Autumn Internationals Wk1 and 2

Autumn Internationals Week 1 and Week 2 predictions

This time before the matches kick off. Radical or wot?!

Italy v Tonga  28 - 23  my pick, italy by 10

I don't think anyone watched it, really, why would you? Close, suggesting either Tonga have improved (unlikely) or Italy are worse than I thought (probable). What we can take from this, potentially the ABs will break 100 this weekend. Italy may score a couple of penalties, maybe a try, but if they break double figures, it'll be a win for them.

Aus v France  6 - 33  my pick France by 3-5

Notable for the fight, actually I say that as that's all I've seen of the match. I thought about watching it, but decided my hair care routine was more important. France, the team who came 2nd in the World Cup, turned up - rather than France, the 15 men on a pitch as they've no-where else to go. And so the Aussies went down, like a roo to an 18 wheeler. Result!

Wales v Argentina  12 - 26    my pick Wales by 5-10

The match fitness of the Puma's came through. Wales looked kinda lost, and the two tries by the Puma's were straight out of the Southern Hemisphere playbook. Comments by the UK press focussing on the forwards had given away that they didn't know much about the Puma's, and my pick that the backs were going to be very competitive with the Welsh was proven true.

Scotland v All Blacks  22 - 51  my pick NZ by 20+

The Scots turned up to play, indeed if they play like that in the 6 nations they would make the top 2 or 3. But they won't. I'm getting used to that, makes me homesick as a Wgtn supporter…

The speed of the All Black ball use highlighted the difference between the Northern and Southern hemisphere teams, quick clearing of ruck, maul and scrum ball gives the backs more time to demonstrate their skills. Scotland did well, but were ultimately the victim of poor defence giving away three tries in quick succession, ruining any chance they had of holding the mighty blackness.

It's not looking good for other 6 nation teams…

England v Fiji  54 - 12  my pick, Eng by 20+

England were on a hiding to nothing here. They beat the Fijians by a significant margin, as they should, but really they didn't look very good. And they're a professional team, Fiji come together for these matches from all over the world, with little time to develop combinations. This shows with their lack of structure in defence and attack. A continual problem with Fiji 15 a-side teams. 

England, contrary to the English press, are not looking good. Their turnover ball is slow, the backs don't seem very organised, and the forwards seem back to the lumbering best. Ok, possibly not quite as bad as in the past, but certainly not as fast and skilled as other countries. England's buy-in of other country off casts is paying off, or rather Leicester's purchase policy as a feeder team for England, is paying off.

Ireland v South Africa  12 - 16  my pick SA by 10-15

Ireland, since the last 6 nations, and through the World Cup, have looked tired and uncreative. I suggest a kidney transplant. 

I never said it was a good joke. 

South Africa are not looking much better, but they were quicker. And that's always going to pay off. Dull and boring game, which Ireland did not deserve to win, and honestly, never looked like winning.

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This weekend….

Wales v Samoa

Wales have rolled the changes, over the half the team, following last weeks game - and resulting from (mainly) injuries. 

Samoa will hit hard, but I don't think they've got the structure to compete for 80 minutes. I also suspect the Welsh are fitter.

Wales by 10.

Italy v NZ

Pasta eaters will be on the field looking like smurfs. That's about as positive as it gets.

NZ by 60+

England v Australia

Could be the most interesting of the games this weekend. Aussie are playing like crap, and should be pretty embarrassed by their surrender to the cheese eaters. This should hopefully make them go out and take it to the English. 

I suspect the English will win. But in the spirit of grumpiness, I'll stick my neck out and say:

Aus by 5.

Scotland v SA

If Scotland play as they did against the ABs they should win (presuming they tighten their defensive holes). Sth Afr are not looking very quick or creative at the moment, and Scots do have some world class players at the moment.

Scotland by 7.

France v Argentina

Good France turning up twice? It's possible, but unlikely. I also think the Puma's are still underrated by the press here, so I'm going for:

Argentina by 3-7.