More Rugby Union Autumn Internationals are due to take place tomorrow, on Saturday 20th November 2010, as teams from the Six Nations are once more in action against the touring Southern Hemisphere sides.
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England v Samoa – Kick-Off 14:30 GMT
At Twickenham, England take on Samoa after their excellent performance last week in defeating Australia 35-18 at home.
England v Samoa Prediction
Expect England to maintain their current run of form in this one, and lift this match by a margin of 10-20 points.
France v Argentina – Kick-Off 19:45 GMT
France take on Argentina at home with their visitors fresh off the back of a well deserved 22-16 victory in Italy last week. France showed they still have the class that guided them to this year’s Six Nations by defeating Fiji 34-12 last week.
France v Argentina Prediction
This week will be tougher than last for France, but expect them to pick up a victory again by 5+ points.
Ireland v New Zealand – Kick-Off 17:30 GMT
Ireland got back on track with a routine 10 point victory over Samoa last week after their debut match at the new Aviva Lansdowne Road stadium resulted in a very close two point loss to South Africa. New Zealand, still favourites for their home World Cup next year, have swept away a very good England and a poor Scotland to date this Autumn.
Ireland v New Zealand Prediction
Unfortunately for the Irish, there are very few weaknesses in this All Black lineup. New Zealand should have enough to win this match by 5-10 points, and could get more if they take their chances. Ireland will need to defend mercilessly and be a little more inventive with ball in hand than they were against either South Africa or Samoa if they are to get a result in this match.
Italy v Australia – Kick-Off 14:00 GMT
Australia had a tough time getting to grips with England last week, though they had more of that game than the scoreline suggested. Italy, were turned over by the tough Argentina side 16-22, once again demonstrating that resilience in defence is not quite enough at international level to pick up a result.
Italy v Australia Prediction
Much will depend upon Australia’s ability to break down Italy’s gritty and determined defence. Italy work a tight ship, and they play to a simple game plan: stop opposition from scoring five points, and take three when available at the other end. This sometimes works.
Australia can get frustrated, but they have enough fire power to cross the line at least once. Scoreline could be 10+ in the Australian’s favour if they come out of the blocks roaring, otherwise expect a tight win for the Wallabies by 5-10 points.
Scotland v South Africa – Kick-Off 14:30 GMT
Scotland will be licking their wounds after a humbling at home to the mighty All Blacks last week and might be wishing that they did not have South Africa booked in just seven days later. The Murrayfield faithful are often hopeful, but this looks to be a stern test for a side that, despite possessing a solid defence, shipped nearly 50 points last week.
Andy Robinson and his men will have erased that match from the memory and gone back to the drawing board for South Africa.
Scotland v South Africa Predictions
Scotland will be looking for more than the lonely three they picked up last week, and their crowd will be desperate to see a try scored. Wales and Ireland have both shown that the Springbok’s defence is not as tight as that of New Zealand, but Scotland still have little inventiveness with ball in hand. Dan Parks will be a key man for them in attack.
South Africa will win this match by 10+, unless Scotland can produce an epic defensive performance, and pick off every opportunity that comes their way – they will be buoyed by the South Africa’s struggles over the past seven days, however.
Rugby Union Autumn International Test Fixtures – Saturday 20th November 2010
- England v Samoa – Kick-Off (GMT) 14:30
- France v Argentina – Kick-Off (GMT) 19:45
- Ireland v New Zealand – Kick-Off (GMT) 17:30
- Italy v Australia – Kick-Off (GMT) 14:00
- Scotland v South Africa – Kick-Off (GMT) 14:30