Rugby World Cup acca: No upsets on the cards this weekend

The Rugby World Cup matches scheduled for this weekend look like mismatches and the favourites should prevail in all of them.

If New Zealand, Wales or South Africa go down there will be inquests into the matter but the other contests aren't that much tighter.

The matches more likely to see upsets come on Sunday when England take on Japan and Australia face Fiji.

Here we make picks for the match winners of the seven Rugby World Cup matches taking place from Friday until Sunday.

 

World Cup acca

 

Rugby World Cup: New Zealand vs Namibia | Pick to win: New Zealand

Rugby World Cup: Samoa vs Chile | Pick to win: Samoa

Rugby World Cup: Wales vs Portugal | Pick to win: Wales 

Rugby World Cup: Ireland vs Tonga | Pick to win: Ireland

Rugby World Cup: South Africa vs Romania | Pick to win: South Africa

Rugby World Cup: Australia vs Fiji | Pick to win: Australia

Rugby World Cup: England vs Japan | Pick to win: England

 

Rugby World Cup: New Zealand vs Namibia 

 

It's the heaviest of mismatches but Namibia will try to channel the spirit of their neighbours the Springboks and use the setpiece to hurt the All Blacks.

 

However, New Zealand should simply have too much pace and creativity out wide and are no mugs at scrumtime.

 

These sides have met just twice before with those clashes coming in the last two Rugby World Cups.

 

New Zealand have won both meetings between these sides and done so handily but with the heat a factor the offering of between 61 And 70 Points Inclusive in the match looks enticing.

 

Rugby World Cup: Samoa vs Chile

 

Samoa play their first ever match against Chile but it's not likely that they will get the drop on the islanders.

 

Chile are making their Rugby World Cup debut and are really just happy to be at the tournament.

 

Samoa had a decent warm-up run and nearly upset Ireland in a show of their quality.

 

A Samoa win by 21 - 30 points inclusive is on here.

 

Rugby World Cup: Wales vs Portugal 

 

Wales and Portugal are also first time opponents with the tier one nation not expected to be troubled.

 

While Wales have been patchy in their form at best this match really shouldn't challenge their seasoned professionals.

 

Wales will have too many weapons for Portugal and this one could get ugly on the scorebord.

 

A win for Wales by over 50 points is a distinct possibility.

 

Rugby World Cup: Ireland vs Tonga  

 

Tonga have been known to cause a few shocks and memorably ran South Africa close when the Rugby World Cup last touched down in France.

 

Ireland know that in this group they cannot afford to be off their game at all and should be ready for everything Tonga can throw at them.

 

In a show of great respect to Tonga, Ireland have fielded what looks like a full-strength team shy a few injuries.

 

If you think Tonga will be hard out of the blocks, back them to win the first half, but Ireland are taking this one.

 

Rugby World Cup: South Africa vs Romania 

 

South Africa take on Romania for the second time in Rugby Union history and once again it is at the Rugby World Cup.

 

The previous meeting came all the way back in 1995 when Adrian Richter guides a second strong Springbok side to a win over the Oaks at Newlands in front of 45,000.

 

There will not be that many on hand for their second encounter which goes down at the 42,000 capacity Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.

 

South Africa are very short to win this for a reason.

 

Rugby World Cup: Australia vs Fiji 

 

Australia will be on their guard against a Fiji team that they will have quite a bit of familiarity with.

 

Many Drua players have been selected for this Fiji side which is also bolstered by stars from Europe.

 

In 22 meetings between the nations, Fiji have only come out on top twice.

 

Fiji could make quite a few bold punters happy if they can take the honours against Australia.

 

Rugby World Cup: England vs Japan 

 

England are aware that they are being eyed up for the upset but Japan might not have the firepower to do it.

 

Japan will need to the game to become very scrappy to prevail, while England will want to do the basics well and play the game at their own tempo.

 

England hammered Japan at Twickenham last November in a show of what they can do against the Brave Blossoms.

 

Japan could start well and if they disrupt England we might see them stay square at half time and some bolder punters will love the offering on a first half tie.