The Rugby World Cup 2015 according to Benedict Chanakira

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I have seen different teams win the World Cup and in my first formal World Cup preview I will be bringing you the four different groups’ outcomes according to my analysis, observation and thoughts. Before we get there here is the preview!!

It’s going to be an amazing World Cup in England, may not produce the best games because weather may be a factor but whoever wins will be deserving of the accolade and tag; World Champions. I am hoping the sides from the North really turn up and have at least a side in the final. So let’s get down to business and let me introduce the BC Gauge; we all know that the New Zealand All Blacks are the best rugby team on the planet. I would probably say since 1987 right through to 2015 they have been favourites or thereabouts of this thing they call the Rugby World Cup. They have depth, the coaching prowess, skill to mention a few of the weapons in their arsenal but like Australia and South Africa have only managed to win the World Cup twice. Despite dominating it the most since 1987; New Zealand is also highly represented at the current World Cup with seven coaches amongst the 20 teams that are participating. So you get the picture that everything is just them and all the teams drool, lust and envy how they play rugby.

Everything simply points to them; read around and majority of the rugby community will fancy them to win the World Cup. A survey has shown they are the best side on the road. When they are away from New Zealand; the All Blacks have managed an 83, 3 % win percentage in the last eight years. That is +/- 27% better than the next best team on the road which is South Africa (54, 6%). It’s important to note Wales sit third in the travelling hierarchy while Australia show their vulnerability on the road down the rankings somewhere. It’s France who are the worst among the Tier 1 nations with just 11 wins in the last 38 away games. Typical French! You just don’t know which side pitches up!

I however have my doubts about them winning the World Cup, I mean to be fair no side deserves to win it more than the All Blacks but still… They have dominated the international cycle time and time again, but have found themselves falling short in this tournament on five occasion. At this stage they have won the inaugural one and the last one both at home. So they have a barrier when it comes to this event away from home. What we can say about these men is they have a habit of doing the unthinkable so can they go against the grain on so many levels or do we expect someone else to be crowned World Champion? New Zealand are the only team that can create history in rugby!

Some points to consider in World Cups and World Cup years!

^ No side defends a World Cup. I will gladly have my dose of humble pie should they do so. I can see them do it but rarely has a side ever done such. Will New Zealand be the first? On paper they look the most balanced side out there. They can take a B side and push some teams even..

^ The World Cup has a host hoodoo. 1987 & 2011 had the same host and same winner. Last time a World Cup game was played in England- Australia won it. Is there a chance? What am I saying, any World Cup that has involved England as a host- Australia has won it. Just as any hosting which involves New Zealand-NZ win it.

^ The first to take the lead in terms of titles was the Australians who won their second title before the other nations. Or could the English make it two for all the’ world cup winning sides’?

^Forget 1987; any other World Cup year no side has managed to win the World Cup when they have managed to win a game in the World Cup with the biggest margin! Scoring big seems to have drawbacks!

^What are the odds of the last two World Cups’ sequence being followed of the World Cup finalists coming from the same group? (Glares at Group A)

^The Rugby Championship / Tri Nations winner never wins the World Cup! Could the All Blacks have dodged a bullet! The dreaded curse…

^Every World Cup winning fly half from South Africa went to Maritzburg College. (Think a KZN boy will do?)

^ A total of 622+ caps has won it. This is a figure based on the totals of the last four world champion sides. Clearly the obsession with experience has these stats affecting selections in most teams. (1999- 622 caps and an average age of 27; 2003- 638 caps and average age of 28; 2007- 688 caps and average age 27 and 2011- 709 caps and average age of 28) The balance has to be just right! For instance the All Blacks side this weekend had caps of 946 (starting XV) ! A side that had youth and stalwarts!

^No team has ever won the World Cup with a foreign coach!

There will be twists and turns and maybe, just maybe this will change- chances are it will! Something against the norm will happen. Looking forward to a great World Cup! They have done the invincible season already in that infamous 2013 year so can they defend their title? So many questions and personally I hold the notion- New Zealand will battle to win the World Cup! Trends, behaviours, some facts and possible reasons that could see a World Cup winner other than New Zealand.

PS- Still think SA will win WC in 2019!

Group A

My biggest belief is that the Word Cup finalist and champions will probably come from this group. The group of death. Four teams that have a realistic chance to make the quarter finals. England face Fiji first and chances are that they will know what they need to do to make the next round by the second game. So how does it stand? The most exciting brand of rugby at the World Cup will come out of this group, unless the side become ultra-conservative. I tell you now; watch out for this “Can’t make a mistake’ group…

England- The hosts will need to pull out all the tricks and best options they can get. The team has class players, the home vibe and ambiance of matches being hosted in the county will hopefully make the England team perform above and beyond their competition. There must be some added aspect. An extra three or seven points to the score board. With Manu Tuilagi and Dylan Hartley already missing from the training squad due to their discipline indiscretions the task looks a lot more daunting for the Roses. I still tip them among the favourites as they are the only team to have convincingly beaten the All Blacks in the Northern Hemisphere but also on any platform properly. It will take a huge ask but the England squad have the right mix to challenge for the World Cup. They are host as well and the Twickenham crowd on its day has been known to add to their side’s formidability. It’s also impressive to note that England have the most graduates from the Junior World Cup (22) in their initial training squad. A plaudit to their system and coach Stuart Lancaster. Their last game against France did highlight a few weaknesses with ill-discipline being chief of them but also a positive that they can turn the intensity up and that they have a few X-factor players!

Key Player– With an impressive pack and three great options at pivot the player that could be decisive for them will be the Bath centre- Jonathan Josephs! Speed, skill and a deceptive step. England have much to prove. This is the time for them to make the stand! While most may be looking to the 2019 World Cup, England could very well surprise.

The big question- Can the hosts go all the way?

What they had to say; Alex Shaw a respected journalist and English writer-

‘The RWC hosts were unlucky to miss out on the Six Nations title, narrowly being pipped on point’s difference by Ireland. They might not have Ireland’s experience or savvy, but they could be a more talented side, man for man. With home advantage, a dominant scrum and newly-found confidence in their attacking game, England should join Ireland as the northern hemisphere’s best hopes for RWC success.’

Australia- The Australians have been on a rocky patch in the last few years. They seem to be on a player drought with scores of their players leaving. This also saw them loose the grip on their overseas players’ rules as they allowed the players with 60 caps/7 year’s minimum service to be eligible for selection. This has bolstered their World Cup chances in my opinion as it has now seen the return of Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and George Smith into the frame. Matt Giteau is the most glaring player who is still able to give much to the Wallabies cause. He is not just an option at 10 and 12 but also will be covering the 9 slot if needed.

Giteau has the experience, the ability and has expressed his hunger to don the Australian jumper. Michael Cheika is now at the helm and is the third coach Australia has had in the last four year. A winner in his own right and if they are able to do anything it would be to go all the way. The Wallabies have shown the right balance; if their mental attitude is right are capable of going all the way. They were also the last side to win the World Cup in England so who knows! Every World Cup that has been in England so far, was won by Australia. Add the help and aid of the Argentinian scrum doctor expect a full onslaught from Australia!

Key Player– They are known for the flair in their backline and the Australians pride themselves in that aspect. However if there is one player that can be the difference maker it will be David Pocock who has been the master of the break down in Super Rugby and will also chip in with a few tries from the driving maul. Remember 2011?

The big question- Can Michael Cheika replicate his magic once again?

Scott Higginbotham; ‘Look, I think the chances are good, it was a bit tough I suppose with the green and gold last year, definitely in the Spring tour. There were definitely some improvements in the Rugby Championship as opposed to the year before but there definitely were some disappointing losses on there. The Wallabies are in a tough pool facing England the host nation, Wales, Fiji and a wildcard side and it will be tough to make it through to the quarter finals!’’

Wales- The dragons are a special team. The game of rugby is an 80 minute game and if it was played in 60 minutes the Welsh would be the best in the world. They are a mentally weak side and it has shown with several lost leads and non-more painful than in 2011 when they could have beaten the Springboks but they managed to fall short. Warren Gatland looks to be like a man running out of options, reasons and ideas. The Welsh are not as strong as they were in 2011. It will take a miracle and four strong performances to get out of their group.

Deep in their minds they will be realising that their last few World Cups have ended at the hands of Australia, Fiji and England. It is a compromising position for them and with all that tattooed in their minds this will be their biggest hurdle yet.

Key player- Leigh-Halfpenny. The Welsh man is the last line of defence. He is key for the Dragons He will need to have his kicking (tactical and goal kicking) on point. The Toulon man has an X-factor. The Welsh will need it.

The big question- Will Warren Gatland be in charge of the Welsh at the end of the WC or could Jake White be a surprise new appointment?

What they had to say; Alex Shaw- ‘Perennial struggles against the southern hemisphere continue to dog Warren Gatland’s Wales, but a recent victory over South Africa will give the squad confidence ahead of their pool match against Australia. Similarly to Ireland, Wales’ hopes could rest upon whether or not prop Samson Lee can regain fitness in time for the RWC. Wales have a talented enough XV to win the tournament, but they could also easily fail to escape their pool.’

Fiji- They are not favourites but they do have their moments. The Fijians will definitely be a force and can pull off shocks in the World Cup. They will be targeting the Welsh and Uruguay. Their lack of Tier 1 coaching leaves them lacking in that department, however the inclusion of Frans Ludeke managed to strengthen their forward play especially the scrum. Fiji will be physically prepared and in broken play will be a dangerous side. They are the ultimate rugby entertainers in their day and keep it up with flair. They have an unorthodox approach but they stumble in the aspect of maintaining structure and discipline. Without those latter two aspects it leads a team to fail at Test level. Fiji will no doubt leave the World Cup without their normal surprising- 2007 that game against the Springboks and knocking out Wales!

Key Player– Nemani Nadolo, The Crusaders flyer has been in imperious form. He has managed to score, create and torment defenders. With Vereniki Goneva on the other wing the Fijians will look to use their winners to torment sides. It could be an exciting match up should Nadolo take on George North.

The big question- How many of the opposition players will still be standing after they play Fiji?

Uruguay- The Uruguayans will be facing a steep mountain to climb. From the outside looking in, it looks like they will get a whitewash of losses. In most cases sides of this calibre will have noted this as an achievement of itself to get to the World Cup. It has been 12 years since they last got to the World Cup and its testament to the work of their coach. In the Tbilisi Cup the Uruguay side made many errors. They lacked discipline, poor at the breakdown and will also need to work on their control of the game and ball retention. Los Teros know what they must do and have been working hard in Montevideo to be ready for the World Cup. It will be a long World Cup adventure. Teros flyhalf Felipe Berchesi is also a pin point kicker and was crucial as the Uruguayan side managed to beat an Argentinian XV. They would have expected a better show had they had a more competitive group.

Key Player- Joaquin Prada. One of their star performers who is humble and a hard hitting midfielder. Prada will be keen to impress as he pursues a rugby contract post World Cup.

The big question- How many tries will they be able to score?

My call? England and Australia to progress!

Group B

The group which is quite complex. The Samoans have the unknown factor, with the slanders managing to push the springboks all the way last World Cup. There will be expectation the South Africans win the group. They are two time winners and will be able to match up and beat their opponents. South Africa are going to be wary of Samoa more than the Scots after they managed to be pushed all the way by the side. The US and Japan are likely to face off each other for the elusive group win, while the Scotland-Samoa game will decide who makes the final 8.

South Africa- One of the favourites of the tournament. Don’t talk about the form guide, when you get into the heat of the World Cup, very few survive. The big question is; will the blend between the old and young players be enough to see the 2007 Champions go over the line again and claim their third World Cup? No side in the World is better suited to Northern hemisphere conditions than the Springboks’ game which will need to be executed accurately. Under Meyer the Springboks have no managed to win the Rugby Championship and will do well to show their hand in the early stages. It is a fairly winnable group on paper. However the game is not played on paper and the Boks will be hoping they do not suffer any injuries against the physical Samoans who they faced in 2011 and pushed them all the way. The most significant thing is the trust within the group is very strong, the reliance and hope that Fourie du Preez pulls through is strong. From what I have seen, heard and had explained by an inside source means the legend number 9 will come out and deliver.

Key Player- Willie le roux. The mercurial Sharks player has the opportunity to play in the World Cup. He will be the key factor for the Springboks in attack and has managed to rescue them on several occasions in the dreaded NH conditions. Look back to a clash against Scotland which so the man literally, singlehandedly dismantle the Scottish. Now Willie can be one of two things, brilliant on the day or woeful . Over to you Willie!

The big question- How will the Meyer’s four year tenure be defined? A high percentage and what else?

Samoa- They pride themselves in the physical aspect of the game of rugby. Samoa are also hard defenders with an aspect of the unorthodox attack. Samoa have the ability to upset and with the Scottish and South Africans standing in their path this group could turn up being a lively fight. With this said they struggle to impose themselves over 80 minutes. The Samoans have had a very good preparation and will be confident in their attack but if any of their opponents need any confidence, they must look at how Fiji exposed them in the Pacific Nations Cup!

Key Player- Tim Nanai-Williams. The Chiefs man will be one to watch. If there is any space and this man gets the ball it could be trouble for the opposition. With the size, power and speed in their side Tim’s added intelligence will bolster the side remarkably!

The big question- Will they prevail against the South Africans and Scottish?

Scotland- Inconsistent. The Scots have managed to be competitive and in most occasions but they have nothing to show for it. On any day with all their players fit the side can be counted. They have a very balanced pack and with the additions of WP Nel and Josh Strauss who will add much needed quality and nous. Vern Cotter has added some quality to the side and it is paramount the Scots avoid the shame of 2011 and miss out on the quarter finals. They have the ability to surprise and if anything they have been doing in their warm up games is to be taken seriously; one will realise on a good day a full strength Scotland side could topple any of the teams in this group. They will need to beat South Africa or Samoa. Their bruising loose forwards could be the first step towards that as they continue to show their variety!

Key player- Dave Denton. The versatile loose forward will be keen to catch up on missed games. Scotland have massive depth in the loose forward department and with Denton amongst their ranks will do well to utilise the big ball carrier and exceptional defender who has a knack for big hits occasionally.

The big question- Can they be consistent?

What do they say? Alex Shaw; – ‘Five losses from five games in the Six Nations was a big blow to a Scottish side which seemed to be improving. They are unlikely to challenge South Africa in Pool B and will probably face off with Samoa for the runners up spot and a place in the quarter-finals. That match could prove one of the most compelling at the RWC, but regardless of the outcome, this competition could be seen as one for development for Scotland, especially with young talents like Jonny Gray and Rob Harley in the squad.’

Japan- Will they have any Japanese born players? The Japanese league is flooding with International stars and I do doubt the quality of play there on occasion as time and time again stars return to Super Rugby or Test rugby a bit off the pace. It is believed to improve players and very few players have been proof of that. The Japanese continue to improve and will also look to target the American game for a win. The benefit of having a Super rugby winner among their ranks in the form of Fumiaka Tanaka will help their case. Michael Leitch also has some experience playing for the Chiefs in Super rugby and also having a starring role. Japanese players will be well conditioned and will have the fight right to the end. They showed impressive morale and silky backline play in 2011. They should be able to continue their preparations towards Rugby World Cup 2019 in this World Cup.

Key Player- Fumiaka Tanaka. Having the privilege to play with the best scrumhalf in the world will certainly improve the Japanese half back. Quick service, darting runs and despite being dim unitive Tanaka boasts a great pass and a sharp eye. The Japanese team will be looking to the man for some magic.

The big question- Will they be able to impose themselves physically?

USA- The Eagles are slowly getting the hang of the game. It is a great sight to see sides like New Zealand, England and Australia looking to tour and play a few games in the US. The more exposure they receive, the more they will adapt and get used to the intensity. They face a huge task to make the quarter final but will do well to collect a win. They will probably focus on the clash against Japan who are fast improving.

Key Player- Chris Wyles. The Saracens player will be the focal point of the American attack. Their most capped full back he brings a wealth of experience to the Eagles. The Connecticut born player is a try machine as he managed to star for Saracens last season crossing the white wash 13 times.

The big question- Does Todd Clever still have what it takes to dominate?

South Africa & Scotland to progress (Samoa could make me regret this.) !

Group C

New Zealand- Champions, well defending champions. Unmatched to be frank and having lost only two matches over the last four years it’s hard not to have them as outright favourites. New Zealand is the best team in the World. It probably is the greatest, however no side has ever been able to defend the Rugby World Cup and I will stand by that belief. They could meet the prickly French in the quarter-finals and this is where I feel they could most probably fall. Humble pie has been stocked and it will be something special should the men in black manage to achieve this feet, then again who is known for doing the unthinkable? Remember 2013? Undefeated. Those who watch rugby very closely will realise the All Blacks have it tough on games abroad and while they have not lost many (just the one to England) in the last few year their winning culture allows them to keep the streak but there are evident cracks when it’s in the unpredictable Northern hemisphere weather. The gap is closing, even if it seems its getting wider and they may fall short in the coming World Cup, or even suffer the fate of a dubious refereeing show!

Can the All Blacks defend the World Cup?

Argentina- Los Pumas. The Argentinians have been up and down in the last few years. Coming into this season they had only managed one win against the mighty three; of the Northern hemisphere while also suffering a couple of defeats to England, Ireland and this does not bode well for the Southern Hemisphere side that managed to finish third in the 2007 France World Cup. They managed to shock the Springboks in Durban with the aiding of Romain Poite. This should have done then lots of good in the confidence department. That spirited and determined performance in Durban against South Africa was a highlight for this young group and it is likely they will gain valuable experience at this World Cup with a focus on 2019. They have shown glimpses of what they can do; with a dominant scrum, accurate goal kicker and trickery in their side. Addition to Super Rugby will definitely continue to improve their game and they look likely to match the 2011 World Cup achievement of Quarter finals unless they manage to surprise France or Ireland who will be favourites to win Group D.

Key Player- Juan Manuel Leguizamon. The loose forward is a workhorse. Strong with ball in hand, on defence and has a decent set of wheels. The Argentinian is also familiar with life on the Northern hemisphere and will prove to be useful in the side as an experienced head and one of their stand out players.

Can 2007’s success be repeated?

Tonga- Tonga have managed to prepare for their World Cup in a disruptive cloud as their rugby boss Epeli Taione has been vocal in the continued downward spiral of Tongan rugby. The Tongans already making cries of not being at full strength and having to feel aggrieved as players and clubs both turn down the option of playing for them. Their Pacific Nations Cup campaign went well as they managed to finish third. They need to work on their defence and if there is any credit required it would be to their attack which was sizzling and accurate. They manage to execute with precision and showed the traditional Islander threat in broken play. It will take quite a lot for them to get out of this group and one has to wonder if they will be able to spring a surprise like the one they managed in 2011 against France. The proposition looks unlikely at the moment.

Key Player- Fetu’u Vainikolo. Joint top try scorer at the Pacific Nations Cup, the Tongan flyer has speed, power and skill. The former Highlanders winger will be a key player in the pursuit for excellence in their World Cup adventure. The man has experience playing in the northern hemisphere and it will count in his favour.

Georgia- The Georgians have been improving slowly under Milton Haig. What was impressive was their first half show against the Irish a few years back which saw them only trail at the break 9-0, only for the wheels to fall off as they lost 49-7. They lost 29-18 to Argentina and watching them you could see what they were trying to do. The physical Europeans possess athletes that are strong and can stand toe to toe with many. They will be in a tough group and could find themselves matching and even surpassing some of their opponents. They will relish the opportunity to take on the World Champions and the Argentinians who they will look to push to the very end.

Key Player- Mamuka Gorgodze. A powerful ball carrier, a handy distributor and a physical specimen who is at home in the loose trio and in desperate time at lock. Mamuka will be the go to man for the Georgians and expect the big man to cross over the try line a few times.

‘Milton Haig, the Georgia head coach on their chances and aims at the World Cup- that question. The thing is that goal for the 2015 World Cup is to win at least two games in our pool to automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup, therefore next four years will be spent on team building, experiments without worry of qualification. The teams we are aiming for are Tonga and Namibia.

Namibia- The underdogs. They are expected to finish the group in the bottom and will have it tough considering this could be one of the most physical groups at the World Cup. Namibia have never won a game at the world Cup and could fancy their chance this season. While the squad will feature a couple of non-professionals; they boast a few quality players in Renaldo Bothma and Jacques Burger who are not just defensive arsenals but also formidable with ball in hand. The loss of Coach Danie Vermeulen could be a positive or negative for the side with two months to go to the show piece. Springbok and former Blue Bulls backline coach Pieter Rossouw is a new addition to the coaching staff and he will hope to bring some much needed creativity and edge alongside Phil Davies.

Key Player – Jacques Burger. The man mountain. A work horse, a player that has managed to make a record 36 tackles for Saracens against Exeter in the Premiership. The leader will lead from the front and any of his performances are an inspirational signal for his team mates.

‘Renaldo Bothma on their chances at the World Cup- We have set ourselves a goal to win one game at the World Cup. Namibia has never won a game at the world cup! So it will be a huge honour to make history and win a game!’

New Zealand and Argentina to progress !

Group D

The easiest group in the World Cup. Is there such a thing? Well I reckon Ireland and France will cruise. While many feel the Irish will play a part on deciding who ends up with the William Webb Ellis, it is fair to say they will be the winners of this group. You see they will have to negotiate a fixture with the French who can be an unknown factor. Italy , Canada and Romania will work hard to see who finishes third. The Romanians managed to score some exciting tries a few years ago in their World Cup adventure and while Italy seem to be regressing the match up with Romania will be fascinating, especially when it gets up close and personal in the forwards!

France- You will never know which side pitches up. The one that will push the World Cup winners all the way or the one that loses to Tonga. France have lost their flair over the years and to be frank; their league being populated by foreigners does little for the development of their own. The French have a very interesting pattern and make the World Cup final every three World Cups (get there once, skip the next two World Cups) . So having made it in 1987, 1999 and 2011 what will this year provide? Will they knock the mighty All Blacks out again? I sure think so, not because of pure speculation but because they have the abilities to do so. They have a pack that hunt as one, with their performance against England testament of that.

Key Player- Wesley Fofana. You see this player is an absolute gem for the Clermont side he plays for. When it comes to the French side the form just cannot be replicated. If it is replicated it is a rare sight. Fofana is quick, elusive and on his day can be a nightmare to the opposition. Which Fofana will be in England?

The big question- The French will upset one big side. Who will it be?

Damien Dussault on France’s chances- ‘I think France will play at least a semi-final if not the final. Don’t forget France always perform at the World Cup and wake up when nobody expects it. It looks like the preparation to the World Cup is very hard and I am sure it will benefit the group of players. It has been a hard 4 years for the national team as for the first time ever France hasn’t won any Six Nations tournament in between two World Cups. But I do believe that sometimes losing can help a team to reach their maximum potential later on if the lessons of these defeats are learnt properly. Let’s wait and see.’

Alex Shaw- ‘Often described as mercurial or hard to predict, France are actually a fairly known quantity these days. Their pack is a formidable unit that will give anyone a tough game, but the back line, despite boasting some classy operators, has failed to click with any consistency. Philippe Saint-André’s team selections will surely continue to garner attention, but they should qualify from their pool fairly comfortably and have a tendency to up their game come knockout rugby.’

Ireland- The Six Nations champions. They managed to beat the Springboks last season, pushed the All Blacks all the way and led for 80 minutes to only lose after a retake and have gathered a score of international fans. Will the Irish luck take them all the way? A formidable forward pack, a New Zealand coach and the ability to move the ball wide with threatening backs that can score. Forgotten is the nightmare of 2007, the Irish will be looking to achieve their best World Cup run. It’s very possible.

Key Player- Robbie Henshaw. The Connacht graduate has the potential to be a great like Gordon D’Arcy and Brian O’Driscoll. He has some deceptive strength and speed, with his try against the English in the 2015 Six Nations one for the highlights reel. He will be a key member of the Irish and one to keep a close eye on.

The big question- Realistically, Just how far can the Irish go in this World Cup?

What they had to say; Alex Shaw- ‘The Six Nation champions enter the RWC on the back of winning the Six Nations, not to mention an autumn that saw them beat both South Africa and Australia in Dublin. The half-back pairing of Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton is the best in the northern hemisphere and will steer Joe Schmidt’s side well. The scrum, however, could yet prove to be Ireland’s Achilles heel if Cian Healy cannot regain fitness in time for the tournament.’

Italy- The Italians are a passionate bunch. Really untouched when they playing at home. They will venture into the World Cup and play sides they are familiar with from the Six Nations. The Italians will also take a little bit of confidence in having managed to beat both sides before in the last four years. Despite their exceptional scrum, Italy will struggle in the loose and at the back with their backline offering so many points to the opposition.

Key Player- Sergio Parisse. A different team when he plays. He always allows the side to give an extra 10-15%. Parisse is an intelligent player and would make the World Cup squad of most of the sides at the World Cup. He is their leader and will need to lead from the front in their World Cup journey.

The big question- Can they surprise the french or the Irish?

Filipo Ferrarini on Italian chances – ‘For me I think it’s very important for Italy to win their first game against France. If they start with a good match and go on and get a win, it will be easier to go play Ireland, Canada and Romania. If we start good then we will have the opportunity to proceed to the knock out stage for the first time in our history.’

Canada- Canada is just 2-11 over its last 13 test matches dating back to November 2013, with the only victories coming over No. 21 Namibia and No. 29 Portugal. The losses include Samoa (twice), Scotland, Tonga, Japan (twice), Georgia, the U.S. (twice) and Romania (twice). The record worsens when counting non-test losses to the New Zealand Maori and an English second-division all-star team. They are in a challenging group, they will find it difficult despite their coach feeling optimistic that the structures and systems are getting in place. There is one thing that is for sure in sport; Confidence or the lack of it can contribute to what already is a tough task ahead for the Canadians. Canada at the recent Pacific Nations Cup showed woeful signs in their attack. They looked brave on defence but will need to sharpen their attack as it remains their weakest link.

Key Player- Daniel Tailliferrer Hauman van der Merwe; the South African born star is a try scorer with an impressive record of 39 tries in 90 games for Glasgow Warriors. The powerful defender and runner will need to step it up for the Canadians as they look to not just end a losing streak but to also make an impact at the World Cup. (Tier two nations need two wins to secure a spot at the next World Cup.)

What they said; Karen Knutt is a Canadian fan and rugby writer who follows the Canadians, she will also tell us about their key players – ‘We are waiting to hear if Jebb is in the squad. Hopefully he is fit enough. He has been out with an injury. Same with Jamie Cudmore. He’s very much key in the pack. Our key players at the moment are Jeff Hassler (Ospreys), Phil Mackenzie (Sale Sharks), and DTH Van der Merwe (Scarlets). They are our speed and good hands. Other players do well when paired. Also on top of his game is Phil Mack at scrumhalf.

I am hoping we can win two of the pool matches and our best hopes are v Italy and Romania who just squeaked by us in world rankings (they are 17, we are 18). If lucky we could meet a disorganized France. But we can’t take the pool. If we do I will get on a plane and sit outside the stadium for the finals!’

Romania- The Romanians managed to be held by Yorkshire Carnegie in their first World Cup warm up game. They are a physical side who are heavily reliant on their pack. In open play however they can have that pacific Islander flair to their play especially after one of their open encounters with Argentina four years ago which they managed to show a fair bit of skill. The task will be very difficult this time round again but they will no doubt target the Canadian and Italian game. The Romanians have the proud record of having played at every RWC and will look to do better in this edition.

Key Player- Andrei Radoi– The hooker will be looking to get his side moving forward. Having a familiarity with the English conditions will be of benefit to the team as they look to instil their traditional forward play. He will be one of the key man to take the ball forward!

What they had to say; Andrei Radoi- It is tough to give a feedback after the Yorkshire Carnegie game. We didn’t prepare for this game like it was a game. Our preparation still continues and we are building from where we are. At this moment we aren’t at our best form, this should happen when RWC begins.

Ireland & France will progress!

Written by Benedict Chanakira

Rugby World Cup