We are finally underway with the opening clash and now the real rugby starts. Day two has three really intriguing battles that will go a long way to deciding each pool already. Australia open up against the Fijians, France will battle Argentina and finally the big one, New Zealand vs South Africa. How will these games go down? Let’s take a look:
Australia vs Fiji
This is a massive banana skin match for the Wallabies to open up with. Defence and patience is going to be the massive key in this game. The Wallabies have the international experience and quality to deal with this threat but can they contain it and not get dragged into the Fiji style of game? Australia’s defence must stay tight and if they can frustrate Fiji from being unable to make way on attack, the game will be half won. This is a game that will be decided in the second forty minutes, and for that, Fiji must stay composed to have any chance.
The Fijians will be ready for a full assault at this Wallabies team but they must keep their wits about them and take any points on offer and much the same as Australia, have some defence. Yes, they want an open and free flowing game but if they can shape some defence too that could throw the Wallabies game plan. However, despite all that, I think this game will end up being a huge try feast with both sides just doing their best to outscore the other.
RESULT = Wallabies +4
France vs Argentina
Now I am very excited to see what this French side has to offer on the world stage like this. They have turned some heads in the build up to this World Cup with some exciting talented players putting up their hand. The World Cup is another level of intensity that France seems to love. They won’t be underestimating the Pumas so expect to see what this French side can offer mostly the excitement on attack is what i’m expecting.
Argentina have to show us something massively different to what they have been offering this year internationally. They promised so much with a hugely successful Super Rugby campaign with the Jaguares but since then the momentum has fallen off a cliff. The talent is there, we have seen far too often what the excitement machines in the backline can do. They will struggle in the pack but as long as they can hold their with the additions like Figallo in the front row they can tear any defence to pieces. I expect they will in patches, but ultimately I cannot see them getting up to the level required to challenge as we would like.
RESULT = France +8
New Zealand vs South Africa
Here it is, the fantastic, mouth watering day two match. The All Blacks and Springboks are one of the oldest rivals around and what better way to kick off their tournaments. This results has a huge bearing on which side will top the pool and history does not lie, no champion has ever lost a game during the tournament. Neither side is going to play the same way as they did during the Rugby Championship. In my opinion, these are the two best teams in the world right now and you can cover them with a needle.
Let’s break down these sides a little, the Springboks will be relying on Faf De Klerk and Willie Le Roux to direct their very exciting attacking backline. Their pack is as solid as a rock, big, tall and powerful. The All Blacks have different strengths to their game but for me, the questions lay on how the back row will perform, can it protect Aaron Smith enough to allow him to play and in the end which side will handle the pressure the best. Take a coin and toss it in the air, this is anyone’s game. Whos going to reveal more of their hand in the opener? We will see on Saturday night.
RESULT = New Zealand +2
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