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Belgium host a Swiss side that have had a tough first season in the REC!
Belgium started with a very strong performance in defeat to Portugal, then looked out of sorts against Romania. But finally got their victory in a commanding display against a poorly disciplined German team. Switzerland got put to the sword by Georgia in their debut game, then managed to frustrate a heavily rotated Spanish side in their home time. But last time out, got played off the park by a clinical Netherlands display.
Even with this being a knockout tie, you must fear how many points Belgium will score in this match.
Belgium look to have made a few changes due to injuries picked up against Germany, but do they also have one eye on the 5th place final too. Jens Torf returns to Captain the side and will be looking to take the team forawrd at every opportunity. Hugo De Francq will be critical for keeping the board ticking over with his ever reliable boot from most areas on the park.
Belgium Starting XV (1-15) Basile van Parys, Alexandre Raynier, Maxime Jadot, Gillian Benoy, Maximilien Hendrickx, Jean-Maurice Decubber, Toon Deceuninck, Thomas de Molder, Isaac Montoisy, Hugo de Francq, Ervin Muric, Jens Torfs, Florian Remue, Simeon Soenen, Matias Remue
Belgium Replacements (16-23) Lucas Sotteau, Alexis Cuffolo, Jean-Sebastien de Halleux, Arthur Smeets, Lucas Rassinfosse, Curtis Moucheron, Theo Adaba, Felipe Geraghty
Switzerland have run the changes for this key game ahead. Cameron Holenstein and Maxime Lucon come back into shore up the front row in what will be a fierce battle in the scrum. Ahmed Kane comes into the row alongside Tim Vögtli, who is captaining the side in absence of Cyril Lim. Lazlo Pschorn finds himself on the bench to start with, but the strong tackle will be looking to make his impact. Simon Perrod comes back in at 9. looking to pull the strings and orchestrate the attacking play we saw against Spain. The bench is rotated and a couple of players from the English National Leagues in there too. It will be damage limitations for the Swiss today, and looking to keep themselves in the game for as long as possible.
Switzerland Starting XV (1-15) Cameron Holenstein, Maxime Lucon, Samuel Sjoberg, Ahmed Kane, Tim Vögtli, Jessy Jegerlehner, Nicolas Mousties, Thomas Coignat, Simon Perrod, Jules Porcher, Lucas Heinrich, Hugo Malyon, Jeremy Toa, William Meyer, Jolan Vincent
Switzerland Replacements (16-23) Jack Nelson-Murray, Maxence Gisclard, Jorn Vögtli, Lazlo Pschorn, Antoine Cramont, Louis Pharaony, Henry Pharaony, Simon Bonvin
Belgium will be looking to make a real statement and secure the home tie advantage for the 5th Place Final. Switzerland will be looking for their first try away from home in the REC, and to keep the board ticking when they get the opportunity. I can’t see the Belgians not scoring less than the Netherlands did 2 weeks ago but I do see the Swiss picking up a few points from the penalties the Belgians will inevitably gift them.
