2. Pool B: Ireland vs Tonga – Saturday 16th September, Nantes, 20:00 KO GMT
Andy Farrell’s men achieved a record win for Ireland at the Rugby World Cup, with a 82-8 thrashing of Romania, in the opening round last weekend. This time out they face considerably tougher opposition, in the form of Tonga. After sitting out the opening round with a bye, the Sea Eagles enter the competition fired up, and ready to unleash all their pent-up adrenaline on the number one team in the world.
Tonga have recently been making full use out of the new eligibility laws, which sees an international player (with ancestorial or residency allowance) swap nations after a three year stand-down period. The Pacific Islanders have bolstered their squad in recent months with the likes of former All Blacks George Moala, Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau, as well as ex-Wallabies lock Adam Coleman.
Tonga will be fired up to establish themselves within the competition, as on paper they have been written out of progressing from the ‘Pool of Death’. Alongside Ireland, South Africa and Scotland, Tonga are in no way favourites to make the knock-out stages, but this may well play into the favour of Toutai Kefu’s side. Tonga can throw caution to the wind, and play without any expectations in a style that could well shock Ireland in the early goings.
However, the men from the Emerald Isle are definite favourites. Ireland’s mission will be for more of the same, to establish an unobtainable points difference between themselves and fellow pool favourites South Africa. After a competitive 18-3 win over Scotland, the Springboks take on Romania this Sunday (14:00 KO, Bordeaux). South Africa will aim to elapse Ireland’s 74 point margin of victory, to claim their place at the top of Pool B.
RUCK’s Prediction: Ireland 42 – 18 Tonga
3. Pool C: Wales vs Portugal – Saturday 16th September, Nice, 16:45 KO GMT
Wales will have their tails up heading into this weekend’s match, after securing a thrilling 32-16 win over Fiji. However, this triumph over the Pacific Islanders could well have been lost at the very last minute, had Fijian centre Semi Radradra not spilt the ball in a try-scoring opportunity. Warren Gatland’s men recognise how they were fortunate to secure the win, yet this Wales side have certainly come good when it mattered the most.
Gatland’s men do not look like the same side that sunk to fifth in the 2023 Six Nations, as they played with cohesiveness and direction in the win over Fiji. An enraged outburst from Dan Biggar on the stroke of half-time optimised the Welsh fire, with this side of proud countrymen looking capable of progressing into the latter stages, of this albeit favourable Rugby World Cup draw. Next up for Gatland’s men is Portugal, who are embarking on just their second trip to the Rugby World Cup.
The Wolves made their debut appearance at the tournament back in 2007, where they were coincidentally drawn in Pool C for that competition in France. Portugal failed to record a win on their first trip, as they took losses to New Zealand, Scotland, Italy and Romania. If this match was played immediately following the 2023 Six Nations and the WRU contract saga, then an upset could have been on the cards against a Wales side’s who’s minds were anywhere but on the pitch.
However, Gatland’s men look to have established a clear focus. They have moved on from losing their legends, with Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric’s pre-World Cup exits not hindering their performances. A military style boot-camp has crafted a team of Welsh soldiers, who will be eyeing up this weekend as an opportunity to fire the ‘Gatland gun’, for serious points-scoring daylight between themselves and the chasing pack in Pool C.
RUCK’s Prediction: Wales 56 – 7 Portugal