by Ryan D Jaeger
The big game in this third week of the November internationals will see the
Irish trying to stem the black tide that is New Zealand. We preview this
weekend's games.
Ireland vs. New Zealand
It's not just the economic crisis that will have the Irish feeling down in
the dumps come Saturday night. The scary thing is that this New Zealand team can
actually get better. Ireland fought valiantly with 14 men in New Zealand in
June, but we can't see 15 making mush difference this time around.
Value Pick: Back New Zealand (vs Ireland) by 21-25 points @ 15/2 (Sky
Bet)
England vs. Samoa
The Samoans will only have themselves to blame for losing against the Irish.
This weekend won't tell us if the English resurgence is real and with all due
respect to the Samoans, they will have one eye on next week's clash with the
World Champions.
Martin Johnson will be looking to iron out some finer details.
Player to watch: Kahn Fotuali'i, the Canterbury Crusaders halfback, was one
of the most exciting players to watch in this year's ITM Cup in New Zealand.
Value Pick: Back England (vs Samoa) first scorings play a penalty kick @
13/8 (Sky
Bet)
Wales vs Fiji
Structure usually prevails against the Fijians and Warren Gatland will look
for an improved performance from his forwards pack that got completely blown off
the park by the Springboks last weekend.
The Welsh coaching staff is under pressure from fans and the media and it's
not hard to see why. They really haven't shown any sort of improvement over the
last two years. Wales should win comfortably but they'll learn nothing from this
match.
Player to watch: George North who made a fantastic debut against South
Africa. Is he the real deal? Both his debut tries were being questioned due to
interference.
Value Pick: Back Wales (vs Fiji) by 11 to 15 points @ 6/1 (Sky
Bet)
Scotland vs South Africa
The problem for the Scots won't be to figure out what the Boks will do, but
how to counter it. The Boks will play with their pack, and the Scots have picked
their biggest possible eight. After getting trounced by New Zealand they will
want to put in a big performance, but the Bok firepower up-front will prove too
much.
Player to watch: Lwazi Mvovo, the flyer from the Transkei region in South
Africa makes his debut. He is already a cult hero in Durban and has speed to
burn.
Value Pick: Back South Africa (vs Scotland) by 11 - 15 points @ 11/2 (Sky
Bet)
France vs Argentina
Argentina has been the French bogey team over the last few years and this
should be a close fought battle. The French have picked a powerful side and
unlike French sidea od the past few ywars, thsi team can vary its game, whatever
the tough South Americans throw their way.
Value Pick: Back France (vs Argentina) by 11-15 points @ 5/1 (Sky
Bet)
Italy vs Australia
Australia will look to bounce back and coach Robbie Deans has wrung the
changes, seemingly losing patience with players who were thought to be super
heroes two weeks ago. No matter how much they win by, their fans will no doubt
say that "it's only Italy".
Value Pick: Back Australia (vs Italy) by 6-10 points @ 8/1 (Sky
Bet)
