2019 RWC heats up
JAPAN’S upset win against Ireland and Wales’ win against the Wallabies has sparked fireworks as we enter round three of pool games at the RWC.
From Pool A, Ireland, Scotland, Japan and Samoa have equal chances of qualifying, but Japan looks set to top the pool if it beats Scotland and Samoa.
In Pool B, the All Blacks and the Springboks look certain to qualify with the All Blacks topping the pool.
The battle for the top two spots in Pool C looks to be between England and France with Argentina coming in as underdogs if they beat England.
On the other hand, Wales looks set to top Pool D with Australia qualifying as the second best.
The excitement is heating up as we approach the final two rounds and based on form and rhythm, the first quarter-final could see England taking on Australia while NZ will battle Ireland in the second quarterfinal. I’m picking a England vs NZ semi-final.
The third quarter-final could be between Wales vs France, while Japan and the Springboks are most likely to meet in the last quarter-final. I’m picking a Wales vs South Africa semi-final.
The final could most likely be a repeat of the pool B match between South Africa and NZ.
Barring an upset, this could be the trend but then this RWC has produced some magical moments and who knows, more upsets could be the order of the day.
Hence, let’s keep glued to the rugby results from the land of the rising sun!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu