This week at the 2007 Rugby World Cup

Tuesday, 25 September 2007

Canada v Japan, 17:00 (GMT + 1)
The two bottom-lying teams of Pool B square off in this Pool B fixture. At this stage it’s all about playing for pride and the love of the game. Both teams will be keen to exit the World Cup with at least one win under the belt and this would be the one to contest. Canada still has a tough ask when they face Australia on September 29 and will be looking to put in a good performance against the fiery Japanese.

Romania v Portugal, 19:00 (GMT + 1)
Both Romania and Portugal entered the 2007 Rugby World Cup as minnows, but have proved themselves to be giants at the Rugby World Cup by playing with heart and passion that merits praise. They will see this match as their opportunity to clinch a win and not go home empty-handed. The scene is set for a fierce battle between two teams with nothing to lose.

Wednesday, 26 September 2007

Samoa v USA, 19:00 (GMT + 1)
Despite not being able to secure a win yet at the Rugby World Cup, Samoa have shown great fortitude in their matches, especially with a strong comeback against reigning champions England. The USA are lying bottom of the log in Pool A and would like to grind out a win against the hard-hitting islanders. This match will reflect a lot of heart and is not to be missed.

Georgia v Namibia, 17:00 (GMT + 1)
Georgia have gained a lot of respect at this Rugby World Cup with their fierce forward play and their unflinching disposition in the face of top-tier nations such as Ireland. Namibia have been on the receiving end of big hidings and will play for pride. This match should see the Georgians having the upper hand and a big battle up front.

Friday, 28 September 2007

England v Tonga, 20:00 (GMT + 1)
This is one of the most critical deciders at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. This match is a must win for both defending champions England and Tonga - only the  victors will see action in the quarters. Tonga narrowly missed out against South  Africa and England got their campaign back on track against Samoa with an emphatic win. This match promises to be a cliff-hanger which is not to be missed.

Saturday, 29 September 2007

Australia v Canada, 14:00 (GMT + 1)
World Cup favourites and Pool B leaders Australia go up against the struggling Canadians. Australia will be looking at maintaining their good form, whereas Canada will want to regain composure and put in a decent performance against the mighty Wallabies.

Wales v Fiji, 16:00 (GMT +1)
The winners here should go through to join Australia from Pool B in the quarters. Wales will feel positive about their ability going into this game, following their solid performance against Australia. Fiji have also been in good form and will want to live up to their name as rugby's greatest improvisers.

New Zealand v Romania, 12:00 (GMT + 1)
The All Blacks will undoubtedly rest some of their key players as they face off with Romania. This should be a normal day at the office for New Zealand, who are sitting pretty at the top of Pool C, but they should expect some tough resistance from the passionate Romanians. The east Europeans will relish the opportunity of testing their metal against the world’s best.

Scotland v Italy, 20:00 (GMT + 1)
This match will decide who joins New Zealand as Pool C qualifiers for the quarter finals. The last time these two teams met in the Six Nations tournament, Italy had the better of the Scots by 37-17. Scotland will be looking to get back at the Azzurri, but the Italians are unpredictable and can upset the big names on the day.

Sunday, 30 September 2007

South Africa v USA, 19:00 (GMT + 1)
After a narrow escape against Tonga, South Africa need to get their campaign satisfactorily back on track with a solid performance. The Americans will play for pride and will without a doubt put up a strong challenge. South Africa should field their key players for this one in preparation for the quarters.

France v Georgia, 14:00 (GMT + 1)
After an excellent victory over Ireland, France will feel like they’ve got a real chance again after their disappointing opener against Argentina. Georgia have a juggernaut forward pack that can compete with the best. This promises to be an entertaining match between two teams who play with flair.

Ireland v Argentina, 16:00 (GMT + 1)
This match is the big Pool D clash that decides who joins France in the quarter-finals. It’s make or break as these two top Rugby nations go head-to-head in what should be the highlight of this week’s action at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. It promises to be a thrilling match-up.