Round 2
Title Contenders separated from Mid-Table Chaos
Week 2 sharpens the tournament picture significantly. Ireland (92%) produce one of the most dominant projections of the round against Japan, which is scheduled for Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. While South Africa (92%) again underline their status with a ruthless dismantling booked in with Scotland.
New Zealand (94%) are given the strongest backing of the week and comfortably dispatch Italy, while France (75%) respond to their opening defeat with authority against Australia. England’s campaign becomes increasingly unstable after Fiji (32%) hold the cards to an upset in a match. Whilst the model still leans towards England, the odds only narrowly favour Steve Borthwick’s side in Everton.
Argentina (90%) continue their strong statistical projection against Wales, confirming their rise as a serious mid-table force after two rounds.
Week 2 Predictions
- Fiji 21–29 England (ENG 65% / FIJ 32%)
- New Zealand 38–13 Italy (NZ 94% / ITA 4%)
- France 31–21 Australia (FRA 75% / AUS 23%)
- Ireland 37–12 Japan (IRE 92% / JPN 6%)
- South Africa 38–16 Scotland (SA 92% / SCO 6%)
- Argentina 34–12 Wales (ARG 90% / WAL 7%)
