Ireland's sensational upset of arguably the greatest All Blacks team ever blew World Rugby wide open last week. It was a remarkable result and a terrific performance from the men in green, who now have a contrasting fixture against relative minnows Canada this weekend.
England, France, Scotland and Italy all get there campaigns underway today, facing South Africa, Samoa, Australia and New Zealand respectively, while Wales facing Argentina looking to recover from their humiliating defeat by Australia.
I take on Max Vyvyan here, Hampton full back and Social Captain. I have only managed to pick the three biggest games out, with Australia travelling to Scotland, England hosting the Springboks and Italy facing New Zealand.
England vs South Africa
England have obviously had a fair few injuries in recent weeks, but will back themselves here. Elliot Daly comes in looking to make a huge impact and earn his place as the regular 13. He is dangerous in attack but can also knock over a penalty from as far as 60 metres out on his day and that could be vital if conditions are tricky.
South Africa have taken a fair bit of flak from ex-professionals with some even labelling them the worst Boks team ever. I think that is harsh, but certainly this South African team is not the best. After being routed by New Zealand at home, they failed to beat a really inexperienced Barbarians side and don't look as if they can make teams fear them.
For South Africa, this is going to be a tough challenge. England are pumped and have done so much to prepare for this. 10 years of hurt will be brought to an end by 10 points. England still have some quality players that will create opportunities and with Farrell running the show at centre, they will be dangerous. The Forwards will do battle, but I think England can keep them at bay in that department and will get another win and make it into double figures unbeaten under Eddie Jones.
England by 10 points
Max: England by 11 points
Italy vs New Zealand
Conor O'Shea has approached the Italian Job with immense positivity. He believes he can make this the best Italian team ever and while World Cups and Six Nations wins aren't on the cards just, I think they feel reasonably confident that they can get a few scalps in this period.
That scalp is unlikely to come against New Zealand, but the Blacks were stunned last week. Beaten for the first time by Ireland. Having come back from 30-8 down to 33-29, they failed to see it off in a finish that was not very typical of the All Blacks.
However, they are in a different class to Italy and will comfortably win this one. I just don't think there is any way Italy will win. The backlash will be brutal from New Zealand, who will run in tries for fun in the second half
New Zealand by 41 points
Max: New Zealand by 36 points
Scotland vs Australia
Scotland have got a lot of players in form at the moment. Which in my opinion makes it all the more disappointing that they've already confirmed the departure of Vern Cotter in the Summer. This will be a period where I think they'll struggle to hit their best, a team always tends to lack bite when they have a coach on the way out.
Australia looked lethal against Wales last week, carving through them off almost every backs move. It was a joy to watch a brilliant side at their brilliant best. Up to now, it's been a long, hard season for the Aussies, but it looks like they really could come back to some form in their grand slam tour, and if anyone else they play defends like Wales did, they'll win comfortably.
Scotland is always a tough place to go in the Autumn and teams tend to struggle with the task. I think they'll be OK, but I doubt they'll be able to play the free-flowing rugby they did last week with as much ease. They will get the job done, but it won't be easy.
Australia by 15 points
Max: Australia by 19 points
Comments
Post a Comment