ARN Forecast – November 25-26

It was another traumatic week for our intrepid panel, with all six Americas teams beaten to the finish line and our so-called gurus left to retreat with their tails between their legs. With most of our friends from the USA camping out with family and big birds and others choosing to hibernate for the winter a week early, it’s an abbreviated edition this week with only seven experts willing to risk their necks with picks and even less having the words to explain themselves.

Holding down the fort for Los Americanos is the Rugby Rainman himself, Junoir Blaber from the Rugby Wrap Up. The man on a mission for Rugby United is Dan Mason. Keepin’ it real behind the wheel is Doug Coil from DJ Coil Rugby. Anchoring the scrum we have Ted Hardy of this parish who feels confident in his return to action this week.

South America is a vast and scary place but two brave souls have emerged from the Amazon to tell their tales. Victor Ramalho hails from Portal do Rugby and he is joined by the Brazilio-Kiwi himself Paul Tait, who dreams of the day when Southerners outnumber the Northern invaders on the world’s greatest rugby panel.

Standing high and solitary in the cold, cold north is Bryan Ray, who has sent his selections via passenger pigeon as the cable lines become one with the tundra.

EDIT: A late entry! Uruguay’s own Ignacio Chans from El Observador swoops in to save the day!

All clear favorites this week, but a couple longshots might be worth a look.

 

November 25-26, 2016	SAM v CAN	GER v BRA	ENG v ARG	ROM v URU
Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News	CAN +5	GER +8	ENG +15	ROM +15
Dan Mason Rugby United	SAM +24	GER +15	ENG +13	ROM +20
Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby	SAM +5	GER +12	ENG +8	ROM +9
Ignacio Chans El Observador	CAN +5	GER +15	ENG +12	ROM +16
Junior Blaber Rugby Wrap Up	SAM +10	GER +5	ENG +10	ROM +3
Paul Tait Americas Rugby News	SAM +2	GER +10	ENG +6	ROM +18
Ted Hardy Americas Rugby News	SAM +5	GER +3	ENG +17	ROM +10
Victor Ramalho Portal do Rugby	CAN +3	BRA +1	ENG +20	ROM +14

 

SAMOA (14) vs CANADA (18)
Friday, November 25, 20:00 Grenoble

Samoa are favorites but there are a few hopefuls in the bunch who think Canada can pull it off.

BR: Samoa looked much better against Georgia than they did against France, but a number of injuries have forced their hand in terms of selection. While certainly talents for the future, Elia and Leuila make their first test starts in key positions which leaves the side vulnerable. Canada will be desperate to end on a high and the return of Cudmore will be just enough to push them finally into the win column.

IC: Canada is performing better than I had expected and will go all the way, beating Samoa.

PT: Canada will push them to the edge but Samoa will sneak home.

VR: The Canucks showed this November they are improving and Samoa is not in good shape. I feel this is Canada’s time to finally get a win over Samoa.

 

GERMANY (24) vs BRAZIL (36)
Saturday, November 26, 14:30 Leipzig

Once again Germany hot favorites, with Victor the only one counting on a reverse of fortunes.

BR: Brazil, Brazil Brazil… one of the most romantic sides out there at the moment but inconsistency in selection and their neophyte status makes the learning curve just a little to high right now. I look forward to greater things in the Americas Rugby Championship.

IC: Brazil has had one good match on tour but Germany continues to be the better side.

PT: Germany are playing well and again at home. Their superior core skills will be evident.

VR: Os Tupis are more fit than ever and they showed power in the forwards in the first match. It is time for one more surprise.

 

ENGLAND (2) vs ARGENTINA (9)
Saturday, November 26, 14:30 London

The undefeated England, at home, against an exhausted Pumas side. No contest.

BR: The ridiculous travel schedule for Los Jaguares and Hourcade’s exclusionary selection policy has proved the downfall of Los Pumas at the end of their season. They have been slaughtered by jet lag and look closer to taking a nap on the pitch than winning at Twickenham.

IC: Argentina failed to capitalize against Wales and Scotland and now faces the only team that can challenge New Zealand.

PT: The Pumas are in a bad place right now. Even the players admit they have not been playing well enough. They will need magic to beat England.

VR: A very demanding season for the Pumas will end with one of the most difficult tests. Daniel Hourcade’s men need a rest.

 

ROMANIA (16) vs URUGUAY (21)
Saturday, November 26, 18:00 Bucharest

Uruguay have struggled on their tour while Romania look to end a nearly perfect season with another win.

BR: It’s been a huge year for Uruguayan rugby but also the most difficult in terms of work load. Their exposure to a full test season will do them in good stead for the future but for now they’ll have to learn another lesson from the evolving Romanians.

IC: Romania is playing confidently and has great wins over Canada and the USA. Uruguay is going into the game in a bad state after losses to Germany and Spain. Los Teros only have 23 players available. They must improve their performance and leave the best possible impression, but Romania is a better team today.

PT: One win away from completing a 3-0 sweep over the Americas this month. It’s not just Georgia that is putting pressure on changing the closed shop that is the Six Nations.

VR: Two disappointing matches so far for the Teros and good performances for the Oaks. Romania will reign supreme.