After the blockbuster day two, we have another three games to go through on Sunday. It kicks off with Italy vs Namibia from Pool B, big celtic clash of Ireland vs Scotland out of Pool A and finally England get underway against Tonga in Pool C. What magic will we witness on day three?
Italy vs Namibia – Pool B
This is where we should see the best of Italy, they need to be realistic and make sure they beat Namibia and Canada comfortably to confirm that third position. They have named the best of what they have as every side has in this opening round. Will be good to see Sergio Parisse roll out for another World Cup and I expect will lead his side from the front yet again.
If you have not much of an idea about Namibia then you wouldn’t be alone in that camp. The key players in this squad are coming from much higher experienced levels in South Africa and France. The will play a forward dominated game they may well test their opponents for the opening 20-30 minutes but like happens for these smaller nations, fitness will play its full part in the end.
PREDICTION = Italy by 18
Ireland vs Scotland – Pool A
This is a big clash for the newly crowned world number one! Pool A is clearly theirs for the taking and if they can get past what I expect to be a plucky Scotland it will turn to cruise control. It’s a big game team named too from Ireland, no risks, no chances. The only question I put around this Irish side is Jordan Lamour at fullback. He will aid their attack but at what cost to their defence? I’d imagine Scotland will want to find out.
All odds will be heavily stacked against the Scots but we have seen it so much already in this tournament that it means little on this big stage. Scotland have some exciting players in this backline and will need a strong display from Finn Russell to give them any chance. The backrow battle is also one to keep an eye on, Ireland will fancy themselves there if Scotland can not contain it.
RESULT = Ireland by 6
England vs Tonga – Pool C
England will want to make a lot of noise in this match up against Tonga. They have opted to open up with the Ford/Farrell 10/12 combination. With Tuilagi in the 13 jumper. Is this the “A” side for England or what they will call the best side for the opponent they are facing? A quick and exciting flanker setup with Tom Curry and Sam Underhill playing on each side of the pack, they will be a terror for Tonga.
Tonga are a side they run on confidence and will need an excellent start to put themselves in with a shot. Im interested in the centre selections for the Tongans with Cooper Vuna and Siale Piutau together gives me the idea that a lot of the plan is running through those two and with Vuna at inside centre you can expect to be not much kicking. Big man Ben Tameifuna will be a sight to see, so keep an eye out on him rumbling around the field and lets hope Tonga can make a match of this similar to the likes of Fiji and Russia have in this Rugby World Cup already.
RESULT = England by 23
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