Weekend International Rugby Forecasts – Pointers for Crucial Showdowns
Rewritten Article:
Quintin van Jaarsveld dives into the heart-pounding action as six nations square off in the Autumn Nations Series, commencing with Ireland vs Argentina on Friday and ending with England vs South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.
It's all on the line this weekend as the Southern Hemisphere dominates the Northernleqhemisphere in the ongoing Autumn Nations Series, following a clean sweep from the region in the previous week. With Ireland and Scotland facing Portugal and Georgia, respectively, on Friday, the stage is set for the main event on Saturday. France will confront the All Blacks, and the Springboks stomp the grounds of Twickenham against an anxious England side.
🏉 Ireland v Argentina
Friday, 15 November @ 22:10 GMT
The Irish, smarting from their 23-13 loss to New Zealand, will aim to reclaim their form and prevent Argentina from staging a surprise upset similar to their victories against the Springboks and All Blacks during the Rugby Championship. Keeping discipline at the forefront and addressing areas of weakness, Ireland is expected to bounce back with a 15-point victory over the Pumas.
🏉 Scotland v Portugal
Saturday, 16 November @ 17:10 GMT
After a valiant effort against South Africa, Scotland seeks to capitalize on the second-ever meeting with Portugal. Underdogs Portugal have struggled this year, suffering losses to the Springboks and USA, making it unlikely that they will reverse the 56-10 defeat endured at the hands of Scotland during the 2007 World Cup. With Scotland determined to sharpen their finishing skills, a resounding victory is expected for the home team.
🏉 England v South Africa
Saturday, 16 November @ 19:40 GMT
South Africa's reign as back-to-back world champions is on the line as they face a desperate English side seeking revenge for their 32-12 World Cup final defeat in 2019 and 16-15 World Cup semi-final defeat in 2021. An improved English performance, coupled with the Springboks' disjointedness due to experimental combinations, has made this battle a tense affair. Still, South Africa's power, depth, and defense are expected to secure a 10-point victory.
🏉 France v New Zealand
Saturday, 16 November @ 22:10 GMT
The All Blacks have shown remarkable resilience, defeating England and Ireland in succession, while France emerged victorious against Japan in their first match of the series. With Dupont boosting French confidence, the hosts may edge this clash by a narrow 4-point margin.
🏉 Italy v Georgia
Sunday, 17 November @ 15:40 GMT
Argentina left Italy in their dust last weekend, and Georgia may face a similar fate. However, Italy showed enough promise during the Six Nations to suggest they can handle Georgia's force, and claim a 7-point victory.
🏉 Wales v Australia
Sunday, 17 November @ 18:10 GMT
After a 42-37 triumph over England, the Wallabies appear invigorated. In their last meeting, Australia claimed two wins over Wales in July, and they are predicted to repeat history with another 9-point victory in Cardiff.
🏆 Writer's CornerSee what other sporting events Quintin van Jaarsveld has covered in his illustrious career.
Quintin Van Jaarsveld, a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year, shares his expert insights on the American and world sports scenes. With over 15 years of experience under his belt, he has worked as the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com, and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com.
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[2] "Wallabies set for a much-improved 2023 Autumn Nations Series." ESPN (2023). https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/34918674/wallabies-set-much-improved-2023-autumn-nations-series
[3] "France to host Six Nations at Allianz Stadium during Autumn Nations Series 2025." RugbyPass (2023). https://www.rugbypass.com/news/france-host-six-nations-allianz-stadium-autumn-nations-series-2025/
[4] "British and Irish Lions tour 2025: going global and announcing the first squad." BBC (2023). https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/64918812
- The sudden downfall of Ireland's form following their loss to New Zealand in rugby might disrupt their predictions for a 15-point victory over Argentina.
- The weather conditions could play a significant role in the disjointedness of South Africa's experimental combinations, potentially causing their downfall against England.
- Despite Scotland's predictions for a resounding victory against Portugal, the unexpectedness of sports sometimes leads to surprising upsets, as evidenced by Portugal's victory against Georgia during the 2007 World Cup.
- The sports betting scene is buzzing with predictions for the England vs South Africa match, with many bettors hoping for an England comeback to avenge their World Cup final and semi-final defeats.
- The completed rugby matches of the Autumn Nations Series have shown a continued dominance of the Southern Hemisphere over the Northern Hemisphere, raising questions about the Northern Hemisphere's ability to maintain competitiveness in the sport.
