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The RugbyPass Index has been firing on all cylinders since its official launch late last month, with the November international window providing an early litmus test of the RPI’s accuracy.
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The November internationals – while tough to pick at first glance – have proved no match for the Index, with our RPI correctly picking all but one of the fixtures this month to chalk up an impressive 16-1 record.
Most notably, the RPI gave Ireland a 51% chance of toppling the All Blacks in Dublin and the result was an extremely tight affair, with the home side edging the visitors 16-9.
Tonga were written off for their fixture against Wales, with the home side given a 100% chance of victory and delivering with a 10-try 74-24 triumph.
The only game the RPI has called incorrectly this month was Scotland’s clash with South Africa. The RPI gave Scotland a 58% chance of victory but they were downed 26-20 in Edinburgh after a pair of Handre Pollard penalties pushed South Africa in front in the late stages.
The individual player ratings also received a shake-up, with five of the winning Irish side featuring in the international XV of the week – Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner, Peter O’Mahony, Johnny Sexton and try-scoring hero Jacob Stockdale.
All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea ranks as this week’s top international player after his 14-tackle effort against Ireland. He also tacked on 23 run metres, beat a pair of defenders and won a turnover.
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Just 5 @allblacks now remain in the RPI’s International 1st XV following defeat at the hands of @irishrugby at the weekend, and Kieran Read is very lucky to have made the cut. Explore the RugbyPass Index: index.rugbypass.com #IREvNZL #AllBlacks #IrishRugby
Following the result in Dublin, the gap between our top two teams – New Zealand and Ireland – narrowed. New Zealand dropped close to 1% while Ireland saw a 1.19% increase to bring the margin between the pair to just two points, where they sit with RPI scores of 88 and 86 respectively.
The RPI will be looking to extend its hot streak next weekend with plenty of tough tests ahead. A handsome All Black victory over Italy has been predicted, but it’s all northern hemisphere from there.
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Scotland are tipped to beat Argentina, Wales are tipped to beat South Africa, Ireland should topple the United States, France are picked ahead of Fiji and Eddie Jones should get revenge on his country of birth when England host Australia.
Perhaps the biggest shock of this weekend’s predictions is the chances the Springboks have been given. After narrow wins against France and Scotland, the RPI has given Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks side just a 28% chance of victory against the world’s No. 3 side.
Time will tell if the RPI’s wisdom delivers once again.
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