3. Pool D: England vs Argentina (17:00 KO – Stade de Marseille, Marseille)
After Eddie Jones’ Wallabies take on Georgia in Pool C’s opening contest (Saturday 17:00 KO, Stade de France), Jones’ former side start off their own Rugby World Cup campaign. England take on Argentina in the opening match of Pool D, with all eyes on Steve Borthwick’s men after a disappointing run of recent form.
A lacklustre Six Nations campaign saw England finish fourth, with wins over Italy and Wales being the saving graces. England then traded Summer wins with Wales in a two-match series, before being beaten by Ireland in a difficult trip to Dublin. Borthwick’s men then faced a less than favourable Twickenham send-off, as they suffered their first ever defeat to Fiji at the end of August.
Argentina enter the match as the team in form, in what is lining up to be an intriguing contest. If Los Pumas are able to perform at their best, then they could well be the expected favourites against a weakened England side. Borthwick’s ranks have been thinned out with Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola both suspended after high tackle incidents throughout the Summer. England’s injury list has also racked up a lot of names, with Anthony Watson, Kyle Sinckler, Tom Curry, Elliot Daly, Manu Tuilagi and George Martin all uncertain for the Argentine opener.
Jack van Poortvliet’s World Cup campaign is over before it began, with Alex Mitchell re-called to the squad as injury cover in his absence. Argentina enter the tournament riding a wave of momentum, after picking up wins over Australia and Spain, and impressing in a narrow one-point defeat to South Africa. This one looks like it will go down to the wire, with England’s key absentees and poor recent form being decisive factors in our prediction.
RUCK’s Prediction: England 18 – 21 Argentina
Sunday 10th September
4. Pool B: South Africa vs Scotland (16:45 KO – Stade de Marseille, Marseille)
The biggest clash of the weekend, South Africa take on Scotland in what will be a definite tone setter for Pool B. The ‘Pool of Death’ also features Ireland, with the early Rugby World Cup draw being to blame for this lop-sided tournament. Three of the five highest ranked nations find themselves together in Pool B, with just two spaces up for grabs to progress through to the knock-out stages.
The Springboks come into the Rugby World Cup riding a tidal wave of momentum. The wrapped up their warm-up matches with an emphatic victory over New Zealand, as they handed the All Blacks their heaviest ever defeat. The 35-7 win at Twickenham was a true statement of intent, with the Springboks leapfrogging New Zealand up to second in the World Rugby rankings in the process.
However, South Africa’s previous form was less inspiring. They suffered an earlier defeat to the All Blacks in the 2023 Rugby Championship (35-20), and were only able to secure two narrow wins over Argentina. Albeit, they did put the sword to the Wallabies, despite fielding what Eddie Jones referred to as a ‘half-baked side’. The Springboks’ mixed bag of Rugby Championship momentum has seemingly improved, as they head into the opening Rugby World Cup match.
Scotland could well thrive in their status as Pool B underdogs, with Gregor Townsend preparing some tricks to upset the favourites and sneak out into the quarter-finals. However, Scotland will be without Stuart Hogg, as the fullback hung up his boots ahead of the competition, with a shocking early retirement. Scotland’s recent form sees them secure Summer Nations series wins over Italy (25-13), a weakened France side (25-21, before losing the return match 30-27), and a final comprehensive win against Georgia, despite trailing at half-time (33-6).
On paper, this match seems set up for a Springboks victory, however, South Africa are another side who know all to well the dangers of expecting to win at the Rugby World Cup. The memory of the ‘Brighton Miracle’ of 2015 will live on for Japan rugby fans, with the ‘Boks struggling to live down the Rugby World Cup humiliation. We think South Africa will eventually secure the win, but Scotland will fight tooth and nail to make it as hard as possible for them.
RUCK’s Prediction: South Africa 29 – 23 Scotland