World Cup Daily - September 20 Preview

Total Sport previews day three of the rugby World Cup, as teams from pools A, B and C feature in the action. For those who have recovered from the shock of Japan triumphing over South Africa yesterday, here is Sunday’s daily preview:

Today at the World Cup

The first match of the day, kicking off at 12 noon, sees Polynesian islanders Samoa take on the United States. Brighton is the venue for the two sides, The American Express Community Stadium to be precise. Samoa currently sit 12th in the world rankings, three ahead of 15th placed USA.

Following the midday start, Wales taste their first action of the tournament as they face Uruguay at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. They may have injury set-backs, but you can guarantee a hearty Welsh performance on home soil. In what is a difficult pool, Warren Gatland’s men will be desperate to make a strong start and ease their way into the tournament. As Japan proved on Saturday however, upsets can arrive as early as the opening game. Uruguay will be hoping to achieve a similar feat.

The final game of the day sees reigning world champions New Zealand lock horns with Argentina, at 4.45pm. The Haka will make its first introduction to the tournament as the All Blacks prepare to dismantle an Argentina side currently ranked 8th in the world. New Zealand coach Steven Hansen has named a strong side to face the team in light blue, with Jerome Kaino replacing Victor Vito at blindside flanker the only change from the side who smashed Australia in Auckland last month.

Who to watch

Talent is aplenty today, but who will stand up and be counted?

In the opening clash, Samoan Tim Nanai-Williams could be a man with a big role to play. Originally listed as a full-back, the versatile 26-year-old can play across the back line. Incredibly dangerous on the break, Nanai-Williams could make the US pay for any sloppy losses of possession.

Over in Cardiff, prop Samson Lee could be instrumental to Welsh success, while Rhys Priestland has been vocal in the wake of his side’s injury losses, and could well step up to the plate to fill the void. Wales aren’t lacking when it comes to key players, yet whether the occasion will get the better of them remains to be seen.

Turning to our final match, all eyes will be on the men in black. Argentina won’t go down without a fight, and will be keen to show why they have been present at every rugby World Cup since its inception. Nevertheless, key men to look out for here will be captain-in-waiting Kieran Read along with the old reliable Dan Carter. Read is charged with the responsibility of taking the All Blacks to the next level, and will have to show once more why he is one of the best number eights in world rugby. Likewise, this World Cup is the curtain call for fly-half Dan Carter, who will be looking to make a memorable impact from the word go.

Where to watch

The Abbey Hotel & ArtBar - 1 North Parade, Bath, BA1 1LF

The hotel boasts an outdoor screen on their stunning terrace, where guests can sit back and enjoy the games with a drink and graze from the impressive bar menu. Sounds like the perfect spot for a day of non-stop rugby.

For a full rundown of where to watch the Rugby World Cup in Bath, click here.

When to watch

Samoa v United States – kick off at 12.00, live on ITV.

Wales v Uruguay – kick off at 2.30pm, live on ITV.

New Zealand v Argentina – kick off at 4.45pm, also live on ITV.

World Cup meal

Fancy a combined meal boasting delicacies of all of Sunday’s competing teams? Well you’re in for a treat, albeit a rather abstract one.

Starter: Kicking us off is the famous Samoan dish of Palusami Lu'au – which basically translates to coconut milk in Taro leaf. Recipe found here

And to drink with that? A good old American classic root beer, obviously.

Main course: Welsh rarebit, perhaps the most famous Welsh dish of them all. A dish comprising savoury sauce of melted cheese and various other ingredients and served hot, after being poured over slices (or other pieces) of toasted bread – but you already knew that, didn’t you?

To accompany, a glass of Uruguayan medio y medio – a professional blend of half dry white wine and half champagne. A drink for suave celebration, surely?

And onto dessert: A good old classic, Pavlova. Traditionally a meringue cake with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with fruit and, optionally, whipped cream, deriving from the Wellington region of New Zealand.

To drink, a cup of warm mate. It’s disputed that the origin of the South American caffeine-rich, infused drink could be Argentina, Bolivia or Uruguay. Nonetheless, it’s a big hit in Buenos Aries, so it makes our menu.

Predictions

Keeping it short and simple, wins for Samoa, Wales and New Zealand. It may seem like the obvious, but we’re not predicting any upsets on the third day of the World Cup here at Total. Wales are our tip to win by the largest of margins, by 21 perhaps?