The Citizen (Gauteng)

It’s all World Cup action in Rugby 5 pool

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The last of the pool games in the Rugby World Cup feature in this weekend’s Rugby 5 pool.

Match 1: England vs France

England and France are both unbeaten in Pool C, but England have looked the most assured team in the tournament.

England will start as favourites, but France can never be underestim­ated.

They are a nightmare to predict. On their day they can beat any team in the world.

However, it will come as a surprise if England lose this one.

Match 2: Ireland vs Samoa

It is a must-win game for Ireland to stay in the hunt.

Samoa can truly be described as a no-show at this Rugby World Cup, and this is their last chance to give their rugby-mad nation something to smile about.

Although Samoa showed plenty of guts against Japan, Ireland is predicted to win by 13 points or more. Match 3: Namibia vs Canada

The bottom of the log teams in Pool B now have a chance to score a first victory in this year’s tournament.

Both were hammered, conceding huge scores, but pride should see both teams lift their game.

Canada have a better rugby history but Namibia, despite their defeats, have not given up and would be welcome winners here. Play wide but expect an upset.

Match 4: Wales vs Uruguay

Uruguay play entertaini­ng rugby, but Wales should be too strong in all department­s of the game.

The Welsh should have little trouble in winning and by posting a big score, they will signal a warning to the other teams.

Match 5: Japan vs Scotland It all comes down to this. Japan have so many advantag- es in this match: Home ground, vociferous fans, form, desire, and belief.

Scotland have none of that except their noisy fans. Japan would make history at their World Cup if they win. It will be the first time they make the Quarterfin­als. And they certainly can do so.

Scotland are not dead and buried. They have a big match in them. But they have to improve to beat the Brave Blossoms.

 ?? Picture: Backpagepi­x ?? The whole of Japan will be behind their team when they take on Scotland in the last Rugby World Cup pool match on Sunday.
Picture: Backpagepi­x The whole of Japan will be behind their team when they take on Scotland in the last Rugby World Cup pool match on Sunday.
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