August Internationals: Round 5 Predictions

The final round of our 'August Internationals' predictor game includes seven (September) fixtures as teams look to wrap up their RWC preparations on a high. Here are Hutch's predictions for each game, how many do you agree with? Let us know in the comments!

Japan v South Africa

Rassie Erasmus has picked a very strong Springbok team as they arrive in Japan looking to make a mark immediately. It’s testament to the depth that South Africa have developed that the bench also looks incredibly strong and there will be no repeat of the Brighton Miracle here. South Africa by 28

Scotland v Georgia

Having put 44 points on Georgia in Tbilisi, you’d expect a comfortable home win here. There are a few different personnel involved, particularly with Adam Hastings at fly-half rather than Finn Russell, but this should still be a big win at Murrayfield. Scotland by 33

England v Italy

Much like the Springboks, England have some incredible depth in their squad, with every lineup in these RWC warm-ups looking formidable. Italy are resting some of their big names, and I fear for them in this exhibition match in Newcastle. England could well run riot with incredible pace in the back three behind a huge mobile pack. England by 43

New Zealand v Tonga

This is a very strong All Blacks lineup, although there isn’t really a weak one, and this is likely to be a long game for the Tongans who were beaten by Fiji last weekend. New Zealand by 61

Australia v Samoa

David Pocock plays his first game for several months and Bernard Foley is at fly-half for Australia, and this should be another comfortable home win. A few familiar names line up for Samoa, such as Tim Nanai-Williams and Jack Lam, but the gulf between Tier 1 and Tier 2 nations remains sizeable. Australia by 37

Ireland v Wales

This is the first tricky pick of the round, with both sides fielding almost first-choice lineups. There is more pressure on Ireland as the home team, and particularly as they continue to persuade people that the Twickenham drubbing was an anomaly - a win over a strong Wales team would be a huge confidence boost in their final warm-up game. A defeat at home on the other hand… Ireland by 2

Canada v USA

The Americans have had the upper hand over the neighbours in recent meetings, with the most recent being a 47-19 thrashing in the Pacific Nations Cup in July. The match is in Vancouver, but picking the USA seems like the safest bet. USA by 7