Darry Worthington previews the five Rugby World Cup games that are taking place between Saturday the 28th of September and Sunday the 29th.
The Rugby World Cup action continues this weekend, and while there aren’t as many headline clashes as there were last week there still an absolute blockbuster in-store with Australia taking on Wales.
Photo Copyright Steve Haag Sport – Hollywoodbets
Argentina v Tonga
Saturday 28 September
Hanazono Stadium
06:45
To Win (80 Mins)
Argentina 5/2
Draw 40/1
Tonga 12/1
Handicap
Argentina (-29.5) 9/10
Tonga (+29.5) 9/10
Argentina will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to France when they take on Tonga this Saturday.
The Argentine’s will be rather low on confidence this week as they essentially saw their shot at the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals go up in smoke with their 23-21 defeat to France as it’s unlikely that Argentina will beat the English.
Speaking of Eddie Jones’ side, Tonga gave a decent account of themselves in their opener against the English keeping the scoreline to a respectable 35-3. They will be aiming to keep things even tighter here.
Verdict: Argentina (-29.5) 9/10
Argentina may be wounded but I think they will come out fighting like an animal backed into a corner. My money is on them clearing the handicap here.
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Japan v Ireland
Saturday 28 September
Shizuoka Stadium
09:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Japan 13/2
Draw 35/1
Ireland 1/14
Handicap
Japan(-21.5) 9/10
Ireland (+21.5) 9/10
Host nation Japan will be looking to cause a massive upset when they take on a much-fancied Irish outfit in Saturday’s second fixture.
The host’s got their campaign off to a rather disappointing start as they were only able to rack up a 30-10 victory over Russia, who are an extremely limited if somewhat gritty team.
Ireland were far more impressive in their opening fixture as they beat Six Nations rivals Scotland 27-3. The Irish defence was absolutely stoic against the ‘Scots and you can expect another big showing from this well-drilled outfit.
Verdict: Japan (+21.5) 9/10
Ireland won’t go chasing points here as they know a win is enough for them to essentially secure their place in the next round of the tournament. As such, a play on the Japan plus is the way I’m leaning.
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South Africa v Namibia
Saturday 28 September
Toyota Stadium
12:45
To Win (80 Mins)
South Africa N/A
Draw 40/1
Namibia 20/1
Handicap
South Africa (-60.5) 9/10
Namibia (+60.5) 9/10
A new-look Springbok side will be looking to bounce back from their 10 point defeat to New Zealand when they take on neighbours Namibia in Saturday’s final fixture.
The ‘Boks were somewhat hard done by last weekend with a number of referring decisions going against them. While the officiating was appalling, the South African’s did themselves no favours with their kicking game, which was just not up to scratch.
Namibia also endured a poor opening round as they went down 47-22 to Italy this past Sunday. They managed to keep with their opponents during the opening stanza but were blown away in the second half. A similar script may well follow here.
Verdict: South Africa (-60.5) 9/10
This is a very exciting looking Springbok side who won’t be afraid to run the ball. While the handicap is a big one, I fancy them to clear it.
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Georgia v Uruguay
Sunday 29 September
Kumagaya Rugby Ground
07:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Georgia 1/8
Draw 30/1
Uruguay 5/1
South Americans, Uruguay, will be looking to cause another major upset when they take on the rugged Georgians in Sunday’s opener.
Uruguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history this past midweek as they beat a heavily-fancied Fijian outfit 27-30.
Georgia had a far more subdued start to their campaign as they gave a decent account of themselves during their 43-19 defeat to the Welsh.
Verdict: Georgia 1/8
I think Uruguay will struggle against this heavyweight Georgian pack.
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Australia v Wales
Sunday 29 September
Tokyo Stadium
10:45
To Win (80 Mins)
Australia 11/10
Draw 22/1
Wales 7/10
Handicap
Australia (+2.5) 9/10
Wales (-2.5) 9/10
The battle for Pool D supremacy is on this Sunday with Wales taking on Australia in a game that will decide who tops the group.
Both teams got their campaigns off to solid starts claiming bonus wins with Wales beating Georgia by 29 points and Australia coming from behind to beat Fiji 39-21.
Wales have named an unchanged team for the fixture with captain Alun Wyn Jones set to become Wales’ most capped players.
Australia, on the other hand, have made a number of changes with the biggest one seeing Bernard Foley coming in at fly-half.
Verdict: Australia (+2.5) 9/10
I fancy the Wallabies here. Wales tend to struggle against the on the world’s biggest stage.
