RUGBY WORLD CUP DIGEST
POOL B SOUTH AFRICA v JAPAN
Brighton Community Stadium Today: 4:45pm TV: ITV from 4.35pm Referee: Jerome Garces (France) Weather: Cloudy, 17°C (63°F)
What to expect: South Africa to win in second gear, by 40 points or more.
Who’s the matchwinner? Springbok flyer Bryan Habana will surely add to his 11 World Cup tries. If he scores four he will equal Jonah Lomu’s all-time record of 15.
Did you know? Japan have lost 18 World Cup matches in a row — the worst run in the history of the tournament. HEAD-TO-HEAD: First meeting.
POOL C TONGA v GEORGIA
Kingsholm, Gloucester Today: 12pm TV: ITV from 11.30am Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales) Weather: Sunny, 12°C (53°F)
What to expect: Brute strength in both packs cheered on by a raucous crowd.
Who’s the matchwinner? Mamuka Gorgodze — nicknamed Gorgodzilla, the 18st 8lb Toulon back-rower is Georgia’s talisman.
Did you know? Tonga have won their last four Tests. The last time they won more consecutively was between 1969 and 1972 (six games). HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Tonga W2 Georgia W1
POOL D IRELAND v CANADA
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Today: 2:30pm TV: ITV from 2pm Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand) Weather: Sunny, 16°C (61°F)
What to expect: A regulation bonus-point win for Ireland — there could be a mountain of tries.
Who’s the matchwinner? Rob Kearney — the Irish full-back will look to run riot in Cardiff.
Did you know? Ireland have played nine games at the Millennium Stadium and never failed to score a try. They have won six of those matches. HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Ireland W5 Canada W0 Draws 1
POOL D FRANCE v ITALY
Twickenham Today: 8pm TV: ITV4 from 7.15pm Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa) Weather: Clear, 16°C (61°F)
What to expect: Potential for an upset. Then again France could walk it — you can never tell with them! Sergio Parisse is a massive loss for Italy. Watch out for two great anthems before kick-off.
Who’s the matchwinner? Louis Picamoles. The 17st 11lb brute could wreak havoc for France at rugby HQ.
Did you know? Italy have never won a Test match at Twickenham in 11 attempts. HEAD-TO-HEAD:
France W33 Italy W3