Rugby World Cup Predictions – September 27-28

Midweek action in the Rugby World Cup will see Namibia go all out for a historic win against Uruguay and Japan and Samoa square off in a crunch clash, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

Uruguay v Namibia

Wednesday, 27 September – 17:45

The battle in Lyon marks the end of a rocky road for Namibia. After a tournament-opening 52-8 defeat to Italy and 71-3 thumping by the All Blacks, things went from bad to worse for the Welwitschias last Thursday as they suffered the indignation of the heaviest defeat of the tournament to hosts France, who were merciless in the 96-0 massacre. 

However, much of the woes will be wiped away if they are able to finally score a first-ever win on the game’s grandest stage. They’ll have to do so without a number of injured players and captain Johan Deysel, though, who has been banned for the infamous head-on-head hit on Antoine Dupont that earned him a red card and left the Les Bleus skipper with a broken cheekbone.

Uruguay have had more success in World Cups than Namibia, managing a win in three of their last four appearances. Though winless after two games, they’ve been competitive, losing 27-12 to a weakened French side and 38-17 to Italy last Wednesday.

Both teams have targeted this game all year and in addition to being the stronger and more structured side, Los Teros are in better shape as well. Allister Coetzee’s charges have been so poor defensively that I’m backing Uruguay on the minus. 

Japan v Samoa

Thursday, 28 September – 21:00

The tussle in Toulouse is one of the games of the week as both of these teams are fighting for survival in Pool D. 

Table-topping England have with their three wins already booked their place in the playoffs but the second qualifying slot is up for grabs with Japan, Samoa (both on 5) and Argentina (4) all having won one and lost one. The Pumas are still the favourites to progress, but the winners of this clash will give themselves a shot at reaching the last eight. 

Both teams easily beat Chile as expected to kick off their respective campaigns, Japan winning 42-12 and Samoa triumphing 43-10, before the Brave Blossoms went down 34-12 to England in Round Two and the Pacific Islanders succumbed 19-10 to Argentina last Friday. 

Japan will be the fresher side, which will gain them some backing on the betting front, but Samoa, with their physicality, flair and injection of former All Blacks and Wallabies, are the better outfit and deserved favourites.