Rugby World Cup 2011 – Round 3 Predictions and Preview

So technically, the following previews are still part of the second week of games but have been called ’round 3′ games by Superbru, so why not stick with what I may or may not have become obsessed by. I lost some ground recently due to Tonga’s dying minutes’ loss to a very impressive Canadian side and then Scotland’s poor showing against a plucky Georgian side.

Tonga’s chances of making the quarter finals have all but disappeared but Canada still has an outside chance, although a loss to France will effectively kill off that Canadian dream eh. It’s not always aboot winning, it’s aboot diplomacy, it’s aboot respect…. can I finish, please can I finish?… I’m finished.

RWC 2011 Round 3 Predictions:

Argentina vs Romania – Sat 17th at 5:30am (SA time)

Argentina took England close and indeed could have wrapped up the game with 20 minutes to go had any of their kickers been more accurate. It is absolutely imperative that your kicker is accurate in the RWC and Argentina will need to take all the chances they have. Romania took Scotland close with a very powerful scrum and forward display, this is, however one of Argentina’s strengths and Romania will struggle to achieve the same dominance.

Prediction: Argentina by 16

Springboks vs Fiji – Sat 17th at 8am

The Bokke have had to make a few interesting decisions with injuries to key players. Frans donkey boot Steyn moves to inside centre and Pat babyface Lambie comes in at fullback. This could well be a brilliant move by Pieter de Villiers and Co. as many believe Steyn is a natural 12 and this is of course where he thrived in the RWC2007.

Bakkies Botha is fit and will partner Danie Rossouw at lock. Odwa Ndungane comes in for Habana but him and JP Pietersen will swap positions and play as they do for the Sharks.

Fiji will pose a different set of questions of the Bokke but they will struggle in the set pieces and if the Bokke keep it direct, they will struggle to get on the front foot. Fiji are always dangerous and the Bokke will need to be defensively toit for the full 80 min but that and accurate kicking, should see them get through this potential mine field comfortably.

Prediction: Bokke by 21

Australia vs Ireland – Sat 17th at 10:30am

This should be a cracker of a game. Australia have been in fine form and have ridden the wave of quality rugby that the Reds dropped in on, when they won Supe Rugby earlier this year. (Surf analogy… check!) Ireland have looked very average in the build up and again in the game against USA. They will be pumped for this game though and expect them to come out firing and be a far improved side though come Sat. The Irish scrums and lineouts were very good against USA and this will be the area where they can perhaps try to control the game. The Aussies backs have the edge over the ageing Irish and the Wallabies will take this and secure top spot in the group.

Prediction: Aus by 12-18

Wales vs Samoa – Sun 18th at 5:30am

It is a pity this game is on so early as I will most certainly miss it live but it should be one of the games of the week. Wales were very impressive against the Bokke and played a near perfect tactical game. They like to keep the ball in hand when on attack and flood the breakdown on defense. It worked very well last Sunday and captain Sam Warburton will be hoping to use similar tactics to starve the huge and fast Samoans. They dominated Namibia recently and will have targeted this as a ‘must win’ if they are to progress to the quarters. Expect big hits and flair aplenty in this close, hard-fought battle.

Prediction: Wales by 3-6

England vs Georgia – Sun 18th at 8am

Georgia kept things tight and boring against Scotland and will try to do the same against England. They may well slow things down but the English backline is far more potent and their forwards more dynamic and they should win this comfortably.

Prediction: England by 24-30

France vs Canada – Sun 18th at 10am

France started off shakily against Japan and Marc Lievremont has changed most of his team after lashing them in the media with mind bullets after their latest performance. They should have too much fire power out wide and as good as Canada was against Tonga, they will have only had a 4 day turnaround and will struggle in the last quarter. Expect France to lift their game and secure a bruising but comfortable victory.

Prediction: France by 17-25

rennton

~ by bowlphilosophy on September 15, 2011.