World Cup Day Three: Predictions

Scotland V Sweden

This is a really tough call because both sides are simply desperate for a win. Scotland will have seen some progress from their opening day loss as they did push France hard in the second half on Tuesday but if Lucy Millard misses the game through injury (she hurt her ankle in the France game) they could struggle for tries because shes been their most creative spark by a mile. Sweden are confident after good enough displays against Canada and France to suggest they are no pushovers and theyll be looking to bring their pacey backs into the game as early as possible.

Verdict: Im prepared to be wrong but Scotland should have the edge in terms of experience and pull through.

New Zealand V Wales

This is a clash of the underachievers of the World Cup against the high fliers and Wales could be on course for a hammering here if they dont improve. They were dominant for so long against South Africa without scoring that you wonder if confidence has just simply deserted them at the wrong time and if they do get chances against the Black Ferns they have simply got to take them. The Black Ferns wont be taking their foot of the pedal though - they want tries and a high score to get them to the top of the semi-final seedings .

Verdict: The Black Ferns will be far too strong

Canada V France

The game of the day and the match that could decide the outcome of the third and fourth semi-finalists. Weve done some maths here on what the result of this game would mean for the other teams - but both of these sides will simply be focused on a win and directly qualifying. Canada are flying high at the moment but France could well pull a huge performance out of their locker - they are better than they are playing right now.

Verdict: On form you have to go with Canada but France are due a big performance.

Australia V South Africa

The Wallaroos will still be smarting from a heavy defeat to New Zealand where they simply werent allowed to get into the game and theyll be hoping they can do some damage against South Africa - who come into the match on a high after beating Wales. The South Africans are a joy to watch and will run the ball from anywhere so this could be a great open display of the game. The teams will know the result of the Canada game at that stage so will be aware if they are still in with a semi-final shout which may make a difference to how they play.

Verdict: Australia to get back on track with a win.

Ireland V Kazakhstan

Like the teams before them, Ireland will know by the time they kick off if they are still in the hunt for a semi-final spot and if they are still in the mix they will have to try and score as many points as possible as they know Australia will be doing likewise. That could make this an exciting display but either way the Kazakhs have long targeted Ireland as a side they might potentially conquer having done so before.

Verdict: Ireland will win but by how much will be key.

England V USA

The USA have had to go back to the drawing board after losing to Ireland and to save their tournament they will want something out of this game - even if it's a losing bonus point. They have a good scrum and they are breakdown specialists but England are not exactly slouches in those areas so this will be hard for the Americans. England will know exactly what points they need to secure a top seeding and with that in their minds they will be on all out attack.

Verdict: USA will put up a brave fight but England are within touching distance of the semi-finals and won't let themselves down here.