After four long years of waiting, the Rugby World Cup is on our doorstep with action set to kick-off at the home of rugby, Twickenham, in London on Friday night. It is the third biggest sporting tournament on earth with over 100 countries competing for the final 20 places to contest for the William Webb Ellis trophy. Of the 20 teams competing at the 2015 World Cup, 12 of them qualified by finishing in the top three places in their pools in the 2011 World Cup. The remaining eight teams had to go through a qualifying process and this edition of the tournament sees Uruguay replace Russia. The first RWC took place in New Zealand in 1987, which was won by the home team and since then Australia (1991 + 1999), South Africa (1995 + 2007) England (2003) have had the honours of raising ‘Bill’. In 2011, under huge pressure and a monumental flyhalf injury crisis, New Zealand captured the hearts of their nation by beating France 8-7, but French Captain Thierry Dusautoir was awarded as the man of the match and made an astonishing 22 tackles at Eden Park.

This Rugby World Cup will mark the end of an era for a number of the codes stalwarts including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Kevin Mealamu, Paul O’Connell and Victor Matfield, just to name a few. The Southern Hemisphere nations have dominated this competition, however, in northern hemisphere conditions where scrums are the focus and penalty goals are very important, I truly believe there are five teams that can win it on their day (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, Ireland). An interesting stat is that the team that has won the Rugby Championship (or Tri Nations), has never gone onto win the Rugby World Cup in that year. Is that a bad omen for the Wallabies or just another challenge they need to overcome? Likewise, the All Blacks have never won a tournament away from home with a lot of pundits saying they are more than due.

The Rugby World Cup is where dreams are realised and nightmares are made. Follow me on twitter (@S15_TheProfits) for game coverage, expert insight or just for a chat and fingers are crossed for another fascinating tournament in England.

Pool Predictions: 

Pool A: Australia, England, Wales, Fiji, Uruguay
Pool B: South Africa, Scotland, Samoa, Japan, USA
Pool C: New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga, Georgia, Namibia
Pool D: Ireland, France, Italy, Canada, Romania

Futures Betting: 

Total Reds Cards – Over 2.5 @ $2.10 – Bet365
Pool A Winner – Australia @ $2.93 – Sportsbet
All Southern Hemisphere Final – Yes @ $4.33 – Bet65
Rugby World Cup Winner – New Zealand (x2 Units) @ $2.30 – Sportsbet

POOL A

Key Games:

September 26 (Saturday) England vs Wales (Twickenham)
October 3 (Saturday) England vs Australia (Twickenham)
October 10 (Saturday) Australia vs Wales (Twickenham)

Australia (1st) 

Coach: Michael Cheika
Captain: Stephen Moore (Hooker)
2011 RWC Position: Semi-Finals (3rd)
Best Forward: David Pocock/Michael Hooper (Flanker)
Best Back: Israel Folau (Fullback)
Rising Star: Sean McMahon (Flanker)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Stephen Moore (Hooker)

Preview

It’s been more than a decade since the Wallabies last contested the William Webb Ellis Cup in Sydney, and it would be fair to say that the Wallabies have had their fair share of issues both on and off the field in that time. However, under the tutelage of ex-Randwick number eight, Michael Cheika, the Wallabies have gone from strength to strength this season, culminating with the title of becoming this year’s Rugby Championship winner. Although they came up short in Auckland against the All Blacks the following week, there is a huge amount of belief in the squad. The front row has come on in leaps and bounds over the past two seasons, however, it will be interesting to see if their ‘weak’ scrum reputation precedes them heading into this year’s showpiece. Second row isn’t necessarily their strongest position, however, the man-mountain Will Skelton is going to cause a lot of havoc when he gets some game time and Reds lock Rob Simmons really has a point to prove after a couple of quiet seasons. The Wallabies have two of the world’s best openside flankers in David Pocock and Michael Hooper so it will be interesting to see how Cheika deploys them, either as a straight substitution or playing them in tandem like he did against the All Blacks in Sydney. I still don’t necessarily think that Cheika knows who his best number nine is with Will Genia still battling a knee injury and Nick Phipps had a disastrous game in Sydney. With that being said, he is most likely to stick with what he knows at the Waratahs and that is Nick Phipps. There are a number of possible fly-halves in the squad with Bernard Foley most likely being picked first up, but I expect Cooper, Toomua and Giteau to potentially get some game time there during the early rounds. Kuridrani is one of the world’s best outside centres, with the Wallabies also possessing some dangerous finishers with the likes of Adam Ashley-Cooper, Joe Tomane and Israel Folau.

Prediction: 

By the time the Wallabies clash with England in week three of the pool stages and Wales in week four, they should have a settled squad and one in which I think will have too much for England. Additionally, their record over Wales of ten straight wins will hold them in good stead to advance from the ‘pool of death’.

England (2nd) 

Coach: Stuart Lancaster
Captain: Chris Robshaw (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Quarter-finals

Best Forward: Billy Vunipola (Number eight)
Best Back: Jonathon Joseph (Centre)
Rising Star: George Ford (Flyhalf)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Mike Brown (fullback)

Preview

The host nation head into this RWC with a bit of uncertainty surrounding their potential given their recent form in the warm-up matches. Being in the pool of death, there is little room for error and they need to hit the ground running in their first match against a dangerous Fijian side. Traditionally, they have had an exceptional front five that dominates the set-piece, however, as much as their experienced members will help them, the French had their number in both matches. They would be silly to underestimate a revitalised Wallabies scrum and Wales usually have the ability to hold their own as well. Apart from the tight five, there is a lot of uncertainty as to who are the best players in their position with Coach Stuart Lancaster chopping and changing his line-up all season. Captain Chris Robshaw is a good leader, but someone who might not necessarily be the best in their position, similarly to Bismarck du Plessis and John Smit at the last RWC. Ben Morgan and Billy Vunipola will offer a lot of go forward ball from number eight, but the lack of a genuine openside flanker might cost them against the Aussies. Ben Youngs and George Ford, the player of the 2014/2015 Aviva Premiership season will most likely be the first choice halves pairing, but I really like Danny Care for his high tempo approach to the game. The loss of the Samoan-born Manu Tuilagi in the centres has opened the door for rugby league convert Sam Burgess, however, I can’t see him getting too much time in the big games. Backline players like Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson and Johnny May have a lot of power and pace. Mike Brown is solid at fullback and is the rock of the backline but unfortunately, he is probably only one concussion away from an extended period on the sidelines.

Prediction: 

Although England has not lost to Wales since 1987 and since 1991 against Australia in a Rugby World Cup match, I just don’t think they have the X-factor and experience needed to go all the way. The home field advantage will make it very difficult for a lot of the teams that they play, but I think the Wallabies will outsmart them at Twickenham, setting up a potential mouth-watering quarterfinal against the Springboks.

Wales (3rd) 

Coach: Warren Gatland
Captain: Sam Warburton (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Semi-Finals (4th)

Best Forward: Toby Faletau (Number Eight)
Best Back: George North (Wing)
Rising Star: Hallam Amos (Wing/Fullback)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Jamie Roberts (Inside Centre)

Preview

Ever since the draw was released, Wales have been predicted to either come second or third in their pool with the most likely scenario being that Australia and England will advance. In recent weeks, this looks more likely to be the case with both Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb, arguably their two most important backline players being ruled out of the campaign with injuries. To make matters worse, they are already missing British & Irish Lions Centre Jonathon Davies, so a once potent backline is looking somewhat thin on size and experience. The pack are notoriously hard workers led by the likes of prop Gethin Jenkins, lock Alun Wyn-Jones, number eight Toby Faletau and Captain Sam Warburton and these players have the ability to keep Wales in a lot of matches. In what remains of the backline, George North has become the quickest player to reach 50 caps, at the slender age of 23. He also holds the record of being the youngest ever try scorer at a RWC, when he scored a brace against Namibia in 2011 and just 19 years of age. The Welsh will most likely play a ten-man style of game with a lot of pressure now mounting on the shoulders of flyhalf Dan Biggar. He is a player that has grown in stature over the past two seasons, but if his pack fails to fire, he might struggle to ignite his backline.

Prediction: 

The Welsh were exceptional at the last RWC and their fans are some of the best in the game. However, one can’t overlook the players that have been removed from the squad through injury and their depth hasn’t necessarily been tested or performed at the highest level on the world stage. Wales hasn’t beaten Australia since 2008, a run of 10 consecutive losses and they are also on a 2 game losing streak to England, dating back to 2013. I can’t see them making it out of the pool stage this time around and certainly can’t see a repeat of them making the semi-finals.

Fiji (4th) 

Coach: John McKee
Captain: Akapusi Qera (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Pool Stages

Best Forward: Leone Nakarawa (Second row)
Best Back: Nemani Nadolo (Centre/Wing)
Rising Star: Kini Murimurivalu (Wing/Fullback)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Nikola Matawalu (Halfback)

Preview

Fiji are certainly a danger team in Pool A and that is something they will be using to their advantage, especially under the guidance of Kiwi John McKee. Throughout the non-RWC years, very rarely are they able to select a full squad for International matches due to contractual obligations with clubs around the world. However, despite some financial issues the team has faced in recent months, they look fit and ready to shake things up in England. In 2007, they pushed the eventual Champions, the Springboks to the bring of defeat, and that opportunity came on the back of beating Wales in the pool stage. They are a team that traditionally struggle at the set piece, however, their physicality is something that other teams find hard to combat. Their raw pace and skill developed from their background of playing Sevens is something that will hold them in good stead, but expect Wales, England and Australia to play somewhat conservatively against them as the Flying Fijians thrive off unstructured play.

Prediction: 

I can’t see England or Australia having any issues against the Fijians, although the opening match might be a bit closer than what people expect. The Fijians will certainly be targeting their match against Wales and they will be expected to put on a big score against Uruguay. They will score some scintillating tries and win over a number of fans, however, their style of play simply doesn’t suit the northern hemisphere way. I can’t seem them making it into the final eight.

Uruguay (5th) 

Coach: Pablo Lemoine
Captain: Santiago Vilaseca (Lock)
2011 RWC Position: Did Not Feature (DNF)

Preview

Uruguay were the final team to get into this RWC after beating Russia in the repechage qualifier almost twelve months. Their squad consists of a number of players that feature in some of the lesser known European competitions, but they also boast a number of amateur players.

Prediction: 

Beating Russia is no mean feat, but Australia, England and Wales are many classes above them. Uruguay are in England simply to make up the numbers, but their players and coaches will get a lot of the experience and hopefully take that knowledge back home and impart it into their local leagues and ‘rising stars’.

POOL B

Key Games:

September 26 (Saturday) South Africa vs Samoa (Birmingham)
October 3 (Saturday) South Africa vs Scotland (Newcastle)
October 10 (Saturday) Samoa vs Scotland (Twickenham)

South Africa (1st)

Coach: Heyneke Meyer
Captain: Jean de Villiers (Inside Centre)
2011 RWC Position: Quarter-finals

Best Forward: Duane Vermuelen (Number Eight)
Best Back: Willie le Roux (Fullback/Wing)
Rising Star: Jesse Kriel (Centre)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Fourie du Preez (halfback)

Preview

Like many World Cup’s before, South Africa head into this year’s showpiece with a few unknowns circling their camp. There are a number of players who are still due to return from injury (Fourie du Preez, Duane Vermuelen, Willem Alberts etc.), they have had a fairly disastrous start to the year losing three of their first four Test matches and they are always embroiled in some form of transformation/quota saga. In saying that, they may not have had the runs on the board so to speak, but they still have played some exceptional attacking rugby and have a number of players coming through the ranks that will be peaking during the next RWC (e.g. Handre Pollard, Damien de Allende, Jesse Kriel). When Heyneke Meyer went back to a more traditional and structured game plan in Buenos Aires, the Boks were too good for Argentina and I expect this to be Plan A in the UK.
The front row of the Beast and brothers Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis almost picks itself, with Eben Etzebeth and Victor Matfield picked as the enforcer and lineout ace respectively. I would think the first choice back row would consist of François Louw (who has UK experience), Willem Alberts and Duane Vermuelen. Schalk Burger off the bench would be a handy addition to any team. Heyneke Meyer has selected the mercurial Fourie du Preez in the squad and given his relationship with him during the Bulls successful Super Rugby campaigns towards the end of the last decade, I expect him to start alongside Handre Pollard, a player that could really set this RWC alight if he rediscovers some form. Jean de Villiers and either Damien de Allende/Jesse Kriel should start in the centres with Bryan Habana, JP Pietersen and the incisive Willie le Roux at fullback.

Prediction:

The Springboks should cruise through their pool fairly comfortably. Samoa poses a physical threat, whereas, Scotland are good at grinding South Africa down, but if it is a dry deck, I would expect the Southern Africans to take care of them. The only concern for the Springboks will be trying to escape their pool with as few injuries as possible, something that has been their Achilles heal in the past.

Scotland (2nd)

Coach: Vern Cotter
Captain: Greig Laidlaw (Halfback)
2011 RWC Position: Pool Stage

Best Forward: Richie Gray (Second Row)
Best Back: Stuart Hogg (Fullback)
Rising Star: Finn Russell
Player they can’t afford to lose: Greg Laidlaw (halfback)

Preview

Scotland head into the year’s tournament having shown flashes of brilliance with some great attacking play against Italy and on the flip side, some very boring rugby against France. There is no doubt that they have improved under the tutelage of the Kiwi-born Vern Cotter, but they are still lacking the big name players and combinations that are required to trouble teams in the top five. The pack is dogged and are used to playing in dour conditions, however, I think their stronger players come in the form of halfback Greg Laidlaw and fullback Stuart Hogg. Hogg is someone who is exceptionally dangerous from the back and if given an inch, he will take a mile. They haven’t faired well at Rugby World Cups in the past, but given they are so close to home, they will have a number of fans barracking for them in England. This is the time where they can make the quarter-finals, but they will have to beat either South Africa or Manu Samoa to get their, two teams that base their games on physicality.

Prediction: 

Either way Scotland will be grateful that they don’t sit in New Zealand’s pool, a team that has knocked them out of four of the seven tournaments to date. The match against Samoa on October 10 will essentially be their final and if they do progress, they shouldn’t make it any further.

Samoa (3rd)

Coach: Stephan Betham
Captain: Ofisa Treviranus (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Pool Stage

Best Forward: Jack Lam (Flanker)
Best Back: Tim Nanai-Williams (Outside Back)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Kahn Fotuali’i (Halfback)

Preview

For a number of years and especially at RWC time, Samoa have been the strongest of the Polynesian countries. They are physically imposing, have solid core skills, but they also possess a few high-profile players that are earning big money overseas. They are a team no-one wants to play and South Africa has had to bear the brunt of the Samoans for the last three Rugby World Cup campaigns. Given a lot of their players play in Europe, they will be used to the emphasis that is placed on scrums and lineouts and the conditions won’t be too much of a distraction for them. They showed in Apia earlier this season that they can compete on the big stage when they gave the All Blacks a run for their money. They have a sizeable pack with an openside flanker that can compete on the deck with the best of them in Jack Lam. Kahn Fotuali’i is a solid halfback and the backline is full of power and pace. Leaving Paul Williams out, a mainstay in the Fijian setup for a number of years was somewhat of a surprise, but keep an eye on Chiefs player Tim Nanai-Williams who can cut defences to pieces in the blink of an eye.

Prediction: 

Samoa has never beaten South Africa, but they will take a lot of belief out of beating Scotland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh two seasons ago. If they face Scotland in good conditions, I genuinely feel that they can give them a run for their money, however, if the rain intervenes, the edge will certainly go to the Scots. It is probably the most difficult number two position in a pool there is to call, with the winner likely to face either Australia or England in a quarterfinal.

Japan (4th)

Coach: Eddie Jones
Captain: Michael Leitch (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Quarter-finals

Best Forward: Michael Leitch (Number Eight)
Best Back: Fumiaki Tanaka (Halfback)

Preview

Japan are meant to be hosting the 2019 RWC, however, in recent weeks there has been some debate as to whether the event will actually go ahead there. The game in Japan has continued to grow, largely funded by private companies like Panasonic, Sanyo and Toshiba. They continue to attract high-profile players to the Top League, purely for the fact that it is a shorter season and the competition isn’t base on the physicality that is required in Europe. Their pack has improved immensely in recent years and expect their scrum to hold their own on occasions, with the Chiefs Michael Leitch a solid player in the back row. Halfback Fumiaki Tanaka will have learned a lot from Aaron Smith at the Highlanders, so it will be interesting to see how he performs in England.

Prediction: 

Japan has never progressed from the pool stage at any RWC and they are the only side to concede over 1,000 points in the history of the tournament. Their biggest match comes against the United States with the other matches against South Africa, Samoa and Scotland a forgone conclusion.

USA (5th)

Coach: Mike Tolkin
Captain: Chris Wyles (Centre/Outside Back)
2011 RWC Position: Pool Stage

Best Forward: Samu Manoa (Number Eight)
Best Back: Thretton Palamo (Inside Centre)

Preview

United States Coach Mike Tolkin has over ten players currently plying their trade in Europe, which is an increase on the last Rugby World Cup. Some players to watch out for include Samu Manoa, who will be playing for Toulon next year as a rampaging lock/number eight, Thretton Palamo who is a physical inside-centre and the outside backs combination of Wyles, Ngwenya and Scully who all have a lot of pace.  Another player to watch out for is Olive Kilifi, who is a massive unit as a front rower and Danny Barrett, who is a solid number eight that has made a name for himself in the Sevens game. Their first half performance against Australia was solid, but for me it was more a case of the Wallabies playing horribly, as opposed the the USA playing well.

Prediction: 

Their Sevens program continues to improve and this will help their 15-man setup, however, I think Japan will have their number in the battle for fifth place in Pool B, despite having beaten them in two of three matches at previous Rugby World Cups.

POOL C

Key Games:

September 20 (Sunday) New Zealand vs Argentina (Wembley Stadium)
October 4 (Sunday) Argentina vs Tonga (Leicester)

New Zealand (1st)

Coach: Steve Hansen
Captain: Richie McCaw (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Champions

Best Forward: Brodie Retallick (Second Row)/Kieran Read (Number Eight)
Best Back: Aaron Smith (Halfback)/Ma’a Nonu (Inside Centre)
Rising Star: Malakai Fekitoa (Outside Centre)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Dane Coles (Hooker)

Preview

The All Blacks head into every Rugby World Cup as favourites and justifiably so. Having broken a 20-year drought, New Zealand won their home World Cup in 2011 and did so with an injury depleted squad, albeit in a nail biter against France in the Final. Throughout their history, the All Blacks have only ever lost international games to Australia, England, France, South Africa and Wales and you would expect if they were to drop a match in England, it would have to be against one of them. Coach Steve Hansen has a phenomenal record leading the All Blacks since he took over from Sir Graham Henry having only tasted defeat on 3 occasions from 37 matches. Let that sink in – they have been totally dominant.
Looking at their squad, their front row would probably be their biggest area of concern with the likes of Tony Woodcock and Kevin Mealamu running out of gas quickly, but Dane Coles at hooker is certainly one of their most underrated players. Last year’s Player of the Year Brodie Retallick partners Sam Whitelock in an impressive second row, with the starting back rowers likely to be Jerome Kaino, Captain Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. Aaron Smith selects himself at nine, although TJ Perenara is a solid replacement. Dan Carter will probably get the nod at flyhalf and I feel as if Beauden Barrett should feel slightly unlucky, although his ‘super sub’ status may have contributed to this decision. Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith continue their record centre partnership with the first choice back three most likely comprising of ‘the bus’ Julian Savea, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Ben Smith. The All Blacks certainly have powerful and clever forwards, brilliant backs oozing with X-factor and enviable strength in depth. And of course, they are led by one of the all-time greats in Richie McCaw.

Prediction: 

The All Blacks are going to demolish their pool and that includes Argentina. I would put my house on them not losing a match, however, some might argue that they might be underdone heading into the knock-out phases. It would be a surprise to see them not retain ‘Bill’, but stranger things have happened.

Argentina (2nd)

Coach: Daniel Hourcade
Captain: Agustin Creevy (Hooker)
2011 RWC Position: Quarter-finals

Best Forward: Juan Martin Fernandez-Lobbe (Flanker)
Best Back: Marcello Bosch (Centre)
Rising Star: Pablo Matera (Flanker)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Agustin Creevy (Hooker)

Preview

Argentina have been a notoriously strong Rugby World Cup team having made the quarterfinals and semi-finals in the last two tournaments. Their introduction to the Rugby Championship has been a huge stepping stone for the South American representatives and their first win against the Springboks this year in Durban was arguably their best victory in their history. Led by hooker Agustin Creevy, they have a strong pack with a dominant scrum and they have a tough-as-nails back row. With players like Juan Martin Hernandez Marcello Bosch and Juan Imhoff, a prolific try-scorer in the backline, they are capable of giving most teams a run for their money and the fact that a number of their players are based in the northern hemisphere will really benefit them.

Prediction: 

The Pumas have never beaten the All Blacks from 20 attempts so a win at Wembley Stadium in London in week one is highly unlikely. In Pool C, only Tonga will be able to challenge them, but the Argentinians will be confident that they have enough weapons in their Arsenal to advance from the pool stage for the third consecutive tournament. It will probably end there as they will most likely face Ireland or France, which should be too strong in their own ‘backyard.

Tonga (3rd)

Coach: Mana Otai
Captain: Nili Latu (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Pool

Best Forward: Steve Mafi (Lock/Blindside Flanker)
Best Back: Fetu’u Vainikolo (Wing)

Preview

Tonga, the weakest of the three Polynesian teams at this RWC have been placed in a tough pool. They struggle financially and much like Samoa and Fiji, the bulk of their players play overseas. Very rarely do they get to assemble a full squad, but this time around, their squad looks promising. They have a heavy pack and some big ball carriers in the forwards which will cause the likes of Georgia and Namibia some serious issues. In the backline, there are players that are capable of cutting opposition defences to pieces, with Vainikolo, Veainu and Piutau the most notable chances. Discipline has been an issue for them in the past so they will need to keep all of their players on the field if they are to have any chance of upsetting Argentina, which is highly unlikely.

Prediction: 

The Tongans will remember beating France, the 2011 tournament finalists, in New Zealand and this will give them the belief that they need. However, the structure that the All Blacks and the Pumas will play with will nullify the attacking threats they possess and Tonga will most likely hit the showers early in the UK.

Georgia (4th)

Coach: Milton Haig
Captain: Mamuka Gorgodze (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Pool

Best Player: Mamuka Gorgodze (Back Row)

Preview

From all accounts, the pride that Georgian players have in their jersey is on par with some of the top nations in the world. Georgia needs two wins to qualify for the RWC in Japan in four years time, so this will be their ultimate goal. They are a forward-led side, who like to kick to the corners and win penalties from scrums, however, their backline lacks starch and game-breaking ability. A few of their players now play in the Top 14 in France, however, they don’t get enough exposure to top quality rugby to be a threat in England.

Prediction:

They are a big team, particularly in the forwards, however, the game isn’t all about size and the rugby brains of the other teams in Pool C will wear them down and suffocate the life of their campaign in England.

Namibia (5th)

Coach: Danie Vermuelen
Captain: Jacques Burger (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Pool Stage

Best Player: Jacques Burger (Flanker)

Preview

Not a lot is expected of Namibia at this year’s Rugby World Cup, but a player you will be hearing a lot about is Captain and flanker Jacques Burger. He currently plies his trade in the UK and he is an abrasive loose forward which a huge motor. Burger is one of four players that will be competing at their third RWC. The others include prop Johnnie Redelinghuys, flanker Tinus du Plessis and halfback Eugene Jantjies. A further nine players competed in New Zealand four years ago. Redelinghuys is Namibia’s highest capped player of all time, with 46 Test matches under his belt with the average number of caps amongst the squad being only 16. This shows that they don’t have a lot of experience on the world stage and this is something that will hurt them throughout the tournament. Namibia were fortunate to partake in a few training sessions with the Springboks prior to leaving for England and their players would’ve taken a lot of it.

Prediction: 

From the 15 matches the ‘Welwitschias’ have played at the RWC, they have failed to win on every occasion and their for and against has been the worst of any team in the last two tournaments. It’s almost a foregone conclusion that they will get the wooden spoon in Pool C.

POOL D

Key Games:

September 19 (Saturday) France vs Italy (Twickenham)
October 4 (Sunday) Ireland vs Italy (Olympic Stadium)
October 11 (Sunday) France vs Ireland (Millennium Stadium)

Ireland (1st)

Coach: Joe Schmidt
Captain: Paul O’Connell (Second Row)
2011 RWC Position: Quarter-finals

Best Forward: Sean O’Brien (Flanker)
Best Back: Jonny Sexton (Flyhalf)
Rising Star: Robbie Henshaw (Centre)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Paul O’Connell (Second Row)

Preview

In recent weeks, Ireland have found themselves as high as number two (now sixth) on the World Rugby rankings, however, recent losses to both Wales and England would’ve dented their confidence heading into this year’s showpiece. The are coached by Joe Shcmidt, a coach with a big reputation and they are captained by lock Paul O’Connell, who has been a stalwart of Irish rugby for more than a decade. Their pack can match it with the best and their back row is one of their weapons. Although their backline doesn’t possess they size of some of their opponents, they are marshalled around the field by Conor Murray and Jonny Sexton, two players who at the top of the game can cause any team problems. Their kicking game is strong and a lot of tries are scored from bombs and chips, but Sexton’s goal kicking has delivered when needed most in recent seasons.

Prediction: 

Ireland has never progressed past the quarterfinals of a Rugby World Cup, but they certainly have a good opportunity this time. Their two recent losses really exposed some of their weaknesses and their reliability on a few players and other teams would’ve certainly taken note. For me, they are a semi-final team at best and even if they did make the Final on through the easier side of the draw, I don’t think they have enough firepower to win the William Webb Ellis trophy for the first time.

France (2nd)

Coach: Philippe Saint-Andre
Captain: Thierry Dusautoir (Flanker)
2011 RWC Position: Final

Best Forward: Thierry Dusautoir (Flanker)
Best Back: Wesley Fofana (Inside Centre)
Rising Star: Gael Fikou (Centre)

Preview

France are easily the most unpredictable team in world rugby, both in terms of the way they play the game and also their consistency. One day they look like they can beat anyone and the next they struggle against tier two nations. They thrive on the big stage, as was the case in New Zealand four years ago, however, they haven’t been overly threatening under the guidance of former player, Phillippe Saint-Andre. Their scrum is their biggest weapon and they have two towering locks in former Captain Pascale Pape and Alexandre Flanquart. Thierry Dusautoir is an industrious back rower, but he hasn’t had a lot of game time lately due to injury. I am still not convinced with the selection of Frederic Michalak as the first choice flyhalf, despite putting on some solid performances in recent weeks. However, the centre pairing of Wesley Fofana and Mathieu Bastereaud, with Gael Fikou coming off the bench is one of the best in the world. Yoaan Huget on the wing has a knack of breaking the line and scoring important tries, but like the other players in the team, he lacks consistency.

Prediction: 

Les Bleus will take a lot of confidence out of beating both Scotland and England in the lead up to the RWC, but their unpredictability makes them a nightmare for punters. For me, they will qualify in second position in their group ahead of Italy and they will face the All Blacks in the quarters, much like the scenario at the 2007 Cup, where France upset the visitors in remarkable fashion.

Italy (3rd)

Coach: Jacques Brunel
Captain: Sergio Parisse (Number Eight)
2011 RWC Position: Pool Stage

Best Forward: Sergio Parisse (Number Eight)
Best Back: Giovanbattista Venditti (Wing)
Player they can’t afford to lose: Sergio Parisse (Number Eight)

Preview

Unfortunately for the Azzurri, the state of the game in Italy is certainly not at it’s strongest. They currently lie in 14th position and although they might improve over the course of this next six weeks, there appears to be too much ground to make up. In the year 2000, Italy was inducted into the 6 Nations program and to be fair, 15 years later, many would’ve expected them to be in a better position than they currently are. Sure, the upset the odd team, but they don’t seem to have the development systems in place or the right on-field and off-field personnel to really trouble the top ten. They are captained by Sergio Parisse who would be one of the better number eights in world rugby, however, he doesn’t get a lot of support in a country that is football mad. He is also under an injury cloud heading into the RWC which is a huge concern for Italy. Flanker Mauro Bergamasco has been selected for a record fifth Rugby World Cup which is an incredible feat that really shows how durable and skilful he is.

Prediction: 

They will be used to playing both Ireland and France, but on the big stage, I can’t see them causing an upset. They should be too strong for Canada and Romania, but don’t expect them to make the quarter-finals in England.

Canada (4th)

Coach: Kieran Crowley
Captain: Tyler Ardon (back row)
2011 RWC Position: Pool Stage

Best Forward: Jamie Cudmore (Lock)
Best Back: Jeff Hassler (Wing)

Preview

Canada enter this Rugby World Cup in worrying form and there isn’t a lot of excitement about their prospects this time around. They have participated at every Rugby World Cup and won matches in six out of the seven tournaments. They are coached by Kieran Crowley, a member of the 1987 RWC-winning All Black team. Each year they compete in the Pacific Nations Cup, a tournament that includes the USA, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. This year they finished dead last losing all of their matches and their lead-in form hasn’t been too good either with a narrow one-point win over Georgia and an 18 – 47 flogging at the hands of Fiji only last weekend. They are a team that is packed with players who have been mainstays in the Canadian sevens setup for a number of years, but without as much space, one questions their ability in England.

Prediction: 

hey will be targeting the Romania match as their winnable game, but Italy and more so, France and Ireland could put a cricket score on them.

Romania (5th)

Coach: Lynn Howells
Captain: Mihai Macovei (Flanker/Number Eight)
2011 RWC Position: Quarter-finals

Preview

Romania are a team that will simply be making up the numbers in England this year. They are a hard working team that relies on their pack to get them penalties and they use their goal kicker to knock over the points. They actually hold the record for the fewest points in a RWC campaign, scoring just 14 in 2015. There are a lot of players in the team that have day jobs and as a result, they are lucky that they aren’t coming up against the likes of the All Blacks, Springboks or Wallabies.

Prediction: 

Unfortunately for the Romanians, they won’t be able to deliver a Nadia Comaneci like performance in England and they will finish at the bottom of their pool.