The rugby of late has been nothing short of spectacular. We have been privileged enough to witness some of the best rugby in the last 5 years. The Europeans are truly so lucky to be able to watch their international sides head to head! We as Saffas, cannot wait to be in a packed stadium blasting the national anthem. Pretty sure that 9 out of 10 people will be on the sauce and ready for an immense celebration after the bomb squad have cracked the All Blacks on home turf. Man, what a dream.
Italy Vs Argentina
This weekend coming is jam-packed with rugby. We have an exciting game in Italy and Argentina on Saturday afternoon 15:00 SA Time. The game will take place in Italy who, in my opinion are the under dogs. I think the Argentinians have played good rugby against Southern Hemisphere sides in previous years and the experience may aid them in their battle to overcome Italy this weekend. They have massive potential and we are in for an exciting game! My Prediction is Argentina by 5.
Boks Vs Scotland
The second game of the weekend is a favorite for the Saffas. We take on Scotland at BT Murrayfield, kickoff also 15:00 SA time. We all know the physicality of the Springbok Forwards will be dominant on the weekend and we look to play some strong replacements in the back. Hopefully Kriel gets a bit more opportunity with ball in hand. I would like to see him doing well for the Boks again. Mapimpi has scored a try against every team he has played against except Scotland, he hasn't played them yet! Jantjies starts ahead of Pollard, which makes me nervous! Pollard is however on the bench if we need to call him to the rescue! My prediction is Boks by 14.
Ireland Vs New Zealand
New Zealand are always the favorites when they take the pitch. But the Irish side is heavy on experience and they have beaten the AB's in recent years, so they know what to do. If Ireland manage to slow the ball at the ruck and at the scrum, they have a better chance in winning this game. Beauden Barrett has been named as the starting 10 for the game. I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing him play again, he is truly the most exciting 10 they have to offer. Richie is a safe option but Beaudy, exciting! I know I am going to catch some flack here, but so be it! My Score prediction is All Blacks by 22.
Japan Vs Portugal
Japan are the winners in this game against Portugal, they just have more experience and a better running ball game compared to their hosts. The game kicks off at 19:10 SA time. I am ready for Japan to play a smart running game with the odd tactical kick. Always kicking for the line instead of taking points, making a statement in this game against Portugal. My score Prediction is Japan by 19.
Australia Vs England
Marcus Smith starts at 10 for the English side, Owen Farrell at 12. Manu Tuilagi starts on the wing as Adam Radwan drops out, forwards remain unchanged. Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Max Malins onto bench. The English side have strength in their pack and on the wing in Tuilagi. The Aussies are never to be overlooked however. They will be looking forward to avenging their 2019 defeat to England in the Quarter Finals. Kurtley Beale and Will Skelton are on the bench after Australia eased the law on the prevention of overseas players playing for the National side. My Prediction is Australia by 3.
France Vs Georgia
First up on Sunday we have France against Georgia. We have seen a physical Georgian side play against the Boks as a warm up to the Lions Series earlier this year. We know they boast size and strength at scrum time but will the French pack be fit and strong enough to overcome the Georgians? I think the French will take the win, purely based on their form and the way they play as a unit, with clever kicks and strong defense. My prediction is France by 13.
Wales Vs Fiji
Wales are in respectable form of late, as are the Flying Fijians. The Fijians are large and possess an immense set of skills when it comes to bumping players off and offloading almost impossible passes. Don't forget the dives for the corner, even more spectacular! Ball in one hand I think the Fijians will struggle under the Welsh ability to control the game. They are able to hold possession for long periods of time which will frustrate the Fijians and Wales will convert that into points via a corner kick or 3 at the posts. My prediction is Wales by 12.
The rugby this weekend is going to be nothing short of insane! I look forward to seeing the Poms getting cracked by a motivated Australian side and I look forward to the Boks being the ruthless brutes they are, beating the Scots comfortably! (I hope!)
GO BOKKE!