Rugby World Cup Quarter-Finals Preview

By Laurie Fitzgerald

We finally have our quarter-final line-up for the 2011 Rugby World Cup after a pulsating conclusion to the Pool Stages last weekend.

Of the home nations, the trio of England, Ireland and Wales booked their passages into the last eight at the expense of Scotland, Italy and Fiji respectively.

It was huge disappointment for the Scots, as they ran England all the way before a late Chris Ashton try gave Martin Johnson’s men a 16-12 win.

For Andy Robinson and his squad, they now have to deal with the realisation that for the first time in World Cup history, they will not make it into the knockout stages, despite being in winning positions against Argentina and the English.

Their lack of a cutting edge was their downfall, with their four tries in the tournament all coming in their opening win against Romania– and the same criticism can be leveled at Samoa.

The Pacific Islanders were valiant losers against both Wales and South Africa in their crucial Pool D clashes, but they had plenty of chances in both games to cause the upset they needed to go through.

While it was a bad weekend for the PacificIsland nation, one of them managed to cause the shock of the competition so far.

Tonga’s 19-14 win over France meant they ended their campaign in New Zealand on a high, although their earlier surprise defeat to Canada will have left them wondering what if.

Instead, we have many familiar names in the final eight, and there are some eye-catching match-ups to decide who will contest the semi-finals in 10 days time.

Week 4 results

Friday 30^th September

Samoa 5-13 South Africa

Saturday 1^st October

Australia 68-22 Russia; France 14-19 Tonga; England 16-12 Scotland

Sunday 2^nd October

Argentina 25-7 Georgia; Canada 15-79 New Zealand; Fiji 0-66 Wales; Ireland 36-6 Italy

 

Quarter Finals

New Zealand v Argentina

While the hosts will be heavy favourites to overcome an inevitably stubborn Pumas’ resistance, the All Black’s World Cup dreams have taken the biggest possible blow imaginable.

At the age of 29 and viewed by the majority of the rugby world as the best player on the planet at the peek of his powers, this was set to be the tournament where Dan Carter confirmed his status as one of the all-time greats.

But fate has dealt the cruelest of blows when the fly-half sustained a calf injury in the build-up to their final pool match against Canada– an injury that not only ruled him out of that match, but also the rest of the tournament.

Not only is this a blow to a somewhat devastated Carter and his adoring public, but also to rugby fans around the globe who know that the sport’s showpiece event will be missing it’s shining light in the closing stages.

It also means that Graham Henry now needs to find someone who is able to step up and handle the pressure in the way that Carter, something that seems an almost impossible task.

Despite this blow, New Zealand remain the favourites for their first Webb Ellis Cup in 24 years and shouldn’t have too much trouble overcoming an Argentina side that worked incredibly hard to navigate a route out of Pool B.

The question now is how much do they have in the tank after such an exhausting few weeks, especially up against a team that strolled through their Pool campaign without dropping even a winning bonus point.

While the Pumas will pose a huge presence in the pack, the pace and agility of the All Blacks backline, even in the absence of Carter, should prove too much to prevent a repeat of Argentina’s third-placed finish back in 2007.

England v France

Despite campaigns that have drawn plenty of criticism for performances both on and off the pitch, England and France have the chance to reach their fifth and sixth World Cup semi-finals respectively.

England go into Saturday’s game with media focus on the wrong issues, as the trio of James Haskell, Dylan Hartley and Chris Ashton were reprimanded after abusing a female hotel worker in Dunedin.

It has led to the media having a field day in questioning the antics and professionalism of the current squad, but despite some unconvincing performances, England go into Le Crunch with a 100% record.

For France their record is anything but 100%; having won their opening two games against Japanand Canada with bonus points, they followed it up with back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and Tonga.

This sums up the inconsistency of the French, but Martin Johnson will be fully aware that one week the French can be woeful, and the next week quite wonderful.

Johnson is expected to name a similar line-up to the one that edged past Scotland last weekend, although there could be an issue on the wing with Delon Armitage cited for a high tackle on Chris Paterson in that match that could lead to a suspension for the London Irish flyer.

With Mark Cueto still struggling with injury it seems that Matt Banahan will be the most likely deputy if the aforementioned duo is ruled out for differing reasons.

As for France, trying to predict what Marc Lievremont will choose for his final 23 is anyone’s guess; the last two weeks have seen him play two scrum-halves in the half-back positions, which could explain the struggle for direction in those defeats.

On current form, England will be tipped to knock France out of the World Cup for a fourth time following success in 1991, 2003 & 2007. But you would be naïve to rule out the French.

Ireland v Wales

Both Celtic nations have been impressive throughout the tournament so far, and have now been rewarded with paths that make a World Cup final a genuine possibility.

Ireland have been one of the teams of the competition so far after stunning Australia in week two and going on to make it four wins from four and clinching top spot in Pool C.

Meanwhile, Wales have recovered brilliantly from the disappointment of their narrow opening loss to South Africaby producing excellent wins over Samoa, Namibia and Fiji.

It means that whoever wins this Saturday’s contest will be rewarded with a semi-final against the winners of England& France, meaning that there will definitely be a Six Nations side in the final on October 23^rd.

The way that both these teams are playing they will strongly fancy their chances, and it seems that the two most impressive back-rows of the World Cup so far will be a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of this match.

Ireland’s 6, 7 & 8 combination of Stephen Ferris, Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip has been immense, winning turnover after turnover and continually creating platforms for their backs.

Same applies to the Welsh trio of Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau, who have shown that their inexperience in youth has not harmed their performances on the biggest stage of all.

Lydiate returns to the fold after missing the last two games through injury along with wing wizard Shane Williams and James Hook, who may have to once again settle for a place outside of his favoured no.10 role.

Rhys Priestland has been very impressive at fly-half, and it seems that Hook will have to settle for a place at full-back if he is to get back in the team.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has a big decision to make in the half-backs himself, with the choice of Conor Murray or Eoin Reddan at scrum-half and Ronan O’Gara or Jonathan Sexton alongside him.

This is such a tight game to call, but whoever comes through it will feel they have every chance of making it all the way in just over two weeks time.

South Africa v Australia

Out of all the quarter-final line-ups, the final match on Sunday is the one that raises the most eyebrows – mainly because this could have so easily have been the final itself.

Two of the tri-nations heavyweights battle it out for a place in the semis and to avoid the ignominy of crashing out so early in a tournament when their public expected so much of them.

This is down to the fact thatAustralia were unable to win their Pool, meaning that they have to go down the more difficult path of the Springboks and most likely the All Blacks for a place in the final.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has had a plethora of injuries to deal with, the latest seeing winger Drew Mitchell ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.

Injuries are so severe that Deans resorted to playing his number eight Radike Samo on the wing during their victory over Russia last week, and with resources being tested, the last thing they want to do is face a South African side growing in confidence by the week.

After a difficult Tri-nations campaign leading into the tournament, Peter de Villiers side have now won their last five matches, and many of these players knows what it takes to win the world cup after success inFrance four years ago.

Now the reigning world champions go into this match with their tails up, although they have to deal with some injury heartache themselves after Francois Steyn was ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a shoulder problem.

It will be a case of who can construct their game more effectively; if Australia can get good possession through the likes of the influential David Pocock and Rocky Elsom and bring Will Genia and Quade Cooper into play, then the Wallabies can keep their dreams alive.

But if the South Africans grind them into a tight affair by getting on top of their pack in the way that the Irish did then Australia will need to find a plan B and quickly.

If they don’t, then the experience and know-how of a South Africa squad with world cup winners in it already could make the telling difference.

So what do you think? Who will come out on top in this weekend’s quarter-finals? How will the home nations fare in their must-win matches? Leave a comment and let us know your views.

Rugby World Cup: Week 4 Preview

By Laurie Fitzgerald

This weekend will see the conclusion of the pool stages of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and there is all to play for many of the big nations.

Only hosts New Zealand are guaranteed a quarter-final spot going into their final pool match, and for some there is a real danger that they could find themselves making the long journey home earlier than anticipated.

While France should join the All Blacks out of Pool A, There are three teams in with a shout in Pools B, C and D and determine how the last eight will shape up.

Some countries - such as England, Ireland, South Africa and Wales - are in control of their own destiny.

For the others, including the likes of Scotland, Australia and Samoa, they need favours in either securing a knockout berth or a favourable passage for the rest of the tournament.

We’re all set for another intriguing week of action full of tension, drama and excitement, and there are set to be many talking points to follow it as we move into the business end of the competition.

Week 3 results:

Thursday 22nd September

Namibia 0-87 South Africa

Friday 23rd September

Australia 67-5 USA

Saturday 24th September

England 67-3 Romania; France 17-37 New Zealand

Sunday 25th September

Fiji 7-27 Samoa; Ireland 62-6 Russia; Argentina 13-12 Scotland

Monday 26th September

Namibia 7-81 Wales

Tuesday 27th September

Canada 23-23 Japan; Italy 27-10 USA

Wednesday 28th September

Georgia 25-9 Romania

Pool A

Without doubt the most predictable of the pools going into the final weekend, as both New Zealand and France look to emerge unscathed in preparation for the quarters.

New Zealand already booked their place in the last eight with an impressive bonus point win over the French last Saturday.

France coach Marc Lievremont may have fielded a weakened side against the host, but Graham Henry’s men scored 5 tries in a controlled and professional performance, underlining that they are the team to beat come October 23rd.

New Zealand now face Canada on Sunday in order to clinch top spot and maintain their 100% record so far, with the Canadians still mathematically in with a chance of securing second spot.

However, not only would they have to cause one of the biggest ever upsets in RWC history by beating the All Blacks, but they would need Tonga to do them a favour and stun France on Saturday for this permutation to occur.

Therefore, for both Tonga and Canada the main priority is trying to secure third spot in the pool, which would guarantee a place at the next World Cup in England in 2015.

Japan’s campaign has already finished, with four defeats from four in a disappointing showing for John Kirwan’s men, especially after winning the Pacific Nations Cup in the summer.

Pool B

When talking of permutations, there is one pool that are full of different possibilities and outcomes going into the final round of games.

England currently sit in top spot after three wins from three after a much-improved display against Romania, running in 10 tries in a comfortable victory.

But there is still work to be done not only to secure top spot but to also qualify for the next stage due to the tight nature of the pool.

They face Scotland on Saturday knowing that their oldest rivals in the game have to win to stand any realistic chance of maintaining their proud record of getting out of the pool stages of every World Cup so far.

This record is in jeopardy following Argentina’s narrow win over the Scots, and with the Pumas facing Georgia on Sunday, Andy Robinson’s men realise that 14-15 points is required to ensure any hope of avoiding an early exit.

One of the biggest permutations is that Scotland may well need to get four tries or more to secure a bonus point win.

But considering the facts that Scotland haven’t scored a try in the last two games, and England having only conceded one themselves, it makes the Scottish challenge all the more diffifcult.

However, if there is one team that Scotland can raise their game for then it’s against the English, and they will need this mentality to give them hope of causing a shock and keeping their World Cup dreams alive.

Pool C

For Ireland, they are perfectly placed to win a pool stage at a World Cup for the very first time following three wins from three.

Having stunned Australia in week two, Declan Kidney’s side backed up that success with a bonus point win over Russia, whose debut campaign is set to finish with four defeats from four.

They now sit top of Pool C three points clear of the Wallabies knowing that a win over Italy will secure top spot and a more favourable route into the knockout stages.

However, the Irish will be aware that a defeat on Sunday will not only destroy their chances of winning the pool, but also potentially end their hopes of qualification.

Italy are also on their tails and victory for Nick Mallet and his squad could see the Azzurri reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

For Australia, Robbie Deans will know all they can do is ensure a top two finish by beating Russia with a bonus point.

But they will need Italy to do them a massive favour to give them first spot in Pool C and avoid a potential route of South Africa and New Zealand in trying to reach their fourth final in six attempts.

Pool D

While this pool has proven to be as hard-fought as many observers expected, the two favourites of the group are in control of their own destiny.

South Africa take on Samoa on Friday knowing that any sort of win will give them top spot, although also giving them a more difficult route in the quarters than what they should be rewarded with.

However, the Springboks know they cannot take the risk of losing and finishing second, as both the Samoans and Wales can still finish above them.

Samoa have been impressive at this World Cup and brutally dispatched their Pacific Island rivals Fiji last weekend to keep their hopes alive.

A defeat would all but end their hopes – but they could be given an unlikely reprieve if the Fijians repeat their heroics of four years ago.

In one of the great RWC encounters, Fiji stunned Wales 38-34 to knock them out of the 2007 World Cup in France, and a similar outcome would put an end to Welsh hopes this time around.

Fortunately for Wales, this is a group of players that have so far shown the sort of composure required to avoid any upsets, having been led brilliantly by one of the players of the tournament so far in Sam Warburton.

This match will be a big test of the 22 year-old’s leadership, but if he and his team-mates pass with flying colours then they are set to face their Six Nations rivals in the knockout stages, and hopes of a World Cup final suddenly become a real possibility.

So what do you think? Who will make it into the last eight, and who will make the long trip home this weekend? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.

Rugby World Cup Week 3 Preview

By Laurie Fitzgerald

In last week’s preview, I alluded to the tournament’s need for a big shock to set the competition alight.

Well there was one result on Saturday that blew the 2011 Rugby World Cup wide open.

Ireland’s 15-6 win over Australia was not just a victory for the underdog; it was a result that could have long-term consequences for the knockout stages.

Had Declan Kidney‘s side lost in Auckland it would have created a much more treacherous path to the final with South Africa in the last eight and New Zealand in the semis.

Now if they secure top spot in Pool C with wins over Namibia and Italy then they will face Northern Hemisphere rivals Wales and then France or England in the last four – leaving the Wallabies facing the more daunting route.

This means there’s a real chance that a side from the Six Nations could find themselves with a place in the final come 23rd October.

However, there is plenty of rugby to be played before those permutations come into play, and many potential twists and turns in store.

For the home nations, while it was victories all round they were all greeted on different scales.

Ireland’s effort was nothing short of heroic, Wales’ narrow victory over Samoa was full of relief while England’s win over Georgia was greeted with criticism.

But it means that all three along with Scotland are well-placed at the halfway mark of the pool stages.

Week 2 Results:

Thursday 15th September

Russia 6-13 USA

Friday 16th September

Japan 7-83 New Zealand

Saturday 17th September

Argentina 43-8 Romania; Fiji 3-49 South Africa; Australia 6-15 Ireland

Sunday 18th September

Samoa 10-17 Wales; England 41-10 Georgia; Canada 19-46 France

Tuesday 20th September

Italy 53-17 Russia

Wednesday 21st September

Japan 18-31 Tonga

Pool A

Both New Zealand and France carried on their relentless push for the quarter finals with bonus points victories over the weekend.

The All Blacks became the first team to break the half-century barrier when they scored 13 tries against the hapless Japanese.

Les Bleus found it tougher against Canada and led by just 6 points with 15 minutes remaining before a late flourish inspired by winger Vincent Clerc, who helped himself to a hat-trick of scores.

Therefore this weekend’s clash between two of the big heavyweights of world rugby will be to mainly determine who will top the pool and secure a more comfortable passage in the knockout stages.

For those that win Pool A, they are set to face a potential line-up of Scotland and Ireland to get to rugby’s showpiece in four weeks time.

However, the runners-up are set to face South Africa and Australia, a path that will take an awful lot out of those forced down it.

Graham Henry’s side have fitness doubts over crucial duo Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, but will still be heavy favourites against Marc Lievremont’s French outfit.

In the week’s other game, Japan will be looking to salvage some pride in what has been a difficult campaign when they face the experienced Canadians on Tuesday, who hope to secure their second win and a top-three finish in the process.

Pool B

As anticipated, the three main contenders came to the fore in week two to leave this hugely physical pool finely balanced.

Argentina impressed in their bonus point win over Romania, with the Pumas outclassing the Romanians with some clinical finishing and overcoming the pack with relative ease.

For England, they did what they needed to do by beating Georgia and getting the winning bonus points, but an unconvincing display marked the end of a difficult week.

Newspaper headlines were dominated by the team’s outing to a dwarf-throwing contest in a Dunedin bar following their narrow win over Argentina.

Some of the players actions, in particular Mike Tindall, have come under close scrutiny with the decision to go out for a few drinks during such an important tournament being brought into question.

Now it’s up to coach Martin Johnson to put the criticism on and off the pitch behind the squad, and work to improve things against Romania this Saturday.

But the big game in Pool B comes in Wellington on Sunday when Scotland face Argentina knowing that a win will secure their place in the quarters.

Andy Robinson’s team have had ten days to prepare for this crucial encounter, and for the Pumas it is do or die having already lost to England.

A win for the Scots and it sets them up perfectly for the clash against their oldest rivals to try and win the pool the following weekend, but they will need to raise their game after struggling wins against Romania and Georgia.

The last game of the week sees Romania and Georgia face off to avoid the wooden spoon after some excellent showings against the more established nations.

Pool C

This pool has taken one enormous twist and thrown up plenty of intrigue following Ireland’s win over Australia.

The win for Declan Kidney’s men puts them firmly in the driving seat, but they will know there is plenty of work to be done.

There is still a threat posed by Italy and if Nick Mallett‘s side were to beat the Irish in their final pool game it would not only stop Ireland from winning the pool, but also could see them go out.

So there is no room for complacency when they face Russia on Sunday, and a win with four tries or more could make a big difference in a group where every point is critical.

Meanwhile the Wallabies have been licking their wounds, with Robbie Deans and his squad having to deal with plenty of criticism from the Australian public and media.

There’s no doubt that when they unleash their backline, Australia can carve apart the very best of opposition.

But there seems to be growing belief that they struggle for a Plan B; if they get drawn into a war of attrition, Quade Cooper and co don’t seem to have an answer.

While they should overcome the United States on Friday, they need to add substance to their style to keep their World Cup dreams alive in the long-term.

As for the Italians, their schedule has been unkind with two midweek games in their pursuit of a top-two finish.

Victory over the USA on Tuesday is essential if they are to avoid another disappointing early exit in the pool stages.

Pool D

After last weekend’s results, we now know who are best-placed to qualify from the pool of death.

South Africa made real strides following an unimpressive win over Wales by overpowering Fiji in Wellington.

For Wales themselves, they knew defeat against Samoa would have been catastrophic for their World Cup chances and showed great character in getting a gritty win.

Not only did they have to come from behind to get the four points, but they also had to survive a huge physical bombardment by the Samoans to get their first victory of the tournament.

Warren Gatland’s side face Namibia on Monday knowing that five points will set them up perfectly when they face the Fijians in the final weekend of the group stages.

By then, the Springboks may have secured a comfortable win over the unfortunate Namibians when they face them tomorrow.

The big game of the weekend in Pool D sees the clash of the Pacific Islanders as Fiji and Samoa look to end each other’s chances of qualification.

Samoa need to pick themselves up after their disappointment last Sunday and if they overcome their rivals then they will have a chance going into their final game with the Springboks.

However, a win for Fiji could give them a real opportunity to repeat their heroics of 2007 when they knocked out Wales to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

With this intrigue in store, don’t be surprised to see more twists and turns this weekend.

What do you think? Will the home nations take a giant step towards the quarter finals? Leave a comment and let us know your views.

Rugby World Cup Week 2 Preview

By Laurie Fitzgerald

The 2011 Rugby World Cup got underway last weekend, and it was a case of the underdogs coming so close yet so far.

Tonga put up a spirited second-half fight in the opening game against New Zealand, but by then they were already 29-0 down. The All Blacks went on to win 41-10.

The second game almost did see a major shock as Romania came within 12 minutes of defeating Scotland. However, two late tries by Simon Danielli gave Andy Robinson’s men a bonus point 34-24 win.

France were also given a scare by Pacific Nations champions Japan, who came within an unconverted try before Marc Lievremont‘s team pulled away in the final 10 minutes to triumph 47-21.

Fiji had no such issues in their bonus point win over Namibia (49-25) but England were pushed all the way by a resilient Argentina.

The Pumas led 9-3 with 15 minutes remaining before substitute scrum-half Ben Youngs darted through the Argentinian defence to eventually scrape a 13-9 win in their Pool B opener.

Sunday proved to be more of the same, with the favourites being given stern examinations by their less illustrious opponents before clinching victory.

Ireland didn’t cross the tryline until first-half injury-time against the USA, and were unable to get that all-important fourth try in a 22-10 win over the Eagles.

Meanwhile Australia, who are many people’s tip to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, were level-pegging with Italy at the break before four tries in 17 minutes saw the Tri-Nations champs safely over the line by 32-6.

However, the most intriguing game of the weekend was saved till last, as Wales pushed defending World Champions South Africa before the Springboks prevailed – just – by 17-16.

While the weekend’s opening games to the tournament demonstrated that there will be far less straightforward games that in previous years, there still seems to be a mental block between developing rugby nations and sides from the Tri-Nations and Six Nations.

It seems that the tournament needs a big shock to really give the belief, especially mentally, to those deemed underdogs, and if we get that shock this weekend, then this World Cup is really going to light up.

Week 1 Results:

Friday 9th September

New Zealand 41-10 Tonga

Saturday 10th September

Romania 24-34 Scotland; France 47-21 Japan; Fiji 49-25 Namibia; Argentina 9-13 England

Sunday 11th September

Australia 32-6 Italy; Ireland 22-10 USA; South Africa 17-16 Wales

Wednesday 14th September

Namibia 12-49 Samoa; Canada 25-20 Tonga; Georgia 6-15 Scotland

Pool A

The opening pool got off to the expected start with comfortable wins for both New Zealand and (in the end) France.

Graeme Henry’s All Blacks may have been criticised for an off-key second-half display against the Tongans, but they showed a real cutting edge beforehand, epitomised by the brilliant performance by full-back Israel Dagg.

The hosts take on Japan, who will be looking to build on their spirited showing against les Bleus, although John Kirwan will probably look for damage limitation on Friday.

Sunday sees France take on Canada, whose experience in previous tournaments may give them a chance to give the unpredictable French a possible scare.

But by the time Tonga and Japan face each other next Wednesday, the two standout teams from the pool should have clear daylight from the rest.

Pool B

This was always expected to be one of the most hard-fought pools in this World Cup, and the opening games only served to strengthen that belief.

Both England and Scotland were given massive scares before getting their campaigns underway with all-important wins.

Martin Johnson will know that his English side will need to show more quality in attack and discipline against Georgia, where nothing less than a bonus point win will be expected of them.

The Six Nations champions will have to do it without the exciting young second-rower Courtney Lawes, who was given a ban following an off-the-ball incident with Argentina skipper Mario Ledesma.

Scotland will also have breathed a huge sigh of relief after their opening match, but have the week off after their midweek win over the Georgians.

It means that Argentina will face Romania knowing that a win is crucial to maintain their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

While the Pumas were brilliant in their commitment last Saturday, they tired in the final stages - something which ultimately cost them.

They must now build a platform to work on their fitness and stay in touch with the home nations.

Pool C

Both Australia and Ireland got their tournament up and running in week 1, but only after it took them a while to get going.

Now they will face each other in what promises to be the game of the weekend, knowing that defeat for either side will create a much tougher path in the knockout stages.

The winners of Pool C are set to potentially face Wales, Samoa or Fiji in the quarters followed by either England or France in the semis.

But the runners-up are likely to face both South Africa and New Zealand in order to get to the final, so Saturday’s game at Eden Park is going to be crucial for coaches Robbie Deans and Declan Kidney.

With the likes of Quade Cooper, James O’Connor, Digby Ioane, Brian O’Driscoll and Tommy Bowe on show, it’s all set for 80 minutes of mouth-watering free-flowing rugby.

The other game in the pool this week sees Italy ready to put pressure on the loser’s of the big game in Auckland when they take on World Cup debutants Russia on Tuesday, with the Azzurri looking to build on an encouraging performance against the Wallabies last time out.

Pool D

Going into the tournament, and many rugby fans were in no doubt that this would prove to be the pool of death.

What many weren’t expecting was just how quickly this would prove to be the case, as Wales pushed South Africa all the way last Sunday.

Controversy has followed after referee Wayne Barnes refused to use the television match official to double-check a James Hook penalty that the touch judges deemed to have gone wide – even though replays suggest it may have crept back inside the posts.

As the ‘miss’  took place in the opening 15 minutes it’s difficult to claim it would have had a bearing on the outcome of the match, but in a game so tight it left Wales wondering what if.

What Welsh coach Warren Gatland won’t need to wonder about is the make-up of his back-row, after a tremendous display from young trio Dan Lydiate, Toby Faletau and captain Sam Warburton.

Now Wales need to right the wrongs of last weekend when they were unable to kill off the game, because defeat to Samoa on Sunday would leave them in huge trouble. 

As for Peter de Villiers’ Springboks, they will need to use their narrow win as a real wake-up call as they prepare to face Fiji.

By the end of the weekend we may see who has the upper hand in Pool D, but expect this group of teams to go right to the wire.

So what do you think? Will the big boys carry on where they left off last weekend? Or will the underdogs blow the tournament wide open? Leave a comment and let us know your views.

Rugby World Cup 2011 Preview

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Starting today, Shouts from the stands will be doing a weekly blog that will look at the main talking points in Rugby Union.

We will look at the biggest talking points in domestic, European and International rugby – and what better place to start than the biggest rugby show of them all – a preview of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, which starts this Friday:

Four years on after South Africa overcame England in a bruising final in Paris, the twenty best teams on the planet have arrived in New Zealand ready to compete in what is set to be the most fiercely contested World Cup yet.

In the past, the group stages of the tournament have picked out obvious quarter-finalists with the rest making up the numbers with the exception of a few surprises, such as Fiji in 2007 and Samoa in 1991.

Not so this time around, with at least two of the pools difficult to call and the established nations needing to get going right from the start.

Pool A: If there is one great mystery within sport, it is the astonishing fact that New Zealand have not won a World Cup since the inaugral tournament held in the country way back in 1987. 

Always the favourites, the All Blacks have somehow managed to squander every opportunity to claim the Webb Ellis Cup in the past 24 years, often being labelled as ‘chokers’ in the rugby world.

However, this time around there should be no excuse; home advantage, but more importantly a team that is safely regarded as the best in the game.

They will be led by the inspirational duo of skipper Richie McCaw and the irreplaceable Dan Carter.

McCaw is the epitome of the modern-day player; the back-row forward’s reading of the game, strength, pace and incredible work-rate only helps guide those that go into battle with him.

Carter is the leading points scorer in the history of test rugby, and the 29 year-old can do no wrong; brilliant with the ball in hand, a faultless kicker out of hand and off the tee, and always finding a gap that’s never there. His genius cannot be questioned.

But if there’s one team that seems to have the indian sign over the Kiwis, it’s France.

The most mercurial team in world rugby – one day they can destroy anyone with their gallic flair and wonderful running rugby, another day they can be conquered by just about anyone.

Their wins over New Zealand in 1999 and 2007 will not have been forgotten by the hosts, but this is a French squad whose inconsistencies have reached new levels even by their standards.

Coach Marc Lievremont has overseen some real twists and turns over the past 12 months.

Last Autumn saw them beat South Africa only to then be hammered by Australia. Then in the Six Nations, they win in Ireland and follow it up with defeat in Italy.

It has already been announced that Lievremont will leave his post after the tournament, but his swansong is capable of being impressive with the squad he has.

Having chopped and changed throughout his four years in charge, his 30-man squad possesses plenty of attacking threat in the likes of Maxim Medard and Vincent Clerc, and if they can get Fabien Barcella fully fit then their pack is a match for anyone.

The competition in Pool A will be provided by Canada,  who have participated in every World Cup since its inception, and two teams in Tonga and Japan that made great strides in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup to finish above both Samoa and Fiji.

Despite this, both the All Blacks and the French should have more than enough to get through it.

Pool B: While many will say that Pool D is the toughest of the group stages, no-one will argue that a Pool containing two home nations and the team that finished third at the last World Cup will be difficult to predict.

England will be seen as the favourites to progress having started to find progression under Martin Johnson in the last 18 months.

Victory over Australia both home and away last year was followed by their first Six Nations title in eight years.

But a resounding defeat in Dublin in the last game of the championship with a grand slam at stake showed that this young squad still has a lot to learn.

However, if England were to make the last eight as Pool winners then they could have a real chance of making the final with France and Australia potentially awaiting them.

They have a strong set-piece in the scrum and lineout: the big question is whether or not England can find rhythm in their backs.

There’s no doubt they have the players to hurt teams in Chris Ashton, Delon Armitage and Ben Foden, while 20 year-old centre Manu Tuilagi could be the breakthrough player of the tournament.

However, there is still a debate at fly-half, and whether they go for the experienced Jonny Wilkinson or the younger but less proven Toby Flood, whose managing of a game has been criticised, especially after the defeat to Wales in the World Cup warm-up game in Cardiff.  

Whoever gets the nod at 10 will need to use all their nous with some real battles ahead in both Scotland and Argentina.

Andy Robinson’s men will feel they can maintain a proud WC record that has seen them reach the quarter-finals or better of every tournament so far.

The Scots have an excellent second-row in skipper Alastair Kellock and outstanding youngster Richie Gray, and real strength in depth in the back row, providedby Kelly Brown, John Barclay, Richie Vernon and Alasdair Strokosch.

The issue for Robinson is whether they can find cohesion in the backline, with the side struggling to find tries over the past couple of years.

In a group that is set to be tight, securing bonus point wins over the two qualifiers in the Pool will be more important than ever.

That’s because Argentina are looking to build on their stunning efforts in the 2007 tournament, where they beat France (twice) and knocked out Ireland to reach the semi-finals.

The current Argentinian squad has lost a lot of experience since then, and the injury to star player Juan Martin Hernandez is a massive blow to their chances.

But they still have genuine class in the likes of Felipe Contepomi and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe that gives them a realistic chance of the quarters.

The two remaining sides in Romania and Georgia will find the going tough in Pool B, but their hugely physical nature will ensure there will be no easy games for the established trio.

It could come down to who gets the most losing bonus points in the battle between the big three in the pool, but I feel England and Scotland will just have enough to edge out Argentina to qualify.

Pool C: This Pool contains the side that will pose the greatest threat to stop the All Blacks ending their World Cup hoodoo.

Australia go into the tournament on the back of their first Tri-Nations title in a decade after defeating New Zealand 25-20 in a classic encounter two weeks ago in Sydney.

That win underlined what many have believed for a long time; that is the Wallabies contain the most fearsome and explosive backline in World Rugby.

It’s difficult to find a better scrum-half on current form than Will Genia, while Quade Cooper is the bettered only by Carter in the fly-half department.

Drew Mitchell will be a big loss if he doesn’t fully recover from injury, but they have the excellent Digby Ioane and James O’Connor to fill the spots on the wing. Finally, in Kurtley Beale they have the best full-back in the game.

The team most likely to stop the Wallabies making smooth progress will be Ireland, who will want to right the wrongs of 2007.

Eddie O’Sullivan’s side went to France with genuine aspirations at a push for the trophy in Northern Hemisphere conditions, only to produce an abject showing.

Struggling wins over Namibia and Georgia coupled with being outclassed by both France and Argentina meant that Ireland went home early, and just six months later O’Sullivan lost his job.

Fortunately, since Declan Kidney has taken the helm Ireland have tasted grand slam success and produced a side that on their day can be a match for anyone.

The infinite experience of Munster duo Paul O’Connell and Donnacha O’Callaghan is set to form the basis of the second row, and Ireland have one of the best back rows in the game in Jamie Heaslip, Stephen Ferris and the brilliant young flanker Sean O’Brien, aiding the loss of the influential David Wallace.

The worry for Kidney and his staff is whether or not they will be on their game; there have been too many under-par performances in 2011, and there is a real concern after losing all four of their warm-up matches.

They will have to find their rhythm from the off, especially with the ever-improving Italy hopeful of causing a shock.

Coach Nick Mallett has breathed new life into Italian rugby, and should count themselves unfortunate to have finished bottom of this year’s Six Nations after losing a series of close matches.

But the belief that the South African has instilled in the group of players culminated in a famous triumph over France at the Stadio Flaminio in March.

It still beggars belief that the Italian Rugby Federation decided not to renew Mallett’s contract after the World Cup, a decision that could backfire in the long-term.

The Italians have a indominable pack spearheaded by the brilliant tighthead prop Martin Castrogiovanni, but it’s captain Sergio Parisse that stands out.

It’s difficult to think of a better number eight than the Stade Francais man, with his incredible work rate and his ball-winning skills at the breakdown allowing him to lead by example every time.

While things went wrong at the last World Cup for Eddie O’Sullivan, he now has a second chance on the global stage with the USA.

It’s been tough getting the whole group of players with many playing for European clubs, but they can provide stern opposition for anyone they face.

Not only that, but in Takudzwa Ngwenya they have one of the most dangerous wingers in the game.

The Biarritz star scored the try of the 2007 tournament when he blitzed past Springbok speed merchant Bryan Habana, and the 26 year-old will be their main threat once again.

Pool C is completed by debutants Russia, where they hope to provide a respectable showing in a sport developing by the day in their homeland, with the sport’s bible Rugby World saying there are over 150 clubs and almost 15,000 registered players.

Their key man will be Vasily Artemiev, who impressed in the recent Churchill Cup and the winger has secured a move to Aviva Premiership side Northampton Saints when he returns from Down Under thanks to his searing pace.

However, while it’s a group that should have some intriguing match-ups, both Australia and Ireland should make it through.

Pool D: The D is a fitting letter for this pool, as this is certainly the pool of death in this year’s World Cup.

Defending champions South Africa were probably hoping for an easier group as a reward for their triumph four years ago.

But the Proteas will still be one of the favourites to go all the way, with 18 of the squad members containing winners medals from their glory in France.

Coach Peter de Villiers has often been a figure of bemusement, with strange team selections and comments throughout his time in charge so far.

He was heavily criticised for resting many players in this years Tri-Nations, while many fans feel he was hasty in naming John Smit as captain when Bismarck du Plessis is probably the best hooker in the world right now.

Despite guiding the team to the 2009 Tri-Nations, the last couple of years have seen a real slump against their Southern Hemisphere rivals.

Thankfully for the Springboks, their experience and physicality makes them one of the toughest teams to beat and should get to at least the semi-finals.

While South Africa are the standout team in the Pool, there are three other sides with genuine claims to reach the last eight with them.

Wales go to New Zealand hoping that injuries do not hamper their potential in the coming weeks.

They have two world-class props in Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones, but both have been included with genuine doubts about their fitness.

There is also a concern about the two other Joneses in Stephen and Ryan, having seen utility back Morgan Stoddart and Gavin Henson ruled out through injury.

Although resources are being stretched, coach Warren Gatland knows he has a set of backs with plenty of tries in them.

Led by one of the great wingers of the modern game in Shane Williams, the likes of Leigh Halfpenny, George North and Lee Byrne will inhabit the wonderful attacking philosophy instilled into the DNA of Welsh rugby.

This will be orchestrated by the brilliant James Hook, who has the chance to come of age in the number 10 jersey for his country.

Unfortunately, the Welsh will need to front up to what has to be the most physical Pool in World Cup history.

The Pacific Island duo of Fiji and Samoa have a wonderful attacking culture that has won them many admirers around the globe.

For the Fijians, there is the chance to build on their upset over the Welsh four years ago that knocked them out in the group stages.

As for Samoa, they underlined their credentials with one of the great shocks in recent memory, beating the Wallabies in Australia this summer.

With all this in mind, you have to feel for Namibia; not only are they the lowest-ranked nation, but they have also been dealt the toughest hand in their World Cup dream.

Their chances of qualifying are slim, although you can bet with ferocious flanker Jacques Burger leading the troops, the African side will not go down without a fight.

Despite such an intense Pool in store, I’m tipping Wales to join South Africa in the quarter-finals as group runners-up.

Having said that, I can’t see past the All Blacks for the trophy; the best team with home advantage throughout in front of a support whose passion cannot for the game cannot be matched, it’s there for Graham Henry’s side to end their hoodoo.

Whether they will remains to be seen. I for one can’t wait.

Outright Predictions:

Quarter-finalists: Argentina, France, Ireland, Wales

4th Place: England

3rd Place: South Africa

Runners-up: Australia

Winners: New Zealand

So what do you think? Will anyone be able to stop the All Blacks on their home patch? How do you think the home nations will fare? Is there going to be a dark horse in the tournament? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.