There’s no room for failure on these predictions pages it seems – there was disgust at my efforts last weekend, but I’m 19th out 474 in The Rugby Blog pool on SuperBru, better than 96% of people! Nevertheless, I will try to do better in Week 2.

Barbarians v Fiji

It’s always quite tricky to predict a Barbarians fixture, but I fancy them to beat Fiji this weekend. They thrashed the Czech Republic in midweek, and probably should have beaten the Springboks last weekend, and the time together should have improved them.

We might just see Taqele Naiyaravoro running into Nemani Nadolo, which would be quite something. Barbarians by 8.

Georgia v Japan

Japan beat Georgia by 3 last year in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match, but that was a different Japan side. Georgia by 13.

Italy v New Zealand

So the All Blacks are beatable! But not by Italy, and it’s almost worse for them as Steve Hansen has named a team of understudies desperate to break into the first-choice XV.

The back three of Waisake Naholo, Israel Dagg and Damien McKenzie will do some damage, and I suspect this will be a big score. New Zealand by 48.

England v South Africa

I’m quite nervous about this one, but then I have been over-estimating the Springboks for most of their international season. They have looked like a side that doesn’t quite know the gameplan, and confidence has been fairly low. They’ve been written off in the South African press, and some people seem to think an England win is inevitable.

But they’ve reverted to type with an enormous pack, and historically they have known exactly how to play against England. The two teams have always been quite similar in style, and the Boks have usually been slightly better.

Still, I’m backing Eddie Jones to prepare England differently, to give them a gameplan to beat the Boks, and the confidence to execute it. The bookies have England -11 on handicap, but I think it will be closer than that. England by 6.

Scotland v Australia

The Wallabies looked comfortable at the Millennium Stadium last weekend, and it’s difficult to know how much of that was the return of their swagger, and how much was the lack of Welsh fight. The Scots have a score to settle after the last meeting between these two teams just over a year ago, and part of me can see them winning this.

The breakdown battle should be interesting this weekend, with both sides naming two fetchers in their back rows, and each will be looking to generate quick ball for their exciting backs. Normally you’d think the Scots would want monsoon rains and to kick a few goals to win, but both teams will want it dry and this could be a great game to watch.

I’ll be rooting for Scotland, but the head says Australia to win on SuperBru. Australia by 6.

France v Samoa

I wonder what France will be like this season. Guy Noves now has carved out more time with his players to prepare for Internationals, and they’ll win this in Toulouse and we might get an idea of where they stand. France by 23.

Wales v Argentina

Rob Howley’s Autumn struggles continued last week, as Wales were thumped by Australia. The scoreline was depressing, and the manner of defeat even worse, and Howley has made some changes as a result.

The return of Sam Warburton and Alan Wyn Jones should fill a leadership void, whilst the Scarlets pair of Scott Williams and Jonathan Davies in the centres ought to bring their club form to the Millennium Stadium.

The Pumas are a formidable side these days, mixing it with the Southern Hemisphere’s best, but I still want to give Wales one more chance. Wales by 2.

Ireland v Canada

The players that beat New Zealand in Chicago last weekend are now half-men half-beer, so Joe Schmidt has named a lineup of players looking to break through.

I’m excited to see the likes of Tiernan O’Halloran, Garry Ringrose and Ultan Dillane in action for Ireland, and they should have enough to beat Canada fairly convincingly. Ireland by 28.

What do you think of the predictions this week?

Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James