Bruce Fraser

Bruce Fraser

One week into the sixth rugby World Cup and the games so far have pretty much gone to form.

Argentina's 17-12 victory over hosts France in the opening match last Friday has been the only upset, but a few of this weekend's matches look set to be a lot closer.

First up tomorrow expect New Zealand to steamroller Portugal.

Putting Italy away with ease (72-14), the men in black will do pretty much the same to Portugal. The only worry in the back of the minds of the New Zealanders is they are heading for a quarterfinal match without having come up against any tough opposition.

The Wales-Australia clash should be a cracker. Playing at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Australia should prove to be too strong for the Welsh.

Despite losing winger Mark Gerrard to injury in the week, Australia are settling in nicely at the tournament.

In the last game of the day Ireland take on Georgia in Bordeaux. Despite a fright against Namibia last Sunday (32-17), Ireland should prove too strong for their opposition.

Sunday's clash of the day should be the battle between the two South Pacific nations, Samoa and Tonga. Both sides love to play expansive rugby, and though short on finesse, spectators can be guaranteed thrill-a-minute rugby.

Matches this weekend :

Today: England v South Africa (9pm).

Tomorrow: New Zealand v Portugal (1pm); Wales v Australia (3pm); Ireland v Georgia (9pm).

Sunday: Fiji v Canada (2pm); Samoa v Tonga (4pm); France v Namibia (9pm).