Warm up tests on Saturday - predicted results

here is how I see the test results based on the factors mentioned:-

New Zealand vs Australia

I think the outcome of the game on Saturday was largely influenced by the Barrett red card and by other disciplinary problems.   Unless they blew it by another red or even yellow card problem the All Blacks should win this one.

The bothersome thing could be selection.  I think that the AB team has been weakened by the absence of Goodhue and by the fact that SBW is back in contention.   I think Laumape is a much better player than SBW at present.  

The wings have been improved - but wonder why Ioane is not retained.

Then w have the props changed and no changes to the no 8 position.  Read is below par and would remain so in the upcoming match.  

Possible outcome - New Zealand by 17 points

South Africa vs Argentina

This is not an easy game to predict.   In 2015 the Argentinians used their "B" team in their warm-up match against SA and allowed the SA team to win the match.  The team they selected for the  game on Saturday has some notable absentees like for instance Sanchez, but this time it is not really a "B"-Team.  

Where are the potential weaknesses in the SA team?  I would say that the props are not going to push them around the same way they did last week.   I think that De Jager is a huge improvement on Mostert as a lock.  The loosie combination at 6 and 8 would be better than the combination in the last two matches of the RC.  

My main problem will be having Jantjies at flyhalf and Esterhuizen at center. They are not a sound defensive combination and in the matches played this year - both on Super Rugby level and in the one test Esterhuizen played in - he was pedestrian and not really up to standard.

Jantjies caves in under pressure and that may also be a serious problem,

Looking at all factors I think the Springboks should win this game by about 12 points 

Wales  vs  England

Everybody thought last week that the English "B" team as some Silly Billies on site mentioned would lose badly against Wales - but Wales got beaten badly.  Nobody took account of the wonderful coaching ability of Jones and see where it landed them. 

So what have we coming up?   I have a suspicion that England will still have the upper hand this week.

England to win by 7 points   

Italy  vs  Russia

Although the teams are not available as yet I would say that Itally should beat Russia quite easily;

Italy to win  by about 15 points

France vs Scotland

We all know the old saying - which French team is going to turn up for the game?   I think that it is a bit of a lottery to guess the outcome of this game, but I think the French will beat the Scots.    

France to win by about 10 points,     

Australia have the better midfield. Can they get the same dominance up front? That's the key. If they do, it's going to be an almighty challenge for the All Blacks. I predict the All Blacks get more ball, better calls from the ref and take it a close game. Anything less than full physical commitment from the Aussies and it becomes a lopsided game. 

The Boks have an edge in the backs. Albeit a slight advantage. This is still a good Puma side. I don't have faith in that front row. Lood can be moved around on defence and exposed. The backrow looks weak. I think Elstadt will have a good game if he gets some ball. Reinach needs a big game. His skills were poor against New Zealand. The halfbacks are a lottery, but Jantjies is the surer bet. The back three is all about running. This team is not going to win the territorial battle if it comes down to that kind of game. 

Lood is a better and stronger defender than Mostert and also usable in he line-outs.   A much stronger ball carrier as well.

Reinach is top class and a certainty to join Faf and  Jantjies in the WC squad,    

Lood is a better and stronger defender than Mostert and also usable in he line-outs.   A much stronger ball carrier as well.

Reinach is top class and a certainty to join Faf and  Jantjies in the WC squad,