England, Wales, and South Africa have already had one game to flex their muscles and blood some debutants, literally in some cases.
However, next weekend (July 5, 6 and 7) sees all the top rugby playing nations competing at the highest level, with the tip sheet longer and more difficult to call:
- Samoa vs Italy. Italy has the confidence of gladiators having subjected Wales to last seasons Six Nations wooden spoon. However, the pacific islands are a long way from the colosseum. Prediction: Italy to win by 9 points.
- New Zealand vs England. England has never won a series in NZ although the big win in Japan on June 22 has further fuelled self-belief. NZ has a new coach and captain and there has never been a poor All Black team. Prediction: All Blacks by 12.
- Australia vs Wales. Selection for both sides a key issue such as who plays 10 for Australia, who is fit for Wales. Players always play harder for a new coach, as is the case with Australia. Players play harder after a big loss. Prediction: Australia by 6.
- South Africa vs Ireland. Do not miss this one, the match of the weekend. Kolisi back for the Boks. Ireland still smarting from an early World Cup exit in France. Playing at Loftus will test Ireland. Prediction: Ireland by 8.
- Argentina vs France. France will need all their flair. Argentina will need forward domination. France has Dupont and Ntamack and they will decide the outcome and by how many. Prediction: France by 12.
- Canada vs Scotland. The first of a long trip for Scotland. Canada needs to re-merge as a national rugby force. Scotland will pull away and have too much depth. Prediction: Scotland by 20.
If you want to fill in time between games, there is also the Under 20s World Cup from Stellenbosch and Cape Town in South Africa with some remarkable young talent on show such as Pretorius Ekeji from South Africa. Is he the new Jonah Lomu?
Here in Phuket a new rugby concept, Rugby 11s, is gaining momentum and in future articles I will be covering the expansion of this exciting version of the 15-a-side code. The 11s is fast and suits the Asian physical skills of quickness and agility, with tournaments emerging throughout Asia. Put these dates down in your diary. You don’t have to be a member of a club, just turn up, watch and enjoy: Da Nang (Aug 31-Sept 1); Colombo (Oct 26-27); Chiang Mai (Nov 23-24). For more information email: Pat@11s-rugby.com
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.
Coaching thought: “Players don’t run into a gap in support if they have no history of receiving a pass.”