This weekend will be hogged by the Ireland v New Zealand rematch but there is so much more going on. Here are my round 3 predictions.
First here is a link to my roundup of all the action from last weekend including the women’s internationals for the first time.
How did your round 2 predictions go?
7 from 11, really poor and I would have picked Munster v Maori wrong if I hadn’t forgotten about the game.
Here are my 1 line predictions, read below for my full thinking.
First up are the fixtures in the SuperBru prediction league with the other games listed below.
Georgia v Samoa
Both these sides lost last weekend and whilst we expected Samoa to lose to France Georgia losing to Japan was a surprise. We didn’t learn much from the Samoa game that we didn’t know already so it’s hard to judge where they are at. We do know that they will be up for the game after drawing with Georgia at home back in June. I’m backing home advantage and a Georgia reaction to losing to Japan to win the day.
Georgia by 5
Italy v South Africa
Italy were poor against New Zealand last weekend as they kicked the ball away aimlessly. If they do that again it’s going to be another long day at the office. Against New Zealand they were always going to lose and this is seen as a better guide to how O’Shea will take Italy forward. South Africa have also been poor drawing against the Barbarians before losing to England. However I can’t see them losing to Italy as their forwards will be too powerful.
South Africa by 15
England v Fiji
England are up to 11 wins on the trot and I think we are all expecting them to add another 1 here. They put away South Africa rather comfortably after loosing for so many years and are clearly the second best side in the world at the moment. Fiji were beaten comfortably by the Barbarians and I think will struggle this weekend. In positive news Ben Ryan announced plans for a Super Rugby side in Fiji which could help them massively in years to come.
England by 20
Wales v Japan
Wales got a much-needed victory over Argentina last weekend but it was a poor performance by both sides. After losing heavily to Argentina the weekend before Japan upset Georgia. Even so I can’t see this inexperienced side pulling off a victory anything like they did in the Rugby World Cup and this should be a win by at least couple of scores for Wales.
Wales by 15
Scotland v Argentina
Scotland lost by 1 point to Australia but the positivity from that game is palpable. They do have a history of doing well both against Australia and in November internationals. Argentina just made too many mistakes against Wales and again look like a team that’s going to be really dangerous when they click. For me their performance could come down to if Hernandez is fit, without him they look a lesser side. Either way though I think Scotland could get a moral boosting win here.
Scotland by 3
Ireland v New Zealand
The big game of the weekend that’s been setup so well by the Chicago win for Ireland and Munster following that up with victory of the Maori. However I can’t see the All Blacks losing twice in such close succession. When they lost to Australia in Sydney last year there was a big reaction at Eden Park the following week. I think we will see something like that again. However this Ireland side is very good when they gets it together and I don’t see a blow out.
New Zealand by 7
France v Australia
France impressed me last weekend but that was against Samoa who are handicapped so much by their lack of off field structure. I have the cliché and have said in the past that France aren’t unpredictable they are just poor. This side though looks like it has potential and until we see them a couple of times we won’t know what to expect. Australia are getting into their stride after a port Rugby World Cup rebuilding effort. The loss of Coleman will be felt though as they had finally settled on a lock pairing. Still Australia are the more in form side and should take this.
Australia by 10
Other games that aren’t listed in SuperBru.
Harlequins v Māori All Blacks
This is going to come down to what side Quins can field. They face Leicester Tigers at the weekend so are having to put 2 sides out. This is part of Harlequins 150th anniversary celebrations so they will want to put out a good side. The Maori looked a weaker side when they didn’t have their All Blacks squad players available as they had in Chicago. So I’m backing a narrow home win.
Harlequins by 5
Germany v Brazil
I don’t know much about these 2 sides but Brazil did get a victory over an experimental USA side earlier this year. However Germany got a very good victory over Uruguay and so I’m backing the home side to double up on wins.
Germany by 7
Spain v Uruguay
Both these sides lost last weekend. Spain as expected to Tonga but Uruguay were upset by Germany. Expect a reaction from Uruguay and they are the higher ranked team.
Uruguay by 5
Romania v Canada
Romania downed USA last weekend as Canada were getting thrashed by Ireland’s second string. As Canada have dropped back behind the USA recently you have to back the home side to get a second win over north american opposition.
Romania by 10
Tonga v United States
Tonga got an expected win over Spain and will have at least got rid of some of the rust after not being together for long. The USA racked up their second loss in 2 weeks and I just can’t see them turning that around. There is lots to be positive about in USA rugby but their national team aren’t putting it on the field at the moment.
Tonga by 10
Chile v South Korea
I really don’t know much about these 2 sides. But Chile are ranked 27 in the world compared to South Korea who are 30. Add into that they are at home and you have to back the home team.
Chile by 5
#RugbyChat
Join the #RugbyChat on twitter for an hour of discussion reviewing the action on Tuesday. If you can’t make the hour then you can still give your view as the conversation keeps going over the following day.
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