After a rather grim weekend for the Northern Hemisphere last week, how do you think the week ahead will play out, as ever its 2 pts for the correct outcome, 1 pt for getting the margin right to +/- 5pts or less, 1 pt for being the most accurate predictor and 1 for getting all 6 outcomes right.
ENGLAND Vs SOUTH AFRICA: Actual result South Africa by 1
South Africa seem yet to fire in this tour, though there's no doubting their ever present physical power even missing the likes of the Beast whilst England seemed to promise much going into the game against the Wallabies, only to make a bit of a hash of it. The return of Corbisiero and Morgan will bolster the pack, but the back line never really fired against Australia and this is a cause for concern. This is a tight one to call and could go either way, but I'd expect England to respond and edge it - just
SARS - England by 5 - 0
Claudio - England by 3 - 1
Aristodemus - England by 8 - 0
DingBatMan - South Africa by 5 - 4
FRANCE Vs SAMOA: Actual result France by 8
After a rather disappointing Six Nations in the early post-Lievremont era France seem to have found their form again and convincingly so, even given occasional French randomness I can't see anything other than a win for France, and I think a tough Samoan side will be just what they want to get the blood up, to add to the usual Gallic flair - it could be a long day for Samoa
SARS - France by 20 - 2
Claudio - France by 12 - 4
Aristodemus - France by 30 - 2
DingBatMan - France by 21 - 2
IRELAND Vs ARGENTINA: Actual result Ireland by 22
After just being edged out by South Africa, Ireland A comfortably walloped a weak Fiji side, whilst Argentina truimphed against Wales before being beaten in France. Ireland have a chronic injury list and I think this, plus an Argentine side benefitting hugely from competition against the southern hemisphere giants will be enough to give them the win
SARS - Argentina by 5 - 0
Claudio - Ireland by 3 - 3
Aristodemus - Argentina by 8 - 0
DingBatman - Ireland by 3 - 3
ITALY Vs AUSTRALIA: Actual result Australia by 3
Another apparently clear cut one here, Australia will be driven to win still more with memories of defeat to France still fresh and will be keen to show that was a one off.
SARS - Australia by 20 - 2
Claudio - Australia by 15 - 2
Aristodemus - Australia by 25 - 2
DingBatMan - Australia by 12 - 3
SCOTLAND Vs TONGA: Actual result Tonga by 6
At first sight this would seem to be a Scotland win, but they have lost both games so far, and Tonga are only 2 places below them in the world rankings and will be keen to hold on to their Tier 3 status. Scotland should have the better side, but with the flair and muscle Tonga possess its the sort of game that might just haunt Scotland.
SARS - Tonga by 5 - 4
Claudio - Scotland by 18 - 0
Aristodemus - Scotland by 15 - 0
DingBatMan - Scotland by 5 - 0
WALES Vs NEW ZEALAND: Actual result New Zealand by 23
The script was that Wales would have established themselves as the best in the NH by this stage, and give the All Blacks a genuine run for their money, unfortunately its not really turned out like that and has been an autumn to forget, especially for Rob Howley, but with Warren Gatland back in the hot seat can the Welsh pull off a shock? I think anyone would be stunned by the idea of Wales winning, but I do think Gatland being back will lift their performance hugely and make this game more competitive and more exciting than would otherwise suggest.
SARS - New Zealand by 10 - 2
Claudio - New Zealand by 20 - 3
Aristodemus - New Zealand by 16 - 2
DingBatMan - New Zealand by 21 - 4
Totals
SARS - 10
Claudio - 12
Aristodemus - 6
DingBatMan - 16
Winner: DingBatMan!!!
So, what do you think?
Autumn Internationals - Wk 3 predictions
posted on 21/11/12
Eng SA
I think this is tough for England now that we lost against Australia, but I still have faith we will win. It would have been nice if Etzebeth was missing but as long as England can play the game they want it should go well. England by 8
France Samoa
Well, Samoa shocked me with their performance in Wales but France looked really good vrs Australia and although I didn't see it beat Argentina easily. Which France will play? I will go for good France and say them to win by 30.
Ireland Argentina
I have been vocal in my dislike of Argentina but they seem to be playing a better style lately. They come in to the game after a string of decent results but a loss in France. Ireland have been poor so I will say Argentina by 8.
Italy Australia
Australia just too good for Italy, I will say Aus by 25.
Scotland Tonga
Scotland have impressed a bit of late, I expect them to weather the early storm then push on. Scotland by 15.
Wales New Zealand
There has to be some sort of response from Wales, hasn't there? I hope they can stay in the game for a while, but expect them to be beaten. NZ by 16.
posted on 22/11/12
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posted on 22/11/12
Hello gents. Will make a call if i may.
SA by 5 (sorry SARS) i just thin SA are lazy against bad opposition but know how and when to apply themselves against good opposition to pull off a win.
France by 21
Ireland by 3
Australia by 12
Scotland by 5
New Zealand by 21 minimum.
posted on 23/11/12
Hi there DBM
Good to have you back, hope you are well! Still not tempted to back the rose? What did you make of Ireland - South Africa - I thought Ireland did really well and should take a lot of credit given it was pretty much the Under 11 b side!
posted on 24/11/12
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 24/11/12
Very rare poster, but read this page quite a bit and absolutely delighted after today. Was excellent to see some cohesion in the back line, that we haven't had in god knows how long. Gilroy looks a real threat, and Sexton was outstanding.
The front row were excellent too, and I thought Henry was immense along with Ryan. O'Brien will have a job on his hands getting back into this team. Think the back row looked a lot more balanced than they have in recent memory.
Absolutely buzzin.
posted on 25/11/12
Pretty poor showing from me in this one, I need my six nations form back heh. I thought England were vastly improved from last week, everyone in the forwards played well except Youngs. I was very happy with the team compared to last week but I cant help think if Sharples had been playing the Tuilagi/Ashton break would have led to a try. I think Meyer saying England were superb and SA were very lucky to win says it all. Maybe next week we can finally get that big three scalp this november, doubt it though. Wales were not as bad as it looks, Priestland was like a ball and chain holding them back in the first half. I tip my hat to Ireland, didn't watch it but they must have improved alot since the SA game I did watch. I don't know what to say about Scotland, other than shocking. How did they lose in bad weather to Tonga at home? That is Scotland's forte. Robinson gone now and I guess people will say he failed, just like as England boss. Shame really.
posted on 26/11/12
Well done Dingbatman. Although great call on the Tonga by 5. I have to say, if I'd realised that Scotland were playing at Pittodrie (a football stadium) I'd have definitely altered my prediction. Why Scotland decided to do this is baffling - playing on a narrow pitch which nullified the pacy wingers and allowed Tonga to close them down a lot more easily and put in huge tackles. This undoubtedly gave Tonga a much better chance.