World Cup Daily - September 23 Preview

Total Sport previews day four of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, as the weekend’s surprise package return to action and an international juggernaut rolls into town...

Today at the World Cup

After two days of rest and recuperation following a stunning opening weekend, the tournament returns with three matches on Wednesday.

First up we head to Kingsholm. Already the site of one shock in the competition, with Georgia knocking out Tonga, could the Gloucester venue be the setting for another upset? The Scots will be hoping Japan have used up their surprise value in defeating South Africa on Saturday prior to the two team’s clash. Scotland have racked up 220 points in their last two meetings with the Japs – surely it won’t be anything close to a trouncing this time around.

The evening kick-off takes place at the Millennium Stadium, where Australia launch their campaign against Fiji. After losing to England on opening night, the Fijians will be all too well aware of the need to turn over the Aussies if they are to stand of chances of emerging from the group of death and into the quarter-finals.

Finally, France – fresh from a comfortable victory over Italy on Saturday night – take on Romania for a remarkable 50^th time at the Olympic Stadium.

Who to watch

Scotland will need to be wary of Saturday’s man of the match, Ayumu Goromaru, whose pin-point kicking accuracy was a major part of Japan’s victory over South Africa. Michael Leitch, the Japanese captain, will also have a huge part to play. A four-day rest period is tough for the strongest of nations, let alone an underdog in the wake of an iconic moment in their country’s rugby existence, and Leitch will need to ensure his teammates keep focused and energised.

Elsewhere, Israel Folau could be a destructive force from full-back for the Aussies against Fiji but it’s impossible not to continue to keep an eye on the Pacific islanders’ man mountain winger Nemani Nadolo. His kicking and battering ram potential will be relied upon if Fiji are to break a 61-year winless run against the Wallabies.

In the final game of the day, Morgan Parra regains a starting spot at scrum-half and will be looking to submit a top-draw display to keep his spot. He has all the attribute to puppeteer a convincing French victory.

Where to watch

Hilton Bath City (BA15BJ): Hilton Bath City have created a specially-themed menu of internationally-inspired food in honour of the Rugby World Cup. The menu reflects the variety of nations competing in the tournament with some exciting and enticing offers. 

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

When to watch

Scotland vs Japan kicks off at 2.30pm, live on ITV1 and the same channel will hold coverage of Australia vs Fiji, which is due to start at 4.45pm. Come the evening, France vs Romania will be screened on ITV4, with kick-off at 8pm.

Radio coverage is available on BBC Radio Five Live and Five Live Sports Extra.

World Cup meal

A quite simple Japanese staple of Sushi rolls to start.

Then, for main, we’re going whole hog, stuffing the over full of succulent Aussie roast lamb and letting it do its thing right the way through til kick-off.

When it comes to pudding, this is your long-awaited chance to put together a Romanian sweet cheese panettone pasca, which is basically a sweet bread.

Predictions

Japan will have plenty of expectation behind them when they take to the pitch at Gloucester but it will be hard for the underdogs to back one major shock up with another fairly substantial upset. As much as Eddie Jones is an ingenious coach, the Japs have hardly had time to breathe since Saturday while Scotland come in fresh. Scotland with a 16-point handicap at 10/11 with Bet365 looks tempting.

In the second game of the day, Australia ought to have more than enough to see off Fiji – who are both flamboyant and ill-disciplined. The Aussies should punished their opponents with more purpose than England did. Over 56 points in the match at 21/20 is out shout.

France have made 13 changes to their side for the final match of the evening but, get the ball into the three-quarters and Romania shouldn’t get close. France with a 40-point handicap looks good value at even-money.