After a fantastically exciting opening weekend to the Rugby World Cup, this weekend serves up some of the highlights of the group stages. Japan’s win over South Africa last Saturday has served to show that on their day any side can beat any other. With South Africa being a heavy favourite in that game, there is clearly the potential to find great value when backing the underdog. This Saturday there are three interesting games, with England taking on co-hosts Wales at Twickenham being the highlight of the tournament so far.
England got their campaign off to a winning start with a 35-11 win over Fiji, however their performance showed very little to justify how they might win the tournament. Similarly New Zealand only accelerated away on the scoreboard from Argentina in the second half. The lack of an outstanding performance so far has led to the tournament remaining wide open and this is likely to provide greater value for the punter.
- South Africa v Samoa – South Africa by a winning margin of 11-20 – 9/4 with Ladbrokes
- England v Wales – Wales at Half Time, England win at Full Time – 6/1 with BetVictor
- Italy v Canada – Canada to win – 10/1 with Bet 365
South Africa v Samoa, 26th September 2015
South Africa will look to bounce back from their shock defeat against Japan last week, with a much improved performance against Samoa this Saturday. Samoa come into this game having won their first game against the USA. Contests between these two tend to be very physical due to the physical stature of the South African pack and the aggressive approach to defence that the Samoan’s use.
Samoa have one or two players in their side who are capable of causing nightmares for the South African defence. Kahn Fotuali’i is a name that will be very familiar to Aviva Premiership fans due to his time at Northampton and if his pack can produce front-foot ball similar to how Saints do, he could prove a real threat around the fringes. Less familiar to most will be Tim Nanai-Williams an electric back three player with terrific feet who could test the aging Springbok wingers in Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen. It is likely that Heyneke Meyer will make several changes to his side for this game as several of his players fell short of their expected levels. The recent return of Jean De Villiers to the midfield seems to have disrupted the exciting backline that was playing in the Four Nations with Damien De Allende and Jesse Kriel in the centres. The return of inspirational number eight Duane Vermeulen should give the Springboks the extra advantage and this should see them through.
- South Africa by a winning margin of 11-20 – 9/4 with Ladbrokes
England v Wales, 26th September 2015
Both of these sides second game of the World Cup carries more importance than their last game. England will be looking to bring a greater clinical edge to their performance than they did in their opening fixture and also sort out the set piece issues that have haunted them in recent weeks. Wales comprehensively beat Uruguay, however not much can be taken from a game against one of the real minnows of the tournament.
The first game between two of the heavyweights of the Northern hemisphere in this year’s World Cup, presents a really intriguing clash of styles. Wales possess a sizeable back line with big ball carriers such as Jamie Roberts and George North who should pose a threat to the English defence. The recent injuries to Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb have hit the Welsh hard, however Mike Phillips is a man with lots of big match experience and Liam Williams is always a threat with ball in hand.
The predicted English line up has been picked in order to counteract this threat with Sam Burgess and Brad Barritt forming a sizeable midfield combination. Owen Farrell has been given the reigns over George Ford due to his better tactical kicking and overall game management that could prove decisive in this game. England should come out on top with the Twickenham factor and the atmosphere proving crucial late on.
- Wales at Half Time/England win at Full Time – 6/1 with BetVictor
Italy v Canada, 26th September 2015
Both sides come into this one on the back of defeats in their previous group game, however these were to be expected. Italy were put to the sword by a clinical French side in their 32-10 defeat on Saturday evening, with Louis Picamoles outstanding for the French. Canada on the other hand were destroyed by an Irish side still seething from their two warm up defeats against England and Wales and this produced one of the most one sided games of the weekend with Ireland running out comfortable winners 50-7.
The Italians recent form has been nothing short of dreadful, however in Sergio Parisse they possess both one of the world’s best number eights but also an inspirational leader for them to rally around when the going gets tough. Apart from Parisse, there is a general lack of quality within this Italian side that has been present before. This is why we reckon Canada could spring a surprise this weekend.
Rugby is growing rapidly in North America in recent years with more and more North Americans following the suit of USA internationals such as Samu Manoa and Chris Wyles plying their trade in Europe. One player to keep an eye out for is flying winger DTH Van der Merwe who has been one of the stars of the PRO 12 in recent years. This will be really close encounter, however we just feel as though the Canadians are coming up against the Italians at just the right time and backing the underdog in this one represents good value
- Canada to win – 10/1 with Bet365