Rugby World Cup Final Preview

By Laurie Fitzgerald

After 47 games of gruelling action fought over 45 days in the most passionate rugby nation on the planet, Sunday’s showpiece between New Zealand and France will decide who are crowned world champions.

The All Blacks go into the game as overwhelming favourites; not only does Graham Henry’s side have home advantage, but their smallest winning margin in the tournament was their 14-point victory over Australia in last weekend’s semi-finals.

That triumph against the Wallabies was based on having a cutting edge when required, control of the set pieces (especially in the pack) and outstanding leadership in their inspirational skipper Richie McCaw.

They take on a French side that have defied the odds - and logic - to earn a place in this weekend’s final at Eden Park. Marc Lievremont and his players have been at war with one another throughout the tournament.

Even after their hugely fortunate win over Wales, the coach launched a stinging attack on his squad, labelling them as ‘spoiled brats’ for ignoring his orders of going out and enjoying their achievement.

France have managed to get to this final without impresssing, yet you can never be sure of what team will turn up, and the All Blacks will be all too aware of what Les Bleus can produce when it matters, as shown in 1999 and 2007.

So we’re all set for a pulsating final, but there should be a last word on the two sides that will be contesting the curtain-raiser to that game in the third/fourth-place playoff.

Wales will be absolutely heartbroken after a controversial red card for Sam Warburton proved to be the main difference between them and France in their tight last four encounter.

Their 23 year-old captain – and my player of the tournament – was sent off following a dangerous tackle on winger Vincent Clerc.

It meant that Warren Gatland’s men had to play for almost an hour with 14 men, but they still looked the better, and with Stephen Jones and Leigh Halfpenny going agonisingly close with kicks at goal, the outcome could still have been different.

But this disappointment shouldnt detract from what has been an outstanding tournament, and seeing over 60,000 packing into Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in the early hours of Saturday morning showed just how proud the country are of their squad, and rightly so.

As for the Wallabies, they will ultimately look back on their loss to Ireland in the group stages that forced them down the tougher route to the final, and in the end the hosts were too big an obstacle to overcome.

Despite edging past South Africa in the quarters, Australia have never really got going in this tournament and Robbie Deans will be disappointed after going into the World Cup with momentum following their first Tri-Nations trophy in ten years.

While they can possibly console themselves with third place, all eyes are on Sunday and who will come out on top at Eden Park.

Semi-final results:

Saturday 15th October

France 9-8 Wales

Sunday 16th October

New Zealand 20-6 Australia

 

Key Facts

- This is the third final for both teams – New Zealand contested in 1987 and 1995, while France also played in 1987 and also 1999. Only the All Blacks triumph over the French in the inaugral tournament was the only win for either side.

- If France win, they will become the first team in RWC history to win the competition despite losing a game previously in the tournament.

- They have played each other three times in the knockout stages before, with New Zealand winning in ’87 and France winning in ’99 and ’07. However, New Zealand won their encounter earlier in the tournament, beating the French 37-17 in the Pool stages.

Key Battles

Richie McCaw v Thierry Dusatoir

Not only two world-class openside flankers, but also two world-class captains. Both men have had to show their leadership skills in different circumstances to guide their teams to the final.

While McCaw has had to deal with the potentially overwhelming pressure of a nation that view the trophy as a holy grail, Dusatoir has led a squad that has an irreparable relationship with their management.

So both should be hugely commended for their efforts so far, and their battle at 7 will go a long way to deciding who runs out winners.

Aaron Cruden v Morgan Parra

For these two men, anchoring your team from fly-half in the biggest game of your life is pressure enough. But when neither has had much experience in that position in International rugby, the thought of Sunday’s game may be frightening!

Both are 22, but both have stepped into the role either through injuries or a lack of belief in the previous incumbent in that position.

Cruden has enormous shoes to fill in Dan Carter, and the unfortunate Colin Slade lost his chance through injury, but the Canterbury Crusaders star has shown great maturity in his two matches.

Meanwhile, Parra has become a regular in the half-backs this tournament, but not in his accustomed position at scrum-half with the estranged Lievremont dropping regular 10 Francois Trinh-Duc.

Lievremont may plump for Trinh-Duc in such a big game, but all signs point to Parra maintaining his role and being the main playmaker of the team.

Therefore, there will be much emphasis on the respective number nines of Piri Weepu and Dimitri Yachvili to help guide their outside halves, and whoever deals with the pressure the best could be the inspiration for World Cup glory.  

Brad Thorn v Lionel Nallet

Set-pieces will be crucial throughout the battle between the two sides, and the lineout will be contested by two men that have been a towering presence for both nations.

It’s difficult to think of a better second-rower in the tournament than the irrepressible Thorn; despite being just a few months away from turning 37, the Crusaders lock has been immense throughout the tournament, bossing the lineout battle alongside the excellent Sam Whitelock.

The duo come up against their French counterparts of Lionel Nallet and Pascal Pape, and both have struggled for consistency in the tournament.

Nallet will be seen as the main figure to get the lineout functioning, especially in an area where France have found it tough to get good ball.

It will be up to the likes of Thorn and Nallet to get that delivery to the backs, demonstrate their ball-carrying skills and use their imposing figures to carry their teams forward.

However, whoever comes out with the majority of possession can give the platform to build pressure and points, and every point cannot be measured in a game of such magnitude.

Prediction

They are the best team in the world, and I feel they will confirm that status by lifting the Webb Ellis trophy on Sunday. The All Blacks to win by 15.

So what do you think? Who will win the final? Will the All Blacks end their long wait for the World Cup? Or will France stun New Zealand again to win the trophy for the first time? Leave a comment and let us know your views.

Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals Preview

By Laurie Fitzgerald

So we now have our last four line-up, and what the quarter-final results demonstrated was that winning your Pool doesn’t matter if you cannot win when it matters.

Three of the Pool winners crashed out of the competition last weekend, with only the hosts New Zealand backing up their 100% record in the knockout stages.

Even that success came at a scare for the All Blacks, who had to come from behind against a wonderfully resilient Argentina to book their semi-final place.

They now face Australia, who produced a stunning defensive display against South Africa to edge a tense encounter in Wellington.

The Springboks will be wondering how the defence of their title has come to an abrupt end after dominating territory and possession against a battle-hardened Wallabies side.

But a lack of cutting edge when it matters has proved costly, and the likes of coach Peter de Villiers and captain John Smit will make way for a new era in South African rugby.

As for the home nations, it was a mixture of the good, the bad and the downright embarrassing in the other quarter-finals.

Wales clinched their first RWC semi-final appearance since 1987 when they overcame Ireland 22-10 in the first of the last-eight encounters.

For Declan Kidney’s Irish side, they will feel that they blew a golden opportunity to get to the final as they looked the strongest of the quartet on their side of the draw.

But like South Africa, the lack of a clinical attacking product in the face of a superb Welsh defence, combined with some weak defending, meant that Ireland’s hopes of a first semi-final must now wait at least for another four years.

In the other match, England rounded off a hugely disappointing campaign both on and off the field with a 19-12 loss to a revitalised France.

The French ran into a 16-0 lead at the break and despite an English resurgence in the second half it was too little, too late.

There was still time before the players went home for them to draw even more negative headlines, as Manu Tuilagi was detained by the police for jumping off a ferry 24 hours after the defeat in Auckland.

Now a review will be launched by the RFU to find out how a campaign that promised much for England turned into a disaster, and Martin Johnson will have a lot of convincing to do in English Rugby’s headquarters to get his neck off the chopping block.

An evident lack of discipline has fallen foul of the squad and Johnson will be held accountable for this. If Johnson is to maintain his job as England team manager, he needs to toe the line more with the players in future, as their conduct in New Zealand has been unacceptable.

After the furore of the quarters, we now focus on the semi’s, and just who will make it to world rugby’s showpiece event a week on Sunday.

Quarter-Final results

Saturday 8th October

Ireland 10-22 Wales

England 12-19 France

Sunday 9th October

South Africa 9-11 Australia

New Zealand 33-10 Argentina 

 

France v Wales

Having both reached the latter stages in the inaugral tournament in New Zealand 24 years ago, France and Wales are once again in contention for a place in the final.

After a campaign that has seen enigmatic coach Marc Lievremont seemingly isolate his players with some stinging criticism of in-fighting and an atmosphere that resembled their football counterparts in last year’s World Cup in South Africa, the French are just one win away from their third final.

The French finally showed the passion and hunger that had been lacking in the pool stages, and their win over England was built on a ferocious defence and a dominant pack.

If the likes of Jean-Baptiste Poux, Nicolas Mas and Fabien Barcella front up the way they did at Eden Park, then the French forwards will be a match for anyone else left in the tournament.

While many figures have been questioned, there can be no dispute that they have an inspirational skipper in Thierry Dusautoir, and along with Imanol Harinordoquy there is a wonderful blend of class and experience in the back-row.

In the backs, they have two of the best finishers in the game; If the duo of Maxime Medard and Vincent Clerc get the chances, they will take them, and the Welsh will have to defend at the same level they did in their win against Ireland.

However, out of the four teams left in the tournament, it is Wales that have shown the best form and if they play to their current standard shown, then a place in the final awaits them.

Throughout the build-up to the tournament, so much was made of the fitness of Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins, with Warren Gatland deciding to take the risk of including them despite lacking match-sharpness.

Gatland’s gamble has paid off; Jenkins and Jones are two of the best scrummagers in the game and give Wales a completely different platform for the rest of the team to build on.

They have also had the oustanding back-row of the world cup. The trio of Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau will provide the spine of this Welsh team for many years to come.

Personally, there has been no better player in the tournament than Warburton. He does the hard graft brilliantly, always seems to get through the gain line and despite having just turned 23, his tender years do not justify the brilliant leadership he has shown as captain.

Another example of how well this team has played comes in the form of James Hook on the bench. His exclusion from the starting XV against Ireland showed that Gatland doesn’t want to mess with his winning formula.

Rhys Priestland has arguably been the best fly-half at this world cup, and with the likes of Leigh Halfpenny, George North and the irreplaceable Shane Williams in their back three, there’s no room for Hook, whose versatility has come back to haunt him at the worst possible time.

Another reason for Welsh belief is that whenever the French have produced big performances at the RWC, they follow it up by not turning up for the next game.

When they stunned the All Blacks in 1999, they were outclassed by Australia in the final. When they hammered Ireland in 2003 they were bludgeoned in the rain by the English. They stunned New Zealand again four years ago, but looked like rabbits in headlights against England in the semi in front of a partisan crowd.

I have a feeling that if Wales maintain their current form, then they will have too much for France and make it to their first ever World Cup final.

 

New Zealand v Australia

Of the two semi-finals, it is safe to say that whoever wins this one will be heavy favourites to win the Webb Ellis trophy a week later.

This was many people’s tip to be the final itself (myself included) but after Australia’s loss to Ireland in the pool stages, the course of the knockout stages was dramatically altered.

It means that the two best teams in the world face each other to decide who gets a chance to win it instead of settling the destination of the cup against one another.

For New Zealand, much of the focus has been on the absence of Dan Carter, and they were dealt another blow when his replacement Colin Slade sustained a torn groin that rules him out for the rest of th campaign.

Graham Henry has called up Bath-bound Stephen Donald as Slade’s replacement in his squad, but the responsibility of the no. 10 jersey is set to fall on the shoulders of 22 year-old Aaron Cruden, who impressed after coming on for the injured Slade.

The All Blacks showed more guile and a cutting edge with Cruden in the side, and he can really come of age in the next few weeks and lead the hosts to glory.

Without Carter though, there is even more focus on the brilliant Richie McCaw to lead his troops over the finishing line, but after a straightforward route to the semis, they face a different class of opposition in the Wallabies.

Robbie Deans’ side have been unconvincing so far, but they have done what they needed to get this far having redeemed their pool stage slip-up by beating the other Tri-Nations heavyweight in South Africa.

Australia will know they rode their luck for long periods in that match, but they showed something that has been lacking in the past - grit and determination to get through close matches when it really matters.

It is set to be a more open game than against the Springboks, and if that’s the case then it can work in Wallabies’ favour, as they currently have the best backline in the game.

It’s no coincidence that this Australian team have found their winning mentality since the return of David Pocock. The openside flanker is at the heartbeat of everything good produced by the Australians, and he will once again be critical up against McCaw.

But the battle of the unpredictable Quade Cooper and Cruden at fly-half could be the difference between the Southern Hemisphere giants, and with home advantage I’m tipping New Zealand to edge a tight match and leave them one win away from ending their 24-year World Cup hoodoo.

So what do you think? Who will make it to the 2011 Rugby World Cup final? Leave a comment and let us know your views.

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 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.