The following four fixtures will be shown on the World Rugby site, and they will be available to watch afterwards, so even the most fevered rugby fans will not be found wanting for action.
Saturday, 20th November
Brazil v Kenya: (3rd/4th place play-off Stellenbosch Challenge, Men’s) Markotter Field, Stellenbosch – 10:00 GMT)
Zimbabwe v Namibia: (Final Stellenbosch Challenge, Men’s) Markotter Field, Stellenbosch – 12:00 GMT)
Russia v Chile: (Men’s) Yug Sports Stadium, Sochi – 12:00 GMT
Georgia v Fiji: (Men’s) Estadio El Deleite, Aranjuez – 14:30 GMT
Now on to the main attractions.
Italy vs Uruguay
Uruguay have qualified for RWC ’23 as Americas 1; however, they fell to Romania last week. Italy did better than most commentators thought they would against the might of the All Blacks but a loss against Argentina will mean they will be looking to make amends. Italy are currently ranked 14 against Uruguay’s 17. The visitors will not be overawed, but I expect the home team to win.
Scotland vs Japan
Scotland were overpowered last week by a very good Springbok side. It would have been understandable if many of those players were stood down, but Toonie has gone for a strong selection as he welcomes Scott Cummings back into the second row. There is rotation on the loosehead side with Schoeman and Bhatti swapping the starting jersey, and there will be new caps: the large shape of Scarlets’ Javan Sebastian, and Dylan Richardson from the Sharks (not the Sale ones) débuting in the back row.
Japan haven’t had the best results, losing heavily in Dublin and beating Portugal by 13, suggesting that this is not the Japan of the last RWC.
Scotland to win.
England v South Africa
South Africa will be after a full house from their three fixtures in November. They have selected a strong side: you know what’s coming, it’s dealing with it that is the problem.
Rodd, Blamire (Blay-mire), Sinckler, Dolly, Marler and Stuart will be under the microscope: it’s a well-known fact of life that you don’t out-Bok the Boks, so unless England can run South Africa around and keep away from set pieces, one would think this is only going to go one way, which is counter-intuitive when talking about England.
Elsewhere, Marcus Smith will be looking to sprinkle a bit of fairy dust on the Battle of the Orcs going on in front of him; he can turn his own Orc outside him in the formidable shape of Manu Tuilagi.
On the other hand, De Allende and Am are a very good midfield partnership; this is a tough game to call because Twickenham is a difficult place to go to play rugby.
I’m going to go for a very tight away win here, less than 7. Unless England’s pack end up as roadkill, like Scotland’s, then it will be a bigger margin: the Boks will be well up for this.
Wales vs Australia
Wales have had a mixed series. Putting out a B team against New Zealanders is never a good idea, but their hand was forced due to the international window agreements. They were five points short of South Africa and overcame the all-singing and -dancing (and big-hitting) Fijians.
Australia have had also had a mixed run of results. After downing the World Champions as a highlight of their year, they beat Argentina twice but lost to Scotland and were thumped by England.
Tupo being back will help their scrum, but they will be without skipper and talisman Michael Hooper, which kind of cancels out AWJ missing from the Welsh boilerhouse.
Wales at home is never a team to bet against, even with a relatively unfamiliar midfield.
Another tough call, but I’m going for a home win here.
France vs New Zealand
New Zealand don’t often lose two in a row. They did last year, but it’s only happened five times since 2000 in around 250 tests (I was surprised at how many they’d played, but then they do tend to play almost all the games possible at the world cup as well as the RC and tours).
Fabien Galthié has chosen partnerships for this match: Dupont and Ntamack at half-back, and Danty joining his erstwhile colleague Fickou in the midfield, which means Jalibert drops to the bench.
Elsewhere there are changes with Mauvaka coming in to the front row with Willemse joining Woki in the locking positions
Is this rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic?
I don’t think the current iteration of the All Blacks present as insurmountable a problem as before, but they are still the All Blacks.
The ABs side hasn’t been announced yet, so just for fun I’ll call this a draw.
Ireland v Argentina
Ireland were HUGE last week: a top-end performance full of fire, commitment, cool heads in the heat of the battle, and extraordinary focus. That is what it takes to beat the top teams, and Ireland had it all.
Can they back it up this week?
At the time of writing the teams have not been published, but everything points to a home win. For me, they have been the most impressive team over the series so far, and the only problem they may face is injuries, which will only serve to open the door for more Leinster players to make the step up to international level, the gits.
A comfortable home win.
Thanks to Tichtheid2 for the preview.
Onna telly this week
Friday 19th November
| London Irish v Saracens | 19:45 | BT Sport 2 |
Saturday 20th November
| Italy v Uruguay | 13:00 | Prime |
| Scotland v Japan | 13:00 | Prime |
| Ireland v Japan (women) | 15:00 | RTÉ2 |
| England v South Africa | 15:15 | Prime |
| Wales v Australia | 17:30 | Prime |
| France v New Zealand | 20:00 | Prime |
Sunday 21st November
| Ireland v Argentina | 14:15 | Channel 4 / RTÉ2 | ||
| England v USA (women) | 14:45 | BBC2 / iPlayer | ||
| Wales v Canada (women) | 17:00 | BBC2 Wales |
Ovally Balls 
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I knew I shouldn’t have clicked on that.
I agree on the feelings here that France, Ireland and England are in tier one of the 6N after the last couple of weeks, Scotland and Wales a bit behind, with Italy at the rear. Wales have a winning habit in the 6N though and that counts for a lot.
I think, like us, Wales could do with a bit more oomph up front, Scotland really need a big ball carrying 8 and more/better options at tighthead, Nel is 36 in April, though from what I saw this series I’d pick him for the 6N.
Our discipline is woeful – we coughed up 9 penalties against a Tonga side we thrashed, 12 against Oz, 15 v South Africa and 11 against Japan, though I thought Japan were pretty cynical in trapping players on the wrong side of the ball and jamming them in, also the big differences in NH and SH referees has been brought up a lot in the URC, on Saturday Brendon Pickerill wouldn’t allow any jackalling, practically every decision went in favour of the team in possession.
Some might say we should have adapted to the interpretation but when it’s directly in opposition to what you do at training every day for years on end, it’s easier said than done.
Ireland weren’t challenged yesterday and Lavanini doing a Lavanini was only a matter of when he did and to what level of danger, they must have better options than him?
I loved watching France on Saturday evening, that was a terrific performance.
So all eyes now turn to Edinburgh’s march towards league and European glory…
cough.
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Sorry Ticht, maybe should have come with a warning.
I watched the Eng SA match last might and was amazed that we managed to win. The second half onslaught was quite something but getting the try and sudden run of penalties at the end in our favour seemed to swing it.
I really liked Courtney’s captaincy approach and calm engagement with the ref.
To put the last month into perspective I think we get a 9/10. We’ve found a great fullback, given our best fly half a decent run and potentially found our best captain. I don’t think the door is closed to Faz but his involvement needs a rethink.
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The Glasgow stats guy has done remarkable job collecting footage of Hoggy’s record-breaking tally of 25 tries for Scotland
https://ontopofthemoon.com/2021/11/21/stuart-hoggs-record-breaking-try-tally-for-scotland/
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The People’s RWC winners
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Yeah, yeah, November 22nd 2003 was a good day. November 22nd 1989 was better
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OT – the graphics on FIFA 89 were ahead of it’s time.
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Missed most of the Ireland / Argentina first half (at an U16 game – my son is out injured but wants to keep involved) – pretty much arrived to see Carreras fumble the ball at the line and then Doris barrel over at the other end. 14 point turn-around that finished the game.
Defence was – thereafter – pretty good. Would have been nice to see backs get a few tries – instead all 7 scored by forwards.
Considering the “last minute” changes – Conan and Henderson out / Beirne and O’Mahony in and Doris to No.8 – pack were good. Loss of Ryan to another HIA didn’t look good. But Baird came in and did well enough – might be yet a little lightweight but he and Beirne are an open field threat.
Carbery played 50 at 10 and then moved to 15 – did pretty well in both. Certainly, offers an alternative to Keenan (assuming the Stockdale experiment is over)
After the doom and gloom after the 1st two 6N matches (which weren’t too bad in retrospect) – we’re looking like we’ve a plan and the personnel that suits it.
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Some great tries in there Ticht. I’m pretty sure the Tonga one was the origin of the ‘Hoggy bounce’ on AoD. Think it was ‘Pro who took it personally that the bounce of the ball favoured a Scot and not a Tongan player.
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@craigs
The inspired tactics of playing with 3 strikers and an out-and-out winger were certainly ahead of their time. It was the start of a glorious few years of kamikaze football. Latics beat 4 of the top 7 in the old 1st division that year, sometimes playing 5 up front. Our players even became temporary minor celebrities
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“The inspired tactics of playing with 3 strikers and an out-and-out winger were certainly ahead of their time.”
Sounds like more of a throwback.
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BB – famous Scottish spawnerfidy.
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@cmw
I’m harking forward to a time that has yet to arrive.
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@OT – I’d just settle for the knowledge that watching Oldham Athletic in the late 80s was pretty much the same as 1970 Brazil or something.
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@cmw
Ah, good, you’ve been reading the same books and online articles that I have. Brazil had Pele, the Latics number 10 was Mike Milligan. So it is possible to make some comparisons.
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In terms of the best day of football on the telly ever I have to admit to having been more of a Crystal Palace fan though the Oldham game was wonderful too. Palace had a bit of a crack at the league the following season too.
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Good player that Milligan.
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Andy Ritchie was a good player too, as was Jairzinho.
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Andy Ritchie wore 8, so comparisons must be made with Tostao. Jairzinho wore 7 so you need to take your pick from Roger Palmer, Neil Adams, or Neil Redfearn.
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Anyway:
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OK, I’ll take Palmer over Jairzinho but Tostao over Ritchie in that case.
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Oldham under Joe Royle were an exciting team….
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Apparently 2002 was the last year the 3 ‘major’ southern hemisphere teams were beaten by the north on the same day/weekend.
09/11/2002
Eng 31-28 NZ
Ire 18 – 9 Oz
France 30 – 10 saffas
Interestingly the next weekend the French let everyone down (joking) by drawing with the Ballsax 20 all. Scotland beat SA and England beat Oz.
Portents.
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“Portents.”
You’ve got me convinced that our lot will all win again this (next) weekend.
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Portents
Glad to hear the NH sides are gonna peak a year early! Of course, the Boks will do their 12 year hiatus, so you’ve got another Kiwi-Aus final to look forward to. The only interesting bit is who knocks Ireland out in the QF.
More seriously, France 23 could be the most hotly contested WC yet. Margins between the top six or eight sides have probably not been this small in years. If the Boks don’t win, I’d like to see a home victory. Putting it out there early.
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The only interesting bit is who knocks Ireland out in the QF.
‘Scuse me, mister, but if I’m not mistaken* we have only ever even made it to the QFs twice!
*Someone will no doubt F ‘n’ R me here.
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@Thaum – 91, 95, 03, 11, 15, 19. Not sure about 87.
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You’re making that up. I think.
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Had a look – yes, 87 as well. So you’ve only missed them twice – one of them you still ‘made it out of the group’ as there was a playoff thing between that and the QF which you lost to Argentina.
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Okay. I’ve checked and you’re not.
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87 – Lost to Wales in the group and then to Aus in QF apparently
91 – Lost a QF you could have won against Aus to Lynagh’s last minute try.
95 – You beat Wales in a terrible game to get out of the group, can’t imagine anything good happened to you after that.
99 – Arg playoff defeat
03 – stuffed by France in quarters I think
07 – Didn’t get out of the group (Arg again)
11 – Tremendous Wales performance, Big Mike try etc.
15 – Lost again to Arg
19 – ABs
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15 – Lost again to Arg
I was there, along with a few other AoDers. Tragedy. Woe. Ended up singing Flower of Scotland with a lot of random strangers in Cardiff.
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Lost 36-12 to France in 95 apparently. I have no recollection of this whatsoever (though I could have worked out it was them) so guess I didn’t watch it.
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Wales have missed the quarters three times with varying degrees of comical ineptitude. Lost in the quarters three times and in the semis three times. Scotland have only missed the quarters twice, but they used to get NZ a lot when they got there.
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People tend to remember Fiji and Western Samoa putting Wales out in the group stage, but Ireland in 95 were probably worse than either of them.
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From my point of view the pick of Ireland’s contributions would have to be beating Aus to set up losing to Wales in 11 and losing to Lynagh in 91 as this had the ultimate effect of stopping Will Carling and co winning the bloody thing. Though they might have lost to NZ in the final instead I suppose.
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Ended up singing Flower of Scotland with a lot of random strangers in Cardiff.
Seem to remember that being sung in a pub in Belfast during a 6 nations for some reason.
It was after some incredible steak.
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‘sup
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Some random, loosely connected AI thoughts
Scotland: Mixed bag, 3/4 wins a reasonable return but looked shaky at times. Biffed comprehensively by the saffa pack and far from convincing struggle past a Japan that hasn’t looked anything like the quarter finalists of 2 years ago. Scored some nice tries but inconsistent, not enough structure at times, too much wanging the ball about. Pack needs to up its game to compete in the 6N which is going to be a very tough affair, tight 5 depth doesn’t look great. Blooded some new players which is nice though. Bayliss looks like a handy addition & the backline should trouble any team with a spot of front foot ball.
Ireland: Worryingly good. Splattered all comers inna comprehensive manner. Any 6N underdogging from the irish contingent will be treated with a thorough pfffft-ing.
England: Again, look far too good for my liking. allying Smith & some competent attack to the ever present forward grunt & a solid defence? I don’t like the look of this at all.
Wales: Sponny buggers. How that knock down try against the aussies stood I’ll never know. What is it with red cards and Wales this year? (nailed on red thought). 2 out of 4. Haven’t looked entirely convincing even when winning. Will be written off before the 6N as usual & will then probably win the thing. Again.
France: What a fantastic game that was against the ballsacks. irresistible when they play like that. Wonder how they would have gone against the fizzicality & stifling defence of the saffas though. If they can keep the consistency will be in the mix for the 6N title.
Going to be an incredibly tough 6N. Leading contenders Ireland, England, France. Scotland & Wales probably a bit behind them. Italy going to struggle, sadly.
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“How that knock down try against the aussies stood I’ll never know”
Well it stood because it travelled backwards which on the face of it is fair enough. Now I think it ‘should’ be a knock-on as he knocked it down in front of himself, but then I guess the laws need to be written to make it so. See also the Liam Williams try from whatever LRZ managed to do against England and one of the critical SA tries in the Lions series.
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Chimpie, given how easily the NH sides disposed of the SH sides last weekend, can we really read anything into it? Maybe just that a NH winner of the next World Cup is NAILED ON. Let’s face it, the Kiwis will be bringing their powderpuff pack to the gunfight, the Boks will still be kicking everything in sight (even the ball, sometimes) instead of playing heads-up rugby and Australia will implode somewhere along the way. Argentina are a spent force. Fiji may be our best hope.
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‘Well it stood because it travelled backwards which on the face of it is fair enough’
If it went forward it would be a deliberate knock down as he had no realistic chance of catching the ball. Is the measure of a deliberate knock down just whether it went forward or not? Genuine query ‘cos it looked all sorts of wrong & the Australian players certainly shouldn’t have stood around flapping their hands instead of chasing him.
If that was, say in Wales’ 22 with the line beckoning for Australia & the same thing happened would it be yellow card / penalty try or play on as it didn’t go forward. Seems an odd loophole.
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@Deebee
Pfft
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It’s a deliberate ‘knock down’ whatever way you look at it, but it seems (unsurprisingly) that it’s only a knock-on and therefore an offence if it goes forward. So the ruling should be the same wherever it happened. Now I reckon most referees (and probably this one most of the time) would have instinctively given it as a knock-on and been ‘wrong’ and nobody would bat an eyelid. It’s hard not to think that this happens at other times in the game with all sorts of fumbles when no try is scored and knock-ons are given without anyone knowing or caring that they technically shouldn’t be. Think that in a way this is an issue with the types of things in all three of the incidents I mentioned although the Tompkins try itself would presumably have stood without a TMO as the ref himself saw it go backwards and called it on the field.
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Wouldn’t have minded if it had been ruled out ‘wrongly’, whatever happened afterwards would have been different, Wales might have won or might have lost, but would still have played fairly poorly overall. Was very pleased for Priestland that he got to take the kick at the end as going way back his loss of confidence where it all went wrong for him included some of the narrow defeats to the Aussies.
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I guess if a deliberate knock-on is called in similar circumstances, gets checked on the TMO to see whether to card the player and it turns out the ball went backwards then the game would be restarted with a scrum. Not sure who to – possibly depends on whether the player who knocked the ball down had got it into his possession before the whistle went?
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I’ve watched the clip several times and Tompkins’ hand is stretched out in front of him when it hits the ball, the ball bounces down near hits boot, behind where his hand was.
No knock on, and I’m glad Adamson got that right because it annoys the shit out of me when that is wrongly called forward.
I don’t like that Beale got a yellow for his knock on, but I guess you have to try and stop that, it’s a sharp line because an interception can often mean a try at the other end, which is just as exciting and rewarding as a completed move along the line, so players have to go for it.
I see Nigel Owens is saying that replacement prop Gareth Thomas should have seen red, arguing that his offence was deliberate foul play as opposed to the red for Valetini, which was correct, but accidental.
Whilst I’m at it, I was convinced that Whitelock took out Dupont before the ABs broke away and scored, having had another look at that one, the scrum half might just about have had his hands on the ball when the lock came over the ruck (no Karls please), it was close but again those are usually give given in favour of the 9, however, Retallick is hovering around at the side of that ruck too, offside.
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@Ticht – I was surprised the Wales prop didn’t get a red, think he didn’t because he didn’t hit the Aussie player that hard (or at least not as hard as he might have done), but the offence seemed to be one that’s supposed to get a red anyway. The high tackle in the same incident (I think by the player who was then hit on the ground) might well have got a card too.
Most obvious missed red to me was the knees on Smith by Steyn at the end of the England game.
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I agree on Steyn, it was senseless, the sort of thing that used to happen in school or club grudge matches.
I can see Nige’s point vis a vis the accidental v deliberate incidents, but I suppose these decisions are made on outcomes rather than what they think the intent is.
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I can’t believe we’re accusing the kiwi forwards of shit housery….
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