By Rugby World reader, Kate Bamber
There’s a small tournament starting in South Africa this Friday. Something to do with a round ball and Wayne Rooney…
David “Call me Dave” Cameron, the botox-faced British Prime Minister, is flying the St George’s cross above 10 Downing Street for a few weeks. Apparently it’s something to do with the sporting shenanigans in the Rainbow Nation, but don’t believe that for a second. Johnno and the boys: it’s all for you.
This does, however, suck if you are Welsh or Scottish. Apparently, Dave doesn’t care what happens in New Zealand and Argentina this month.
Anyway, as we all know, the summer rugby tours are where it’s at, and as usual I’m going to have a go at predicting the results.
I’m off on holiday tomorrow, so sadly I won’t be able to watch any of the games. This also means that I’ve not had much time to write this post, so apologies as it’s only a quickie.
However, I do have time to say that I am thrilled Phil Dowson, Northampton Saints’ back-row forward, has been promoted to the senior England squad. Sadly this was due to an injury to Hendre Fourie, as the Leeds Carnegie flanker picked up a calf strain in the 28-28 draw against the Australian Barbarians yesterday.
Speaking of the Baa-Baas game, from all reports it sounded like England’s second string side were lucky to grab a draw. I’m not sure how much we can take from this result, as the teams that run out on Saturday will be vastly different.
Well, maybe with the exception of Australia’s 19-year old points scoring machine, James O’Connor. An individual points haul of three tries, two penalties and two conversions isn’t too shabby – especially when Berrick Barnes was the only other person to get on the scoreboard for Australia with one successful penalty.
The South Africa v France games looks set to be a clash of the titans. France are the best team in the northern hemisphere right now, and they will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a Springboks side who nearly came up short against Wales.
So without further ado, here are my predictions:
Argentina v Scotland – Scotland to win by 6
Australia v England – Australia by 12
New Zealand v Ireland – New Zealand by 9
South Africa v France – South Africa by 6
What do you think?