16 September 2019, by: Quintin van Jaarsveld

Rugby World Cup Predictions – Round 1

Heavyweights will have to hit the ground running if they are to set themselves on the ideal paths to possible Rugby World Cup glory this weekend, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

After four long years, in which the balance of power has spread beyond the Southern Hemisphere, the time has finally come for rugby’s showpiece tournament. The 2019 edition promises to be worth the wait and will be kick-started in the most thrilling of ways – with key clashes that will shape the course of history over the next several weeks.

It’s high stakes straight out of the shoot with two virtual pool deciders and a crunch Pool of Death duel topping the bill in the opening batch of fixtures. But first, hosts Japan kick-off the action against Pool A rivals Russia at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo on Friday.

As the official betting partner of Superbru.com, we look at the eight encounters that make up Superbru’s opening round.

The world will be watching when the hosts kick-off the tournament against Russia. Japan wasn’t a match for the Springboks in their recent warm-up match, but that was an indication of just how strong the current South African side are rather than an indictment on the state of Japanese rugby.

It’ll be a momentous occasion for the Brave Blossoms in what’s sure to be a packed stadium; they’re 2-0 against Russia and should have little trouble picking up a popular win first up.

Prediction: Japan by 14.

Fiji will be out to ambush Australia in this vital Pool D encounter. Made up of mostly European-based players, the Pacific Islanders have toppled France, Scotland and Italy in recent years and will be determined to add a maiden Wallaby scalp to their collection. We don’t see it happening, though. The Wallabies eased passed Samoa (34-15) in their final warm-up game and this match should play out much the same way.

Prediction: Australia by 15.

A must-win Pool C clash right out of the gate as the winner is expected to finish second behind England while the loser will in all likelihood be the casualty of the Pool of Death. Similar in many ways, the sides have had struggling seasons, France finishing fourth in the Six Nations and Argentina last (and winless) in the Rugby Championship.

Both also showed what they’re capable of when they get it right, Les Bleus smashing Scotland 32-3 and the Pumas nearly upsetting the All Blacks. They’re very evenly matched as well, with five wins each in their last 10 meetings, although France won the last two comfortably (27-0 in 2016 and 28-13 in 2018). The Pumas have an edge when it comes to experience and we feel that’ll be the difference-maker.

Prediction: Argentina by 3.

They don’t come much bigger than this – the game’s greatest rivalry. Nothing has separated the sides in recent years; they’re 1-1-1 in their last three with an aggregate of 80-all. Under Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks have found the blueprint to beat the All Blacks and with the winner all but set to top Pool B and avoid a likely quarterfinal clash against Ireland, this promises to be a colossal confrontation.

The Springboks have an edge in that they got their first taste of the searing Japanese heat in the 41-7 win over the tournament hosts in their final warm-up match recently. With their tactical, defence-driven game plan and the All Blacks’ expansive style, the slippery ball will be a big factor and they’ll look to capitalise on New Zealand errors.

The Rugby Championship-winning Springboks are the only true title contenders who are unbeaten this year, so they’ll have momentum on their side. After a poor Rugby Championship campaign, the All Blacks, however, seem to have regained much of their mojo following their runaway wins over the Wallabies (36-0) and Tonga (92-7). In a war of attrition pitting the power of the Springboks against the speed of the All Blacks, we believe the two-time defending champions will eke out the win.

Prediction: New Zealand by 2.

Namibia will be sniffing an opportunity to pull off a major upset in this first-ever encounter. Italy enters the competition fresh off an embarrassing 37-0 loss to England and have precious little experience as 23 members of their 31-man squad are World Cup debutants. That said, the Azzurri are still in a different class and will be too strong for the spirited Namibians.

Prediction: Italy by 24.

Another virtual pool decider, this encounter will provide an early glimpse into the mental fortitude of the Irish as all the pressure will be on them. Perennial underachievers, having never reached the final four, this is an opportunity for Ireland to make a statement.

Scotland will be up for this one; the heart and character they showed to edge France 17-14 a week after their 32-3 thrashing by Les Bleus will be on display, but Joe Schmidt’s charges simply have too much class.

Prediction: Ireland by 8.

The current crop of Tongans don’t pose the same threat to top teams as their predecessors. They endured a 92-7 hammering at the hands of a ruthless All Blacks side last time out and while this won’t be as big of a blowout, England will still ease to a commanding opening win. Aside from picking up maximum points, the English will hope to get through what’s sure to be a bruising battle unscathed.

Prediction: England by 26.

Wales will want to put the recent back-to-back defeats to Ireland behind them by kicking off their campaign with a clinical performance. Georgia are the rising force of European rugby, but the recent heavy losses to Scotland (44-10 and 36-9) showed they’re still some way off from being competitive against top teams. It’ll be one-way traffic.

Prediction: Wales by 35.

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