Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool Previews - Pool B
This week I preview pool B, one of the most intriguing pools in the 2011 World Cup for several reasons. It houses two 2007 RWC semi-finalists in Argentina and England, which should be one of the pool fixtures of the coming World Cup. The Georgia - Romania match will be one of the more hotly contested early matches of the competition, with national pride on the line. The same can be said with the Scotland - England match. Can Scotland beat either Argentina or England? Who will place first in the pool? Can the Georgians beat the Scots? Read the article, and let me know your comments below.
Argentina After a tremendous showing at the last World Cup, Argentina will certainly be out to dismiss ideas that 2007 was a fluke. Always a mystery going into these competitions, Argentina has produced some world-class talent, but is never really considered one of the top contenders for the title. Next year fans will be able to get a better look at the squad as they are set to take part in an extended Tri-Nations competition along with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. For the time being, however, one must look at current Argentine players and management to get a feel for the team.
Head coach Santiago Phelan will look to match his predecessor's work in international competition, after Marcelo Loffreda left the team in 2008. Phelan is only 37 years old, making him one of, if not the youngest coaches in the tournament. After playing in both the 1999 and 2003 World Cups, one cannot doubt his experience as a player, but it will be interesting to see how he fares in a high pressure environment.
He does of course have a wealth of talent and resources at his disposal in his current pool of players. Big names such as Felipe Contepomi, Mario Ledesma, Patricio Albacete and Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe are all set to take part in RWC 2011, and will be much relied upon to set the tone and direction of the team. Conversely, there were several players named to the 39 man provisional squad who have little to no experience, such as Harlequins lock Tomas Vallejos or Stade Francais fullback Martin Rodriguez. In any case Argentina will be set to play quick, dynamic rugby and look to go deep in the tournament.
Result- 2nd in pool, advances to knockout stages
Georgia Many casual observers of the game look at Georgia as a permanent second-tier rugby nation, but they do so at their own peril. Georgia is perhaps the most promising 'minnow' in world rugby, and with elevating support and continued resolve the Georgians are primed for a breakout competition. The Lelos proved this in 2007, holding Argentina to 6-3 at half time, and narrowly losing to Ireland 14-10 in their next match. Eastern European rugby fans are already well aware that the Georgia-Romania match is not to be missed, as the two nations have a rivalry that would turn New Zealand and Australian heads.
Unlike most other second-tier rugby playing countries, Georgia has the benefit of outsourcing their talent to professional teams in Europe. Many Georgians play in France, with a growing number of age-grade players being signed to Top 14 academy contracts, which serves as a good indication of the heightening level of rugby being played by Georgia.
Focusing on the present, it is difficult to see them winning another game after Romania. I do envision them giving Scotland a whole host of problems, especially at the scrum and the breakdown. Although they will not win the trophy, Georgian fixtures should not be missed.
Result 4th in pool, does not advance
Scotland The Scots are forever hopeful marching into Rugby World Cups with the prospect of advancing to the knockout stages of the competition. They certainly are capable of outstanding performances, one only needs to look to their match against the visiting South Africans in 2008 where they nearly beat the defending champions at Murrayfield. However, looking at a more recent barometer “ the 2011 RBS Six Nations, the future doesn't look all that bright for Scotland. They did give France, Ireland and England a run for their money, but one has to wonder when Andy Robinson has to convert 'good performances into 'good wins'.
The Scots do have several standout players currently in the squad. 21 year old Richie Gray, who plays for Glasgow, is being promoted as the new face of Scottish rugby. The 6'10 lock with shocking blonde hair put together a string of very solid performances in the Six Nations and should be a Scottish stalwart for some time. Hooker Ross Ford, back row John Beattie, scrum-half Chris Cusiter and fullback Chris Paterson are just some of the names who should lead the Scots into action.
Their match against Georgia should be a thriller, as the two teams match up fairly well with two strong forward packs and a set of skilled backs. As usual, you should mark the 1st of October as a cannot-miss day when Scotland takes on England. Even if the match is taking place in Auckland expect the game to be as heated as ever.
Result 3rd in pool, does not advance
Romania Romania are one of the few second-tier rugby nations whom have participated at every World Cup since 1987, amassing a not so staggering five wins total. Nevertheless, the Romanians have cause to be hopeful for RWC 2011, as a growing number of their players are playing professional rugby in Europe, allowing their talent pool to expand. Romania has notched a couple famous victories against some powerhouse countries, such as Wales, Scotland and France, but these haven't come for a while.
The Oaks, as they are famously titled, are captained by hooker Marius Tincu (Perpignan), who will lead the forward pack alongside Perpignan teammate Ovidiu Tonita. Many other Romanian nationals play either in the Fédérale 1 or 2, France's second, and third tier domestic competitions, respectively.
The Romanians really only have a hope of winning their match against a stronger Georgian team. However if they did manage to play to a victory it would make the entire competition worthwhile for the Oaks. The Romanians first have to play Scotland, Argentina, and England so the squad's chances will be considerably affected by injuries and form after those matches.
Result 5th in pool, does not advance
England The perennial powerhouses, England are always a force to be reckoned with at World Cups. They have performed better than any other squad at the last two competitions, winning the whole thing in 2003, and reaching the final only to lose to South Africa (a match not without controversy) in 2007. England are usually pegged as the Northern Hemisphere's best chance to win the RWC, and this year is no different, as Martin Johnson's team has once again peaked at just the right time. Bolstered by a famous victory against Australia in 2010, the English know their fans won't settle for anything less than a repeat performance of the last two World Cups.
Johnson has selected a youthful squad, guided by some experienced stalwarts. There are few remnants from the winning 2003 team: Jonny Wilkinson, Simon Shaw, Mike Tindall among others. Johnson has done a good job of bleeding some young players prior to the World Cup, although clouds of doubt do hang over some players, such as the mercurial Manu Tuilagi, who has been a revelation and a liability this season for Leicester. However some sure fire diamonds have also emerged such as Dylan Hartley, Chris Ashton, Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs, and Ben Foden who are all among the RFU's 'new wave' contingent.
England are aided by having a considerably weaker pool than many of their rivals, with their only true test coming against Argentina. However physical encounters with the Georgians, and long-time rivals Scotland will take their toll ahead of the knockout stages. It will be very interesting to see how first time World Cup players fare in the intensity of New Zealand. If England do win their pool, they will most likely have to play France, which will be a sterling fixture. If they place second they will have to play New Zealand, which really is the worst-case scenario. In any case, I do not see them advancing past the semi-final stage of the competition.
Result 1st in pool, advances to knock-out stages
| Team |
Win |
Loss |
Points |
| England |
4 |
0 |
22 |
| Argentina |
3 |
1 |
15 |
| Scotland |
2 |
2 |
9 |
| Georgia |
1 |
3 |
4 |
| Romania |
0 |
4 |
0 |
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