RuckedOver's World Cup Preview - Pool C

Pool C

Running through the Pools so far, we've had the Pool A, the Pool of Death, and Pool B, the Pool of Pain.  Which reminds me of a pair of death metal albums I may have listened to in my angsty years.  Slightly less sinister, however, is Pool C which - on first reflection - looks like being this year's Pool of Points and sounding much more like a wacky game show than a heavy metal record.  The simple reason for this is that it's by far the most "top heavy" of any of the groups - here you have the reigning Champions, the World's best side for the last 7 years, the indomitable All Blacks; and way beneath them you'll find the promising but limited Argentinians, the big-hitting and entertaining Tongans, the physical Georgians and the full-hearted Namibians...who are ultimately cannon fodder.  That's the first impression, but is it a realistic one?

New Zealand

Coach:  Steve Hansen.  Maybe try smiling for once, Steve.  Oh no, that's OK, you're probably upset because you're the world number one side and have picked up three Rugby Championship titles in your last four seasons.  The fact that you went unbeaten in 2013 probably really irks you as well.  Yep, Steve has well and truly stepped out of the shadow of his predecessor, Graham Henry, to continue this phenomenal generation of All Black success - and, although he suffered a blip this year, losing to Australia to miss out on another Rugby Championship - grumpy Steve doesn't suffer failure lightly, ensuring his side delivered a revenge mauling in the return fixture.

Captain:  Richie McCaw.  The world's most capped player, arguably the world's greatest ever flanker.  So, yeah, he can play a bit.  He isn't in his prime any more at 34, but he's shown enough this season - two years after taking a well-earned sabbatical - to demonstrate that he can still really mix it with the best.  Over the ball, he's still one of the best in the business and never hesitates to lead from the front, with all the experience and guile that 142 international caps - 100 as skipper - gives you.

Key Player:  Brodie Retallick.  Out of nowhere, big old Brodie is deemed to be one of the best players in the world right now, having won World Player of the Year in 2014...an incredible feat for a tight forward.  Yes, he may look like 'Lurch' from the Adams Family, but the Chiefs' lock is a smart operator in the lineout and a deceptively powerful presence with the ball in hand, and his energy around the park sometimes makes you wonder if there is more than one of him on the field.  Which is a horrifying thought.  In many ways, it is Retallick's consistent dominance that sets the platform for All Black success.

Watch Out For:  Nehe Milner-Skudder.  The conveyor belt of outrageously good Kiwi wings just keeps on rolling.  Whilst most opposition players may be eyeing the human wrecking ball that is Julian Savea as the primary weapon, they'd do well not to take their eyes off the Hurricanes' own pocket-rocket.  A phenomenal breakthrough season for the young winger, he offers electric acceleration and a mind-bending sidestep on the other wing - bringing good balance to the side.  Also keep an eye-out for the Highlanders' Fijian born magician, Waisake Naholo - and magic is probably the right word, after the winger allegedly visited a witch doctor in order to heal from a broken leg in just three months to be fit for the World Cup.

Strengths:  Experience.  Look down that line-up and you'll see some familiar faces - Tony Woodcock, Kevin Mealumu, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith are all world-class operatives who have been doing the business for years and years.  They are masters of their trade and, although they may no longer be in their physical prime, they know every trick in the book and can deal with all the pressure thrown their way.  Which, at a World Cup, will be a lot.  Their likely first choice starting line-up, for example, will contain 8 of the starting side which won the 2011 prize and, with a large portion of the other squad members having been in that victorious squad as well, they know what they need to do to win.

Weaknesses:  Er...age.  In an odd way, their biggest strength could also be their biggest weakness.  I've been waiting for years, thinking that, any moment now, age will catch up with the grizzled All Black veterans and they'll start to creak and wilt.  But no such luck - well, certainly not on a regular basis.  However, the fact remains that this New Zealand side may be the smartest side on the planet, which trumps all, but they are by no means the strongest or the fastest...or even the fittest.  The All Blacks love to dictate the tempo and only up the pace when it suits them - if another side takes control and plays with pace and aggression, it'll be interesting to see if the champs can handle it.

Prospects:  Well, they'll stroll through their group at a bit of a canter, with due respect to their opponents, which will serve as a pleasant warm-up to some of the tougher tests which will lie ahead.  The All Blacks have only ever lost to South Africa, Australia, England, Wales and France in international rugby, so it would take a monumental effort from the Pumas to threaten their top spot, and I just don't see any sort of shock of that magnitude happening.  They are favourites - and rightfully so - but the only seeds of doubt would have been planted in an underwhelming display in Samoa and a defeat in Australia, which remains the worst New Zealand display I can remember.  If those creaks become cracks, then their crown is up for taking - but I wouldn't bet on that yet.


Argentina

Coach:  Daniel Hourcade.  Not well known in these parts but an Argentinian rugby man through and through, having done his bit on the domestic club circuit but also gaining coaching experience in South Africa and France to.  Now he's been in charge of the national side since 2013, he can be pretty pleased with his side having picked up their first ever Rugby Championship win at home to Australia in 2014 (their first over the Wallabies in 17 years) and their first ever win over South Africa in the Springboks' own back yard just a few months ago.  Wins over Italy and France last autumn solidified his team's reputation as a force to be reckoned with, and he goes into this year's tournament with a burgeoning reputation, despite having lego-man hair.

Captain:  Agustin Creevy,  Right, I have to admit I never used to rate Creevy.  In fact, I thought he was pants.  He never looked that sharp for Worcester and, whenever I watched him for the Pumas, he just seemed to spend his time dropping the ball or throwing it in straight to the opposition.  But that was a couple of years ago, and boy is he repaying the coaches' faith now.  His set piece has tightened right up, but it is his work around the park that makes him such a natural leader in this Pumas pack - it's like having an extra flanker over the ball.  A powerful carrier, too, he's yet another name to add to the roster of quality Argentine front-rowers.

Key Player:  Nicolas Sanchez.  We'll take the quality that Marcos Ayerza lends to the scrum as read, and instead focus on a man who has re-ignited the Pumas back play.  Even in defeat in the Rugby Championship, Sanchez has consistently stood out as a fly half who is willing to take the ball to the line, attract the defenders, and pick the holes.  That he was signed up by that 'World Class-only' members club that is Toulon speaks volumes, and his cultured boot is another key weapon in the Argentina armoury.  Yes, his attacking instinct may see him get clobbered a few times, but when he's on song, the Pumas purr.

Watch out for:  Juan Imoff.  Serious, serious gas and a lethal step make Imhoff a real dangerman in a talented set of Argentine wingers.  Plying his trade for Racing Metro, Imhoff has a decent record of 11 tries in 27 tests in a side that often fails to give their wingers quality ball and has hit form at a pretty useful time - scoring a hat-trick in that famous win over South Africa.  If he gets the ball in space, he is the kind of player who will get a crowd on their feet.  Also, watch out for fellow winger Santiago Cordero - a couple of seasons ago he was destined to be the 'next big thing', but injuries stalled his career - by all accounts, he's back on track now though.

Strengths:  Scrum.  Yawn.  I know, how unimaginative am I?  It's the easiest point to make, but that's because it remains a bastion of strength in the Pumas game.  With quality operators such as Ayerza, Creevy and Ramiro Herrera filling the XXL shirts, you can see why they have a foundation that very few sides - if any - can rock with any consistency, and they don't mind causing a few problems themselves either.  Also keep an eye out on the back three - any of Agulla, Imhoff, Amarosino, Cordero or Tuculet have the potential to tear any side to shreds.

Weaknesses:  Centres.  It sounds odd to criticize such a specific area, especially when the fine rugby brain of Juan Martin Fernandez and the powerful Marcelo Bosch are the ones to fill the shirts.  But the fact is that neither offer any real running threat, which makes it difficult for the Pumas to get any sort of momentum in the midfield - unless it comes from one of their forwards, who are usually pretty easy to spot.  The Pumas have some quality outside backs but unless they can get some go forward in the middle - and Bosch starts actually passing the ball - they'll be starved of decent ball and wasted.

Prospects:  With the rather obvious exception of New Zealand, the Pumas can be pretty happy with the group that they've drawn in this year's showpiece and should be aiming to exceed the quarter final stages as they did in 2007.  They've shown their improvements in the autumn tours and Rugby Championship in recent years and they should overcome their main rivals - Tonga - without too many squeaky bums (although it won't be easy going).  Once into the quarters, they'll be facing Ireland or France in all likelihood, and - given their recent success - they'll be quietly confident of their chances.


Tonga

Coach: Mana Otai.  The ex-international flanker knows all about the proud traditions of Tongan rugby and, prior to taking the reigns of his country's national side in 2012, he picked up some more experience during very decent spell with Auckland in the NPC.  He suffered a tricky 2013, which included a loss to Romania, but his side recovered well last year and finished third in the Pacific Nations cup this season.  He skippered the side during the 1995 World Cup too and was renowned for his hard-hitting so, if you were hoping for a more subtle approach from this Tongan side... don't.

Captain:  Nili Latu.  The flanker is an inspiration for his side and probably one of the most fearsome players in World Rugby, with penchant for obliterating half-backs...as Lewis Moody found out in 2007.  His technique sometimes leaves a bit to be desired, which has seen him in trouble more than once, although he argues that this is due to unfair scrutiny from referees.  I suspect it's more to do with the face-high shoulder charges Nili, but whatever you say (sir).

Key Player:  Fetu'u Vainikolo.  The Exeter Chiefs winger first caught everyone's attention when he burst onto the scene in 2012, scoring a try against Scotland in that famous win for his country.  Blessed with a low centre of gravity, good footwork, sharp acceleration and that really annoying tendency to never stay bloody still in contact, Vainikolo is a real handful who, if he gets the ball in space, will cause real damage.

Watch out for:  Steve Mafi.  Leicester fans will know him well, but perhaps the rest of the world are not so enlightened.  The ex-Tigers lock-cum-flanker moved to Perth for family reasons a year ago and, although he's struggled to hold down a starting spot for the Force, he's already got a cult following similar to the one he had in the East Midlands.  His deceptive pace, strength and inspector gadget-esque arms make him perfectly suited to deliver some spectacular offloads and, with the ability to create gaps from nothing, he's sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Strengths:  Physicality.  You'll know when you've been in a game with the Tongans, because you won't have slept for weeks because of nightmares of a wall of red charging into your rib cage.  In the proud island tradition, they're built out of something else over there and they seem to be raised on a diet of big hits and huge collisions.  If opposition teams aren't creative against the Tongans, they'll only find themselves smashed backwards in contact repeatedly...and wishing they'd passed to someone - anyone - else.

Weaknesses: Versatility.  Out of the Pacific Island sides, Tonga are the team who don't seem to have added as many strings to their bow over the last few years.  Their set piece is still shaky, they don't really have a kicking game to speak of and their defence struggles when the ball is moved from the point of contact.  Their lethal if you play into their hands, but with some creativity and width, the Tongans more than often struggle to adapt and keep up.

Prospects:  Tonga are proper crowd pleasers, capable of delivering the Hollywood hits and classic scores that will make the end-of-tournament highlights reel.  And there's no doubting that they do have the capacity to rock the boat against some of the so-called bigger nations - that win over Scotland was preceded by a magnificent 19 - 14 victory over the French in the 2011 World Cup, a win which captured hearts but then broke them, as they still failed to qualify owing to a disappointing earlier defeat against Canada.  They've hit a decent run of form during the Pacific Nations and there's no doubt they'll be targeting the Pumas, but I'm not sure they have the all-court game to take the party beyond the pool stages.


Georgia
 
Coach: Milton Haig. Another Kiwi taking the reigns of a national side, and another man with bags of experience. When Vern Cotter was approached about the Georgia role in 2011, he turned it down, but had no hesitation in recommending his old pal for the job - and with good reason. Haig has cut his teeth in the NPC working with the Bay of Plenty, Super Rugby with the Chiefs and even the Maoris before making the trip to Europe. He's slowly trying to expand the Georgian's traditional style of rugby from effectively a 10 man fight but, even with some talent emerging behind the scrum, it's still a work in progress.
 
Captain: Mamuka Gorgodze. A man who needs no introduction, 'Gorgodzilla' is the human bulldozer who made is name at Montpellier before signing for the big dollars at Toulon. Although he struggles to get a start there, at 31 he's in his prime and is a man who represents the best aspects of traditional Georgian rugby - he's all about relentless physicality and huge aggression in the contact area. A man I'd personally avoid at all costs.
 
Key Player: Lasha Malaghuradze. A relative veteran of the side with 58 caps, despite only being 29, the fly half has gradually become more and more a key figure Haig's attempted revolution within Georgian rugby. He plays his rugby in France - albeit at amateur level - and he's developed his attacking game there, showing a greater willingness to take the ball to the line and look for wider runners...which is the style Haig is looking to implement. It will be interesting to see if he can continue to orchestrate his side's development under World Cup conditions or if he wall fall back to the tried, tested but limited territory game for his monstrous set of forwards.
 
Watch out for: Vasil Lobzhanidze. I can't pretend to know a great deal about the scrum half's credentials, but I do know that he will become the youngest ever player to appear at a World Cup if he comes on - he doesn't turn 19 until the end of the Group stages. That said, he isn't exactly devoid of any experience - he already has 6 caps after making his breakthrough this year and looked sharp in their warm up against Japan. No matter who you play for, if you can break into the national side as a teenager, you're going to have something about you.
 
Strengths: The pack. As much as Haig's tried to alter the perception, there is no use denying that the forwards - by themselves - can provide a test for absolutely anyone. With Gorgodze and prop Davit Zirakashvili standing out as first rate operators in the Top 14, they will be relishing the chance to show what they can do against the world's best on the biggest stage. Put bluntly, they won't be any fun to play against. At all.
 
Weaknesses: Experience. Don't get me wrong, they impressed in the Six Nations B where they dispatched the likes of Germany, Portugal, Russia and fellow qualifiers Romania with ease, but the highest ranked side they have played in 2015 was Japan (13th in the world) in their last warm up fixture. And they lost it. There's quality players on board, no doubt, but I suspect that playing the likes of the Pumas and the All Blacks, in particular, will come as a bit of a shock.
 
Prospects: Perhaps the most optimistic Georgian fans might be eying a quarter final spot at the expense of a shock win over the Pumas - which isn't beyond the realms of possibility - but it's more realistic for the Lelo's to aim for a tournament-best record of 2 wins. They've beaten both Tonga and Namibia before, so they'll be hopeful of taking their next progressive step...although I suspect that Tonga may have too much for them in the first up fixture.



Namibia

Coach:  Phil Davies.  Yes, THE Phil Davies - mainstay lock in the Welsh side from the mid 80s to mid 90s, a man with bags of coaching experience, having headed up up the management at Leeds for a decade before spells with the Scarlets and the Blues.  That's why it's a bit surprising that a man with his pedigree would jump into the relative unknown of Namibian rugby when there would be plenty of decent clubs sniffing about for his signature.  Still, his know-how can only be of benefit to a vastly inexperienced Namibian side - although, as he's only been in charge since June (following DanieVermeulen's resignation), it's hard to see how he could have changed their prospects around.

Captain:  Jaques Burger.  The man with no fear, no restraint and, seemingly, no face.  Well, there's very little of it left now, after the Saracens man has made his name by sticking his head where I personally wouldn't put my feet. Still, despite the batterings, Burger is renowned in the Premiership as being one of the toughest competitors in Europe - a man who thrives on creating havoc for opposition fly-halves and their runners.  He leads a defence like very few can and you can see why he is the easy choice as skipper.

Key Player:  Johnny Redelinghuys.  Sharks man Renaldo Bothma is another physical presence in the back row, but the one area where Namibia certainly won't shirk is the one-on-one confrontation - and that's where the colossal Redelinghuys comes in. He's only just over 6 feet tall, but weighs over 20 stone so he is, technically, a house.  Despite not being guaranteed a starting spot any more, he is a veteran of 2 previous World Cups - the former Cheetahs prop has a vast wealth of knowledge and good technical ability, which will be important when it comes to channeling all that...er...weight.  Also key is Theuns Kotze - because he is the only fly half in the squad.

One to Watch:  Chrysander Botha.  Like many of the low-ranked sides, Namibia are heavily reliant on their few professional players - but, in Botha, they have a man who is not so much about damage limitation as he is about causing some headaches himself.  Playing his rugby for the Exeter Chiefs, the full back caught the eye in the 2011 World Cup and has a wonderful, gliding running style not unlike Iain Balshaw in his pomp.  He hasn't looked out of place in the Premiership (despite not being a regular) and he could be a rare spark of electricity for Namibia - if he finds the space.

Strengths:  Er...Jaques Burger.  See above.  It's not that there aren't other solid players within the Namibian side - there are - it's just that their skipper is so head and shoulders above the rest of them in terms of experience and quality, that at times it is easy to see them as a one man team.  But that doesn't matter when the Saracens man is crashing about, doing his thing - and when it gives his side a belief and fearlessness that they can go toe-to-toe with the best of them, it becomes one of their greatest stengths.

Weaknesses:  Quality.  I should pre-empt this by saying that any of these Namibians are 10 times the player I am (I would flat out refuse to try and tackle Redelinghuys in full flow, for example) but the fact is that the vast majority of these guys are amateurs who haven't experienced the professional game at the top level before - and many of those who are professional are bit-part players as opposed to being regulars.  They will play with all the heart and courage and other patronising terms we use when describing a Namibian side, but the bottom line is that they are - sadly - not good enough cause an upset yet.

Prospects:  It's hard to be too optimistic when you're talking about a side whose World Cup record reads played 15, lost 15, who lost to Kenya last year and had the worst points difference of any side in each of the last two tournaments.  But there are reasons for being hopeful that Namibia could claim that first win, with Georgia being their target - they coasted through their African qualifying campaign without too much fuss, this is their fifth consecutive tournament and, now they've got their professional players available, they've started to pick up performances, as shown in their recent thumping of Russia.  But we're starting to clutch at straws a little bit here, and the likely result is that they'll once again be the whipping boys of the Pool - although Burger will make sure their presence is felt.

@RuckedOver

RuckedOver's World Cup Preview - Pool B

Pool B

Situated right next to the 'Pool of Death', Pool B is a relative sea of tranquility. Well, perhaps in terms of the out-and-out quality and form, anyway. You see it's also a pool packed full of big hitters, with the South Africans, Samoans, and muscular Scots all eyeing quarter final places - but don't write off the USA, who have a certain Samu Manoa in their ranks, and the Japanese will be more than eager to live up to their tag as one of the most improved sides in World Rugby. We might not have as many big names, but the impacts and drama in this pool could make it one of the most interesting  and competitive of the tournament...there be choppy waters ahead.


South Africa

Head Coach: Heyneke Meyer. Proper solid-looking South African. No neck and no-nonsense buzzcut. Did incredible things with the Bulls in Super Rugby and is renowned as one of the sharpest tactical minds around too, but international record sees them go from world-beaters to easily-beaten too frequently. In a slump at the moment, with 4 defeats in last 5 games and finishing bottom of the Rugby Championship. Not helped by the shadow of accusations of racism, mostly baseless, around the squad.

Captain: Jean De Villiers. Looks like Skeletor, although the veteran is renowned as one of the hardest but fairest competitors in the global game. No doubt he is a physical, reliable and inspirational figure in the midfield for the Springboks, but after so long out following a horrific knee injury last autumn and a broken jaw on his return, not to mention the good form of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel in his absence, will he be guaranteed a starting spot?

Key Player: Francois Louw. I had him as by World Player of the Year a couple of seasons ago - and now he's returned to fitness, he'll need to get back to that form if he's to pull the men in green out of the rut they're currently in. Physical and abrasive, like any good South African forward should be, but is also lethal over the ball and has superb awareness on the carry. Was badly missed in the Rugby Championship.

Watch out for: Jesse Kriel. Breakthrough year for the young Bulls utility back, who obviously shares Heyneke Meyer's barber. Played a lot at 15 for his province but was a rare bright light for the Springboks this Rugby Championship in the 13 shirt, scoring a couple of cracking tries. Sharp acceleration and deceptive strength make him a real handful.

Strengths: Tenacity. The power and aggression of traditional Springbok packs is well known and usually pretty well felt, too, but tenacity has been one of their best assets over the last couple of seasons. Even when outplayed, or under real pressure - such as against Wales at home or against Argentina in Salta in 2014, the Springboks seem to have a gut wrenching ability to keep themselves in games and claw themselves over the line in the final straight. Although that habit hasn't been as obvious in recent games, the experienced players returning from injury have that unwavering self-belief built in and - in a World Cup - that can't be underestimated.

Weaknesses: Match fitness. How's this for a list of top players: Bismarck du Plessis, Louw, Alberts, Vermeulen, du Preez, De Villiers. All potentially key men for the 1995 and 2007 Champs - especially since the list contains arguably the first choice, brutal Springbok backrow - but all are only just back from the treatment table. They will all help to improve South Africa's competitiveness but will they be badly undercooked, or still carrying niggles, by the time the tournament starts? They're in one of the kinder groups, which should afford them some breathing space, but the clock is ticking.

Prospects: After so long loitering around the top 2 in the World Rankings, you'd expect South Africa to be one of the favourites for the trophy. But with some poor performances and results, such as their humbling at home against Argentina, controversy over the ethnic make up of the squad, plus the fact that many of their big names are only just returning, they're really a bit of an unknown quantity this World Cup. They should get through their group without too much panic, but how will they handle the tougher tests after that?

Samoa

Head Coach: Stephen Betham. Colossal unit of a man who probably causes Nandos staff panic-attacks when he walks in for a feed. Has developed a consistency of selection and a coherent game plan, and a team that can consistently competitive against the best - they pushed the All Blacks close on home soil. However, the stats show that Samoa have slipped to 11th in the World Rankings and lost out to Fiji for the Pacific Nations title in both of the last two years.

Captain: Ofisa Treviranus. Experienced London Irish backrower, who fits the archetypal stereotype of the Samoan rugby player to a T - huge, muscular and athletic, with a penchant for introducing his shoulder to opponents' rib cages. A reliable and powerful operator from the back of a scrum.

Key Player: Kahn Fotuali'i. On his day, a first class operator who offers intelligence and physicality from the base of a breakdown. Consistently impresses for Northampton in the 9 shirt and is crucial for Samoa given their preferred tactic of battering away at ten fringes with their huge carriers - his ability to interest defenders with his vision, speed and power can create half-gaps for his runners...and you don't stop a Samoan with an arm tackle.

Watch Out For: Tim Nanai-Williams. Tigers prop Logovi'i Mulipola could make a serious impact given his improved scrummaging and brutal carrying ability, but it's the Chiefs flyer who really has a chance to set the World Cup alight after taking the 'Sevens loophole' route to represent the Islanders. With dazzling feet and electric acceleration, he offers something a bit different in the Samoan midfield or to the 15 shirt (he's versatile, too), which is enough to worry any defence.

Strengths: Physicality. Whether you're defending or attacking, any game against the Samoans is going to hurt. The islands may be tiny in terms of population, but the natural size and athletic ability of the players is second to none in the world, and with that trademark physicality ingrained from such a young age, a big hit is never too far away. No matter who they play, they ruffle feathers, and that can cause problems for anyone.

Weaknesses: Discipline. A sort of by-product of their main strength, the Samoans to have a reputation for throwing their shoulders around - often illegally. Stephen Betham has previously commented that his side often come in for unfair scrutiny - which may be partly true - but the fact is that referees are aware of the reputation for making no-arms or otherwise illegal tackles, and any 50-50 call isn't going to go their way. They could really make waves this World Cup - but that will rely on them keeping 15 men on the field for 80 minutes. They need to be squeaky clean.

Prospects: I thought they were incredibly unlucky in 2011, losing narrowly to South Africa and Wales to miss out on qualification - and probably only losing to the latter because of a their absurdly short turnaround time after their last match. They may have slipped in the rankings this time around, but I think this is their best chance to make the quarter finals since their last appearance in 1995. Corruption and infighting have blighted the Samoan Union for several years, but with a new deal and all parties now happy, Samoan fans have every reason to be optimistic. Throw in the fact that, aside from South Africa, they've beaten every team in their group since 2011, I think this might be the year that they take that next step...at Scotland's expense.

Japan

Coach: Eddie Jones. Good old grumpy Eddie. The lasting image most Englishmen have of Eddie is the Aussie pulling a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp as he accepted his runners up medal in 2003. After a pretty impressive spell as Wallabies coach, though, Jones has been here, there and everywhere - coaching the Reds, Saracens and Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath (yep, that's a real name) before taking the national job in the land of the rising sun. Still one of the best technical coaches about, and has Japan's vast improvement to show for it.

Captain: Michael Leitch. Yes, not the most native-sounding Japanese name, admittedly, but the Fijian-parented, New Zealand-born backrower has lived in Japan since he was 15 and skippered the under 20 side at the junior world championships. Now 26, he's amassed 43 points and an impressive 11 tries for his country, as well as gaining Super Rugby experience with the Chiefs over the last season. A big unit who knows where the line is.

Key Player: Fumiaka Tanaka. The diminutive scrum half is another man with plenty of Super Rugby experience, plying his trade for the Highlanders whilst also holding almost 50 caps for his country, and it's that experience his teammates will be relying on come the World Cup. The Brave Blossoms have a slick backline with the capacity to pull off some slick set piece moves, but none of that will matter if Tanaka can't deal with the pressure his side will be under the breakdown, and continue to provide his backline with quality ball.

Watch Out For: Ayumu Goromaru. Here's a fun fact for you. Who was the most prolific scorer in Test rugby last year? Johnny Sexton? Leigh Halfpenny? Nope. It was Goromaru. OK, if we're being picky, he was playing the likes of the Philippines and Sri Lanka as part of a qualifying campaign that saw Japan score 641 points and concede only 41. Which is good. But the point remains that Goromaru is lethal off the tee and is therefore Japan's not-so-secret weapon - as a young Wales side discovered to their cost in 2013...

Strengths: Momentum. On the surface, everything looks pretty rosey for the Brave Blossoms and they can go into the tournament with realistic hopes of picking up just their second win ever in World Cup history, and their first since 1991. With a booming domestic league, more players plying their trade in top-level competition, an imminent Super Rugby franchise and - of course - their own World Cup in 2019 (despite concerns over the Olympic stadium), there is genuine optimism amongst Japanese supporters that they could be at the start of a very special journey. With a vastly improved scrum, lethal finishers out wide, a flawless qualifying run and impressive wins over Uruguay and Georgia (with a rare blip against USA), it's no wonder that Eddie Jones is not-so-quietly confident that Japan can go home as "the team of the tournament".

Weaknesses: Quality of experience. As mentioned above, it's all very well having a flawless qualifying campaign, but when you're playing teams that Hunstanton Vets would go toe-to-toe with, you can see why it's hard to measure where the team's really at - let alone prepare them for the 'top tier' nations they'll have to face up to over the next 4 weeks. And, although they've got some talented players and look like a much more cohesive unit these days, their pedigree in the tournament is...well...second to everyone, despite qualifying on every occasion - their record stands at 24 played, 21 lost, 2 draws and 1 win, and they're the only team to concede over 1,000 points in the history of the competition, at an average of 48 shipped per game. Ouch.

Prospects: There is no doubt that Japanese rugby is on the way up and I suspect we will be talking about Japan as last-eight contenders in serious terms when they host the tournament in 4 years time. But, although they have beaten Samoa and the USA (regularly) in recent years, Jones' claim that they're targeting a quarter-final this time around is probably unrealistic - too many of their players simply don't have regular experience of playing against top opposition, both domestically and internationally. Jones' other claim - that they're aiming to return home as one of the teams of the tournament - is far more realistic and with, their passion and natural flair, I expect to see the Japanese win the hearts of a lot of neutrals this tournament. I do think, though, that they'll grab that long-awaited win - finally - against the USA, but it'll be mighty close.

Scotland

Coach: Vern Cotter. The word 'intense' was probably invented for him. Square jaw, stunningly shiny scalp and piercing gaze makes him one of the most recognisable coaches in world rugby - and that's before we take his rugby CV into account. Developed Clermont Auvergne into 'unofficially' the best side in Europe for the best part of 4 years and, although he could never get his side the silverware they probably deserved, he was credited with managing the best running-rugby unit in the northern hemisphere. Yet to find his feet with Scotland though - again, lots of promise, no real results.

Captain: Greg Laidlaw. Yes, you could give him a tunic, a wig and a ring, and he'd look like he walked off the set of the hobbit, but the Gloucester 9 is a calming influence at scrum-half, and is a deadly kicker from anywhere within his (admittedly slightly limited) range, like Chris Paterson. Has a knack of making the right calls under pressure, but he'll be aware that he needs to show more urgency to his game - as he started to in the Six Nations - as he comes under pressure from young tyro Sam Hidalgo-Clyne for his starting spot.

Key Player: Richie Gray. Stuart Hogg provides the fizz from the back, but all good Scotland teams are built on a brutally physical pack who refuse to take a backward step. Now big Jim Hamilton has been jettisoned, the kilted warriors will be looking to their blonde bombshell of a lock to recreate his form of two seasons ago, when he was a rampaging behemoth, capable of dragging in several defenders and ruling the lineout. Since his move to Castres, we've seen that form only in sparks, but the Scots need their man firing on all cylinders to get out of this pool - and the same goes for his brother, Jonny.

Look out for: Finn Russell. Finally, someone fit to lace the occasionally brilliant Gregor Townsend's boots. To be frank, in years past, Scotland's backline has been as likely to score as Gordon Brown on an 18-30 holiday, but - along with some top talent outside him, to be fair - Finn Russell has come along and started to light things up. His ability to threaten the gainline and pick the right option makes him a breath of fresh air in attack for Scotland, but his ability to function under pressure will come under scrutiny - his yellow card for a brainless tackle against Wales shows he is still susceptible to creak. It'll be fascinating to see how he deals with it all.

Strengths: Outside backs. If you'd have said to me four years ago that Scotland's best talents were their back three, I would have headbutted you. But, no joke, they have a huge pool of talent emerging on the wings and in the fullback slots - and in the centres as well, although Alex Dunbar's injury means he will be sorely missed. Stuart Hogg is a world class attacker from the back, whilst Sean Maitland and Tommy Seymour (probably first choice wingers) have the pace and strength to be top finishers - and that's without taking the 'flying Dutchman' Tim Visser and the experience Sean Lamont into account. The more Scotland can get the ball into these guys' hands, the more dangerous Scotland will be.

Weaknesses: Back row. In a similar vibe to the above, if you had told me that Scotland's usual pillar of strength - the back row - would be a potential weakness in the side, I would have spat in your hair. But it's here that Vern Cotter has made some truly ballsy/bizarre calls. Out goes Blair Cowan, the man who snaffled the most turnovers in the Six Nations and an ever-present for Scotland over the last year, in comes John Hardie - a kiwi with experience playing for the Highlanders, who qualifies for his new country through his grandparents and someone who only touched down in Scotland for the first time 6 weeks ago. Out goes the talented, experienced and athletic John Barclay, to be replaced by Josh Strauss, the former Lions number 8 who only qualifies under residency on the eve of the World Cup. These guys might be quality players, but - at international level - who the hell knows? With no time to play together, it's a huge risk for Cotter to take and it's rumoured their selection over 'home-grown' (or at least established) talent has ruffled more than a few feathers...

Prospects: With the backline Scotland have now, and the Gray brothers doing the business in the engine room, there is no doubt that this is a side who can play with conviction and enterprise, but there are just too many what-ifs for me at the moment - and I certainly can't see them getting past the quarter-finals for the first time since 1991. As it is, that game against Samoa - kindly close to Scottish border at St James' Park - is looking to me like being the runner-up decider, with both teams due to go down with honours against South Africa. If Scotland get it together and put in the 80 minute display they've been threatening - as they did against Italy in their warm up game - they should be fine. But if we get another 20 minutes of promise and 60 minutes of mediocrity, I think we may be the Scots struggle to escape their pool for the second year running.


USA

Coach: Mike Tolkin. Classic All-American look - blonde-hair, cheesy smile....but there is nothing corny about this guy. He might not be well known this side of the pond but Tolkin has done a very decent job working for his country, even before his appointment to the top job in 2012. He was defensive coach for the 2011 World Cup where his side held Italy and Ireland to a respectable 20-something figures and Russia to just 6 points. Now in charge of his side, he's overseen a gradual improvement for the Eagles, but is it enough to make waves this tournament?

Captain: Chris Wyles. The Saracens man is one of the most underrated players in the Premiership in my book, an utterly fearless utility back who has a nose for the tryline. He's been one of the most consistent performers for Saracens and for his country, which has seen him given the captaincy after the big-hitting Todd Clever fell out of favour with the set-up.

Key Player: Samu Manoa. Who else? The USA don't have too many world class players in their ranks, but in Manoa they have someone who - on his day - ranks up their with the very best. He's always rather enjoyed levelling fly-halves or anyone who happens to stray into his eyeline, but over the last two seasons he's been contributing a lot more with the ball in hand too. Relentlessly physical, if the USA want to threaten an upset, they have to take the game to their more established opponents and show no respect - and Manoa is the man to lead them in that respect.

Watch out for: AJ MacGinty. A graduate from the renowned Blackrock College, MacGinty is an Irish born fly half who is starting to show real promise in the 10 shirt for the USA. He plays his club rugby for the ridiculously-named Life Running Eagles in the States, so he isn't used to the calibre of players he's likely to come up against during the tournament, but he has shown in qualifiers - and against Australia - that he relishes the challenge and can make things happen with his delightfully cultured boot. He's the kind of player that'll see the big stage as a chance to show everyone what he can do.

Strengths: Open field. The short version of the code has surged in popularity and success (they won the London Sevens) in the USA and the benefits are starting to flow through the 15-man game. With MacGinty pulling the strings and quality, experienced finishers like Blaine Scully, Wyles and Takudzqa Ngwenya (scorer of THAT try) out wide - along with plenty of less established players with USA Sevens experience - they have the capacity to cut teams apart on the counter or when the game starts to break up. Sadly, the fastest man in rugby Carlin Isles, hasn't made the cut...but there's enough pace there already I think.

Weaknesses: Set piece. The scrum has never been a particularly strong part of the USA's game and they suffered pretty badly at the hands of Australia - an improved, but by no means top-class, scrummaging outfit. Only Eric Fry (Newcastle) and Titi Lamositele (Saracens) ply their trade for professional clubs in Europe, and neither of them are what you would call regulars. Beyond that, there's Greg Petersen, Cam Dolan and Hayden Smith in the second row - but none have seen a lot of top level game time of late - and Manoa stands alone as the top pro at the back of the pack. Everyone in the USA has shedloads of talent, but without the professional structures to really hone the game's nuances, you sense they'll struggle in the set-piece against better-drilled sides.

Prospects: Despite the fact that only 11 of the Eagles' squad has previous World Cup experience, USA Rugby Supremo Nigel Melville says that this is the best prepared American team in history. And I believe him - there is excitement building around the game across the pond and rightly so, with rumours of a World Cup bid in the offing and a Sevens team with a real possibility of success in next year's Olympics. The problem for them is that they've only beaten one team in their group before - Japan, in their last meeting, and that was after a run of 5 consecutive defeats against their rivals. A promising first half against the Wallabies shouldn't be overlooked, but the Eagles are in a very competitive group and I have a feeling the Yanks may leave this year's showpiece with bit less yee-ha then they might have hoped for.

@RuckedOver

The Pres Box - One Week Warning

Do you know when you realise that you've made it as an amateur blogger?  When a mate you haven't spoken to for years pipes up on social media, confesses he's a reader and asks to write a 'guest piece' on your site.  Boom.  Less work for me.  So please welcome James Harrop-Griffiths, a rugby enthusiast if ever I met one - and, as you'll see below, his enthusiasm is infectious.  

Speaking of infectious, I met James during freshers year at university, when he was the President of my halls.  Which meant that his role was to to scream encouragement in my ear and pull my trousers down whilst I cried during an attempted 'yard of ale challenge'.  Known affectionately - or should that be begrudgingly? - as 'Pres' (get the title now?), he'll be chiming in with a few gems I'm sure over the coming weeks.

Now where is that yard glass....


One week ladies, gentleman and props, one week. Friday 18th September will see England walk out onto the Twickenham pitch with puffed out chests and with shoulders carrying the weight of a nation. Now that is a classic cliche entrance to a piece of writing, but it serves a purpose to the anticipation simmering away throughout the country. Twenty national teams will contest for possession of that legendary gold trophy, made to look so small in Martin Johnson's paws in 2003. The excitement is building, advertising is starting to ween its way into newspapers, magazines, TV adverts and social media and it's now, finally, just one week before England (and Wales) host a global tournament which we hope will attract the hearts and minds of citizens from everywhere to embrace our glorious sport.

I have visited a number of locations throughout UK this year and there has been a reassuring presence of Rugby World Cup logos and flags watching over the locals. From the Tyne bridge in Newcatle to Teagues Bar outside Kingsholm, there has been the sense of a big event looming; and that's starting to generate momentum. You, the reader, as loyal supporters of this blog (probably here by accident, to be honest, Pres - ED) and our great sport of rugby union, have been waiting for this moment since the last tournament, since big Richie held the gold trophy aloft - or perhaps since you can remember, because 1991, the last time England hosted the global showpiece, is such a distant blob on the mind.

In 2015 the excitement started to ramp up in the Six Nations, as England showed a glimmer of something great, as Ireland emerged as second best in the world and genuine contenders, as we realised Wales have 70% of team who have been there and so nearly done it before in 2011, and since Scotland placed faith in untried talented players with a desire to cause an upset. Your excitement and anticipation has grown throughout the year and I encourage all to embrace both with optimism and back your team in a way that only a true rugby fan can - through appreciation of what the players are going through physically and mentally. Although many will argue that throwing ourselves around mud in darkest Surrey on a wet and cold Saturday afternoon in November does not have any similarity to hurling yourself in front of Julian Savea to stop a winning try in the last test of a series, that gut feeling remains the same.

My point is rugby fans share and respect the players who put themselves under huge pressure to perform and emerge victorious for their clubs and countries. There is fan appreciation of the tactics, the strengths, the weaknesses, the style, skill and, importantly, (my favourite) the crash ball! This is why criticism often rules, there is a desire for success and perfection from all fans watching their team play - as a case in point, England played France in Paris recently and were average at best, and were it not for a bench resurgence it would've been an ugly conclusion to the game. But these were the games are for testing, removing summer rust, getting the legs moving in a test match environment. I will be surprised if England remotely resemble the forlorn hope from Paris when they walk out of Twickenham tunnel against Fiji on Friday 18th.

The opening game will be a welcome sight and bring huge wave of excitement for teams and fans alike. I hope it is embraced and those in the stands cheer passionately, loudly, fiercely and enjoy the experience with those around them. It is a unique occasion and opportunity for all involved. We are celebrating our game on a fantastic stage. We can show occasional fans and new fans the wonder of the game - the rivalries, the collisions, the handling skills, the speed and, most importantly, revel in any win for their team or courageous loss. The fact is that some teams will be winners, others will be losers - but all teams will play with absolute courage, we only have to watch Jacques Burger put everything into every game for Namibia. These are the players and teams we know will fight. You know it from your games or old playing days, sometimes you're being stuffed silly by a better team but you still tackle and go down fighting. It is often not pretty and but it should be embraced and praised, not booed or dismissed.

So this is a call to arms to represent our sport in this World Cup, to seize the opportunity to grow rugby union in the British Isles and abroad - so put on your jersey with pride, paint the face, wave the flag and warm up that singing voice. Look at those tickets on your mantelpiece or your fixtures wall chart and beam with pride; it's here, it's on our doorstep and it will be a fantastic event. Good luck to your team, and may the best team win...
@JamesHG1986

RuckedOver's World Cup Preview - Pool A

POOL A

Nothing casts scorn upon World Rugby's ranking system and the timing of the draw than this tournaments's 'Pool of Death'. Three teams all with realistic aspirations of making at least the semi-finals, one side who have reputation for pooping parties – much to the neutral's delight – and even the 'whipping boys' have a reputation for running through brick walls. This one should be fun.


Australia

Coach: Michael Cheika. Always looks like he'd be bang up for a scrap. Won the Super XV competition with the Waratahs and was rewarded with the national job last year. Dodgy start but has got his side looking ominously slick in this year's Rugby Championship, and – outrageously – they now look solid in the set piece after he brought in Argentinian legend Mario Ledesma.

Captain: Stephen Moore. Looks like humpty-dumpty but is a much, much tougher egg. Leads from the front, is physical, reliable and consistent – which aren't qualities you usually associate with a Wallaby front-rower.

Key Player: David Pocock. Yes, Israel Folau is the danger man out wide but the game will be won and lost in shadows, where Pocock and his two pet guns will be lurking. Now he's fit after a nightmare three years out with injury, he looks very, very sharp and – on form – there is no better ball-stealing openside in world rugby.

Watch out for: Will Skelton. Well, you shouldn't miss him. At almost 6 foot 9 and over 23 stone, he takes up most of the pitch and is one hell of a weapon for the Wallabies to have in their armoury. He hasn't looked great starting games but, as an impact sub, he's a nightmare.

Strengths: You can easily point to their outrageously talented and experienced outside backs but the back row should be the biggest worry for opponents. Cheika has started playing Michael Hooper and Pocock together and this forms an outrageously dangerous 'pincer attack' on the breakdown. It means nobody can afford to get isolated and forces opponents to chuck more numbers into the breakdown just to protect the ball.

Weaknesses: You would usually say scrummaging but Ledesma has got the scrum pretty solid now. Instead, I'm going to go for the half-back spots, which are usually an area of strength. Nobody has come forward and owned these positions for a good year now – Foley, Phipps and Cooper have all looked very flappy of late and Genia and Toomua can't seem to bring any consistency or authority to the role. If teams put them under pressure, they might crumble.

Prospects: They've started to come good at the right time, but Cheika's tinkering with a winning combination after playing the All Blacks has worried some Aussies, as has his decision to only take two scrum halves (harshly cutting Nic White) and two hookers. They'll be dangerous when they get on top but how will the set piece and fragile 9-10 axis cope under northern hemisphere pressure? I have a feeling they'll be pipped by England but continue their hoodoo over the Welsh.




England

Coach: Stuart Lancaster. Seems like a nice bloke. Does he have enough charisma and conviction to drive a team to World Cup success though? For all of England's promise and improved back play, he's still the head coach of a side that's defined by unrealised potential and one that's failed to win a trophy under his reign. Now would be a good time to change that.

Captain: Chris Robshaw. Maligned by the lazy as 'not a true openside' despite being statistically the best international 7 in the northern hemisphere by a stretch. Of course, if we want to get into the Steffon Armitage argument, that's another story, but either way he's a proper England skipper – 100% commitment and unbelievable workrate over the park, with a good all-round skillset.

Key Player: Tom Youngs. England do have players who can mix it with the world's best, such as Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes and Mike Brown, but the key man this tournament will be Tom Youngs. Part of the best set-piece in the country at Leicester, the question always remains why this doesn't translate onto the international scene. In all other aspects, he is world class, but if England want to progress they need the human square to perfect his role in the lineout and the scrum.

Watch out for: Jonathan Joseph. All of a sudden England have some outrageously gifted outside backs. Anthony Watson and Jonny May are both electric, but JJ is the man with star dust on his feet. With searing acceleration and a goose-step even Campo would be proud of, it's a refreshing change from the crash-bang-wallop centres that seem to dominate the game and it'll be interesting to see how the southern hemisphere teams deal with him.

Strengths: Hmm. You would usually say the scrum with absolute certainty, so let's treat the warm-up games as a bit of a 'blip'. Everyone has an off day. But over the last two years it's probably fair to say that England have had the best scrummaging pack in the world – that sounds boring, but when you have a dominant platform that denies one for the opposition, and an increasingly dangerous set of backs, that's a critical strength to have.

Weaknesses: Inexperience. It seems bizarre to say that, four years after Lancaster's initial 'clear-out' following 2011, England's squad still only boasts 3 players with more than 50 caps. Most of the first choice players seem to be hovering about the 20-30 cap mark, with several guys in single figures, the question of how they will react under the intense pressure of a home world cup and effectively knock-out rugby (even in the group stage) is one we won't know the answer to for a couple of weeks.

Prospects: Frustratingly England look as if they could beat anybody and lose to anybody at the same time, which isn't ideal going to a World Cup. Crucially, though, they are at home and I expect that will count for quite a lot, given their Twickenham form recently – especially against fellow northern hemisphere teams. If the set piece holds, and discipline remains in check, I think the hosts should have enough about them to squeak past Wales and Australia, as well as avoid the Fiji banana skin; though don't be fooled, that Fiji opening game will be as slippery as they come.



Wales

Coach: Warren Gatland. Grisly old Kiwi who has a Grand Slam, World Cup semi-final and successful Lions Tour under his belt. Has coined his own style of rugby ('Warren-ball') and has a big gob, tending to be accused of mind games. Which basically means stating what everyone is thinking, but is too polite to say.

Captain: Sam Warburton. Top bloke despite having a head like a crescent moon and, on form, a world class flanker. Hasn't been at his best at the breakdown over the last few years but his work rate and athleticism around the park makes him a huge asset. Hard to believe he's still just 26 – he's been skipper for 4 years and holds the Welsh record for most caps as captain.

Key Player: Samson Lee. Injuries have brought other names to the fore but Welsh fans will be praying on the return to fitness of the Scarlets prop. The big tighthead – with a frankly brilliant first name – is the only established international 3 in Wales' squad after the Hairy One (Adam Jones) took a pew, and even then he only has 12 caps. A solid scrummager and powerful presence in the loose, if he doesn't regain fitness, the Welsh set-piece will start to venture into the realms of the unknown, which is not ideal at a World Cup. Of course, since my original draft, poor Leigh Halfpenny has been crocked meaning Dan Biggar has to be the primary point scorer, with Liam Williams trusted to fulfil the 15 jersey with as much reliability as his predecessor.

Watch out for: Gareth Davies. As above, I've had change this since my original draft since Rhys Webb was my pick as the man to make an impact, but one man's misfortune is another's opportunity. Veteran Mike Phillips may have been called up as a replacement but, in my view, Gareth Davies now has a big chance to show what he's made of. Like Webb, he's electric round the fringes and knows where the line is – he was the Pro 12 top scorer in 2013-14 – but, unlike Webb, he's an unknown quantity at international level. And that just might make him one of Wales' most dangerous prospects.

Strengths: Power, power and more power. Once you've handled the likes of Toby Faletau and Alun Wyn Jones bludgeoning their way into you, the ball will go out to the backs – where they're even bigger. With George North and Jamie Roberts charging around, Wales have no shortage of carrying options but, in the form of Biggar and Scott Williams, still have men who can inject some subtlety into proceedings.

Weaknesses: Plan B. Or, more accurately, the lack thereof. Against England in Cardiff, Wales tried to play the power game but the English defence dealt with it easily – after which Gatland's men resorted to…the power game. They have the players to play with more width, or to just play for territory, but they seem reluctant to deviate from their tried-and-tested methods. If it works, great – if not, well, they're often a bit stuck for ideas. You can now add 'misfortune' to the weakness list too, as they're now without Lions duo Jonathan Davies and Halfpenny, as well as form-player Rhys Webb, for the whole tournament.

Prospects: Despite the loss of Halfpenny, Biggar is dead-eye shot off the tee and, with the power game they possess, they can just about beat anyone on their day. The loss of the likes of Webb, Halfpenny and Davies is, without doubt, huge – but they have the quality players to fill the gaps effectively and still pose a threat. The real problem for them is that they have a mental block when it comes to beating the Aussies and that they have to play England at Twickenham, which should be a huge advantage to the hosts. There's no doubt that the men in red can beat both their main rivals, but given the situation I think they may miss out narrowly on both occasions. And they have to avoid a repeat of a certain Fijian nightmare, too…



Fiji

Coach: John McKee. Another gnarly Kiwi but this one likes to smile and apparently has a penchant for dodgy Fijian summer shirts. A bit of a journeyman, having coached at Cornish Pirates, Connacht, Montferrand, Central Coast Rays and Australia Under 20s, but since his appointment in 2014 he's used his experience to arrest the steady decline since 2007 and start to a build a team that looks more than capable of an upset or two again.

Captain: Akapusi Qera. Well known to Gloucester fans and, to be honest, most Premiership half-backs who would have been very relieved to see the powerful flanker depart for France. The Fijian skipper can occasionally go missing in games but, when he's on form, he's dynamite. Wonderful awareness of space and brutal physicality in contact make for a potent combination.

Key Player: Nemani Nadolo. You know when the word 'freak' is used to describe a player, that it's generally a semi-compliment created from a mix of fear and wonder – think Jonah Lomu, George North and Manu Tuilagi, who have all had the description levelled at them (from a safe distance). Nadolo has been lumped into the same category following a season where, as a 19st 10lb winger for the Crusaders, he regularly marmalised defenders and won games almost by himself. He plays in the centres for his country – this guy is the heartbeat of the team and pure X-Factor. Oh, and he kicks goals as well.

Watch out for: Leone Nakawara. The second row isn't a name that's particularly well known outside of Fiji…or Glasgow (where he plies his trade)…but he's one hell of an athlete. At 6 foot 6 he has a gangly frame, but regularly seems to weave his way between tacklers and use his go-go gadget arms to get away seemingly impossible offloads. Also has a knack of sniffing his way to the tryline, too, with 4 tries in his last 3 tests.

Strengths: Sevens. Well, we all know that they're one of the best Sevens sides in the world and, although they have certainly tightened up their discipline and set-piece, there's no doubt that their spatial awareness, ball handling skills and natural athleticism makes them one of the most dangerous sides in the world in a broken field. With power and pace all over the park, Fiji can, and often do, hurt anyone.

Weaknesses: Fitness. There's no doubt that there's a higher level of fitness these days, given that almost all of their front-line players play in the top European leagues or in Super Rugby, but they still don't seem to be able to put together an 80 minute display, particularly against Tier 1 opposition. If an opponent grinds them down in the setpiece and retains possession for long periods, Fiji will – more often than not – still be in the game after 60 minutes. It's the last 20 where legs regularly seem to wobble and concentration slips.

Prospects: Fiji are on a bit of a high after winning the Pacific Nations title, for the third consecutive year, but we all know that there is a big difference between the Pacific Nations and a World Cup. They will quite rightly be targeting England as a potential scalp – especially as the first game of the tournament, thinking back to Argentina's win against France in 2007 as the hosts buckled under the pressure, but Wales will probably be the team primarily in their sights, having won one of the all-time great World Cup games by 4 points in 2007 (before being hammered by 66 points in a revenge display 4 years later) and knowing that Pacific Nations sides have a decent record against the men in red. They'll be competitive and score some cracking tries, I'm sure, but I suspect they will struggle to go the full 80 against the 'big 3'.


Uruguay

Coach: Pablo Lemoine. Uruguayan rugby legend who was part of a side that won their first World Cup game in their very first appearance in 1999 against Spain. Had massive club success with Stade Frances throughout the naughties and won 49 caps for his Country, so he knows his onions. He also probably eats a lot of them too (possibly deep fried), judging by his size.

Captain: Santiago Vilaseca. Big, lean, aggressive lock who typifies what Uruguayan rugby is about. Is experienced with 32 caps but has never been to a World Cup before and plays amateur rugby for the Old Boys Club in his home country. Which is still fifty times harder than anything I have played.

Key Player: Felippe Berchesi. The fly half is just one of only four who play professionally in Europe, plying his trade for those European giants, er… Carcassonne in the French Pro2. The playmaker is a reliable kicker and has an eye for a gap, as he showed whilst plundering 75 points in just 5 games during the Americas/Repechage play-offs.

Watch out for: Agustin Ormaechea. A second generation Uruguayan World-Cupper who has a lot to live up to – his father Diego captained his country at the 1999 event and still holds the record for being the oldest player in World Cup history, aged 40 years and 26 days. But Agustin has a chance to make a name in his own right – the scrum half is one of the few professionals in the squad (playing for Stade Montois in French Pro2) and is a former sevens-specialist, so he brings explosive acceleration and sharp footwork along with his rugby pedigree.

Strengths: Aggression. The Uruguayans might be, literally, a bunch of amateurs (mostly), but they won't take a backward step against anyone – they certainly didn't in their previous World Cup outings. The South Americans love their physical contact and they won't shirk the chance to ruffle some feathers, so keep an eye out for some big contact and some enthusiastic, if occasionally questionable, ruck clean-outs.

Weaknesses: Professionalism. As set out above, only four of these lads play professionally and, although many of them will have bags of raw talent in terms of skills and physical ability, it won't have been attuned to the extent it has for any of the professional players they'll be playing against. Even if these guys work solidly at their rugby skills outside of their day jobs, it still won't match up to the time, effort, support and money that goes towards the development of professional players. And that, in a World Cup, will be a huge difference.

Prospects: Without seeming patronising, Uruguay will fill the 'happy to be here' role. Don't get me wrong – they impressed in qualifying with their aggregate win over Russia to show that they are no mugs – but they, realistically, won't be picking up any wins against their opponents in the 'Pool of Death'. That said, they'll be delighted to have a chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage at the World Cup against some of the best teams on show, and so they'll certainly put themselves about and cause a few bruises and, if Fiji get off to bad start, they may even target a scalp… but I think, instead, we'll be seeing the South Americans on the wrong end of some big scores, albeit looking like they're loving (almost) every minute of it.

@RuckedOver

World Cup Warm Up Review - England 21 - 13 Ireland

"The World Cup Starts Here".  

That was the official tagline given to the occasion by Graham Rowntree before England hosted Ireland at Twickenham in their final warm up game before the party really gets underway against Fiji in two Friday's time.  Of course, that wasn't entirely true.  The main thing any England fan would have wanted was an improvement on the steaming barrel of manure served up in Paris for 70 minutes a couple of weeks previously - some sort of statement, some sort of springboard from which a World Cup challenge could be launched without the shadow of despondent dread that you usually associate with one of the national football team's campaigns.  Oh, and no injuries of course (sorry, Wales). Technically, despite the obvious mental benefit of maintaining a winning run at the home ground where you'll be conducting your World Cup battles, the result here wouldn't count for anything realistically; the performance would.  But straight from the kick-off, you could tell that the men in white weren't thinking that way.  They wanted both; the performance and - crucially - the win.

Chris Robshaw set the tone with a crunching hit on Sumon Zebo straight from the kick-off and the English pack followed up well to apply the pressure to force an attacking line-out.  Tom Youngs - under pressure after set piece problems last week - managed to hit Geoff Parling and, although the bearded wonder couldn't gather it cleanly under the pressure from Paul O'Connell, it was one from one and it gave the hosts a platform from which to an attack with real tempo.  After Johnny May and Anthony Watson both threatened with their speed and footwork, a gorgeous floated pass from Ben Youngs hit May in space the left hand channel, where the Gloucester flyer smashed straight through Tommy Bowe of all people to crash over in the corner.  May might have had space but he still had a hell of a lot to do and, although the celebration made him look like a man stumbling out of a Wetherspoons happy hour, his finish was indicative of a man with renewed confidence to match his obvious ability.  George Ford banged over the conversion from wide out, and England had the dream start - whilst Tommy Bowe was left to rue his abysmal attempt at a tackle.

Ireland briefly recovered from the men in white's lightening start as a fired-up May was penalised for hitting Johnny Sexton in the air, timing his hit fractionally early - although he pulled out of the challenge when he realised his error.  That probably saved him from seeing yellow, but it didn't save 3 points from the boot of Sexton, courtesy of the crossbar.

It would prove to be a brief respite though for the Irish as England began to dominate possession, territory and the gainline, with Tom Youngs and Ben Morgan both making good yardage around the fringes, and after 12 minutes they got over the line again.  It was from an attacking lineout (cleanly taken!) and from the 22 the English pack got a rumble going, only for the maul to be hauled down by the visitors.  With a penalty advantage in his pocket, Ford knocked over a perfectly-weighted cross-field kick which the onrushing Watson took over the head of the backpeddling Zebo.  It was a superbly executed score, served with a delicious helping of irony, given the Scmidt's sides aerial dominance in Dublin earlier on in the year.  Ford missed the extras, but there was no doubt that the hosts were in complete control.

They were soon on the move again as Joe Marler crashed past Devan Toner on a rampage that left Conor Murray unconscious and having to leave the game to undergo concussion protocols, before Chris Robshaw made good yards from a smart Ben Youngs switch to get the hosts on the front foot.  From there, the ball went through the hands quickly for May to scorch over again in the left, finishing with a sort of skip as he attempted to evade an anticipated low tackle which never arrived, which unfortunately made him look like a bit of nancy.  Still a cracking finish though.  Alas, it was all for nothing as it transpired that the final pass - from Tom Youngs - had gone forward by a couple of metres.  Some blame could be attached to May for being too flat, but let's just say you can see why Youngs isn't a centre any more - it was a pass he should have made, which was a shame because he had been phenomenal up until that point.

Still, this was all light years better than the dross served up in Paris a fortnight ago.  The only issue that hadn't seemed to have been resolved was the scrum issue, where Mike Ross was causing some damage, attacking the bind between Marler and Youngs - which will give Graham Rowntree some sleepless nights.  Despite this though, the hosts should have had another 5 pointer before half time, as Jonathan Joseph couldn't release the ball quick enough under pressure from Zebo to the lurking May, but England were still good value for the 12-3 win - not just because of their attacking play, but also because the much-vaunted backrow of Heaslip, O'Brien and O'Mahony had been phased completely out of the game.

Ireland came out at half time having clearly had a talking to and immediately went on the attack, with O'Brien and Paul O'Connell carrying hard - but solid defence from Youngs, Parling,Brad Barritt and Tom Wood meant that the visitors were getting very little change out of the white wall they were facing.  In fact, it was the hosts who grabbed the first points as they earned themselves a surprise scrum penalty near halfway, allowing Ford to echo Sexton's earlier effort with a 3 pointer helped over by the crossbar.  The 12 point advantage only lasted three minutes though as the Irish pack surged towards the English line after Joe Launchbury, on for Parling, failed to gather a restart, and good pressure forced a simple penalty which was knocked over by Sexton.

Another three minutes and it was another score for the Six Nations Champions, completely against the run of the game as a whole - but this one was a 7-pointed.  Following an attacking lineout, Heaslip rolled off the maul to get within 3 metres and skipper O'Connell smartly spotted a gap caused by the Irish clearout to burrow over the line for a real captain's try.  After the extras, Ireland were suddenly just two points behind, despite barely being in the game.

That though was, for the Irish, as close as they were going to get.  In fact, they didn't even get a sniff over the English line in the last quarter, as England were stung into action and the substitutes helped close the game out.  Tom Wood, in particular, was making some big carries in wide channels (although he somehow contrived to let Sexton strip the ball from him with the line beckoning) and, with May quieter but still causing panic in the Irish defence with his acceleration, the hosts seemed to carry all the aces - particularly when Slammin' Sammy Burgess entered the fray.  It was Owen Farrell, though, who had the chance to close the game off, but he inexplicably tried to throw an enormous miss-pass with a 4-on-1 overlap when all that was required was for the ball to go through the hands. England nearly made the most of it though as Wigglesworth wriggled over from close range after another good charge from Wood, but it was adjudged that the Saints man had taken the ball from Robshaw in an offside position.  

It was another close call for the hosts, but the boot of Farrell finally eased the nerves with two well struck penalties to close the game out, before Burgess weighed in with a final contribution, smashing Ian Madigan with a monster hit that again served a reminder of what he can bring to the party.

And it might not quite be a party yet, but a 21 - 13 win for England will certainly have created a few happy faces amongst the England fans and management.  It wasn't perfect - tries were squandered after a clinical opening, they switched off their intensity for 10-minutes, the lineout was much better but still too easily read by opposition jumpers, forcing scrappy ball, and the scrum is still a concern.  But those who needed big games duly delivered and the opportunities created in front of a raucous home crowd means that the World Cup hosts can rightly feel positive a fortnight before the big kick-off - even if the game was against an Irish side looking worryingly flat and lacking invention. Now it feels that England have some element of momentum, the real party is about to get started.


England Player Ratings

1. Joe Marler: 7. Superb break in the first half and genuinely much more lively in the loose than in previous games. Concerned about the bind between him and Youngs though, which has been targeted on two occasions by tightheads.

2. Tom Youngs: 7. Unbelievable contribution around the park – making 17 tackles in 50 minutes, disrupting opposition ruck ball and making some hard yards. Lineout not spotless but much improved, but that forward pass reminded us why he doesn't play centre anymore.

3. Dan Cole: 5. A bit concerning, actually. He wasn't as prominent in the loose as before and, although the scrum problems were mainly on the other side, he couldn't apply the same pressure to McGrath and Best himself.

4. Geoff Parling: 8. A reminder of why he is a big game player. Delivered the sort of performance he gave for the Lions with a superb showing in the lineout and a busy day around the park too – has cemented a starting spot for himself.

5. Courtney Lawes: 7. Much more effective this week, getting through a lot of work in defence and carrying well in some of the wider channels.

6. Tom Wood: 8. I'll be honest, I haven't rated Wood for years. I've always thought he doesn't bring enough bite to the table, but he was as hungry as I've seen him against Ireland. Some strong carries, good lineout work and big tackles all stood out…although he won't like to watch replays of being stripped in possession by a fly half…

7. Chris Robshaw: 8. Much more like it from the skipper. He was everywhere again and made a real nuisance of himself at the breakdown. Link play was top notch.

8. Ben Morgan: 7. Big improvement on last outing, regularly wriggling out of tackles and one turnover in particular shows how big a difference three weeks has made. Has potentially pinched Billy's starting spot.

9. Ben Youngs: 8. Very sharp, very impressive. Gorgeous floated pass for May set up the space he needed for the first score, and his delivery was reliable throughout. Kicking game outshone his opponents, too.

10. George Ford: 7. Again, much better – although still not back to his best. Varied play nicely but still occasionally took the wrong option. That cross field kick for Watson's try was bang on the money though.

11. Johnny May: 9. I've almost given him an extra point for shoving my words down my throat. He's improved immeasurably and had Tommy Bowe on toast all afternoon. I don't know many other wingers who can say that. Blistering pace, and now confidence and power to go with it. Man of the match.

12. Brad Barritt: 6. Solid return for a man returning from injury. Nothing spectacular, as you'd expect, but a reliable presence in the middle of the park who settled things down and led the defensive line well.

13. Jonathan Joseph: 6. Largely well shackled again but his footwork caused plenty of issues, and his ability to wriggle through gaps is amazing. Could/should have passed to set up May in the first half, though.

14. Anthony Watson: 8. His balance and quick feet are jaw-droppingly good. Incredible take for his try and still has the capacity to beat anyone in a 5 metre-channel. A potential superstar.

15. Mike Brown: 8. Back to his slippery best, his ability under the high ball on Saturday was phenomenal as he repelled the aerial threat with apparent ease, and used his own ability to good effect in attack.

Replacements: 6. A bit of a mixed bag, really. Jamie George impressed again, Sam Burgess threw a forward pass and knocked the ball on before contributing with some hard carries and a huge hit on Madigan, whilst Farrell was dead-eyed in front of goal but butchered a try-scoring situation with a shocker of a pass.

World Cup Warm Ups - England v Ireland Preview

It's "just" a warm-up, but a week's worth of results has threatened to upset the apple cart of confident pre-tournament conditions that had England as second-favourites and the Irish as dark-horses. Two defeats – and two worryingly shaky performances – have cast just a shadow of doubt to creep over the two sides' otherwise unswervingly positive preparations for the World Cup; one more defeat, and it's possibly not overstating matters to say that creeping doubt could bloom into full-blown panic. Well, from some sections of the media anyway.

England were simply not at the races in Paris for 70 minutes. It's hard to blame a backline without ball, but George Ford looked nervous under pressure – however, the pack were the real cause for concern, mercilessly bullied in the contact area and exploited in the set piece. That isn't a description you usually attribute to an English pack. But, with a last warm-up game against Ireland, and an outing at HQ, comes a chance at redemption. The hosts have had two weeks to iron out the plethora of problems that turned their lineout into something as simple to read as top-shelf magazine and to get their defensive positioning and mindset correctly attuned. Against a powerful, aggressive Irish side, they simply cannot afford to be as soft as they were in the contact area once again and, looking at a relative advantage in the front row, they have a real chance of getting the upper hand at scrum time.

At this stage, selection always dominates the headlines and, with this supposed to be an almost first-choice line-up, it's understandable why. Lancaster has turned to lineout guru Geoff Parling to solve the lineout woes whilst Tom Wood is another real target in the backrow – more so than James Haskell (although I think Wood hasn't offered anywhere near the amount of industry Haskell has over the last 2 seasons). In the backs, it's all relatively uncontroversial as we see the power-running 12 preferred, with Brad Barritt returning from injury to provide a stabilising influence in the middle and Johnny May – surprisingly for me – is preferred over Jack Nowell, England's best player in France. And, of course, Sam Burgess is lurking on the bench, ready for another good hit out at 12. The very fact they've included him in the squad, despite his inability to cover other positions in the backline (compared to, say, Nowell) tells me that there is a serious train of thought amongst the England coaches to start him come World Cup.

Ireland will certainly provide the test Burgess – and England – need if they are be ready for a serious tilt at the Webb Ellis trophy. Against Wales they were flat and uninventive, they were out fought at the breakdown and, surprisingly, Sexton was all over the place with his kicking. They have their own demons to fix, but from an England point of view it will be fascinating to see how Burgess, once he comes on, deals with that patented Irish 'wrap' move, designed specifically to isolate and suck in the inside centre.

With the mood of a nation heading into a World Cup on the line, I'm not so sure 'warm-up' is an appropriate description. Things seem to have hotted up already.


England Team News

Brad Barritt will return from injury and Geoff Parling will feature in the second row as a near first-choice England side host Ireland in their last World Cup warm-up game on Saturday. Defensive lynchpin Barritt, who now has almost no nose, who has not played for England since November 2014, starts at inside centre.

Rugby league convert Sam Burgess, who made his debut in the same position 10 days ago, is on the bench. Tom Wood joins captain Chris Robshaw and Ben Morgan in the back row. On the wing, Jonny May is given another chance to impress and he joins Anthony Watson and Mike Brown in the back three.

Barritt and Jonathan Joseph - understood to be England's preferred centre partnership - will start a Test together for the first time.

Starting Line-up: Mike Brown (Harlequins); Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby); George Ford (Bath Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers); Joe Marler (Harlequins), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Geoff Parling, Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Chris Robshaw (capt, Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby).

Subs: Jamie George (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby).

Key Man
Geoff Parling. The bearded wonder returns. Geoff may look like a Geography teacher, but his importance has been magnified following the lineout wobbles of the previous two games. Tom Youngs unfairly got a lot of flak for his throwing in Paris but his was no worse than Rob Webber's or Jamie George's – and a whole lot better than Luke Cowan-Dickie's. The problem hasn't, in general, been underthrows or overthrows, it's been interceptions – the plays are being read far too easily and it allows the opposition jumpers to get in and cause havoc. Parling is a self-professed 'lineout geek' who has shone on the highest level before – for the Lions – and he will need to recapture that form and intelligence in the lineout if they are to avoid the gadget arm of the gargantuan Devin Toner.

Ireland Team News
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named a strong team to face England in Saturday's final World Cup warm-up game. The line-up includes 12 of the side which started in the Six Nations-clinching win over Scotland in March. Changes from that game see Simon Zebo at full-back instead of Rob Kearney with Dave Kearney and Jack McGrath in for Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Healy.

Prop Healy is not risked as he continues his recovery after surgery.

Starting Line-up: Simon Zebo (Munster); Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Jared Payne (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Dave Kearney (Leinster); Johnny Sexton (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster); Jack McGrath (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster); Devin Toner (Leinster), Paul O'Connell (Munster) capt; Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Sean O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster).

Subs: Richardt Strauss (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Nathan White (Connacht), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Darren Cave (Ulster).

Key Player

Johnny Sexton. The Leinsterman was imperious against the same opposition in the Six Nations, forcing an ambitious English side back into their territory time and time again as he picked the corners with laser-guided precision from his boot. Last week, however, the Lions fly-half was more than a little rusty – the radar was a bit wobbly from hand, his passes lacked a bit of fizz and there were uncharacteristic errors all over the shop. Against Wales, a usually fluid and efficient backline looked as likely to score as Graham Rowntree at a Victoria's Secret party. Sexton has to find his rhythm with the boot because, if he does, he can frustrate this England team into mistakes and, when he's on song, he's among the best in the world at taking full advantage.


Key Battle

Chris Robshaw v Sean O'Brien. The two number sevens are always looked to as barometers of their team's performances but there's added pressure this week – and not just because of the World Cup around the corner. Both sides got hammered at the breakdown last week – England, because they lost the contact time and again, which severely restricted the opportunities to snaffle turnover ball and Ireland because they lacked dynamism and intelligence at the breakdown. Both, whilst not being 'classic opensides' (as the lazy argument goes), have big roles to play. Robshaw needs to lead the defensive charge and make sure that he is at the forefront of an effort to get up quickly and chop down defenders behind the gainline, whilst O'Brien needs to inject a bit of subtlety – the Irish pack made plenty of solid hits, but positioning himself to stay out of contact before getting over the ball at the right moment will be key.

Prediction

This may be just a warm-up game, but this is the final warm-up game before the big showpiece and now has extra importance after disappointing defeats in their last outings. For England, the pressure is greater, however – they are at home, at Twickenham, and if they can't get back to winning ways and produce a performance which inspires confidence, a little bit of self-doubt will creep in. Specifically England need their set piece, particularly the lineout, to improve dramatically, they need to win the collisions – as they did in the Six Nations – and they need George Ford to rediscover his composure. Ireland won't give them anything on a plate though and Joe Schmidt will not allow his team to go from dark horses to also-rans, so expect a fired-up Irish team and a feisty encounter. I think England, though, will rise to the challenge and nick the win with an improved display. England by 6.