Curtain raisers.

The wait is almost over. The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan kicks off on Friday with the tournament hosts taking on Russia in Pool A and we simply cannot wait.

In total, we’ve got sevens games to look forward to this weekend, with Saturday set be an absolute blockbuster of a day headling by New Zealand vs South Africa in Pool B.

Getting off to a good start is vital at any tournament, and while all hope is not lost for teams that lose the weekend – it can be a real momentum killer and could be difficult to come back from.

Anyway, enough small talk. Here are our predictions for the weekend.

Japan v Russia.
The hosts are a team on the rise while Russia lost to Connacht and Jersey Reds in the last few weeks, and got battered by Italy. An easy win for Japan is most definitely on the cards. JAPAN BP WIN.

Australia v Fiji.
This game will be closer than you think. Fiji are starting to become a real threat for tier-one nations and the Wallabies are very hot and cold. But we still reckon Michael Cheika’s side will have enough. AUSTRALIA WIN

France v Argentina.
Very difficult to call this one. France have huffed and puffed over the last year or so, while Argentina absolutely love performing at World Cups, reaching the last four in 2015. Pumas to edge it. ARGENTINA WIN, FRANCE LOSING BP

New Zealand v South Africa.
The two favourites to win the tournament this year and rightly so. The All Blacks haven’t looked like the force of old in recent months while the Boks just keep getting better under Erasmus. We’re gonna go big on this one. SOUTH AFRICA WIN, NZ LOSING BP

Italy v Namibia
Not expecting much here to be honest. ITALY BP WIN

Ireland v Scotland
Joe Schmidt’s men look to be back in good shape with back-to-back wins over Wales, while Scotland finished their warm-up campaign with an impressive win over France. The men in green to edge it but it’ll be a close one. IRELAND WIN

England v Tonga
The Tongans will be very physical, but if we’re to go off their performance against the All Blacks we could be looking at an England rout. And expect Eddie Jones to be ruthless. ENGLAND BP WIN

Rugby World Cup 2019

Friday 20th:
10:30 am | Opening Ceremony followed by Japan v Russia | ITV/eir

Saturday 21st:
5:15 am | Australia v Fiji | ITV/eir
7:45 am | France v Argentina | ITV/eir
10:15 am | New Zealand v South Africa | ITV/eir

Sunday 22nd:
5:45 am | Italy v Namibia | ITV/eir
8:15 am | Ireland v Scotland | ITV/eir/RTÉ
10:45 am | England v Tonga | ITV