Match result prediction thread

[Lizard]

OK pussies. Predict every match result now.

Pool A
Fra v NZ: Biggest ever opening game for a RWC? One of the best French teams ever, at home, against the only team that has never lost a RWC pool match. Well, Fozzie is known for firsts and I think the home advantage will see France home here. Close though.

Italy v Namibia: Italy. This will be a terrible match. Namibia will be looking at Uruguay for their first RWC win and will not be up for this.

France v Uruguay: France by miles.

NZ v Namibia: I hope no-one is badly hurt. NZ

Italy v Uruguay: Uruguay will be up to repeat their giant-killing effort v Fiji in 2019. I don't reckon they'll do it.

France v Namibia: France, obvs.

Uruguay v Namibia: Big game for both teams. Uruguay are too good.

New Zealand v Italy: Death, taxes, and an All Blacks win over Italy at a RWC (this will be the 6th time!)

New Zealand v Uruguay: NZ, sorry Uruguay.

France v Italy: This is just the sort of RWC match that France could fuck up. If it was earlier in the tournament, they might. But this will be a warm-up for the play-offs and France will win.

1st France, 2nd NZ, Italy 3rd


Pool B (of death)
Ireland v Romania: Ireland, easy

SA v Scotland: SA will start slow. Scotland have a real shot here, but I think they'll stumble.

Ireland v Tonga: Tonga's ex-Tier 1 stars haven't fired, and an upset of this magnitude is probably beyond them.

SA v Romania: SA

SA v Ireland: Ireland will win this, but only to be sure they play the All Blacks in their QF to fulfill their destiny.

Scotland v Tonga: Scotland

Scotland v Romania: Scotland

SA v Tonga: SA, but not easily

Ireland v Scotland: Ireland

Tonga v Romania: Tonga

1st Ireland, 2nd SA, 3rd Scotland


Pool C: The tastiest pool?
Australia v Georgia: Jones's Joeys should cope with this ok.

Wales v Fiji: Fiji are looking good. Can they do it? I'm saying yes.

Wales v Portugal: Wales

Australia v Fiji: If ever Fiji are to beat Australia for the first time since 1954, this would be a good time. Can't see it though.

Georgia v Portugal: Georgia

Wales v Australia: Gatball will sneak home over whatever it is that Jones is trying. Wales will lose its collective mind.

Fiji v Georgia: A very interesting tussle. Hard to pick. I think the Georgian team, being largely French-based, will ge up here.

Australia v Portugal: Aussie

Wales v Georgia: Wales

Fiji v Portugal: Fiji

1st Wales (H2H), 2nd Aust, 3rd Geo


Pool D
England v Argentina: I'd love for the Pumas to repeat their 2007 shock opening win. Let's lock in Pumas.

Japan v Chile: Blossoms will be too well drilled for the RWC debutants

Samoa v Chile: Samoa

England v Japan: England

Argentina v Samoa: Argentina

England v Chile: records will be broken

Japan v Samoa: Japan will be more dialled in than during the Pacific Nations Cup, when they lost this fixture by 2 points.

Argentina v Chile: Pumas

England v Samoa: England

Japan v Arg: Arg.

1st Argentina, 2nd England, third Japan

Quarter-finals:
Wales v England: Wales will ride a huge wave of confidence and global support to a devastating narrow loss. probably for some dumb reason like flubbing a touch kick or something.
Ireland v NZ: NZ. It is the way. QF exit for Ireland
Argentina v Australia: Aussie know how to get it done over their TRC rivals.
France v SA: SA are gonna poop France's RWC party, I reckon.

Semifinals:
England v New Zealand: NZ will not lose another semi to England.
Australia v SA: Australia's young side, having exceeded expectations, will be stuffed by now. SA to kick them out of the way.

Bronze:
England v Aust: Who cares? Oh, ok, England then.

Final:
NZ v SA. SA hardly ever beat NZ now. Revenge for '95. New Zealand win.

[Puja]

Go on then, I'll play:

Pool A
Fra v NZ: Really can't see any other result than a French win. Ridiculous talent and depth, home advantage with a ferocious crowd vs a sproadically firing ABs.

Italy v Namibia: Easy Italy win

France v Uruguay: France probably lucky they don't have Italy second up, as I think they'll have a bit of a drop after the emotions of the first game, but more than enough in the tank to put away Uruguay.

NZ v Namibia: NZ 2nd XV take out their frustrations on Namibia. Could be a record score.

Italy v Uruguay: Uruguay's biggest match in four years, but for Italy, it was Tuesday. I think it'll be closer than expected, but Italy will have enough.

France v Namibia: France. Nothing more to be said.

Uruguay v Namibia: Uruguay walk all over Namibia.

New Zealand v Italy: I'd *love* to predict an Italian win, and they are improving, but not enough to beat NZ in an effective knock-out.

New Zealand v Uruguay: NZ

France v Italy: If this was the opening game, I'd be tempted to pick an Italian upset, but at this end of the pool, Italy will be knackered and injured and they don't have the depth to cope.

France
NZ
Italy
Uruguay
Namibia


Pool B
Ireland v Romania: Ireland get a nice warm-up win.

SA v Scotland: First shock of the tournament as Scotland turn over South Africa

Ireland v Tonga: Tonga have disappointed with their old boys so far and I don't see that stopping.

SA v Romania: South Africa B dismantle Romania.

SA v Ireland: Knock-out match for South Africa, and they fight tooth and nail, but Ireland have been planning this game for years and are just too polished. The South African internet shuts down temporarily as a torrent of Bokke whining about referees acts as a DDOS.

Scotland v Tonga: Scotland nearly fuck up here, but scrape home by the skin of their teeth.

Scotland v Romania: Regulation Scotland win.

SA v Tonga: South Africa B side put away Tonga

Ireland v Scotland: Scotland look promising, but again Ireland have planned this for years and have got all their ducks in a row.

Tonga v Romania: Tonga finally get a result from the old boys.

Ireland
Scotland
South Africa
Tonga
Romania


Pool C
Australia v Georgia: I think this'll be a challenge. Australia are weakened in the scrum and Georgia will have been targetting this game as a way to make a statement. I don't think they'll get a result, but they'll scare the hell out of both Wallabies fans.

Wales v Fiji: Agreed that Fiji are looking the pick of the PI sides, but Gatland does know how to get it done with Wales.

Wales v Portugal: I hope Portugal enjoy the experiences they have at the tournament and show a bit of joie de vivre in their four losses.

Australia v Fiji: Fiji. I just feel like it could be on, Australia could be caught having half an eye on the Wales game and, more importantly, it would be hilarious.

Georgia v Portugal: Georgia

Wales v Australia: I don't think Eddie's got the ability to pick up a demoralised Australian side. Wales.

Fiji v Georgia: Georgia will be targetting this one, but I think Fiji will have just enough to get over the line.

Australia v Portugal: Australia hit the high point of guaranteeing qualification for 2027

Wales v Georgia: Wales

Fiji v Portugal: Fiji

Wales
Fiji
Australia
Georgia
Portugal


Pool D
England v Argentina: IBWT - I think there is a plan there and we're building for this game. England

Japan v Chile: Same applies for Chile as for Portugal. The RWC needs to be 24 teams, with a plate competition under it.

Samoa v Chile: Samoa

England v Japan: England do what they need to, mostly through driving lineouts.

Argentina v Samoa: Argentina

England v Chile: England

Japan v Samoa: Japan are peaking for the RWC IMO, so I see them winning this.

Argentina v Chile: Argentina

England v Samoa: England

Japan v Arg: I'd love to say Japan, but I think Argentina are too strong.

England
Argentina
Japan
Samoa
Chile


Quarter-finals:
Wales v Argentina: I think this is where the second coming of Gatland finds its limitations.
Ireland v NZ: NZ, cause Ireland aren't allowed to win quarter finals.
England vs Fiji: Again, rolling mauls are good enough to get over the line.
France v Scotland: Easy win.

Semifinals:
England v France: I'd love to say England, but I don't see it. The EMB overflows with arguments about whether reaching the semis makes for a pass-mark for Steep Benchmarks or whether it's "devalued" by getting to go through Fiji in the quarters.
New Zealand vs Argentina: NZ score another imperious victory.

Bronze:
England v Argentina: England get themselves up enough to complete the double over Argentina, but this doesn't help the EMB arguments at all, because "It was only Argentina and we lost the one game we played against a big opponent".

Final:
NZ v France: This French side achieve entelechy and win comfortably. Inevitable.


Puja




ETA - you missed out the vital crunch match of England vs Chile, @Lizard. How could you?

ETETA - turns out I was confused about which quarters led to which semis, so just changed my prediction to England losing in the semis to France, rather than NZ.

[Lizard]

Edited now. Thanks.

[switchskier]

A bit early, but it won't make any difference given my inability to predict matches. While I want to predict Scottish victories, I've watched them for to long:

Pool A
Fra v NZ: NZ win, France underperform in the opening game again but get it together in the second half to keep it close.

Italy v Namibia: Italy crush them

France v Uruguay: France with ease.

NZ v Namibia: NZ by 70.

Italy v Uruguay: Uruguay's start well but Italy by an ultimately comfortable margin

France v Namibia: France by 75.

Uruguay v Namibia: Uruguay fairly comfortably .

New Zealand v Italy: NZ by 20

New Zealand v Uruguay: NZ

France v Italy: France come good and put on a show.

NZ
France
Italy
Uruguay
Namibia


Pool B
Ireland v Romania: Ireland by a bunch

SA v Scotland: SA out to a big lead, Scotland come up agonizingly short with the comeback

Ireland v Tonga: Ireland control it. Boring game

SA v Romania: South Africa crush them.

SA v Ireland: Ireland out physical and out SA the boks. One for your purests.

Scotland v Tonga: Close by Scotland with a late score to take it

Scotland v Romania: Scotland

SA v Tonga: Competitive first half but SA ease away

Ireland v Scotland: Ireland crush Scottish hearts late. I'll be there so this is pretty much inevitable (less we're just crushed outright)

Tonga v Romania: Tonga but it's good fun

Ireland
South Africa
Scotland
Tonga
Romania


Pool C
Australia v Georgia: Wallabies but fairly low scoring

Wales v Fiji: Fiji get ahead early and Wales aren't equipped to play catch up.

Wales v Portugal: Wales by 50

Australia v Fiji: Aussies but not without a scare

Georgia v Portugal: Georgia

Wales v Australia: Wales in a one score game

Fiji v Georgia: Fiji but the contrast in styles should be fun

Australia v Portugal: Australia

Wales v Georgia: Wales, but again with a scare

Fiji v Portugal: Fiji

Australia
Fiji
Wales
Georgia
Portugal


Pool D
England v Argentina: Argentina look a more polished outfit at this point and Cheika will have them dialled in I reckon.

Japan v Chile: Four losses for Chile coming up.

Samoa v Chile: Samoa

England v Japan: I'm actually tempted to pick an upset here but I just can't believe that England will go 0-2, not matter how bad they were in the last two games. England to win.

Argentina v Samoa: Argentina by avfew

England v Chile: England

Japan v Samoa: Japan, though Samoa have a shot, especially if Japan are coming off a tough loss

Argentina v Chile: Argentina

England v Samoa: England

Japan v Arg: Argentina comfortably

Argentina
England
Japan
Samoa
Chile


Quarter-finals:
Australia v England: Both teams are happy with this draw. The handbreak returns for England and Australia run out comfortable winners
Ireland v France: Could be a final but France ride the home crowd to victory in a classic.
Argentina vs Fiji: Argentina fairly easily
NZ v SA: The AB'd have the recent edge so I'm going with them

Semifinals:
France v Argentina: Great game of open flowing rugby that France take
NZ vs Australia: Aussies throw everything at it but come up short. NZ go through.

Bronze:
Australia v Argentina: Argentina make clear that they were the third best side in the competition (though the Irish disagree)

Final:
NZ v France: This French get revenge for the opening game and take their home WC

[Lizard]

So on this huge sample size, Rugby Rebels thinks there’s only 5 uncertain Pool results:
France v NZ
SA v Scotland
Fiji v Wales
Australia v Fiji
Argentina v England

There is no question that:
Ireland will beat the Boks and Scotland
Wallabies have no chance against Wales

Can’t wait to find out if we’re right!

[Son of Mathonwy]

Can't face predicting every match but here's a stab at the business end of things:

Pool A: France, New Zealand
Only these two can top this pool. Home advantage and NZ's recent shakiness puts France first.

Pool B: South Africa, Ireland
Although it's not inconceivable the Scotland might spring a surprise, I think they'll fall short against the top 2. SA edge the pool for me - they seem to be the more solid.

Pool C: Australia, Wales
Any of Aus, Wal and Fiji could qualify in this group, in any order. It's a total stab but I'll guess that things will ultimately go in the traditional way.

Pool D: Argentina, England
Although Samoa and Japan are capable of causing a shock and England are in a state they probably have enough to hold off everyone other than Arg.

Quarter-1: Australia beat England
Jesus, they are both in a state but England seem in even more disarray.

Quarter-2: South Africa beat New Zealand
We've just seen this match-up (or should I say mismatch). I can't see a different result.

Quarter-3: Wales beat Argentina
Wales don't usually have too much trouble with Argentina. I think we can edge this one.

Quarter-4: France beat Ireland
Tough for Ireland but France look like the No.1 team right now, and also have a much better track record in world cups. And they're at home.

Semi-1: South Africa beat Australia
Australia outclassed.

Semi-2: France beat Wales
Wales put up a fight but their defence just isn't up to it.

Bronze Final: Australia beat Wales
For the 2nd time. Wales never win this one (okay I know we did once apparently but anyway, it ain't gonna happen).

Final: France beat South Africa
This could really go either way but home advantage gives it to les Bleus (provided Dupont is in one piece).

[Son of Mathonwy]

Can't face predicting every match but here's a stab at the business end of things:

Pool A: France, New Zealand
Only these two can top this pool. Home advantage and NZ's recent shakiness puts France first.

Pool B: South Africa, Ireland
Although it's not inconceivable the Scotland might spring a surprise, I think they'll fall short against the top 2. SA edge the pool for me - they seem to be the more solid.

Pool C: Australia, Wales
Any of Aus, Wal and Fiji could qualify in this group, in any order. It's a total stab but I'll guess that things will ultimately go in the traditional way.

Pool D: Argentina, England
Although Samoa and Japan are capable of causing a shock and England are in a state they probably have enough to hold off everyone other than Arg.

Quarter-1: Australia beat England
Jesus, they are both in a state but England seem in even more disarray.

Quarter-2: South Africa beat New Zealand
We've just seen this match-up (or should I say mismatch). I can't see a different result.

Quarter-3: Wales beat Argentina
Wales don't usually have too much trouble with Argentina. I think we can edge this one.

Quarter-4: France beat Ireland
Tough for Ireland but France look like the No.1 team right now, and also have a much better track record in world cups. And they're at home.

Semi-1: South Africa beat Australia
Australia outclassed.

Semi-2: France beat Wales
Wales put up a fight but their defence just isn't up to it.

Bronze Final: Australia beat Wales
For the 2nd time. Wales never win this one (okay I know we did once apparently but anyway, it ain't gonna happen).

Final: France beat South Africa
This could really go either way but home advantage gives it to les Bleus (provided Dupont is in one piece).

Worryingly, WOL agree with me precisely (other than bottling the final). So I must be talking crap.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... d-27626511

[Sourdust]

Pool A
Fra v NZ: NZ 22-18
Italy v Namibia: It 36-6
France v Uruguay: Fr 68-10
NZ v Namibia: NZ 84-5
Italy v Uruguay: It 29-21
France v Namibia: Fr 46-0
Uruguay v Namibia: Ur 31-20
New Zealand v Italy: NZ 45-13
New Zealand v Uruguay: NZ 38-7
France v Italy: Fr 25-12

NZ, Fr, It

Pool B
Ireland v Romania: Ir 44-9
SA v Scotland: SA 35-27
Ireland v Tonga: Ir 30-8
SA v Romania: SA 77-15
SA v Ireland: Ir 19-17
Scotland v Tonga: Sc 22-13
Scotland v Romania: Sc 40-11
SA v Tonga: SA 52-19
Ireland v Scotland: Ir 28-22
Tonga v Romania: To 23-6

Ir, SA, Sc

Pool C:
Australia v Georgia: Au 33-13
Wales v Fiji: Fi 26-21
Wales v Portugal: Wa 64-20
Australia v Fiji: Fi 15-12
Georgia v Portugal: Ge 21-8
Wales v Australia: Wa 24-17
Fiji v Georgia: Ge 19-10
Australia v Portugal: Au 55-6
Wales v Georgia: Wa 20-11
Fiji v Portugal: Fi 44-29

Fi, Wa, Au

Pool D
England v Argentina: Ar 26-14
Japan v Chile: Ja 30-12
Samoa v Chile: Sa 36-20
England v Japan: En 37-21
Argentina v Samoa: Ar 18-10
England v Chile: En 51-5
Japan v Samoa: Sa 21-18
Argentina v Chile: Ar 39-7
England v Samoa: Sa 29-19
Japan v Arg: Ar 41-16

Ar, Sa, En

Quarter-finals:

Fiji v Samoa: Fi 27-17
Ireland v France: Fr 38-25
Argentina v Wales: Ar 28-19
New Zealand v South Africa: Sa 15-14

Semifinals:

Fiji v France: Fr 39-22
Argentina v South Africa: SA 25-20

Bronze:

Fiji v Argentina: Ar 40-26

Final:

France v South Africa: Fr 19-15

[Puja]

Final:

France v South Africa: Fr 19-15

Going for scores as well. A whole new level of boldness!

Puja

[Scrumhead]

Pool A
Fra v NZ: NZ 22-18
Italy v Namibia: It 36-6
France v Uruguay: Fr 68-10
NZ v Namibia: NZ 84-5
Italy v Uruguay: It 29-21
France v Namibia: Fr 46-0
Uruguay v Namibia: Ur 31-20
New Zealand v Italy: NZ 45-13
New Zealand v Uruguay: NZ 38-7
France v Italy: Fr 25-12

NZ, Fr, It

Pool B
Ireland v Romania: Ir 44-9
SA v Scotland: SA 35-27
Ireland v Tonga: Ir 30-8
SA v Romania: SA 77-15
SA v Ireland: Ir 19-17
Scotland v Tonga: Sc 22-13
Scotland v Romania: Sc 40-11
SA v Tonga: SA 52-19
Ireland v Scotland: Ir 28-22
Tonga v Romania: To 23-6

Ir, SA, Sc

Pool C:
Australia v Georgia: Au 33-13
Wales v Fiji: Fi 26-21
Wales v Portugal: Wa 64-20
Australia v Fiji: Fi 15-12
Georgia v Portugal: Ge 21-8
Wales v Australia: Wa 24-17
Fiji v Georgia: Ge 19-10
Australia v Portugal: Au 55-6
Wales v Georgia: Wa 20-11
Fiji v Portugal: Fi 44-29

Fi, Wa, Au

Pool D
England v Argentina: Ar 26-14
Japan v Chile: Ja 30-12
Samoa v Chile: Sa 36-20
England v Japan: En 37-21
Argentina v Samoa: Ar 18-10
England v Chile: En 51-5
Japan v Samoa: Sa 21-18
Argentina v Chile: Ar 39-7
England v Samoa: Sa 29-19
Japan v Arg: Ar 41-16

Ar, Sa, En

Quarter-finals:

Fiji v Samoa: Fi 27-17
Ireland v France: Fr 38-25
Argentina v Wales: Ar 28-19
New Zealand v South Africa: Sa 15-14

Semifinals:

Fiji v France: Fr 39-22
Argentina v South Africa: SA 25-20

Bronze:

Fiji v Argentina: Ar 40-26

Final:

France v South Africa: Fr 19-15

This is pretty much what I’m thinking. England lose to Argentina, bounce back (relatively speaking) vs. Japan, field a Smith inspired 2nd string that wallops Chile then finish the group by reverting to type vs. Samoa and getting our pants pulled down.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

I hate you all.








(Though I agree that it's most likely Ireland go out in the QF)

[morepork]

France are gonna eat us up man.

[Lizard]

Caleb Muntz is injured out of the RWC. I’ll need to rethink all the Fiji games.

[morepork]

Caleb Muntz is injured out of the RWC. I’ll need to rethink all the Fiji games.

Ah man, that totally sucks.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

Caleb Muntz is injured out of the RWC. I’ll need to rethink all the Fiji games.

Fuck!

[UKHamlet]

Caleb Muntz is injured out of the RWC. I’ll need to rethink all the Fiji games.

Fuck!

Yay

[Lizard]

1 from 1.

[Lizard]

Calling this one early. 2 from 2.

[Lizard]

Thanks to the Pumas getting on the wrong side of the ref, and rivalling the All Blacks for inaccuracy, I’m down to 4/5.

[Puja]

Thanks to the Pumas getting on the wrong side of the ref, and rivalling the All Blacks for inaccuracy, I’m down to 4/5.

Told you!

Puja

[Lizard]

You did.

[Puja]

You did.

I don't see my run lasting though. We'll probably lose to Japan next up.

Puja

[Lizard]

Thanks to the Pumas getting on the wrong side of the ref, and rivalling the All Blacks for inaccuracy, I’m down to 4/5.

Told you!

Puja

Calling it. 5/6

[Sourdust]

Pool A
Fra v NZ: NZ 22-18

Pool B
SA v Scotland: SA 35-27

Pool C:
Wales v Fiji: Fi 26-21

Pool D
England v Argentina: Ar 26-14

<sigh>

0/2 on the big games already.

C'mon Scotland, gimme the hat-trick!

[Lizard]

I'm losing count now...

Fra v NZ: correct
Italy v Namibia: correct
Ireland v Romaina: correct
Australia v Georgia: correct
England v Argentina: incorrect (but 1 try to nil moral victory)
Japan v Chile: correct
SA v Scotland: corrct
Wales v Fiji: incorrect (but moral victory for iffy reffing)
France v Uruguay: correct but not by as much as I expected
NZ v Namibia: correct
Samoa v Chile: correct
Wales v Portugal: correct
Ireland v Tonga: correct


So that's 11 from 13.