As the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup reach a critical juncture, the midweek activity ramps up and Wednesday sees three fixtures in a full billing.

Both Scotland and Wales are in action from the Home Nations, while Argentina and the USA lock horns in England’s group.

Wales can guarantee a place in the last eight with victory over Fiji, while Scotland are desperately working to keep their hopes of the quarter-finals alive in their clash with Russia.

Argentina v United States of America
Kumagaya Rugby Stadium – Pool C

First up in the early hours of Wednesday morning (UK time) Argentina have a short turnaround after their defeat to England to face up against the USA.

Both of the teams last matches resulted in reverse, the States being felled by France last Wednesday, with neither side able to progress to the knockout stages.

Los Pumas will seek to bounce back from losing to England to end their campaign on a high, while the USA are still looking for their first point in Japan.

Matches odds with Coral: Argentina 1/10 Draw 40/1 USA 13/2
Ben’s Prediction: Argentina win by 32 points

Scotland v Russia
Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa – Pool B

Gregor Townsend’s Scotland enter Wednesday’s clash with Russia knowing a bonus-point triumph is their only option should they retain any dream of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

Defeat to Ireland and Japan’s roaring success means a five-point win would keep Scotland in third place in Pool B, one point behind the Emerald Isle and four behind the tournament hosts at the summit.

It is non-negotiable for Scotland to win, but even with victory, their fate remains in the hands of their counterparts in Pool B.

Matches odds with Coral: Scotland 1/100 Draw 100/1 Russia 40/1
Ben’s Prediction: Scotland win by 25 points

Wales v Fiji
Oita Stadium – Pool D

Wales, meanwhile, will book their place in the Rugby World Cup last eight with victory over Fiji in Wednesday’s final game.

Fiji appeared promising in the build-up to the global showpiece, but have capitulated on the biggest stage of all, leaving all eyes on Wales to join fellow Home Nation England in the knockout stages.

A bonus-point is not a necessity for Warren Gatland’s troops, but if they are to keep building their momentum through the competition, it will be very much on their agenda.

Matches odds with Coral: Wales 1/12 Draw 40/1 Fiji 13/2
Ben’s Prediction: Wales win by 15 points