Couch Critic previews the Rugby World Cup matches taking place on Sunday 1st October including his plays for South Africa v Tonga and Australia v Portugal
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Sunday, fun day!
AUSTRALIA vs PORTUGAL
The Aussies have spent the past week on the hard liquor contemplating how they can return to Australia under the radar whilst the Portuguese would have been sipping Champagne and puffing their chests at drawing against Georgia (and coming within a final kick of pulling off the upset). So the question is – between sombre drinking and celebratory sipping which is worse ?
Crystal ball prediction
Portugal have proven impressive in both their outings in France whilst the Wallabies have looked like a kangaroo in serious need of the vet, or SPCA intervention.
Regardless of all of the above I just can’t get away from the fact that this is an Australian rugby team taking to the field against a semi-professional outfit. Surely it should be one-way traffic…
Where my money is going
Australia -26.5 @ 1.90
I’m hoping the team push Eddie aside and take things into their own hands this week. They are heading home but I hope these Aussies do so with a touch of pride.
The Boylesport Pie Shop
First Tryscorer – Dave Porecki was 10.00 now 13.00
The Aussie skipper opted for the corner when only a few points down to Wales and it went horrendously wrong for the man. Strangely enough his lineout work has actually been very accurate and I think he will look to set the record straight. Australia are also sure to target the Portuguese pack – yes, I know, not something I ever thought I’d say about the Australians.
Last Tryscorer – Suliasi Vunivalu was 9.00 now 12.00
I am pretty bitter that the winger isn’t given a start in this last outing since I was pretty bullish on him being the top tryscorer for the Aussies at the World Cup. Koroibete has offered nothing, but I suppose these types of choices are to be expected from coach Ed. Anyway, back the winger to get the last one of the campaign!
SOUTH AFRICA vs TONGA
The Boks are in action after slipping up against the Irish and they will look to get back on the horse right away. Ben Tameifuna, Augustine Pulu, Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau are no docile petting ponies but as a unit Tonga will find it tough going against a well-drilled Springbok outfit who are out for 5 log points from this one.
Crystal ball prediction
The Tongans are bookended by two men who would be more in place in a WWE ring – big Tameifuna (one of the few people in the world who is about as broad as he is tall) and Charles Piutau who is big and strong but skilful to boot. Unfortunately for the Islanders this is not scripted entertainment favouring the underdog for a dramatic victory to the delight of the crowd.
The Springboks will be business-like and get the job done as required.
Where my money is going
South Africa -20.5 half time handicap @ 1.90
The men in green and gold (oh please let them play in this and not the Checkers outfits) to come out focussed and clinical. I like the team picked, with Jasper Wiese and Vermeulen both starting it seems the Boks are ready to rumble.
The Boylesport Pie Shop
Last Tryscorer – Kwagga Smith was 15.00 now 19.00
I always fancy the hookers but at the back end of the game RSA will have Marco van Staden doing duty in that role. He should be more than capable of sitting in the boot of a rolling maul, but I prefer the Energizer bunny that is Kwagga Smith. He offers different scenarios where he could pop up for his pie – roaming on the wing, sniping around a ruck or even snatching it off a heavy in the maul and flopping over.
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Couch Critic
Couch is first and foremost a Bok fan and a long-suffering Sharks fan. He loves the occasional bet and often plays in the exotic markets where his penchant for well-priced Hookers* became his trademark
You can follow him on Twitter @HDiemont
He also has an Afrikaans Rugby Channel on YouTube “Die Losgemaal” – //www.youtube.com/@dielosgemaal4278">click here to subscribe
