International Matches Nov 24

All times GMT so deduct 6hrs for Houston

 

International Matches

Saturday , November 24
Italy vs Australia 14:00

Ireland vs Argentina 14:00
England vs South Africa 14:30
Scotland vs Tonga 15:00
France vs Samoa 17:00
Wales vs New Zealand 17:15

Also 5am Houston time

Georgia vs Fiji

and 8am Houston time

Romania vs USA

Pete reckons

Australia by 18

Ireland by8

South Africa by 5

Scotland by 18

France by 12

New Zealand by 21

No team sheets for Georgia vs Fiji.

I reckon both Georgia and Fiji will have the few pros that normally play for them unavailable so they can play for club sides.

Fiji should still win by 10

USA should bt Romania. USA have at least 5 good pros vs Romania's 3. USA also has a couple of ex pros. New USA coach is trying to play a good style of rugby. Expansive with offloading in the tackle.

USA by 18


A few quick observations and facts
 
ABs vs Wales
The All Blacks have won 24 consecutive test matches against Wales over the last 59 years, and that is the longest sequence of wins for any international team where both sides have had at least one victory over the other.

This weekend's test will be the 90th Wales have played at the Millennium Stadium. They have a 53 percent winning record against all nations on this ground, but have never beaten the All Blacks in the seven tests played there since 2002. The All Blacks average points spread per game against Wales at the Millennium Stadium is 39 for and 14 against.

Wales have scored 23 tries against the All Blacks, which is a long way short of the 108 tries the All Blacks have scored against them.

The All Blacks have managed not to concede a try against Wales on 14 occasions, the most recent time being June 2010, at Carisbrook. The last time the All Blacks kept Wales try-less in Cardiff was in 2009.

It is 10yrs to this month that New Zealand last lost a test match in Europe. Since the loss of 31-28 to England in 2002 they have won a straight 27 games in Europe.

The ABs are now unbeaten in 19 matches against all teams.
 
If a small island of just 4 million people can win so many games, how come we all aren't playing this style of rugby?
Although ABs are without Carter they should still win by 21 against a demoralized Welsh team that has lost it's way

Italy vs Aussie
Italy's national side is practically the Benetton Treviso team which so far this year has played 8 in Rabo Direct league and only won 3.
The remainder of the side come from Zebre who have played 7 and not won a game yet.
How on earth the wallabies do not score quite a few tries will be beyond me.
I have Aus by 18 and even that should be too little.
The Italians have a few top class pros. Namely Masi who is really fast and plays for Wasps and Castrogiovani who plays for Leicester. Orquero and Parisse are also top class. But that is it. If the other players were of suitable quality, they too would have moved up to better teams in France and England.

Ireland vs Argies
Once again the Argies field 5 amateurs in their starting line up. How on earth can amateurs do well against full pros. If they were that good they would already have a contract with a top club.Argies have played well for each other. But if a team plays an adventurous and expansive game game against them the Argies will buckle. You just can't play a game where you simply run into them ala Northern Hemisphere style.

Scotland vs Tonga.
Tonga have 5 first class pros and 2 good pros plying their trade in ITM Cup in NZ. My view is that any of D1 sides in ITM cup could compete well with the top clubs in UK.
So, with Tonga fielding 8 amateurs in their starting lineup, you have to hope that the Scots can run up a good score. The Scots' only handicap is their English Coach.... Robinson.

France vs Samoa
I correctly called Samoa vs Wales. Samoa have a side of good pros with a couple of amateurs in the starting line up and will give the French a good run. But I still think Froggies will win by at least 12.

England vs SA
This is a hard one. As an Englishman I so want to have an England side I can support.
Lancaster has been trying to play a more expansive game, but still goes back to conservative style every now and again. Case in point was against Aus last week. Tuilagi and Ashton hardly touched the ball all day, and they are superb players in the backs.
The Bok will run hard at England and will only get the ball out wide as a last resort. But anyone who has played against a Saffie knows they are a hard bunch.
So, depending upon which England team shows up I predict a Bok win by at least 5.
No Habana for Bok, so they have lost one of the hardest workers in the game.

Aviva Premiership Nov 23 - 25

Aviva Premiership All times GMT. Deduct 6 hrs for Houston

Friday , November 23
Bath vs Harlequins 19:45
Worcester vs Saracens 20:00

Saturday , November 24

Gloucester vs Sale 12:00
Northampton vs London Welsh 13:00

Sunday , November 25
Wasps vs Leicester 14:30
London Irish vs Exeter 15:00

I reckon;

Bath by 3. Actual Bath won 21-18. The whole game was just penalties. Terrible.

Sarries by 2. Worcester won by 9

RaboDirect PRO12 Nov 23 - 25

RaboDirect PRO12 All times GMT. Deduct 6 hrs for Houston time
Friday , November 23
Benetton Treviso vs Ulster 18:05 
Newport-Gwent D'gons vs Connacht 19:00
Edinburgh vs Ospreys 19:05

Glasgow vs Leinster 19:35

Sunday , November 25
Zebre vs Cardiff Blues 14:00
Munster vs Scarlets 17:15

 

I reckon;

Ulster by 2  Actual .....Treviso 15-16 Ulster

Dragons by 2 Actual   Dragon 14-3 Connacht

Ospreys by 3 Actual Edinburgh finally win 23-13

Glasgow by 5 and they sucked as usual Leinster won 6-0. What a terrrible game.

England v South Africa, November 24

England v South Africa, Twickenham, November 24
   
New-look England eye unchanged Boks

England will renew their search for a major southern hemisphere scalp when they welcome South Africa to Twickenham on Saturday.

Much was expected of Stuart Lancaster's men when they came up against an injury-ravaged Wallabies XV last weekend but Robbie Deans' charges rallied and claimed a 20-14 victory that leaves England without a win against either New Zealand, Australia or South Africa since 2010.

The England side came in for some criticism post-match with the decision to run three penalties rather than opting to kick for the posts featuring prominently but Lancaster refused to point the finger of blame. But it does not get any easier for England.

South Africa have won both of the games on their tour of the northern hemisphere. They have already recorded wins over Ireland and Scotland, both immensely physical matches which at times turned into an arm wrestle, and will be looking to make it three from three on Saturday. There will also be some familiar faces in the Boks' side with Bath's Francois Louw and Saracens' Schalk Brits both in their matchday squad.

And hanging over the autumn internationals is the draw for the 2015 World Cup which is scheduled for December 3. England are looking to force their way back into the top four and secure a top seed for the draw while South Africa are already nicely positioned in that elite group.

England - Player to Watch: Ben Youngs is back at scrum-half at the expense of Danny Care and will look to put down a marker to the England backroom staff. He came in for some criticism following his decision to tap and go when England were awarded a very kickable penalty against the Wallabies and will hope to make amends.

England - Team News: England have made six changes ahead of the match with Youngs replacing Care at scrum-half. Wasps' Joe Launchbury is handed his first Test start in the second row with club-mate Tom Palmer making way. London Irish's Alex Corbisiero also returns to the starting line-up at loose-head prop in the place of Quins' Joe Marler while Northampton's Tom Wood is another to benefit from the England re-shuffle with a promotion to the blindside flanker berth at the expense of Exeter's Tom Johnson. The other change up front sees Gloucester's Ben Morgan named at No.8 instead of Leicester's Thomas Waldrom. And in the backs, Mike Brown starts on the wing instead of Charlie Sharples while Jonathan Joseph, James Haskell and Mouritz Botha come on to the bench.

South Africa - Player to Watch: Willem Alberts had a stormer against Scotland last weekend and will look to continue in the same vein on Saturday. He has enjoyed playing against England in the past with two of his four tries coming against the red rose side.

South Africa - Team News: Heyneke Meyer has named an unchanged XV from the one that beat Scotland but makes two changes to the bench. Pat Cilliers and Elton Jantjies are both included, at the expense of CJ Van der Linde and Morne Steyn.

South Africa's Eben Etzebeth canters through, Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield, Scotland, November 17, 2012
Eben Etzebeth retains his place in the second-row for the Boks © Getty Images
Enlarge

Key Battle: Chris Robshaw will be hoping to bounce back after he was dominated by Australia's Michael Hooper last weekend but it will not get any easier for the England skipper. He will come up against Bath's Francois Louw who was, like Hooper, named Man of the Match last weekend - it should be a titanic battle.

Trivia: Jean de Villiers will captain the side from the centres and he will become the fifth most-capped Springbok of all time and the most-capped member of the 2012 squad in what will be his 84th Test.

Stats: Jean de Villiers, Francois Hougaard and Jannie du Plessis will end the season having started in all 12 Tests in 2012 for the Boks.

Quote Unquote:

"There were some tight calls, which is what you want as coaches, but the players we have brought in to start have been training well, will bring a real motivation to make the most of their opportunity and will suit the challenge we face against a tough and physical South African team."
- England boss Stuart Lancaster

Prediction: England need a bit of magic from somewhere and if they get that spark, then they could come away with the win but I am going for a Boks victory by at least 5

My rugby newsletter Nov 16 with viewing details

Apologies... for getting this out late. I only got the call from Big Johns at lunchtime and I was nowhere near a computer.

International Matches All times GMT deduct 6 hrs for Houston.
Today, November 16
Wales vs Samoa 19:30 Samoa won quite easily 26-19

Tomorrow Saturday , November 17

Georgia vs Japan.... IRB says 15:00 KO. But fails to state if this is local time or GMT. Could be either. If it is local then KO is -10 hrs which would be 5am here. If 15:00 GMT then KO is 9am here. I'll bet the former. Should be a good game. Japan playing some nice rugby.
Italy vs New Zealand 14:00
Scotland vs South Africa 14:30
England vs Australia 14:30
Ireland A vs Fiji 17:30
USA vs Tonga 18:00 from Wales

France vs Argentina 20:00

Canada vs Russia 20:15 from Wales

Preview is on my blog;

http://allblacks-rugby.blogspot.com/

Big Johns will show;

England vs Ireland @ 08.30am

Ireland vs Fiji @ 11.30am

Scotland vs South Africa as a replay from 08:30am @ 13:30 hrs.

I was told they will have a computer hooked up to get Italy vs New Zealand @ 08.00am

AND

France vs Argentina @2pm

Big Johns is located at 6150 Wilcrest, just south of Harwin.

All games will be free again. Big John's owner is picking up the tab for the PPV games coming from Premier Sports.

He is still trying to gauge the interest and enthusiasm level before spending thousands of dollars for 6 Nations.

For what its worth.

There was never more than 15 at any one game last week. The largest contingents were the Aussies and Kiwis, followed by English.

Although I didn't mange to get to pub until Aussie/France game, I am reliably informed that there was no sign of Scots or Irish at all.

So, its not looking as though 6 Nations will be bought. We have time to convince owner that we are a viable group.

Next week I'll have some great news on the women's International sevens being held here in Houston in Feb of next year.

These International 7's tournaments are a great excuse to get dressed up, apply the war paint and knock back a pint (or several).

Becci of BABC fame is on the organizing committee and as soon as IRB give the go ahead, she will be able to announce some unbelievably cheap

sponsorship packages with brilliant perks.

I'll also let you know of a special Scottish Highland Games party on Nov 28. I'd like to say we'll show a repeat of a Scottish rugby game, but the combination of bellowing bagpipes and sloppy Scots rugby might induce a few suicides.

Hope to see some of you out tomorrow.

Regards Pete

Decorative artists. www.kandpinteriors.com
Founder www.katyrugbyclub.com
and www.katyrugby.org
British American Business Council
www.babchouston.org
Mobile 281 701 8449


"The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice."
--Mahatma Gandhi

Preview of International games Saturday Nov 17

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.

Internationals weekend Nov 16, 17

International Match

All times GMT  deduct 6 hrs for Houston 

Friday , November 16

Wales vs Samoa    19:30

Saturday , November 17

Italy vs New Zealand    14:00
Scotland vs South Africa    14:30
England vs Australia    14:30
Ireland A vs Fiji    17:30
France vs Argentina    20:00

2nd tier
USA vs Tonga 1600 GMT From Wales
Georgia vs Japan 13.00 GMT from Tiblisis

I don't have any details of coverage from Big Johns as of Friday morning. As soon as I am informed I will pass on.