france.matchCouch Critic previews Saturday's Rugby World Cup Pool matches between Australia and Fiji and France and Argentina with best bets from @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

Australia vs Fiji, Saturday 21 September @ 06:45 (Sapporo, Hokkaido)

 

What you need to know

The Fijians must feel rather comfortable being stationed in this mountainous northern island of Japan. The Pacific Islanders will be well and truly up for this one keen on giving their neighbours one heck of a shock on this big stage. Fiji, along with Japan, are one of the Tier 2 nations whose game is a t a high level and with game breakers like Semi Radradra and Tuisova on the wings they can’t be overlooked. Also look out for Nakarawa galloping far and free with the ball clasped in one hand.

Australia have returned to their Pocock-Hooper double play. The Brumbies combo of White and Lealiifano also continue at 9 and 10 whilst a Kerevi and James O’Connor centre pairing promises to be an exciting one. The Wallabies are clearly not taking things lightly for this opener given the team they have chosen.

The Aussies haven’t had the best time of things of late but did pick up a confidence building victory over the All Blacks in the Rugby Championships recently. Fiji were decent in the Pacific Nations Cup but were a step behind Japan in that tournament.

 

How I see it panning out

Fiji would love nothing more than to cause an upset here. Samoa gave the Aussies a decent contest a few weeks ago and the Fijians are clearly a step up from the Samoans. Fiji are also one of the teams that one expects will adapt to conditions with less trouble than most.

Personally, I think the Wallabies are comfortable with what they are going to get from Fiji. Yes, their neighbours will be chomping at the bit but the Sevens superstars just don’t have the set piece to put the Aussies under enough pressure to have a chance of pulling off the upset.

Look out for Tolu Latu getting at the back of rolling maul and having an opportunity to score the opening try. Whilst I also expect the men in yellow to start strong in the first half.

 

Betolimp Best Bet: Australia first half -6.5 @ 1.76

Special Play: First trysocrer – T Latu @ 22.00

 

France vs Argentina, Saturday 21 September @ 09:15 (Tokyo)

 

What you need to know

The first clash in what is known as the Pool of Death – group C. Many believe France and Argentina are playing for second spot and thus this is a crucial game for both. A loss and you are playing catch-up in a big way for the next month.

As per usual there are some questions around the French team. Twenty-year-old Romain Ntamack (son of Emile Ntamack) is tasked with pulling the strings for this important match. Fofana is unfortunately missing due to injury whilst the experienced Picamoles is on the bench. Watch out for the explosive little Antoine Dupont at scrumhalf.

Argentina have struggled to transform the Jaguares’ Super Rugby form into Pumas success. They still have a strong team with a good blend of attacking abilities and physicality. The big problem for coach Ladesma has been their dismal performance at scrum time.

 

How I see it panning out

The Argentines should have beaten the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship and can play a great brand of rugby when on song. The French are sporadic but have plenty of flair. In the end I base my prediction on the lack of a strong scrum for the South Americans.

 

Betolimp Best Bet: France to win @ 1.81

Special Play: Anytime tryscorer – Antoine Dupont @ 4.00

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

Couch Critic