After a hectic weekend and Monday’s clash between Scotland and Samoa, the Rugby World Cup returns to our screens on Wednesday morning following a rest-day on Tuesday.
The All Blacks, fresh from their triumph over South Africa on the opening weekend, are back in action, while France and the USA face off in England’s Pool.
France v USA
Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium – Pool C
Wednesday’s first fixture comes from Pool C as France aim to build on their opening win against Argentina as they face the United States of America.
The USA were hammered 45-7 by England in their opening fixture last Thursday and are straight back in action against a France side looking to take another large stride towards the final eight.
Les Bleus are resounding favourites coming into this fixture and will expect to collect a bonus point, while the USA’s Rugby World Cup campaign could well be over on Wednesday.
Matches odds with Coral: France 1/33 Draw 50/1 USA 12/1
Ben’s Prediction: France win by 25 points
New Zealand v Canada
Oita Stadium – Pool B
Rugby World Cup favourites All Blacks return to action on Wednesday too as they take on Pool B minnows Canada.
Canada opened their campaign with a 48-7 reverse at the hands of Italy last Thursday, while New Zealand – the defending, back-to-back World Champions, are much better rested after their 23-13 win over the Springboks on the opening weekend.
The only way to view this clash is through how many points the All Blacks will post – a warm-up game saw them score 90 against Fiji – rather than if they will win, it will be emphatic and somewhat scary for Canadian onlookers.
Matches odds with Coral: New Zealand 1/1000 Draw 250/1 Canada 150/1
Ben’s Prediction: New Zealand win by 38 points