RWC 2015 Preview – Pool A

The ‘Pool of Death,’ with four top-ten teams according to the official World Rugby rankings, and only two spots open to reach the finals. Hosts England will have to wade through dangerous waters, with Australia favorites to top the pool and both Wales and ever-unpredictable Fiji eyeing their own way through. It looks a cruel draw for Uruguay, but they may play an important role as pseudo-spoilers if they can make life difficult for any of the big guns, especially in the early going. England v Wales on the 26th looks to be a massive match, the kind that could shift the pool into a new direction all by itself.

FIXTURES

Sept 18	20:00	England	Fiji	Twickenham (London)
Sept 20	14:30	Wales	Uruguay	Millenium Stadium (Cardiff)
Sept 23	16:45	Australia	Fiji	Millenium Stadium (Cardiff)
Sept 26	20:00	England	Wales	Twickenham (London)
Sept 27	12:00	Australia	Uruguay	Villa Park (Birmingham)
Oct 1	16:45	Wales	Fiji	Millenium Stadium (Cardiff)
Oct 3	20:00	England	Australia	Twickenham (London)
Oct 6	20:00	Fiji	Uruguay	Stadium mk (Milton Keynes)
Oct 10	16:45	Australia	Wales	Twickenham (London)
Oct 10	20:00	England	Uruguay	Etihad Stadium (Manchester)

 

AUSTRALIA

It’s been a much better year for the Wallabies than last. The off-field problems have disappeared, and three out of three in the Rugby Championship has put them back on course for the World Cup. Perhaps most impressive has been the evolution of their scrum, which is largely thanks to the direction of former Pumas legend Mario Ledesma.

A few surprised characters have been left out of the squad – names like Horwill, Higginbotham, Cummins, and O’Connor – but the team looks better for it. When their forwards find parity, the backs are as good as any on show. A win over the All Blacks will have done their confidence a world of good, the only question might be do they have the character to gut it out if the going gets tough?

CAPTAIN: A whole season of international captaincy was lost to injury last year, but Stephen Moore has looked keen to make up for lost time. He’s already got his first major international trophy, now his sights are set on a bigger prize. Four caps short of a hundred, Moore is just the sort of bloke needed to keep a volatile side on an even keel.

KEY PLAYERS: Nobody commands more respect at the breakdown than David Pocock. It’s crazy to think he might be coming off the bench, but he can do in 30 minutes what most players get through in a game. Tevita Kuridrani is the danger man in the midfield. His strength and ability to break the line are second to none. Kick deep at your own peril against Israel Folau. The Wallaby counter-attack starts and ends with the giant fullback often in the end zone.

ONE TO WATCH: Australia have an embarrassment of riches at flanker. Sean McMahon looks to be fourth choice, but would start for most other teams at the tournament. His work rate is immense, and his mental toughness belies a young man only 21 years old.

HEAD COACH: The man with the miracle potion, or a gambler riding the coattails of his Super Rugby success? Depends on who you ask, but Michael Cheika has at the very least injected some positive energy back into the Wallabies. With a squad as talented as any, his match-day selections will be a hot topic over the coming weeks.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Holmes, Greg	PR	183	114	06/11/83	18	Reds
Kepu, Sekope	PR	188	126	02/05/86	56	Waratahs
Sio, Scott	PR	187	116	10/16/91	10	Brumbies
Slipper, James	PR	185	113	06/06/89	68	Reds
Smith, Toby	PR	190	115	10/10/88	1	Rebels
Moore, Stephen	HO	186	112	01/20/83	96	Brumbies
Polota-Nau, Tatafu	HO	181	115	07/26/85	54	Waratahs
Douglas, Kane	LO	202	123	06/01/89	16	Leinster (IR)
Mumm, Dean	LO	196	110	03/05/84	37	Waratahs
Simmons, Rob	LO	201	115	04/19/89	53	Reds
Skelton, Will	LO	203	140	03/05/92	12	Waratahs
Fardy, Scott	FL	198	110	07/05/84	24	Brumbies
Hooper, Michael	FL	182	97	10/29/91	46	Waratahs
McMahon, Sean	FL	187	100	06/18/94	4	Rebels
Pocock, David	FL	182	104	04/23/88	50	Brumbies
McCalman, Ben	N8	192	111	03/18/88	41	Force
Palu, Wycliff	N8	194	120	07/27/82	56	Waratahs
Genia, Will	SH	174	85	01/17/88	60	Reds
Phipps, Nick	SH	180	87	01/09/89	32	Waratahs
Cooper, Quade	FH	186	93	04/05/88	57	Reds
Foley, Bernard	FH	182	90	09/08/89	21	Waratahs
Beale, Kurtley	CE/FB	184	94	01/06/89	53	Waratahs
Giteau, Matt	CE	178	85	09/29/82	96	Toulon (FR)
Kuridrani, Tevita	CE	196	102	03/31/91	24	Brumbies
To’omua, Matt	CE	182	91	01/02/90	25	Brumbies
Ashley-Cooper, Ashley	WI/CE	182	98	03/27/84	108	Waratahs
Horne, Rob	WI/CE	186	92	08/15/89	27	Waratahs
Mitchell, Drew	WI	180	95	03/26/84	65	Toulon (FR)
Speight, Henry	WI	186	97	03/24/88	4	Brumbies
Tomane, Joe	WI	190	102	02/02/90	16	Brumbies
Folau, Israel	FB	195	103	04/03/89	33	Waratahs

 

ENGLAND

An impressive Six Nations campaign was dampened only by a solitary loss to champions Ireland, one they avenged just a week ago in the final warm-up at Twickenham. This is not the orc-laden team of old, this is the youngest squad in the tournament and has bags of pace out wide. While much was made of Manu Tuilagi being dumped from the squad, as it turns out it’s probably Dylan Hartley who is missed more.

The pack hasn’t looked quite so convincing, deprived of Hartley’s bite and a totally out of sorts Alex Corbisiero. Joe Launchbury looks to have dipped into reserve status, and Tom Wood’s form has been well short of excellent. To do appear to be hitting an upward swing in momentum, however, and at a very good time. If they can avoid the banana peel against Fiji, they should be odds-on for the quarter finals regardless of a result against Australia.

CAPTAIN: Chris Robshaw has grown in stature as a leader and yet still there are those who question whether he is the best man available at his position. With attributes that more closely resemble a classic blindside flanker, perhaps the critics are right, but with no other specialist openside in the squad, the jersey is his as long as he’s fit. His battle against some of the very best in the world at the breakdown during the pool stages will be hugely intriguing.

KEY PLAYERS: Sort of the forgotten man after some concussion problems, all of a sudden Geoff Parling is back in the side and lord of the lineout. An underrated workhorse, his Lions test experience will be vital in the big matches. George Ford might lack experience on paper, but his rugby IQ is there for all to see. His kicking and ability to step through the line will create space for the outside backs. That’s when a guy like Mike Brown is most dangerous. On the counter attack, or bursting through the line, he is a crucial part of England’s attack.

ONE TO WATCH: Most people had a figure about 20kg heavier in mind for the no13 jersey, but the resurgence of Jonathan Joseph at test level has been a joy to watch. The ability to beat a man with footwork and wicked acceleration sets him apart. He lit up the Six Nations, now it’s time to show his class on the world stage.

HEAD COACH: Does Stuart Lancaster have any idea what he’s doing, or is he in over his head? There’s a sneaking suspicion that he might be a tad underrated by the English punditerati. He’s had to make some tough decisions, but looks to have finally sorted out his best side. The trick will now be to convince them they’re good enough to beat Australia – and anyone else who stands in their way.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Brookes, Kieran	PR	186	123	08/29/90	12	Newcastle
Cole, Dan	PR	190	121	05/09/87	52	Leicester
Marler, Joe	PR	183	114	07/07/90	33	Harlequins
Vunipola, Mako	PR	180	128	01/13/91	23	Saracens
Wilson, David	PR	185	125	05/09/85	43	Bath
George, Jamie	HO	183	109	10/20/90	2	Saracens
Webber, Rob	HO	183	116	08/01/86	13	Bath
Youngs, Tom	HO	175	102	01/28/87	24	Leicester
Kruis, George	LO	198	113	02/22/90	8	Saracens
Launchbury, Joe	LO	198	118	04/12/91	24	Wasps
Lawes, Courtney	LO	201	111	02/23/89	40	Northampton
Parling, Geoff	LO	198	117	10/28/83	25	Leicester
Haskell, James	FL	193	116	02/04/85	60	Wasps
Robshaw, Chris	FL	188	110	06/04/86	39	Harlequins
Wood, Tom	FL	195	109	11/03/86	38	Northampton
Morgan, Ben	N8	191	116	02/18/89	29	Gloucester
Vunipola, Billy	N8	188	130	11/03/92	19	Saracens
Care, Danny	SH	174	85	01/02/87	52	Harlequins
Wigglesworth, Richard	SH	175	86	06/09/83	23	Saracens
Youngs, Ben	SH	178	87	09/05/89	49	Leicester
Farrell, Owen	FH	188	96	09/24/91	31	Saracens
Ford, George	FH	175	84	03/16/93	13	Bath
Barritt, Brad	CE	185	100	08/07/86	23	Saracens
Burgess, Sam	CE	193	116	12/14/88	2	Bath
Joseph, Jonathan	CE	183	91	05/21/91	13	Bath
Slade, Henry	CE/FH	188	87	03/19/93	1	Exeter
May, Jonny	WI	189	90	04/01/90	16	Gloucester
Nowell, Jack	WI	181	89	04/11/93	9	Exeter
Watson, Anthony	WI	188	92	02/26/94	11	Bath
Brown, Mike	FB	183	90	09/04/85	39	Harlequins
Goode, Alex	FB	180	92	05/07/88	18	Saracens

 

FIJI

The best of the Island nations have twice reached the World Cup quarter-finals – in 1987 and again in 2007 – and will have their work cut out for them to achieve that again. That said, they enter the tournament in very good shape, unbeaten in five matches with their only loss during the calendar year a one-point defeat to the Maori in Suva.

Their set piece has improved significantly over the last 18 months, and in Josh Matavesi and Ben Volavola they have two players who can kick effectively when required. The outside backs are world renowned, and in Niko Matawalu they have a playmaker of the highest order. If Fiji defend well and their forwards can secure even 40% possession, they are a threat to anyone.

CAPTAIN: A fixture in the side for a decade, Akapusi Qera is still a leading light in the Fijian back row. Big and powerful, he’s not quite as nimble as he once was but makes up for it with sheer ferocity in the tackle. Qera leads more by deed than word, and very rarely makes a mistake, often found cleaning up those made by his teammates.

KEY PLAYERS: The Fijian scrum isn’t quite a world power just yet, but it’s been markedly improved with Manasa Saulo at tighthead. A couple seasons in Romania improving his technical work has made him one of the first names on the team sheet. Another automatic selection is Leone Nakarawa, a lock not only with genuine international size but also with frightening athletic ability. His time at Glasgow has tightened up his set piece game. Titanic Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo is even more terrifying with ball in hand. Previously employed as a centre, he is been shifted back out to the wide spaces where his pace and power can be devastating. He’s a pretty solid goal kicker off the left boot as well.

ONE TO WATCH: One of the most impressive young loose forward talents in French rugby, it’s almost a coup that Fiji has been able to retain Clermont breakthrough star Peceli Yato. At 6’5” and with speed to challenge most backs, his ability to step and offload is exceptional. Look for him to come off the bench as an electric impact sub as defenses tire.

HEAD COACH: A calm demeanor and clear vision of how Fiji should play the game have marked the tenure of John McKee, who took over from Inoke Male in May of last year. The New Zealander has brought in specialist coaches like Frans Ludeke to oversee the technical aspects that have troubled the team in the past. His selections have been sensible and consistent, and the team has responded with an impressive run of form, culminating in a dismantling of Canada at the Stoop last weekend.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Atalifo, Lee-Roy	PR	181	125	03/10/88	2	Suva
Colati, Isei	PR	180	118	12/23/83	7	Nevers (FR)
Ma’afu, Campese	PR	182	114	12/19/84	35	Nottingham (UK)
Ravai, Peni	PR	180	108	06/16/90	9	Nadroga
Saulo, Manasa	PR	189	119	04/06/89	24	Timisoara (RO)
Koto, Sunia	HO	174	110	04/15/80	43	Narbonne (FR)
Tuapati, Tale	HO	178	107	12/12/85	29	Stade Français (FR)
Veikoso, Vili	HO	177	102	04/04/82	30	Doncaster (UK)
Cavubati, Tevita	LO	198	120	08/12/87	8	Ospreys (UK)
Nakarawa, Leone	LO	201	117	04/02/88	31	Glasgow Warriors (UK)
Ratuniyarawa, Api	LO	198	115	07/11/86	16	Agen (FR)
Soqeta, Nemia	LO	196	118	03/04/85	7	Biarritz (FR)
Qera, Akapusi	FL	194	112	04/24/84	47	Montpellier (FR)
Ravulo, Malakai	FL	190	108	09/22/83	34	Steaua (RO)
Waqaniburotu, Dominiko	FL	196	111	04/20/86	24	Brive (FR)
Yato, Peceli	FL/N8	196	105	01/17/93	4	Clermont (FR)
Matadigo, Masi	N8	191	110	08/08/82	20	Lyon (FR)
Talei, Netani	N8/FL	190	115	03/19/83	30	Harlequins (UK)
Kenatale, Nemia	SH	173	90	01/21/86	34	Steaua (RO)
Matawalu, Nikola	SH	178	85	03/08/89	26	Glasgow Warriors (UK)
Seniloli, Henry	SH	174	75	06/15/89	8	Benetton Treviso (IT)
Matavesi, Josh	FH/CE	185	114	10/05/90	14	Ospreys (UK)
Volavola, Ben	FH	191	91	01/13/91	5	Waratahs (AU)
Botia, Levani	CE	178	103	03/14/89	5	La Rochelle (FR)
Goneva, Vereniki	CE	188	100	04/05/84	35	Leicester (UK)
Lovobalavu, Gabiriele	CE	176	95	06/20/85	20	Bayonne (FR)
Nadolo, Nemani	WI	196	125	01/31/88	20	Crusaders (NZ)
Nayacalevu, Waisea	WI/CE	193	108	06/26/90	11	Stade Français (FR)
Tikoirotuma, Asaeli	WI	187	91	06/24/86	14	Harlequins (UK)
Murimurivalu, Kini	FB	184	95	05/15/89	11	La Rochelle (FR)
Talebula, Metuisela	FB/WI	186	90	05/20/91	16	Bordeaux (FR)

 

URUGUAY

Los Teros were inspired in their qualification series against Russia last year, and earned an historic first-ever victory over an Argentina XV on August 1, but have otherwise struggled against mid-tier opposition this year, and even lost to Chile in May. Their most recent outings in Japan were dismal, conceding 70 points over two games while scoring only eight.

Realistically the chances of Uruguay getting a win this year are slim and none. Fiji are their closest in terms of World Rugby rankings, and are still a full 10 spots ahead. Only a handful of the squad have professional overseas experience, and the absence of top pro Rodrigo Capo Ortega is a major blow to their forward pack. Los Teros will have to dig deep to keep the scorelines respectable, and that’s about the best they can hope for.

CAPTAIN: With Nicolás Klappenbach getting older and struggling with fitness, Santiago Vilaseca has been nominated as the man to lead Los Teros into battle. As the smallest second row in the competition he’ll use his intelligence and work rate to make up for his lack of bulk. His brother Andrés is often found in the midfield, and both share an unending drive to compete.

KEY PLAYERS: Speaking of smaller forwards, the shortest on show is Juan Manuel Gaminara. He is very solidly built, however, and uses his low centre of gravity to great effect both on the charge and at the breakdown. Undoubtedly Uruguay’s qualification for the World Cup can be attributed to the outstanding play of halfback duo Agustín Ormaechea and Felipe Berchesi. The former is a top grade scrumhalf who challenges the fringes, the latter a fine footballer with the ability to take points from anywhere.

ONE TO WATCH: Rodrigo Silva is the kind of player you need to fit in the side, the question is where? Most comfortable as a flyhalf, he has more recently been employed as an outside back, but even has two test starts at scrumhalf to his name. The gifted attacker’s versatility might also be a hindrance as he’s a perfect bench option to allow for a 6-2 split in the reserves.

HEAD COACH: The World Cup pedigree of Pablo Lemoine is certainly not in question. The tighthead prop played part in both of Uruguay’s historic tournament victories, and is one of a handful to play in all seven of their previous matches. Strong-willed and fiercely proud of his nation, Lemoine is also pragmatic about the gulf in class and the challenges ahead.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Arboleya, Carlos	PR/HO	173	110	07/23/85	50	Trébol
Corral, Alejo	PR	179	108	09/10/81	47	SIC (AR)
Durán, Oscar	PR	174	118	08/16/80	31	Carrasco Polo
Sagario, Mario	PR	186	116	06/29/86	47	Massy (FR)
Sanguinetti, Mateo	PR	186	105	07/26/92	14	Los Cuervos
Kessler, Germán	HO	184	105	07/01/94	11	Los Cuervos
Klappenbach, Nicolás	HO	178	98	03/25/82	46	Champagnat
Lamanna, Franco	LO	190	105	10/05/91	22	Perugia (IT)
Palomeque, Mathias	LO	195	107	07/10/86	24	Trébol
Vilaseca, Santiago	LO	188	106	09/17/84	33	Old Boys
Zerbino, Jorge	LO	193	113	10/26/92	11	Old Christians
Alonso, Agustín	FL	174	85	09/24/91	12	MVCC
Bascou, Fernando	FL	190	96	04/05/87	25	PSG
Beer, Matías	FL	194	87	12/16/93	11	Old Christians
de Freitas, Juan	FL/CE	182	97	12/13/89	38	Champagnat
Gaminara, Juan Manuel	FL	171	95	05/01/89	23	Old Boys
Magno, Diego	FL/N8	190	106	04/27/89	49	MVCC
Nieto, Alejandro	N8	186	108	01/07/88	27	Champagnat
Durán, Alejo	SH	171	78	05/20/91	31	Trébol
Ormaechea, Agustín	SH	180	88	03/08/91	23	Mont-de-Marsan (FR)
Berchesi, Felipe	FH	178	80	12/04/91	15	Chambéry (FR)
Blengio, Manuel	FH	184	78	04/28/94	10	Old Christians
Silva, Rodrigo	FH/WI	182	86	11/02/92	14	Carrasco Polo
Prada, Joaquín	CE	180	93	07/15/91	28	Los Cuervos
Román, Alberto	CE	178	95	06/01/87	36	PSG
Vilaseca, Andrés	CE	185	93	05/08/91	12	Old Boys
Bulanti, Francisco	WI	178	87	04/12/80	22	Trébol
Gibernau, Santiago	WI	180	85	05/15/88	32	Carrasco Polo
Leivas, Leandro	WI	181	98	07/06/88	43	Old Christians
Etcheverry, Jerónimo	FB/WI	176	83	01/11/88	42	Valpolicella (IT)
Mieres, Gastón	FB	180	80	10/05/89	37	Punte del Este

 

WALES

‘A country in mourning,’ is how the papers have described the disastrous losses of star players Rhys Webb and Leigh Halfpenny in the match against Italy last week. Having already seen Jonathan Davies ruled out and Samson Lee barely fit enough to put his boots back on, it’s amazing that Wales might still have a fighting chance. A repeat of their semi-final finish in 2011 looks out of the question, and even a quarter-final will take some doing.

An opening loss to Ireland cost them a potential Six Nations championship – and Grand Slam – and on the basis of that Wales might have been more highly appraised. A match-winning goal kicker and first choice scrumhalf are hard to replace, however, and there are now too many question marks to consider them anything but underdogs to escape the pool. Even Fiji look an ominous proposition only five days after the almighty battle pending at Twickenham.

CAPTAIN: Nobody will be as keen to put the memories of the last World Cup to bed than the beleaguered Sam Warburton, infamously sent off by Alain Rolland only 18 minutes into the semi-final for a tip-tackle on Vincent Clerc. Still a couple weeks short of this 27th birthday, the inspirational leader of the side is very much in his prime, endlessly committed and a truly world class player at his best. Getting his side through the pool stages, never mind the finals, will be some feat in itself.

KEY PLAYERS: If it hasn’t sounded already, the death bell would surely have rang for Welsh hopes had Alun Wyn Jones been felled long-term by a knee injury suffered against Ireland. Thankfully the second row talisman has been passed fit to play. Dan Biggar was already critical in terms of tactical control, but will now inherit the goal kicking duties as well. He is deservedly keeping World Cup incumbent Rhys Priestland out of the run-on side. In terms of thunderous impact, there are few who stand taller than Jamie Roberts in the midfield. ‘Dr. Jaw’ is also a vocal leader in defense, and a primary source of precious go-forward, particularly on first phase possession.

ONE TO WATCH: A few weeks ago Hallam Amos might have considered himself fortunate to be in the senior squad. All of a sudden the top Dragons prospect looks a decent bet to be a starter, either at fullback or on the wing. Blessed with pace and and huge upper body strength, Amos has been earmarked for senior honours since his senior club debut as an 18 year old. Expect him to mount a serious challenge for a wing spot even if Liam Williams recovers to play fullback.

HEAD COACH: Surly, arrogant, heartless. All words that have been used to describe Warren Gatland in the past. Not that he cares. His list of coaching achievements speaks for itself. Finding a way to patch his side back together enough to get through the pool might be his toughest challenge yet.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Francis, Tomas	PR	185	130	01/27/92	2	Exeter (EN)
James, Paul	PR	186	117	05/13/82	62	Bath (EN)
Jarvis, Aaron	PR	183	117	05/20/86	13	Ospreys
Jenkins, Gethin	PR	188	121	11/17/80	116	Cardiff Blues
Lee, Samson	PR	180	115	11/30/92	12	Scarlets
Baldwin, Scott	HO	190	115	07/12/88	10	Ospreys
Owens, Ken	HO	184	109	01/03/87	29	Scarlets
Ball, Jake	LO	200	122	06/21/91	14	Scarlets
Charteris, Luke	LO	208	123	03/09/83	57	Racing 92 (FR)
Davies, Bradley	LO	198	120	01/09/87	46	Wasps (EN)
Day, Dominic	LO	198	116	08/22/85	2	Bath (EN)
Jones, Alun Wyn	LO	197	118	09/19/85	90	Ospreys
King, James	FL	193	107	07/24/90	6	Ospreys
Lydiate, Dan	FL	193	115	12/18/87	47	Ospreys
Tipuric, Justin	FL	188	100	08/06/89	33	Ospreys
Warburton, Sam	FL	188	103	10/05/88	55	Cardiff Blues
Faletau, Taulupe	N8	188	111	11/12/90	48	Dragons
Moriarty, Ross	N8/FL	191	104	04/18/94	2	Gloucester (EN)
Davies, Gareth	SH	178	89	08/18/90	4	Scarlets
Phillips, Mike	SH	190	103	08/29/82	94	Racing 92 (FR)
Williams, Lloyd	SH	183	87	11/30/89	23	Cardiff Blues
Biggar, Dan	FH	188	90	10/16/89	35	Ospreys
Priestland, Rhys	FH	185	95	01/09/87	35	Scarlets
Allen, Cory	CE	192	100	02/11/93	3	Cardiff Blues
Roberts, Jamie	CE	193	110	11/08/86	70	Racing 92 (FR)
Williams, Scott	CE	183	100	10/10/90	32	Scarlets
Amos, Hallam	WI/FB	186	98	09/24/94	3	Dragons
Cuthbert, Alex	WI	198	106	04/05/90	35	Cardiff Blues
North, George	WI	193	110	04/13/92	51	Northampton (EN)
Morgan, Matthew	FB/FH	172	77	04/23/92	3	Bristol (EN)
Williams, Liam	FB	185	88	04/09/91	23	Scarlets