Predictions: Saturday's Internationals
- 7153
Italy vs New Zealand (13:00)
After last week's disappointing performance away to Ireland, the All Blacks travel to Rome to take on Italy. This will be the 14th meeting between the pair, with New Zealand coming out victors in the last 13 games. Italy haven't had the greatest of November's, defeats to Ireland and Australia, while they stuttered to victory over Georgia two weeks ago. The odds point to a heavy All Blacks win and with the away side needing to put a performance on after a few disappointing performances in 2018, expect the All Blacks to show no mercy to the Italians.
Prediciton: New Zealand by 21+
Scotland vs Argentina (14:30)
Scotland welcome los Pumas to Murrayfield in their final November international. In the 7 times these sides have faced off against eachother, it's the home side who have come out on top 6 times. Last week, Scotland pushed South Africa all the way but they narrowly lost out, despite a good performance. Argentina's last two internationals have gone the same way, start strong and finish poor. They will be looking for a big performance to finish off 2018, however all the odds point to a first win this November for Scotland.
Prediction: Scotland by 1-12
England vs Australia (15:00)
For both teams it's been a mixed November. For England, a hard fought win against the Springboks, a first half performance to forget against Japan and an agonising defeat to the All Blacks. Meanwhile for Australia, an expected win against Italy, defeat in the Bledisloe Cup and a narrow loss away to Wales. The back-row battle is key in this one and with David Pocock missing for the Wallabies, it's a huge boost for England. This one over the last few years has thrown up some absolute corkers of test matches and expect no different at Twickenham on Saturday.
Prediction: England by 1-12
Wales vs South Africa (17:20)
The closest of games to call in this weekend's internationals. South Africa have won 28 out of their last 34 meetings with Wales, however 4 of the last 5 defeats for the Boks have come in the last 5 meetings between the two. Both teams have picked up form as the November internationals have gone on, Wales unbeaten so far with victory over Scotland, Tonga and a well earned win vs Australia. Meanwhile the Boks since narrowly losing out to England have turned their fortunes around, a last-gasp away win over France and another top performance away to Scotland. Extremely tough to call.
Prediction: South Africa by 3
Ireland vs USA (18:30)
Joe Schmidt has made plenty of changes after last weeks historic win over New Zealand, 14 in total with Garry Ringrose the only player retained. Ireland have named an exciting team, with John Cooney set to make his first start for Ireland and Tadgh Beirne making his 4th apperance for Ireland. Despite these changes, Ireland should be comfortable victors.
Prediction: Ireland by 21+
France vs Fiji (20:05)
In the 9 times the pair have met, France have been victors on all 9 occasions. With a mixed November behind them, France will look to put a show on for thedir fans at the Stade de France infront of an entertaining Fiji team.
Prediction: France by 10+