England can take a massive step towards winning Pool C with victory over Argentina, while the latter can claw their way back into playoff contention when the two clash at the Ajinomoto Stadium on Saturday.
RWC Pool C
England v Argentina
5 October 10h00
Ajinomoto Stadium
To Win
England 1/8
Draw 30/1
Argentina 9/2
Handicap
England (-14.5) 9/10
Argentina (+14.5) 9/10
England followed up an error-ridden 35-3 World Cup opening victory against Tonga with an improved showing in a 45-7 win over USA. With those results over the pool minnows secure, they now turn their attention to their final two assignments against Argentina and France which will shape the outcome of the playoffs.
Eddie Jones is sure to select his strongest sides from here on out with the “business end” of the competition clearly having come early for England. Wins over Argentina and France will secure first-place in the pool and likely see them face Australia in the quarterfinals; a side against whom they have beaten in six-consecutive previous outings.
Argentina, meanwhile, narrowly came unstuck against France in their opener, losing 21-23 before claiming a 28-12 win over Tonga. They will know a loss to England should spell the end of their playoff ambitions, with two pool defeats sure to prove a bridge too far for them to qualify.
Verdict: England by 8-points or more
The Test will be won and lost up front, with the set-pieces and gainline success set to determine its outcome. While both teams possess some formidable physical specimens, the English pack are particularly adept in this regard and, with Owen Farrell in the driver’s seat, they should claim a monumental win.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
