Saturday sees three matches with the highlight being a huge game in Pool C between England and Argentina.
Australia vs. Uruguay – Ota Stadium, Ota
Australia will look to rebound from the defeat by Wales with a different lineup as coach Michael Cheika has rung the changes. This was an expected move as the Wallabies look to rest some of their stars for future matches, with Christian Lealiifano taking the fly-half spot as one of the key changes. Exciting youngster Jordan Petaia is set to make his international debut on the wing.
Uruguay have also rung the changes with nine new players in the starting XV for this match. Following in the footsteps of the Barrett brothers, Uruguayan siblings Agustin and Juan Diego Ormachea will play together in the Rugby World Cup for the first time ever in this one. The consistency in the team starts with fly-half Felipe Berchesi who will be making his third start of the tournament.
Best Bet – The spread here is 52.5 as the Uruguayans are expected to be tired after their World Cup exploits so far. Australia needs a big win, but don’t be shocked if Uruguay covers that line at 0.90 with BetXChange.
England vs. Argentina – Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo
England are looking for consistency to be the key as the side shows just one change to the opening victory over Tonga. George Kruis is in to provide added line-out proficiency in the second row, with Courtney Lawes dropping to the bench to add some lock and back-row cover with his hard-hitting play. The English will also be boosted with Mako Vunipola and Jack Nowell able to take their spots on the bench for the first time after overcoming injuries.
The shocking news in the Argentina lineup is that fly-half Nicolas Sanchez has not been selected in the matchday squad for the first time in three years. Sanchez has been dropped from the starting XV for Benjamin Urdapilleta, with Lucas Mensa getting the unexpected nod on the subs bench to cover the pivot position. Javier Ortega Desio is back in the side at No. 8.
Best Bet – England are the team in form while Argentina just don’t seem to have found a way to fire this World Cup cycle like they usually do. They were great in the second half against France, but that defeat has left them needing a win here against the tournament favourites. The power of the England pack will be the difference and England -15.5 is the pick here with BetXChange.
Japan vs. Samoa – City of Toyota Stadium, Aichi
This World Cup can be a special one for Japan, but for that to be the case there cannot be a let down here against the powerful Samoans. The joy of upsetting Ireland could be erased in the space of 80 minutes, which is maybe why the talismanic Michael Leitch has been recalled to the starting side. The other changes for the hosts see Wimpie van der Walt take his place at lock and Atsushi Sakate starts at hooker.
Samoa have made six changes to the side that was blanked by Scotland in a 34-0 loss last time out. The Samoans simply have to find more attacking threat if they are to beat a Japanese team known for their work rate and efficiency, so the coaching staff have turned to a new fly-half in Ulupano Seuteni. The wings look dangerous with Ah See Tuala making his first start of the tournament and Ed Fidow starting on the other side.
Best Bet – Samoa have been one of the biggest disappointments of the tournament and a big performance is needed here. They won’t have enough to beat the hosts, but they should cover the 21.5 points spread at 0.90 with BetXChange.
