This weekend we look at the huge RWC clash between the Springboks and Irish – and a little case of the North London Derby!

South Africa vs Ireland

France and New Zealand were always going to start this tournament off with a bang – with the host nation showing why they are the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis trophy. But this is the one we’ve been waiting for! Three-time and reigning world champions taking on the current number 1 and Six Nations kings. The winner of this clash could very well go on and win the title.

The men from the land of the leprechaun come into the match on a 15-match winning streak – which includes a victory over the Springboks last November and a Six Nations Grand Slam this year. The Springboks, though, look as if they are peaking at the right time and inflicted a record 35-7 defeat on fellow three-time champions New Zealand in their final warm-up match before the start of the tournament.

Both sides have two wins from two so far. Ireland cruised to two bonus point victories over Romania (82-8) and Tonga (59-16). Meanwhile, South Africa opened their World Cup account with a hard-fought win over Scotland (18-3) and followed that with a destruction of Romania (76-0). There is so little between both nations, and they are going to give fans an incredible clash especially for the neutrals. But without a doubt there will be some key players to watch out for.

Ireland’s Bundee Aki has been in sensational form. The 33-year-old New Zealand born centre will earn his 50^th test cap on Saturday. He’ll look to add to his tally of four tries and he’ll want nothing more but to replicate his man of the match performance against Tonga. The lynchpin and skipper Jonny Sexton will be the focus point. If Sexton plays anywhere near his best, he’ll make life difficult for the Boks.

Eben Etzebeth makes his return after recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered against Scotland. Jacques Nienaber made 13 changes to the side that dismantled Romania, reverting to 14 of the 15 players who started in Scotland win.

Definitely going to be a close clash but South Africa’s stellar defence could be the reason they’ll walk away with a bone-crunching victory within 7 points.

Arsenal vs Tottenham

Arsenal did the double over their arch rivals last season. Mikel Arteta’s lads managed to secure their first EPL away win over Spurs since 2014. However, Spurs have since been galvanised by Ange Postecoglou’s arrival and currently sit level on points with the Gunners at this early stage in the new Premier League campaign.

After some miraculous football to fight back and defeat Sheffield United last weekend, Spurs will be confident of securing their first league win at the Emirates since 2010. But, Arsenal depicted their supreme credentials in the week as they completely overwhelmed PSV in a 4-0 thumping to celebrate their Champions League return.

The Gunners highlighted their threat against teams that allow space in transition which places them in good stead ahead of the North London derby. They’ve been impressive and key players in good form, so they’ll be fancied to secure maximum points on home turf.

This will be a proper test for ANGEBALL. Postecoglou and his men have moved on from life without Harry Kane and a win will all but seal his appointment as a success – on the road to potential silverware somewhere down the line.

It’s going to be a great clash, but I feel that both teams will have to share the spoils with a scoring draw.