This is the last round of games before Rugby World Cup squad announcement deadline. The last chances for coaches to get confused about their selections. Anyway here are my predictions for these games.
First here is a link to my review of the last round of games.
Japan v Uruguay
Japan won by 22 points last week, I can’t see that changing that much in one week. Uruguay should be better as they have at least had a run out. I feel that they have been let down by World Rugby as they have had so little opportunity until now. Japan on the other hand this year have had the Asia 5 Nations and Pacific Nations Cup to warm up. Uruguay’s chance is if the off-field issues around the Japanese Super Rugby franchise and Eddie Jones leaving negatively affect the sides performance.
Japan by 20
Ireland v Wales
Ireland are ranked second in the world and whilst there are lots of people who have questioned the rankings it’s easy to see why. They have only lost a couple of times in the last couple of years. When these countries met a couple of weeks ago the sides were totally different. This weekend will see near full strength sides battling it out and whilst I think Wales will ask more questions Ireland have shown they have the answers.
Ireland by 5
Scotland v Italy
Italy had plenty of territory and possession last week but didn’t have the cutting edge. I think that will carry through to the Rugby World Cup and they will struggle. Scotland got a much needed moral boosting win last weekend. But it came with a below per performance and so this week they will be looking for the performance and result.
Scotland by 5
Prediction Leagues
Join in the predicting fun, I’m running leagues for the Currie Cup, ITM Cup, NRC and Top 14. Also enjoy the excitement of the up coming Rugby World Cup by joining the Rugby World Cup league as well.
