GEORGIA vs JAPAN
Saturday, November 17, 15:00 local, Tbilisi (deduct 10 hrs for Houston time)Georgia see their first action of November as they attempt to reclaim the 15th spot in the IRB rankings that Japan earned in victory over Romania last weekend. Though they are missing a couple front line forwards, they are close to full strength and feature three forwards who ply their trade in the French Top 14 league. Chief among them is monstrous number eight Mamuka Gorgodze, who should cause the smaller Japanese back row huge problems with his brutal ball running. The Romanian scrum destroyed the Cherry Blossoms in Bucharest and the Lelo forwards, led by Clermont prop Davit Zirakashvili, are even more adept in that area.
The only change in the Japanese side is, significantly, at tighthead prop where Kensuke Hatakeyama trades places with Hiroshi Yamashita, who drops to the bench. This might help a little, but it won’t be enough to fix a vital mismatch at the set piece. While Japan have the superior backs and will move the ball quickly through scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka, the Georgian pack should grind out a victory in their home stadium. Lelos by 2. I would like the Japs to win. They play a good brand of expansive rugby. My heart says Japs but at home I would have to say Georgia, but barely.
GEORGIA
Irakli Kiasashvili; Irakli Machkhaneli, Davit Kacharava, Merab Sharikadze, Sandro Todua; Merab Kvirikashvili, Irakli Abuseridze (capt.); Davit Khichagishvili, Shalva Mamukashvili, Davit Zirakashvili; Giorgi Nemsadze, Levan Datunashvili; Shalva Sutiashvili, Viktor Kolelishvili, Mamuka Gorgodze. RES: Irakli Natriashvili, Mikheil Nariashvili, David Kubriashvili, Vakhtang Maisuradze, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Giorgi Begadze, Lasha Khmaladze, Tedo Zibzibadze.
JAPAN
Ayumu Goromaru; Toshiaki Hirose (capt.), Tomohiro Senba, Harumichi Tatekawa, Hirotoki Onozawa; Kosei Ono, Fumiaki Tanaka; Yusuke Nagae, Shota Horie, Kensuke Hatakeyama; Hitoshi Ono, Luke Thompson; Hendrik Tui, Takashi Kikutani, Michael Leitch. RES: Haruki Ota, Takuma Asahara, Hiroshi Yamashita, Michael Broadhurst, Koliniasi Holani, Atsushi Hiwasa, Yu Tamura, Go Aruga.
ITALY vs NEW ZEALAND
Saturday, November 17, 14:00 GMT, Rome (8am Houston_)Jacques Brunel has handed Francesco Minto, normally a flanker, his first cap at lock in one of eight changes to the Italian side that defeated Tonga. Martin Castrogiovanni returns at prop, and there is a new halfback combination in Edoardo Gori and Luciano Orquera. The Azzurri lineup has been chopped and changed so many times it’s difficult to figure out exactly who is first choice anymore, but barring a couple names this is close.
The All Blacks have rolled out almost an entirely new starting XV, with only first-time captain Kieran Read retained from the Scotland match. Manawatu teammates Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden are the new playmakers, and have first choice centres Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith outside them. With perfect weather being forecast in Rome on Saturday, expect another superlative-laden festival of tries as New Zealand coast to a 35 point victory.
ITALY
Andrea Masi; Giovanbattista Venditti, Tommaso Benvenuti, Alberto Sgarbi, Mirco Bergamasco; Luciano Orquera, Edoardo Gori; Andrea Lo Cicero, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni; Antonio Pavanello, Francesco Minto; Alessandro Zanni, Simone Favaro, Sergio Parisse (capt.). RES: Davide Giazzon, Alberto de Marchi, Lorenzo Cittadini, Quintin Geldenhuys, Mauro Bergamasco, Robert Barbieri, Tobias Botes, Luke McLean.
NEW ZEALAND
Beauden Barrett; Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina; Brodie Retallick, Ali Williams; Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Kieran Read (capt.). RES: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Victor Vito, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Dan Carter, Cory Jane.
ENGLAND vs AUSTRALIA
Saturday, November 17, 14:30 GMT, London (08.30am Houston)England will be hopeful of winning their third match in a row against Australia, something they haven’t achieved since 2002 in the build up to their famous World cup victory over their hosts. Ugo Monye makes way for Chris Ashton in the only change to the match day squad from a week ago. The Wallabies meanwhile have recalled Ben Alexander, Sitaleki Timani, Digby Ioane, and Berrick Barnes in the hopes of recouping some form following a thorough pasting at the hands of France.
It’s hard to see where Australia can improve enough to win in such a short time. The four changes will strengthen the team’s resolve but England have a significant edge in confidence and will have no fear of an alarmingly predictable Wallaby attack compounded by a weak scrum. Expect a closer game than the debacle in Paris, but the home side to take this by 12 points.
ENGLAND
Alex Goode; Chris Ashton, Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barritt, Charlie Sharples; Toby Flood, Danny Care; Joe Marler, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole; Tom Palmer, Geoff Parling; Tom Johnson, Chris Robshaw (capt.), Thomas Waldrom. RES: David Paice, Mako Vunipola, David Wilson, Joe Launchbury, Tom Wood, Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, Mike Brown.
AUSTRALIA
Berrick Barnes; Digby Ioane, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Ben Tapuai, Nick Cummins; Kurtley Beale, Nick Phipps; Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander; Sitaleki Timani, Nathan Sharpe (capt.); Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Wycliff Palu. RES: Stephen Moore, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Radike Samo, Liam Gill, Brett Sheehan, Mike Harris, Drew Mitchell.
SCOTLAND vs SOUTH AFRICA
Saturday, November 17, 14:30 GMT, Edinburgh (08.30 Houston)Scotland played about as well as anyone could have expected against the All Blacks, and will look at the Springboks as a far less daunting challenge, particularly given the close result in Dublin. Andy Robinson has shored up his scrum by adding Euan Murray at tighthead, and with Ross Rennie out injured David Denton is recalled at number eight. The starting side is otherwise unchanged. John Barclay will look to make an impact from the bench, and there is a potential first cap for Glasgow fullback Peter Murchie.
South Africa have opted for Juan de Jongh instead of Jaco Taute at centre, and Gurthro Steenkamp is fit enough to start at loosehead prop in the only changes to the side that narrowly escaped against the Irish. The Springboks underperformed at the Aviva and coach Heyneke Meyer will have been very forthright with them during the week, so expect a more disciplined approach from them this week. Scotland have a chance if SA continue to play crash and bash one dimensional rugby, but one feels that they’ll have to be near-perfect to pull it off. South Africa should win this easily though. They will be emboldened to run the ball wide...by 21 pts
SCOTLAND
Stuart Hogg; Sean Lamont, Nick De Luca, Matt Scott, Tim Visser; Greig Laidlaw, Mike Blair; Ryan Grant, Ross Ford, Euan Murray; Richie Gray, Jim Hamilton; Alasdair Strokosch, Kelly Brown (capt.), David Denton. RES: Dougie Hall, Kyle Traynor, Geoff Cross, Alastair Kellock, John Barclay, Henry Pyrgos, Ruaridh Jackson, Peter Murchie.
SOUTH AFRICA
Zane Kirchner; J.P. Pietersen, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (capt.), Francois Hougaard; Patrick Lambie, Ruan Pienaar; Gurthro Steenkamp, Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis; Eben Etzebeth, Juandre Kruger; Francois Louw, Willem Alberts, Duane Vermeulen. RES: Schalk Brits, Heinke van der Merwe, C.J. van der Linde, Flip van der Merwe, Marcell Coetzee, Morne Steyn, Jaco Taute, Lwazi Mvovo.
TONGA vs UNITED STATES
Saturday, November 17, 18:00 GMT, Colwyn Bay (Midday Houston)This game should also be available on Universal Sports channel on Direct TV or Dish.
The Ikale Tahi didn’t perform badly against the Italians and were perhaps a bit unlucky in defeat, but will have to pick up the pace a bit on attack if they want to ensure victory against a game US Eagle side. The return of exiled captain Nili Latu, in the side for the first time since 2009, is a big boost to their chances. The Americans also show only one change, as the unavailability of Chris Wyles gives Zach Pangelinan his first cap at fullback.
The key to victory against the Russians was a dominant performance in the contact area by the US back row in particular, but the Tongans are a different kettle of fish. They will relish the collisions and have the horses up front to make the hard yards required. The Eagles will put up a good fight but in the end the war of attrition goes to the big men from the South Pacific. Tonga wins by at least 15
TONGA
Vungakoto Lilo; Fetu’u Vainikolo, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Sione Piukala, Viliami Helu; Fangatapu Apikotoa, Taniela Moa; Sona Taumalolo, Elvis Taione, Halani Aulika; Joe Tuineau, Lua Lokotui; Steve Mafi, Nili Latu (capt.), Viliame Ma’afu. RES: Ilaisa Ma’asi, Tevita Mailau, Kisi Pulu, Josh Afu, Hale T-Pole, Eddie Paea, Alipate Fatafehi, Viliame Iongi.
UNITED STATES
Zach Pangelinan; Cornelius Dirksen, Paul Emerick, Andrew Suniula, Luke Hume; Toby L’Estrange, Robbie Shaw; Shawn Pittman, Chris Biller, Eric Fry; Brian Doyle, Louis Stanfill; Scott LaValla, John Quill, Todd Clever (capt.). RES: Derek Asbun, Nick Wallace, Zach Fenoglio, Inaki Basauri, Peter Dahl, Mike Petri, Roland Suniula, Gearoid McDonald.
IRELAND XV vs FIJI
Saturday, November 17, 17:30 GMT, Limerick (11:30am Houston)Declan Kidney has rung the changes for this non-cap international at Munster’s famous home ground Thomond Park. David Kilcoyne and Iain Henderson earn their first senior Irish starts, while Paddy Jackson looks to lead a completely new backline. Fiji meanwhile have drafted in London Irish prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa to help solve their scrum woes, and have moved Apisai Naikatini into the second row to make room for Iliesa Ratuva on the flank. The more traditional kicking game of Jonetani Ralulu is preferred at flyhalf, while Metuisela Talebula moves to fullback.
This is a winnable match for Fiji, but only on paper. In reality they look unprepared and directionless, and even if the scrum improves the forwards will come off second best. There’s every reason to believe the backs can put a couple over the tryline, but the Irish will play to their strengths and keep the Fijians on the back foot, claiming a 15 point victory in an entertaining match in Limerick.
IRELAND XV
Denis Hurley; Fergus McFadden, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy; Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray; David Kilcoyne, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross; Donncha O’Callaghan, Dan Tuohy; Iain Henderson, John Muldoon, Jamie Heaslip (capt.). RES: Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy, Michael Bent, Donnacha Ryan, Chris Henry, Paul Marshall, Jonathan Sexton, Simon Zebo.
FIJI
Metuisela Talebula; Simeli Koniferedi, Vereniki Goneva, Josh Matavesi, Watisoni Votu; Jonetani Ralulu, Nikola Matawalu; Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Viliame Veikoso, Deacon Manu (capt.); Leone Nakarawa, Apisai Naikatini; Iliesa Ratuva, Malakai Ravulo, Nemani Nagusa. RES: Tale Tuapati, Setefano Somoca, Manasa Saulo, Apisai Ratuniyarawa, Josefa Domolailai, Kelemedi Bola, Saula Radidi, Timoci Matanavou.
CANADA vs RUSSIA
Saturday, November 17, 20:15pm GMT, Colwyn Bay (14:15pm Houston)Check Universal sport on Direct and Dish as this may also be covered.
Canada are the only team yet to announce their side for Saturday’s match in what has become an annoyingly recurrent trait in recent months. Regardless they will be without injured starters Sean White and Matt Evans, but will have Jebb Sinclair back from South Africa at last. After a disappointing effort against Samoa the rest of the lineup is anyone’s guess, including, it seems, coach Kieran Crowley. The Russians have made one change, with Dimitri Gerasimov replacing injured centre Alexei Makovetskiy.
Whatever side Canada puts out should be well capable of defeating a very underwhelming Russian team coming off a loss to the Americans. The Bears did look dangerous out wide, but showed little willingness to put the ball there against the Eagles until late in the game. That said the Canucks struggled in the contact area against the physical Samoans, and hardly showed anything themselves until the dying minutes of the match. As such both sides should have a little more zip to their step for this one, with Canada showing just a little bit more to take a 7 point win.
CANADA
…will be updated when announced…
RUSSIA
Igor Kliuchnikov; Denis Simplikevich, Vasili Artemiev, Dimitri Gerasimov, Vladimir Ostroushko; Sergey Sugrobov, Alexei Shcherban; Grigori Tsnobiladze, Valeri Tsnobiladze, Evgeny Pronenko; Alexander Voytov (capt.), Kirill Kulemin; Andrei Temnov, Pavel Butenko, Viktor Gresev. RES: Vladislav Korshunov, Alexei Kolkov, Innokenty Zykov, Andrei Garbuzov, Yuri Vengerov, Gleb Babkin, Ramil Gaisin, Sergei Trishin.
FRANCE vs ARGENTINA
Saturday, November 17, 20:00 GMT, Lille (14:00pm Houston)The most anticipated game of the weekend is appropriately the last, as Argentina, fresh off a famous victory in Cardiff, collide with a French side that looked superb in all aspects last week against Australia. The Pumas have made three changes, all coming in the backs as Marcelo Bosch, Horacio Agulla, and Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino get their opportunity to impress. France has made just one change as Yoann Maestri has recovered from injury to claim his second row spot from new cap Jocelino Suta.
This one has all the makings of a classic, but with temperamental Latin sides you never quite know what you’re going to get. If Argentina play as they did in the second half against Wales they can certainly win, but if they first half version shows up, they could be beaten soundly. France, and particularly mercurial flyhalf Frederic Michalak, has a tendency to yoyo in form very rapidly, but there is an unusual feeling of composure emanating from the French camp at the moment. Expect a real battle between these two combatants on Saturday.
One last point. I've been so wrong about the Argies in practicularly every game. They play with 5 or 6 amatuer club players and yet they are able to play well against full time pros. They even beat Wales with 5 amatuers on the walk on side. Tomorrow they start with 6 provincial Argentinian club players and one Pro D2 France club player.
The Argies will once again give their all, but I think the French may have looked at how the All Blacks easily put some 50+ points against them in Argentina, and will resist the temptation of simply running into them.
France should win easily by 25
FRANCE
Brice Dulin; Wesley Fofana, Florian Fritz, Maxime Mermoz, Vincent Clerc; Frederic Michalak, Maxime Machenaud; Yannick Forestier, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas; Pascal Pape (capt.), Yoann Maestri; Yannick Nyanga, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Louis Picamoles. RES: Benjamin Kayser, Thomas Domingo, Vincent Debaty, Jocelino Suta, Damien Chouly, Morgan Parra, Francois Trinh-Duc, Yoann Huget.
ARGENTINA
Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino; Horacio Agulla, Gonzalo Tiesi, Marcelo Bosch, Juan Imhoff; Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo; Marcos Ayerza, Eusebio Guinazu, Juan Figallo; Manuel Carizza, Julio Farias Cabello; Juan Fernandez Lobbe (capt.), Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Leonardo Senatore. RES: Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Lobo, Francisco Gomez, Tomas Vallejos, Tomas de la Vega, Tomas Cubelli, Gonzalo Camacho, Joaquin Tuculet.
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