rwclogoCouch Critic previews Sunday's Rugby World Cup matches including Namibia v Canada, USA v Tonga, Wales v Uruguay and Japan v Scotland with best bets from @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

Whilst two of the three RWC fixtures scheduled for Saturday were abandoned Sunday still offers plenty of excitement for us rugby fans. The Japan vs Scotland game is still in doubt but Namibia, Canada, Tonga and USA all still have the opportunity of ending the 2019 edition with a victory.

 

Namibia vs Canada, Saturday 12 October @ 05:15 (Kamaishi City)

What you need to know

It’s the basement battle in Pool B as Namibia go in search of their first ever Rugby World Cup victory against fellow strugglers, Canada. One could perhaps venture to say that Canada have had a better opportunity to sharpen their skills and tactics during the Pacific Nations Cup than Namibia have had recently. Yet during the tournament we have seen considerably more fight from the Africans than the North Americans.

With the typhoon in full effect on Saturday there is little chance that we won’t see at least some rain at this venue.

How I see it panning out

The Namibians have shown some decent fight and have shown that they are willing to roll up their sleeves and work hard. The Africans would have targeted this game from well before the start of the World Cup whilst for some of the Canadians this will be their third game in the space of ten days. I reckon Namibia will prove too have too much hunger, passion and energy in the tank for the Canucks to handle.

Betolimp Best Bet: Namibia to win @ 1.91

Special Play 1: Namibia to win by 1-12 points @ 3.50

 

USA v Tonga, Sunday 12 October @ 07:45 (Higashiosaka)

How I see it panning out

Another clash between the minnows. Tonga gave England a decent battle, kept Argentina honest and gave the French a scare. USA lost to all three the same opponents by larger margins and almost the entire starting line-up of the States also did duty against the Argentines only four days before this clash – they could very well be out of gas. I don’t see Tonga letting up for this crucial clash as they seek to gain a touch of pride from the tournament.

Betolimp Best Bet: Tonga to win the game and beat the handicap of -4.5 @ 1.85

Special Play: HT/FT Winning Margin: Tonga 1-8 / Tonga 1-12 @ 6.50

 

Wales vs Uruguay, Sunday 12 October @ 10:15 (Kumamoto)

How I see it panning out

Uruguay were the giant slayers after upsetting Fiji early in the tournament. After this major shake-up the South Americans understandably struggled to back up this effort within a short period of time but kept the Aussies honest in their third match.

As expected, the Welsh have opted to give a few players a rest but their backline still has plenty of fire power. If there is a bit of rain about their forwards will surely give Uruguay a big lesson upfront as well.

I reckon Wales only want to get the job done and move onto the Quarter Finals. Uruguay should stay within the handicap whilst Josh Adams has shown that he is incredible form and needs to be backed.

Special Play 1: To score 2 or more tries - Josh Adams @ 2.30

Special Play 2: Last Tryscorer - Gareth Davies @ 9.00

 

Japan vs Scotland, Sunday 12 October @ 12:45 (Yokohama)

What you need to know

When the schedule came out this always seemed destined to be a pool deciding clash and that’s exactly what has materialised. What we didn’t see coming was that Japan could secure the top spot in the pool with a victory in this clash. Scotland put themselves under pressure with a humbling at the hands of the Irish early doors and now find themselves not only in need of a win but also having to consider either the try-scoring bonus point or keeping the Japs from finishing within seven points of them.

How I see it panning out

If this game does come off I see Scotland edging it. They have made a big song and dance about how World Rugby can’t possible do them in by not allowing them the opportunity to play. In the back of their minds Japan might just realise at the death that staying within seven points is all they require and for this reason I’m showing some faith in the Scots.

Betolimp Best Bet: Scotland to win @ 1.70

Special Play 1: Last Tryscorer - George Horne @ 17.00

Special Play 2: HT/FT Winning Margin: Scotland 1-8 / Scotland 1-12 @ 5.00

 

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

 

Couch Critic