New World rankings today show Wales up to No.2, England drop to No.6... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/34379724
Interesting game between a battered Wales and a strong tackling Fiji this afternoon. Hard to predict under those circumstances but I can see Wales edging it.
Gatland has kept faith with last Saturday's pack - and there are 12 of last Saturday's starting XV selected. To put real pressure on the Aussies to "have to" beat England, Wales not only has to win - but win well, picking up a bonus point victory. A huge ask, coming just 5 days after the hard fought win at Twickenham. That said, even a bonus point victory may not be enough to get out of the group. I expect England to beat the Aussies and run up a "cricket" score against Uruguay - meaning England will have 15 points. If the Aussies get a losing bonus point against England, I think they will be too strong for our injury-weakened team in the shoot-out at Twickers the following week.....
I can't work it out, just know that each of England, Wales and Australia have to try and win well in their remaining games. Good luck tonight, though an inner instinct will force me to shout for Fiji, if only to wind up the other members of my household. In Cardiff I expect the crowd to be worth a few points to you.
Cheers - I won't be there tonight, but will be at Twickenham for the Wales v Australia game a week on Saturday.
This group is really to close to call despite Wales's win last Saturday......still think it will come down to bonus points as to who gets through......
Said before...The Fijians (and all areas of Samoa) are difficult for Wales. The heavy tackling destroys the rhythm of the Welsh play. We are better against slightly less physical teams, i.e. the Northern hemisphere teams Far too close to call.......but can see us losing both the last two matches...and England will go through We will see...I will be hiding behind the sofa this afternoon
Not a fan admittedly, but it would be a shame to see either of the hosts go out so early in the tournement.
I know sport has a habit of throwing up surprises every now and again but I'll eat my hat if Fiji beat Wales. Simply not going to happen
Interesting to see that so many non English supporters think we're going to beat the Aussies on Saturday - I cannot see it myself.
An Australia with no pressure on will destroy the English led by the the over rated and uninspiring Chris ribshaw!
Fiji playing well but in the wrong parts of the pitch. This could get really messy second half, the players look knackered already. That concussion has really changed George North.
