Hedgie43's Rugby World Cup Picks

[hedgie43]

Friday
Argentina +11.5 vs. France
Risk 1u to win 1u

Argentina has won 4 of the last 5 encounters between the two countries and the one match they lost was by 1 point. This includes the only match France has ever lost in Marseille. Argentina has a few injury worries, but their 3 best players (F Contepomi, Pichot and Juan Martin Hernandez) are healthy and the replacements for the injured players have plenty of international experience. However, the injuries are the only reason this is not a multi-unit play. The moneyline of +425 is also good value.

Saturday
New Zealand -37.5 vs. Italy
Risk 1.1u to win 1u

This will probably be NZ's toughest match of the pool stages as Scotland have stated they will be playing a "B" side against NZ so that they are fully rested for their crucial match against Italy. Italy will be playing their first team but will have extreme difficulty going up against an equally good pack and a devastating backline. NZ will be looking to make a statement in this game and should win by about 50.

Sunday

Canada +29.5 vs. Wales
Risk 1.1u to win 1u

Canada always plays well against Wales and will really look to take the Welsh on physically. They will keep the ball tight and try to keep the game low scoring. Canada had a very successful summer with a huge win over the US and a competitive performance against New Zealand. Their goal in this RWC is the quarterfinals so they will be targeting this game.

Ireland -62.5 vs. Namibia
Risk 1.1u to win 1u

Ireland will likely score 100 against Namibia. The Irish players performed poorly in their warmup matches and will be looking to not only cement their places for key matches but also to prove a point. Namibia is terrible and is coming off of a 105-13 loss to South Africa. It also looks like they have lost one of their few professional players in Skipper Badenhorst. A 100 point loss would not be surprising here.