Rugby World Cup 2015: Live Stream, Previews, Predictions for Upcoming Schedule
Several top clashes line the schedule of the Rugby World Cup 2015 this week, with hosts England battling for survival against Australia, while Scotland and South Africa face off for the top spot in Pool B.
All matches will be broadcast on ITV and ITV4, with live streams available via the ITVPlayer (for UK viewers) and Universal Sports (for U.S. viewers).
Here's a look at the upcoming schedule, complete with predictions for every match:
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| 29 Sept. | 4:45 p.m. | Tonga | Namibia | Sandy Park, Exeter | Tonga Win |
| 1 Oct. | 4:45 p.m. | Wales | Fiji | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff | Wales Win |
| 1 Oct. | 8 p.m. | France | Canada | Stadium MK, Milton Keynes | France Win |
| 2 Oct. | 8 p.m. | New Zealand | Georgia | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff | New Zealand Win |
| 3 Oct. | 2:30 p.m. | Samoa | Japan | Stadium MK, Milton Keynes | Japan Win |
| 3 Oct. | 4:45 p.m. | South Africa | Scotland | St James' Park, Newcastle | South Africa Win |
| 3 Oct. | 8 p.m. | England | Australia | Twickenham, London | England Win |
| 4 Oct. | 2:30 p.m. | Argentina | Tonga | Leicester City Stadium, Leicester | Argentina Win |
| 4 Oct. | 4:45 p.m. | Ireland | Italy | Olympic Stadium, London | Ireland Win |
Preview
The magnitude of England's upcoming clash with Australia cannot be overstated. The hosts of the tournament need a big result in the wake of the loss to Wales, and defeat at the hands of the Wallabies will almost certainly mean elimination.
This is a match that will be discussed all week long, and while the two teams don't meet until Saturday, conspiracy theories are already starting to surface. As reported by Sky Sports, World Rugby have already moved to deny a report from the Sun that the Australian team is being spied upon:
"A report on the front page of The Sun on Monday claimed that Australia recently caught someone taking photographs from the bushes during a training session at Bath University and that World Rugby was investigating the incident.
It was suggested that the 'spy' was chased away by security guards and that Australian team officials were furious amid fears that England could be gathering tactical knowledge for the Pool A showdown at Twickenham.
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Australia and Wales currently lead Pool A with two wins and nine points each, while England are three points down following the 28-25 loss against the Welsh at Twickenham, London. Stuart Lancaster's men had Wales right where they wanted them, but a complete meltdown in the second half allowed Dan Biggar to kick his side to victory.
Captain Chris Robshaw thinks a proper reaction to that defeat is needed, via the team's official Twitter account:
Back in February, England showed they had the character to deal with setbacks and come up big when it was needed the most in a win over Wales at the Six Nations. Decimated by injuries, George Ford led the team to an unexpected win that set the table for a strong run through the tournament that ultimately fell just short of the title.
The Wallabies haven't been at their best during this year's World Cup but have a tendency to flip the switch in a hurry. A big win over Uruguay was just what the Aussies needed, and unlike England, most of their stars will be well-rested, having yet to play a top opponent.
Composure will be key on Saturday, and BT Sport's Ian Darke believes that the idea that this is England's last chance is something the players shouldn't focus on right now:
The match between England and Australia won't be the only highlight on Saturday. Scotland and South Africa will meet in a clash that will likely decide who wins Pool B, with the Scots currently holding a three-point lead over the Springboks due to the latter side's loss against Japan.
The 34-32 upset was a bit of a wake-up call for the Springboks, who looked rejuvenated in their 46-6 win over Samoa. Scotland have impressed at this year's World Cup, perhaps a surprising development after the debacle that was the Six Nations, but Saturday should be the team's first real test, according to Stephen Jones of the Sunday Times:
Finn Russell and Grant Gilchrist are both doubts for Saturday's match, according to the Daily Mail's John Greechan, and the former in particular is a vital part of coach Vern Cotter's squad. Depth is an issue for Scotland, who will look at Japan's dominance in the scrum against South Africa and try to replicate their success with set pieces.
The Springboks will be without the recently retired Jean de Villiers, however, and the loss of their captain will undoubtedly also have an impact, as noted by BBC Sport.
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