Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
We’re running a bit late to let’s cut straight to the predictions! Big week heading into the final round of pool play. Will Canada get their win against Romania? Can Namibia upset Georgia? Read on to find out!
Paul is our token ‘South American’ with Chris and Victor still lost in dangerous World Cup waters, while Junior is busy honeymooning, or something silly like that! It’s down to the Fab Five for the midweek, the editors plus Doug Coil (DJ Coil Rugby / TIAR) and Patrick Johnston (The Province)!
We’ll update the standings after the weekend!
Here are our RWC 2015 Round 3(b) predictions!
| ROUND 4(a) | CAN v ROM |
FIJ v URU |
RSA v USA |
NAM v GEO |
NZL v TON |
| Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News |
CAN +6 |
FIJ +30 |
RSA +46 |
GEO +12 |
NZL +24 |
| Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby |
CAN +3 |
FIJ +15 |
RSA +18 |
GEO +13 |
NZL +19 |
| Patrick Johnston The Province |
CAN +5 |
FIJ +15 |
RSA +50 |
GEO +5 |
NZL +25 |
| Paul Tait Americas Rugby News |
CAN +4 |
FIJ +18 |
RSA +20 |
GEO +15 |
NZL +50 |
| Ted Hardy Americas Rugby News |
CAN +5 |
FIJ +25 |
RSA +40 |
GEO +7 |
NZL +28 |
CANADA v ROMANIA
Looks like Canada will finally get their win!
BR: Go Canada Go!
DC: Canada has been playing inspired rugby. It’s time to go home with a win.
PJ: It’s going to be ugly conditions in Leicester but Canada’s skill out wide will be enough to counter Romania’s inside domination.
PT: Injuries for both makes this hard to pick but based on history, form and depth I say Canada.
TH: Going to be a battle. Have to go with our North American brothers.
FIJI v URUGUAY
Fiji should show their class against the heavy underdogs Uruguay.
DC: Uruguay In a very tough bracket, Fiji has shown they can compete against Tier 1 teams. Uruguay will have exciting moments, but in the end, Fiji will go home with a win.
PJ: Fiji have disappointed on the whole but still will have far too much talent for the Teros.
PT: As much as I would like to say Los Hermanos will win this will be a Pacific Island triumph by a comfortable margin.
TH: Fiji takes their RWC frustrations out on Uruguay in true Fijiaan wide open style.
SOUTH AFRICA v USA
A second string Eagles side has no hope against the resurgent Springboks.
DC: I expect both will start players who have seen less action. South Africa will try for a bonus point win to win the Pool. USA will perform well, but Japan will is still on their radar.
PJ: This could be the biggest joke game of the tournament. USA lineup was named because they had to. SA are running at full force, no matter who is in the squad.
PT: Boks on a turn around will aid Eagles but not enough. Expect space for fliers from both teams.
TH: Tolkin goes with 2nd side for the most part. Wouldn’t matter if they went with their best, Springboks going to pound them.
NAMIBIA v GEORGIA
A tough match, but Georgia look to have the edge.
DC: Georgia’s physical play will have dividends. They can’t commit penalties or Namibia will keep taking 3pts. Namibia has been patient.
PJ: There’s lots to fascinate about this match-up. Could Namibia pull out a win? It’s going to be close but we saw what the Lelos can do in defense against the All Blacks and that will be the difference. This will be a low scoring affair:
PT: Automatic RWC spot will motivate Georgia. I had the pleasure of seeing them in Cardiff and am convinced there is talent.
TH: Could it be two wins for Georgia? Namibia will give them a run for their money.
NEW ZEALAND v TONGA
No contest here, but it should be entertaining.
DC: I expect Tonga to start the match like they did against Argentina. Tonga wants battle. New Zealand wants to win and go to the QFs healthy.
PJ: Tonga have had their moments no doubt and they’ll probably have a moment or two in this one too. Is it required these two face each other every other tournament? That’s what it feels like. Anyway, New Zealand will be just too strong in every facet of the game.
PT: Kiwis yet to play to their potential and being slammed for this in the press world wide. Will change vs the Sea Eagles who are backing up from Argentina on Sunday.
TH: Glad Tonga got a win over Namibia. NZ sending them home on a low note.
