RWC Forecast – The Finals

It’s here! The biggest game in rugby. We’ve finally made it after four years of buildup since the last. Not many will be surprised to see New Zealand facing Australia. Will we get the cracking game that it could – and should – be?

Paul’s worst showing of the competition has seen him overtaken at the buzzer by Patrick, but the Canadian seems to have gone walkabout at the final hurdle. Still up for it are Junoir Blaber (Rugby Wrap Up) and Doug Coil (DJ Coil Rugby / TIAR). Where are ye Patrick Johnston (The Province)?

39-7 Patrick
38-8 Paul
37-9 Ted
36-10 Doug
34-12 Bryan, Junoir

Here are our RWC 2015 Finals predictions!

 

Finals	RSA v ARG	NZL v AUS
Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News	RSA +9	NZL +5
Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby	RSA +7	NZL +3
Junoir Blaber Rugby Wrap Up	ARG +6	NZL +3
Paul Tait Americas Rugby News	RSA +10	NZL +6
Ted Hardy Americas Rugby News	ARG +6	NZL +7

 

SOUTH AFRICA v ARGENTINA

A close game, but the Boks look to have the edge over the Pumas.

DC: Argentina left everything on the pitch against Australia, including three players that won’t be available against South Africa. The Springboks had a narrow loss to the All Blacks, but will leave with one last win.

JB: Hopefully the Argies learned that cavalier play inside one’s 22 is a no-no. Meyer needs to go as the Boks coach so I hope another loss does it. At the very lease the attack coach needs to fired forthwith!

PJ: Argentina’s adventurous play versus the predictable 1990’s style Boks should see the Africans winning. The Pumas just have too many injuries.

TH: Rugby Championship Part II and should be just as fun. Argentina let me down last week and South Africa surprised me. Who shows up this week?

 

NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA

The margins aren’t much, but the All Blacks are clear favorites.

DC: Argentina was able to find seams to exploit in the Australian backline and the All Blacks will also. Prior to the last two matches for Australia, I was leaning in their direction to win, but New Zealand appears to be clicking. The players on both sides will play for pride, but some huge financial incentives ride on the victor.

JB: The teams that have probably faced each other the most in the history of rugby go at it again. A healthy Pocock is a big positive for Australia. The Kiwis are nearly fully fit and have been preparing for this. When in doubt, always bet on black!

PT: Not the final I wanted but these are the top two teams this year without doubt. Could go either way.

TH: Here we are, the big one. Four years coming down to one game. The All Blacks have everything they need to pull it off, but anything can happen. The Wallabies will not go quietly.