina is in excellent form and the difference will be Argentina taking advantage of Tonga penalties.

PJ: The Pumas do too many things well and the Tongans are too… Tongan. Love the Nando’s story though.

PT: With there being no prior matches between these teams, speculation is high. Tonga will be tired after playing on Tuesday.

TH: Argentina are simply too good for Tonga.

 

IRELAND v ITALY

Italy have looked horrendous and should be little obstacle for Ireland.

BR: Has Italy not gone home yet? Hurry up already!

DC: Ireland is playing excellent rugby so far and will find gaps in Italy’s defense.

PJ: Italy are trash. They’ve got Parisse back, but the backs are a mess. Ireland and France is mouth-watering.

PT: With Pool D yet to have any upset results it would be nice for Italy to win. Ireland, realistically, are too strong and on top of their game.

TH: Ireland are off to a good start in the tournament. The need a clinical performance against an Italy side ripe for a pounding.