ARN Forecast – June 25-26

Time for predictions! It’s the last week of the June international series, and there’s only three Americas games on tap. It’s Round 2 in Tucumán where Los Pumas host Les Bleus, the Eagles welcome the Bears to Sacramento, and Canada is at their spiritual home in Toronto against the Azzurri.

Once again we’ve got 11 of the top pundits in the Americas weighing in with their picks and spreads. Jake looked a little silly last week picking Russia, Doug and Ted were oh-so-close to being rewarded for picking the Eagles, and France floundered dreams of upsets for Bryan, Curtis, and Dan. Meanwhile Guyana were surprise winners over Trinidad & Tobago, Brazil slumped against Kenya, the Caymans impressed against Bermuda, and Jamaica didn’t even show up for their match against Barbados!

Team USA is led this week by Curtis Reed from ThisIsAmericanRugby, who is joined by Doug Coil from DJ Coil Rugby, Junoir Blaber of the Rugby Wrap Up, Jake Frechette from Rugby Today, Dan Mason from Rugby United, and of course ARN’s own Ted Hardy.

South America has provided Uruguay’s Ignacio Chans from El Observador, and two Brazilians – Victor Ramalho from Portal do Rugby and Paul Tait of ARN.

The Canadians are warming up and have two so-called experts to speak for them: the west coast’s Patrick Johnston of The Province, and ARN’s east coaster Bryan Ray.

 

June 25-26	ARG v FRA	USA v RUS	CAN v ITA
Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News	FRA +6	USA +16	CAN +3
Curtis Reed ThisIsAmericanRugby	FRA +7	USA +21	ITA +10
Dan Mason Rugby United	FRA +4	USA +15	ITA +13
Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby	ARG +7	USA +14	ITA +7
Ignacio Chans El Observador	ARG +10	USA +20	CAN +5
Jake Frechette Rugby Today	ARG +3	USA +15	ITA +4
Junior Blaber Rugby Wrap Up	ARG +7	USA +10	ITA +3
Patrick Johnston The Province	ARG +5	USA +15	ITA +5
Paul Tait Americas Rugby News	ARG +2	USA +19	CAN +2
Ted Hardy Americas Rugby News	ARG +7	USA +20	CAN +3
Victor Ramalho Portal do Rugby	ARG +8	USA +22	ITA +5

 

ARGENTINA vs FRANCE
Saturday, June 25, 15:10 Tucumán

Argentina are still favorites at home, but France remain a live ‘dog.

BR: Argentina were the better side last week and while Lavanini is a big addition Hernández is a loss. France have upgraded their side considerably with Maestri, Picamoles, and Trinh-Duc. I’m expecting Les Bleus to rebound.

CR: I’ll go against the trend just for fun and pick France.

DM: I’m sticking to my guns… Argentine fans are welcome to send hate tweets my way!

IC: One further week of play ought to show the advances made in the Argentine game and the flashes of Super Rugby experience.

PJ: France is looking a little lost these days!

PT: Los Pumas are playing well but for this match they have just one play maker in Nicolás Sánchez. The bench has no fly half but is packed with flair. Expect France to play well but for the South Americans to win a tight one in the end.

VR: The Pumas are finding their way again and proved that the new-look France is not mature enough to sustain a victory in a hard place like Tucumán. But they will produce a hard match as expected.

TH: Argentina headed in the right direction while France is still looking for answers. It’ll be a tight match, but expect the Pumas to pull it out in the final quarter.

 

USA vs RUSSIA
Saturday, June 25, 19:00 Sacramento

Nobody is expecting anything but a big win for the Eagles.

BR: This is basically just picking the spread. A Russian win would be a significant upset. I’m expecting the Eagles to run in a few tries.

CR: I’m bullish on the Eagles this week after a solid performance against Italy. There is a more confident mood around the team these days and Russia did not look that impressive last week. This one is a blowout.

DM: The Eagles will be too much for the Russians but I expect an improved game over last week from the Bears.

IC: Russia continues to make use of the enormous help that has come from World Rugby due to them being a gigantic market. Despite this the results against Tier 2 sides over the years have been very bad. Hopefully Chile or Spain could have this aid.

PJ: Russia look poor and the Americans can throw the ball around.

PT: Time for the Eagles to fly. This fixture gives the USA an opportunity to notch up a huge score. Only one team can win this with the real question being by how much.

VR: Russia is one level below any North American country. USA showed they are looking now to the next level after being so close to victory over Italy.

TH: After missing an opportunity to scalp Italy, the USA will be out to put up an impressive performance against Russia. Hoping to see a clinical performance from the Eagles.

 

CANADA vs ITALY
Sunday, June 26, 12:00 Toronto

Italy clear favorites, but Canada very much in the race. Can they finally get one over on the Azzurri?

BR: Italy seem to have our number (like Wales in 7s…) but I like Canada’s chances. McRorie has his mojo back and Hearn is a psychological lift to the side. If the forwards front up, I think there’s just enough talent there to get the job done at home.

CR: It may be close but Italy is finding their groove at the end of a long tour.

DM: I want to tour Calgary so I can get one of those awesome cowboy hats! (edit note: er… Dan, the game’s in Toronto this week…)

IC: A great match to analyze. What better than a rematch of that incredible Canadian defeat at the RWC?

PJ: Canada looked great against Russia but still conceded 21 points to a substandard side. Italy may be gross, but they’re much better than the Bears.

PT: The Italians are favorites but I smell an upset. Canada’s players have it within them against a much changed Italian side which was greatly troubled by the USA. Moreover the RWC match in Leeds was also closely disputed.

VR: Italy have already improved under new coach Conor O’Shea and even with a close score against USA must be the favorites again. Canadians will remember they should have beaten Italy in the World Cup, but the Azzurri will prevail again.

TH: Italy are the favorite, but I think Canada is overdue for a big performance. Either way it goes it should be a close one. Looking to see Canada sneak one over on Italy.