This weekend, Ireland should avenge their defeat in the quarter-final, England will be keen to get back on their feet and Wales will want to end their dark streak… Here are our predictions for these test matches.
France – Japan
After a summer marked by a disastrous tour of Argentina in terms of image with the Auradou-Jegou affairs and Jaminet, the Blues will find their audience for this first test match. They will be able to count on the return of executives such as Antoine Dupont, called up again after his enchanted Olympic break. On the side of the Brave Blossomsthe return of Eddie Jones is not bearing fruit at the moment. The Japanese are strong with the weak and weak with the strong. As proven by the large victory against the United States but also the large defeat against a team from New Zealand.
Our prediction: victory for France
Ireland – New Zealand
This is without a doubt the best poster of this weekend. Irish and New Zealanders meet again a year after their spectacular quarter-final at the last World Cup in France where the All Blacks won 28 to 24. But since this Homeric match, water has flowed under the bridges. Josh van der Flier's teammates re-mobilized after their failure at the World Cup, with a final victory during the 2024 Six Nations tournament and success in South Africa, during their summer tour. For their part, the All Blacks have alternated between good and bad since the start of Scott Robertson's mandate. With a second place at the last Rugby Championship where they lost three matches. Physical freshness will also be important during this opposition, with the Kiwis who are at the end of the season and who have had to work last week against England (victory 24 to 22) and a Clover XV with fresh internationals as usual.
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International – Faced with the Blacks, Ireland wants its revenge
Our prediction: victory for Ireland
England – Australia
The English believed it last week against New Zealand. Steve Borthwick's men led for much of the second half before being overtaken in the final ten minutes, even if they could have regained the lead with a penalty and a missed drop from George Ford. The XV de la Rose will therefore have to stand up against Australia. The Wallabies, for their part, have been less flamboyant for very, very long months, with a last place and only one victory during the Rugby Championship.
Our prediction: England victory
Italy – Argentina
These are two teams in good shape who will face each other this Saturday. In recent months, the Squadra Azzurra have started to restore their image during the last Six Nations tournament, with two victories and a draw. The men of Argentinian coach Gonzalo Quesada will be keen to ride this dynamic for these November tests. Argentina is also in good shape with two major victories this summer against New Zealand and South Africa.
Our prediction: victory for Argentina
Wales – Fiji
Will the Welsh continue the journey they have started since the end of the World Cup? With the end of its golden generation, the XV du Poireau is in the middle of a period of reconstruction with young people. Facing the Fijians whom they beat in the group stage of the World Cup, Tomos Williams' young teammates will want to bounce back. The Flying Fijians will find all their strength absent last week during the rout in Scotland (57 – 17 defeat), because they were blocked by their respective European clubs.
Our prediction: Wales victory
Scotland – South Africa
The world champions return to Europe for the first time since their coronation a year ago. And for their return, the South Africans will meet up with the Scots against whom they had started their road leading them to the world title at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. Since then, the Springboks have not weakened: Siya Kolisi's teammates have won a new Rugby Championship with just one defeat, in Argentina. The Scots were full of confidence against Fiji with a 57-17 victory, and on top of that, they should count on the presence of their starting flyhalf, Finn Russell retained by Bath last week.
Our prediction: victory for South Africa
