World Cup Daily - September 26 Preview
The second Saturday of the rugby World Cup sees the return to action of some of the tournament's big hitters. It's been action packed since day one, yet this weekend could see the competition begin to boil and bubble over as the excitement continues to build. Total Sport previews a weekend which sees hosts England returning to action...
Today at the World Cup
The first action of the day kicks off at 2.30pm as Italy come up against Canada at Elland Road.
Both teams come head to head having each lost their first game of the tournament. Canada were given a 50-7 humbling by Ireland while Italy were put to the sword by France at Twickenham.
The clash gives both sides the opportunity to kick-start their campaign, and put to bed the ghosts of a disappointing start.
Following on, the eagerly awaited return of South Africa finally comes to an end.
The world of rugby has been holding its breath in anticipation of seeing how the Springboks will respond after their earth shattering defeat at the hands of Japan.
Villa Park is the stage for the South Africans to stamp their authority upon the tournament and show the world the defeat to Japan was merely a bad day at the office.
Their opponents however, Samoa, will undoubtedly be out to spoil the party and add to the list of South Africa's woes.
Beating the USA 25-16 in their first match, Samoa will be in strong spirits and ready for the challenge of the twice world champions, though scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i has admitted his side are vary of the 'wounded beast' South Africa.
And then there is the main attraction, the return of England at Twickenham, to face close neighbours Wales.
Both teams won their opening games in what is a tough pool A, though it has to be said Wales were the more convincing.
Stuart Lancaster's England side however will be buoyed by the spate of injuries to key personnel in the Welsh team, and have made some strategic alterations of their own by switching George Ford for Owen Farrell and seeing the return of Sam Burgess.
Who to watch
With South Africa looking to make a statement, perhaps the player of the day to watch will be Eben Etzebeth. The 23-year-old lock stands at 6ft 8in tall, weights 18st 6lbs, and when he gets going at full throttle, nobody is stopping him.
Where to watch
Belushi's (9 Green Street, BA1 2JY): When it comes to watching sport in Bath, Belushi's really does take the lead. The venue boasts an array of HD screens, two large projectors and a 3D TV. One of the most reasonably priced watering holes in town - it's easy to see why this popular city centre bar is always packed out on match days. With over ten screens showing live sports, pool tables and table football, you're sure to find something to keep you entertained.
When to watch
Italy vs Canada, kick off at 2.30pm, broadcast live by ITV from Elland Road.
South Africa vs Samoa, kick off at 4.45pm, broadcast live by ITV from Villa Park.
England vs Wales, kick off at 8.00pm, broadcast live by ITV from Twickenham.
World Cup meal
Starter - Italian Bruschetta. There is something quite quintessentially classy about Italian food. We're kicking off with a simple and light bruschetta, topped with chopped roma tomatoes, red onions, garlic, salt and pepper. Bellissimo.
Main - It's match day two for the hosts, the return of England, so regardless of other available dishes, we going for good old British bangers and mash.
It may be quite the juxtaposition from our classy Italian starter, but we don't care. Creamy mash, slightly peppered, doused in gravy and accompanied by succulent British sausages. The stomach must be full for a long haul day of high action rugby, and this dish does just the trick.
Dessert - Samoa Icebox Cake. One thing to note about the Samoans, they love their coconut. With a little twist upon traditional Samoan coconut cake, this jazzy revamp sees layers of graham cracker, caramel cream cheese, coconut pudding and chocolate fudge, all combined to produce a taste sensation. Should Samoa beat South Africa at Villa Park, the victory may just about be as sweet as the cake.
Predictions
Italy and Canada makes for an interesting one to call. Both sides will be desperate to bounce back in style, though we think Italy will have the edge in all departments. Expect Canada to put in a better showing than they did against the Irish, but this tie has the red white and green of Italian victory splodged all over it.
Turning to the South Africa - Samoa clash, we would like another upset to happen, but it's unlikely. The Springboks had a serious case of wound licking following the defeat to Japan, and they will use that hurt and pent up frustration to pull a top performance out of the bag against Samoa. The Pacific islanders will give as good as they get, but this tie will belong to South Africa. Though if you fancy a flutter on another South Africa defeat, here are the odds over at
Ladbrokes.
And then the big one, England vs Wales. A tough, drawn out tie may be likely. England will still look fondly to the last time the sides met, defeating the Welsh dragon in Cardiff during the Six Nations, to realise they have the beating of their opponents. The absence of Samson Lee is a huge blow for Gatland's men, and this may give England a psychological as well as a physical advantage. All in all, England to win... though not by much.