titi lamositele jonny gray ayumu goromaru victor matfield jack lam usa eagles scotland japan brave blossoms south africa springboks manu samoa rugby world cup americas rugby news

RWC 2015 Preview – Pool B

Pool B contains sides of relatively even quality outside clear favorites South Africa. Most would expect Scotland to come out as the second place finishers, but they aren’t so far ahead of the others that it’s a guarantee, particularly against experienced spoilers Samoa. Japan could be the surprise package of the group, and who knows what to expect from the Eagles. There are interesting matches throughout, but the best appear to be saved for last, with the Samoa-Scotland match likely a pseudo-playoff and USA-Japan of major interest for two developing nations.

FIXTURES

Sept 19 16:45 South Africa Japan Amex Stadium (Brighton)
Sept 20 12:00 Samoa USA Amex Stadium (Brighton)
Sept 23 14:30 Scotland Japan Kingsholm (Gloucester)
Sept 26 16:45 South Africa Samoa Villa Park (Birmingham)
Sept 27 14:30 Scotland USA Elland Road (Leeds)
Oct 3 14:30 Samoa Japan Stadium mk (Milton Keynes)
Oct 3 16:45 South Africa Scotland St. James Park (Newcastle)
Oct 7 16:45 South Africa USA Olympic Stadium (London)
Oct 10 14:30 Samoa Scotland St. James Park (Newcastle)
Oct 11 20:00 USA Japan Kingsholm (Gloucester)

 

JAPAN

The Brave Blossoms have come a long way since their record-setting defeat to the All Blacks in 1995. A fully professional domestic league bolstered by high quality imports has improved their play dramatically, and their best home-grown players are now starting to break into the Super Rugby ranks. Eddie Jones and an impressive support staff that includes former France hooker Marc Dal Maso and England skipper Steve Borthwick have raised their standards, particularly at the set piece.

Their record over the past two years is an impressive 16-4, albeit entirely against Tier 2 sides, with none of their losses extending beyond an 11 point difference. While Japan have only a single World Cup win from 1991 on their books, they have beaten both the USA and Samoa during the past 16 months and should be competitive against Scotland. Their off-field woes are well documented, but on the field there’s every reason to believe this will be their best ever effort on the world’s biggest stage.

CAPTAIN: Chiefs fans found out what a quality player Michael Leitch was this season. New Zealand-born but a resident since his teens and fully fluent in Japanese, the tireless loose forward is the sort of player every team wants in their side. A good link man and useful lineout option, Leitch consistently sets the standard for the Brave Blossoms up front.

KEY PLAYERS: As a unit the Japanese pack are formidable, and stocky tighthead Kensuke Hatakeyama is a big part of their success in the scrum. There will be a few unsuspecting eyebrows raised when he gets under more fancied opposition and drives them backwards. In the backs, it’s Harumichi Tatekawa who makes things happen. A solid kicker who can challenge the line as well as distribute, his strength opens up space for the gas men out wide. Speaking of kickers, one will be hard-pressed to find a finer goal kicker than Ayumu Goromaru at the tournament. At nearly 100kg he is a big man as well, but it’s his mesmeric striking of the ball that will make or break his team’s chances.

ONE TO WATCH: A dreadful hip injury suffered in December threatened to put Amanaki Mafi on ice, but the 25-year-old Tongan expat has recovered just in time to take part. Not the tallest no8 out there, he depends on raw power and startling acceleration off the back of the scrum to get over the gainline, and often through it. Look for his strike running to be a major part of the Brave Blossoms game plan on attack.

HEAD COACH: All of a sudden Eddie Jones isn’t the most popular guy in the country. His oddly-timed announcement that he is turning his back on the tragic comedy that is the JRFU, packing his bags and moving to Cape Town, has not been well received in Japan, but who can blame him? With the USA match up last, Fast Eddie will be looking to ride out on a win.

NAME POS HGT WGT D.O.B. CAPS 2014/15 CLUB
Hatakeyama, Kensuke PR 178 116 08/02/85 68 Suntory
Inagaki, Keita PR 183 115 06/02/90 6 Rebels (AU)
Mikami, Masataka PR 178 115 06/04/88 29 Toshiba
Yamashita, Hiroshi PR 183 122 01/01/86 45 Kobe Steel
Horie, Shota HO 180 105 01/21/86 38 Panasonic
Kizu, Takeshi HO 183 114 07/15/88 37 Kobe Steel
Yuhara, Hiroki HO 173 102 01/21/84 22 Toshiba
Ito, Shoji LO 191 101 12/02/80 34 Kobe Steel
Makabe, Shinya LO 193 118 03/26/87 31 Suntory
Ono, Hitoshi LO 192 106 05/06/78 94 Toshiba
Thompson, Luke LO 196 110 04/16/81 58 Kintetsu
Broadhurst, Michael FL 196 112 10/30/86 22 Ricoh
Ives, Justin FL 196 106 05/24/84 29 Canon
Leitch, Michael FL 190 105 10/07/88 43 Chiefs (NZ)
Tui, Hendrik FL 189 108 12/13/87 32 Reds (AU)
Holani, Koliniasi N8 188 112 10/25/81 41 Panasonic
Mafi, Amanaki N8 189 112 01/11/90 3 NTT Comm
Hiwasa, Atsushi SH 166 72 05/22/87 47 Suntory
Tanaka, Fumiaki SH 166 75 01/03/85 49 Highlanders (NZ)
Hirose, Toshiaki FH/WI 173 82 10/17/81 28 Toshiba
Ono, Kosei FH 171 83 04/17/87 29 Suntory
Tatekawa, Harumichi FH 181 95 12/02/89 38 Kubota
Matsushima, Kotaro CE/WI 175 88 02/26/93 12 Suntory
Sa’u, Male CE 183 98 10/13/87 23 Yamaha
Tamura, Yu CE 181 92 01/09/89 32 NEC
Wing, Craig CE 180 90 12/26/79 10 Kobe Steel
Fujita, Yoshikazu WI 185 90 09/08/93 27 Waseda
Fukuoka, Kenki WI 175 85 09/07/92 15 Tsukuba
Hesketh, Karne WI/CE 178 98 08/01/85 9 Sanix
Yamada, Akihito WI 181 90 07/26/85 13 Panasonic
Goromaru, Ayumu FB 185 98 03/01/86 52 Yamaha

 

SAMOA

The Manu have also endured some negative press on account of their union’s problems during the past couple years, and it has certainly affected both selections and on-field performance. With that rocky relationship between players and management seemingly resolved for now, they can get back to doing what they do best – playing smash-mouth rugby.

Samoa have tended to be a step above similarly ranked sides, and though they gave the All Blacks a run in Apia, they generally struggle against better organized sides. They do have a strong-looking squad, even absent rampaging prop Logovi’i Mulipola and dynamic three-quarter Alapati Leiua. Expecting them to topple the Springboks is a bit much, but the match against Scotland on October 10 should be a dandy.

CAPTAIN: Something of a surprise pick as skipper, Ofisa Treviranus was a bit of a slow starter in rugby, at least in XVs. A renowned 7s player, he began his pro career as a winger before switching permanently to the back row. With deceptive speed and a thirst for contact, ‘Trev’ will lead by example rather than word.

KEY PLAYERS: One of the those players earmarked as a leader is former Hurricanes flanker Jack Lam. Big in the tackle, strong at the breakdown, and underrated skills with ball in hand. By far the most important player in the squad is world class scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali’i. He controls the game on both sides of the ball, and the drop-off in quality to the next player in line is considerable. George Pisi is the best of the brothers, and on his day he is an exceptional attacker. Strong on his feet and with a good outside break, Samoa need him to be on song if they hope to earn an upset or two.

ONE TO WATCH: Depth at the flyhalf position is not something Samoa have been able to claim for some time, but with Mike Stanley now committed to the cause they have a player capable of challenging Tusi Pisi for the starting role. The former England u20 selection has always had talent, but that hasn’t translated into high-quality senior performances until the last year. A dependable kicker and attacking threat with ball in hand, he could emerge as a surprise star if he lives up to his potential.

HEAD COACH: Success has followed Stephen Betham through his coaching path from a World Sevens Series title to the senior XVs side, but the full code is proving a little more difficult as of late. The loss of support staff Tom Coventry (to London Irish) and Andrew Strawbridge (illness) are serious blows to the team’s preparations, and Betham has his work cut out for him to pull the side together. One wonders if he will be up to the task.

NAME POS HGT WGT D.O.B. CAPS 2014/15 CLUB
Afatia, Viliamu PR 181 115 05/24/90 11 Agen (FR)
Grey, Jake PR 181 119 02/17/84 4 SCOPA
Johnston, Census PR 190 138 05/06/81 48 Toulouse (FR)
Perenise, Anthony PR 182 118 10/18/82 24 Bristol (UK)
Taulafo, Sakaria PR 183 122 01/29/83 36 Stade Français (FR)
Avei, Ole HO 178 114 08/13/83 21 Bordeaux (FR)
Leiataua, Manu HO 178 106 12/26/86 8 Aurillac (FR)
Matu’u, Motu HO 185 109 04/30/87 3 Hurricanes (NZ)
Paulo, Filo LO 200 122 11/06/87 18 Cardiff Blues (UK)
Tekori, Joe LO 198 131 12/17/83 32 Toulouse (FR)
Thompson, Kane LO 198 113 01/09/82 31 Newcastle (UK)
Fa’asavalu, Maurie FL 190 112 01/12/80 25 Oyonnax (FR)
Fa’osiliva, Alafoti FL/N8 186 112 10/28/85 13 Bath (UK)
Ioane, T.J. FL 182 104 05/09/89 6 Sale (UK)
Lam, Jack FL 188 106 11/18/87 15 Bristol (UK)
Levave, Faifili FL 194 111 01/15/86 6 Toyota Verblitz (JP)
Treviranus, Ofisa N8 189 108 03/31/84 32 London Irish (UK)
Tuilagi, Vavae N8 194 115 06/15/88 4 Carcassonne (FR)
Afemai, Vavao SH 170 69 02/18/92 5 Vaiala
Fotuali’i, Kahn SH 183 96 05/22/82 24 Northampton (UK)
Fa’apale, Patrick FH 180 95 05/03/91 6 Vaiala
Pisi, Tusi FH 183 93 06/18/82 21 Suntory (JP)
Stanley, Mike FH 184 93 12/29/89 6 Ulster (IR)
Lee-Lo, Reynold CE 181 98 02/20/86 2 Hurricanes (NZ)
Leota, Johnny CE 183 103 01/21/84 19 Sale (UK)
Pisi, George CE 185 98 06/29/86 17 Northampton (UK)
Perez, Paul WI/CE 185 107 07/26/86 11 Sharks (SA)
Pisi, Ken WI 183 89 02/24/89 6 Northampton (UK)
Tuilagi, Alesana WI 186 121 02/24/81 34 Newcastle (UK)
Autagavaia, Fa’atoina FB/WI 187 92 09/18/88 16 Nevers (FR)
Nanai-Williams, Tim FB 180 90 06/12/89 1 Chiefs (NZ)

 

SCOTLAND

After a difficult run of six consecutive losses, Scotland appear to be finding their feet as they blew through Italy and came up just short against France in Paris. It’s understandable given a new coach and a team only now starting to become familiar with each other. Adding Super Rugby veterans W.P. Nel, John Hardie, and Josh Strauss at such a late stage should, in theory, add a little starch to their lineup.

Like Samoa, their most impressive performance in recent times is likely the loss to New Zealand at Murrayfield in November, a match which marked a significant improvement from the decimation at the hands of the Springboks in Port Elizabeth only five months earlier. An upsurge in manpower and expectations suggests that a quarter-final spot is well within their capability, with that match against Samoa in Newcastle most likely to decide their fate.

CAPTAIN: Gloucester scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw has fought through a dip in form and challenges from Henry Pyrgos and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne for his starting position, never mind the captaincy. He is a strong character, and looks to be enjoying his rugby again with a number of new and returning players in the Scottish side. He can be a bit laboured clearing the ball from the breakdown. If he can avoid that and keep his goal kicking on target, he will have a big say as to whether his side finds their way to a quarter-final.

KEY PLAYERS: He might not cast as long a shadow as big brother Richie, but of the who, it’s Jonny Gray who would be more likely to get into a Lions team if it were named tomorrow. A no-nonsense lock in the mold of Alun Wyn Jones, look for him anywhere hard work is required. Even though it may seem a bit presumptuous to name Josh Strauss seeing as he’s yet to win his first camp, there should be no debate as to the impact he will have once he does. A first class player either at no8 or on the blindside, where he looks likely to play, the man with the exceptional beard does not come second best in the contact area. Few players in the British Isles are as gifted as Stuart Hogg. The fullback has the skills to play anywhere in the backline, and regularly pops up as a first receiver to vary the Scottish attack.

ONE TO WATCH: Finn Russell’s rise to prominence has happened almost overnight. Used more as a centre with the Scottish u20 side, he has adapted to life in the no10 jersey at the professional level with consummate ease. An accurate kicker with a wide, flat pass, Russell looks ready to take the next step up the ladder at the World Cup.

HEAD COACH: A commanding presence despite being notably soft spoken, Vern Cotter demands honesty and commitment from his players. In his short time in charge he has not been shy to make hard selection decisions, and the players appear to have responded to his high expectations. Positive performances at the World Cup will go a long way towards silencing the doubters.

NAME POS HGT WGT D.O.B. CAPS 2014/15 CLUB
Dickinson, Alasdair PR 185 112 09/11/83 47 Edinburgh
Grant, Ryan PR 183 113 10/08/85 23 Glasgow Warriors
Nel, W.P. PR 182 120 04/30/86 3 Edinburgh
Reid, Gordon PR 188 120 03/04/87 12 Glasgow Warriors
Welsh, Jon PR 185 123 10/13/86 7 Glasgow Warriors
Brown, Fraser HO 183 103 06/20/89 10 Glasgow Warriors
Bryce, Kevin HO 185 105 09/07/88 2 Glasgow Warriors
Ford, Ross HO 185 113 04/23/84 89 Edinburgh
Gilchrist, Grant LO 203 120 08/09/90 10 Edinburgh
Gray, Jonny LO 198 119 03/14/94 15 Glasgow Warriors
Gray, Richie LO 207 126 08/24/89 46 Castres (FR)
Swinson, Tim LO 193 116 02/12/87 13 Glasgow Warriors
Hardie, John FL 183 103 07/27/88 2 Highlanders (NZ)
Strokosch, Alasdair FL 191 108 02/21/83 46 Perpignan (FR)
Wilson, Ryan FL 193 105 05/18/89 11 Glasgow Warriors
Denton, David N8/FL 196 119 02/05/90 28 Edinburgh
Strauss, Josh N8 193 115 10/23/86 0 Glasgow Warriors
Hidalgo-Clyne, Sam SH 175 83 08/04/93 7 Edinburgh
Laidlaw, Greig SH 176 80 10/12/85 41 Gloucester (EN)
Pyrgos, Henry SH 178 80 07/09/89 16 Glasgow Warriors
Russell, Finn FH 183 87 09/23/92 11 Glasgow Warriors
Weir, Duncan FH 172 91 05/10/91 19 Glasgow Warriors
Bennett, Mark CE 183 90 02/03/93 9 Glasgow Warriors
Horne, Peter CE 183 92 10/05/89 10 Glasgow Warriors
Scott, Matt CE 186 101 09/30/90 29 Edinburgh
Vernon, Richie CE 197 103 07/07/87 22 Glasgow Warriors
Lamont, Sean WI/CE 188 105 01/15/81 97 Glasgow Warriors
Maitland, Sean WI 189 97 09/14/88 16 Glasgow Warriors
Seymour, Tommy WI 182 95 07/01/88 18 Glasgow Warriors
Visser, Tim WI 195 109 05/29/87 21 Edinburgh
Hogg, Stuart FB 180 93 06/24/92 33 Glasgow Warriors

 

SOUTH AFRICA

If Japan and Samoa have had turbulent times off-field, the Springboks have been put through the wringer and then some. No other has to put up with the same level of political interjection. That can’t possibly be helpful when trying to piece together a challenge for a world title, and yet the Boks remain more than capable of coming through the tournament on top.

A fearsome group of forwards has long been the tradition of South African rugby, and though that remains their strong suit, injuries and age have taken a little potency out of their venom. Confusion over their strongest halfback combination is a big talking point heading in, and the fact that it’s anyone’s guess who lines up in the no10 jersey in the big games can’t be a good sign. That said, if the team stays healthy and plays to their strengths, they should get through the pool stages fairly comfortably.

CAPTAIN: Few players are as respected in world rugby as Jean de Villiers. First chosen to lead the side in 2012, the midfielder has done incredibly well to recover from a devastating knee injury suffered against Wales last November. As a squad member his experience will be invaluable, but there are legitimate arguments that he is no longer the best choice as a starter at no12, with Damian de Allende looking more convincing with each opportunity.

KEY PLAYERS: One of the more intimidating units in the sport, Eben Etzebeth is a giant in size and impact on the field. A banker in the lineout and brutally physical, he should emerge as one of the tournament’s top second rows. The Springboks got great news with the return to fitness of Duane Vermuelen just in time for the tournament. His has the ability to make a big play on either side of the ball. In terms of x-factor on offense, you can’t ignore the influence of Willie le Roux. He has his detractors, but he can turn any loose kick into a devastating counter attack.

ONE TO WATCH: An easy pick, Jesse Kriel is arguably the most exciting young player headed to the tournament. Blessed with pace and vision, he oozes class and has a huge future ahead. With only a handful of senior games in the midfield, all at test level, he could be one of the great stories to emerge come the end of October.

HEAD COACH: Nobody is as engaged in his country’s anthem as Heyneke Meyer. It’s entertaining just to watch him in the coaches box during the game. Despite his obvious passion, he’s been criticized on all fronts for hanging on to old players like Victor Matfield for too long and has even been labelled a ‘racist’ by some for his ‘failure’ to include more black players. The World Cup is his golden opportunity to throw one back in the face of the naysayers.

NAME POS HGT WGT D.O.B. CAPS 2014/15 CLUB
du Plessis, Jannie PR 188 121 11/16/82 64 Sharks
Malherbe, Frans PR 190 124 03/14/91 6 Stormers
Mtawarira, Tendai PR 188 118 08/01/85 68 Sharks
Nyakane, Trevor PR 178 118 05/04/89 16 Cheetahs
Oosthuizen, Coenie PR 185 127 03/22/89 21 Cheetahs
Brits, Schalk HO 181 98 05/16/81 8 Saracens (UK)
du Plessis, Bismarck HO 189 114 05/22/84 73 Sharks
Strauss, Adriaan HO 184 110 11/18/85 48 Cheetahs
de Jager, Lood LO 205 125 12/17/92 12 Cheetahs
du Toit, Pieter-Steph LO 200 116 08/20/92 4 Sharks
Etzebeth, Eben LO 203 120 10/29/91 37 Stormers
Matfield, Victor LO 201 110 05/11/77 123 Bulls
Alberts, Willem FL 192 120 05/11/84 33 Sharks
Burger, Schalk FL/N8 193 114 04/13/83 79 Stormers
Kolisi, Siya FL 188 102 06/16/91 11 Stormers
Louw, Francois FL 190 112 06/15/85 36 Bath (UK)
Vermeulen, Duane N8 193 116 07/03/86 29 Stormers
du Preez, Fourie SH 182 90 03/24/82 70 Suntory (JP)
Paige, Rudy SH 169 77 08/02/89 0 Bulls
Pienaar, Ruan SH 187 92 03/16/83 84 Ulster (IR)
Lambie, Patrick FH 177 87 10/22/86 44 Sharks
Pollard, Handré FH 189 96 03/11/94 13 Stormers
Steyn, Morné FH 183 91 07/11/84 59 Stade Français (FR)
de Allende, Damian CE 189 101 11/25/91 7 Stormers
de Villiers, Jean CE 190 103 02/24/81 107 Stormers
Kriel, Jesse CE 186 95 02/15/94 4 Bulls
Habana, Bryan WI 179 94 06/12/83 110 Toulon (FR)
Mvovo, Lwazi WI 185 91 06/03/86 13 Sharks
Pietersen, J.P. WI 190 106 07/12/86 60 Sharks
Kirchner, Zane FB 184 96 06/16/84 30 Leinster (IR)
le Roux, Willie FB 186 90 08/18/89 28 Cheetahs

 

USA

It’s hard to say what to expect from the Eagles in the World Cup. In some ways they’ve looked better lately – their scrum has improved, they have a decent flyhalf, and their best players are finally all in one place. A row between management and poster-boy Todd Clever has been disruptive, and the loss of outstanding forward Scott LaValla arguably even more costly. Softening that somewhat has been the emergence of sevens stars Danny Barrett and Andrew Durutalo as legitimate challengers in the back row.

There isn’t a lot of depth in this side, but the first XV should have enough quality to challenge Japan and possibly Samoa. The Scots are a step above and forget about the Springboks, but two wins is achievable, if difficult. Of course it’s just as likely that they come away with nothing. Struggles with maul defense and questions about their ability to stay in the game past 60 minutes do not inspire great confidence. At the very least there will be more eyes on them than ever before, which is a step in the right direction.

CAPTAIN: The man chosen to replace Clever as on-field general is Chris Wyles. Highly respected by teammates for club and country, he tends to play more in the midfield for Saracens, but is seen as an outside back for the Eagles. While he’s not a game breaker, he’s a calming influence and also provides a handy left-foot kicking option out of hand or for goal.

KEY PLAYERS: Formerly a specialist no8, Cameron Dolan has added bulk to his 6’6” frame and adjusted to life in the second row with surprising ease. Excellent in the lineout and with a good turn of pace, he has also added grit to his game. The move has allowed Samu Manoa to line up in his most effective position at the back of the scrum. Players across Europe can attest to his immense power in the tackle. Now to international rugby but already an automatic selection, AJ MacGinty has proved a revelation for the Eagles. He can just as easily score points from half way as he can ghost through a defensive line.

ONE TO WATCH: At just 20 years of age Titi Lamositele is already two years and 13 caps removed from his test debut. Since joining up with Saracens academy he has beefed up to 280lbs (127kg) with most of that muscle. While there’s plenty of room for improvement, he is already a force with ball in hand and his workrate is high for a big lad.

HEAD COACH: New York native Mike Tolkin has worked his way up through the ranks of American rugby, reaching the top position with the Eagles in 2012. He has taken more than his fair share of criticism, warranted or not, but has enjoyed an upswing in fortunes as of late. The skeptics remain, however, and it will take a mighty effort to convince them that he deserves to stick around beyond the World Cup.

NAME POS HGT WGT D.O.B. CAPS 2014/15 CLUB
Baumann, Chris PR 187 121 05/18/87 4 Santa Monica
Fry, Eric PR 193 119 09/14/87 33 Newcastle (UK)
Kilifi, Olive PR 180 120 09/28/86 12 Seattle
Lamositele, Titi PR 180 127 02/11/95 13 Saracens (UK)
Moeakiola, Mate PR 183 120 05/16/78 31 Castanet (FR)
Taufete’e, Joseph PR 184 128 04/10/92 0 Belmont Shore
Fenoglio, Zach HO 188 112 07/29/89 13 Glendale
Thiel, Phil HO 180 113 10/29/84 32 Life
Dolan, Cameron LO/FL 198 114 03/07/90 16 Northampton (UK)
Peterson, Greg LO 204 123 03/26/91 8 Leicester (UK)
Smith, Hayden LO 200 120 04/10/85 26 Saracens (UK)
Stanfill, Louis LO 192 113 05/30/85 55 Seattle
Barrett, Danny FL/N8 191 105 03/23/90 9 SFGG
Durutalo, Andrew FL 186 110 10/25/87 9 USA 7s
McFarland, Al FL 193 109 06/02/89 5 NYAC
Quill, John FL 185 102 03/10/90 14 NYAC
Manoa, Samu N8/LO 198 122 03/15/85 11 Northampton (UK)
Trouville, Matt N8 198 114 06/09/86 4 Seattle
Kruger, Niku SH 172 80 10/09/91 1 Kutztown
Petri, Mike SH 177 86 08/16/84 54 NYAC
Suniula, Shalom SH/FH 172 86 05/06/88 14 Seattle
MacGinty, A.J. FH 185 91 02/26/90 5 Life
Kelly, Seamus CE 178 94 05/29/91 20 SFGG
Niua, Folau CE/FH 183 92 01/27/85 15 USA 7s
Palamo, Thretton CE 191 115 09/22/88 10 Saracens (UK)
Suniula, Andrew CE 186 108 05/01/82 37 CSM Bucuresti (RO)
Ngwenya, Takudzwa WI 178 86 07/22/85 32 Biarritz (FR)
Scully, Blaine WI/FB 190 100 02/29/88 26 Leicester (UK)
Test, Zack WI 191 89 10/13/89 4 USA 7s
Thompson, Brett WI 193 101 08/17/90 4 Edinburgh (UK)
Wyles, Chris FB 183 93 09/13/83 50 Saracens (UK)

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Formally created in June 2015, this website's goal is to increase media exposure of the Tier 2 rugby nations, and create a hub with a focus on the stories of rugby in the Americas - North, Central and South.

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