Well every team has now played at least one game in the World Cup and I've so far managed to see all the games despite having to rise pretty early for some of the fixtures, there's dedication for you.
A few of the teams have been an unknown quantity for me and it has proven difficult to put a handicap number on some of the fixtures. One or two games are hardly a thorough form line but at least it gives us something to work with rather than guesswork. Both of the midweek fixtures have handicaps from the high street that are at odds with my numbers so I'm a player, albeit with a touch of caution.
 
Ireland v Samoa



Wednesday 5th November 07:00 GMT

This looks a pretty big start to me. I appreciate that Samoa have a lot of quality in their ranks and a lot of top ranking Super League players but this competition has proven that the best players in the World reside in the Southern Hemisphere. Samoa managed to get past Tonga but it was a close game and there wasn't too much between the two sides. Kylie Leuluai, the Leeds prop, has picked up a suspension from that game and he will be a loss.
I have little doubt that Samoa will win this fixture, it isn't a game where I give the outsiders much of a squeak, but it is all about the big start in terms of the wager.
Ireland pushed the Tongans all the way in the opening fixture and their side, in the main, features players that have stood toe to toe with the Samoans in SL. The forwards certainly mixed it against their bigger rivals and that is the one area that they need to stand up.
I had this one as Samoa by 14-16pts.

Pick: Ireland +20 2pts @ 1.91 Totesport, Boylesports, Bluesq, PaddyPower, StanJames

 
Fiji v Scotland



November 5th 09:00 GMT
 
Well Fiji were certainly the shock team of the tournament for me and on the form they showed against the French they are in with a real shout of the semi finals. Only a big Scotland win can deny them a play-off spot and that won't happen.
Scotland struggled to contain the big French forwards around the ruck area and the yardage gained was ultimately the key for a comfortable French victory despite one or two contentious calls. In contrast the French forwards looked confused and lost when the Fijians bashed them. The French didn't have plan B and it was the Fijians who totally dominated that game from start to finish. Their forwards dominated and they have real class in the backs in the likes of Hayne, Uate and Naiqame who all ply their trade in the NRL.
I really can't see this Scotland team living with their opponents, there's too many holes in their line up and a lack of muscle in the pack. If the Fijians get good field position they score tries and if Scotland tire, which they will, expect some more long range efforts. I really think this could be a blow out and I handicapped this one with the Tote at 24. The Tote compiler is a compiler I fully respect especially when he stands against the crowd as he has on this one.

Pick: Fiji -18 2pts@1.91 with William Hill or Bet365
 
the man