Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool Previews
The biggest competition in world rugby is set to begin in a little over two months time. While almost every squad has submitted a long list of players vying for selection, the make-up of each team is still very much in question. These weekly previews of each pool are a general overview of what to expect from the teams involved, as well as a prediction on how each pool will look after the preliminary stages.
Pool A
Tonga “ With few big name players, the Tongan national team are easy to overlook, but do so at your own peril. Known for their fast play and staunch defence, the Tongans are a physically demanding squad who will look to compete with the larger, more experienced squads in this pool. They serve very much as a bridge between the giants France and New Zealand, and the relative minnows Canada and Japan.
Many of the Tongan players currently play for big name clubs overseas, which is more than can be said about Canada and Japan, although the Japanese league is gaining respect with the introduction of marquee import signings. The Tongans should benefit from their players' experiences abroad, and will look to players such as Hudson Tonga'uiha and Tonga Lea'aetoa, as well as captain Kisi Pulu to lead the charge.
Although the Tongan team is flush with talent, they are heavily outmatched by France and New Zealand when it comes to organization and tactics, as well as rate of successful execution. Expect the Tongans to beat the Canadians and probably the Japanese, but to fall well short against France and especially New Zealand whom they play in the tournament opener at Eden Park.
Result “ 3rd in pool, does not advance
Canada “ The Canadian team is somewhat of an enigma. Capable of jaw dropping performances against much more experienced teams (see the first half of their match against Wales in the 2007 RWC), these results seem to be paired match for match with displays of simple mistakes where they are simply outplayed many times over. Head coach Kieran Crowley will be encouraged by their recent performance at the Churchill Cup where they reached the finals, eventually losing to the England Saxons.
The real problem with the Canadians seems to be an inability to plug their players into the top international competitions the world has to offer. Only lock Jamie Cudmore, who plays for Clermont in the Top 14, and fullback Matt Evans who plays for the Newport Gwent Dragons in Wales are currently signed to professional contracts in first division competitions. In order to truly compete with the rugby 'giants' the Canadian team must see a larger group of players competing with the world's best week in and week out in order to progress from their current second-tier status in world competition.
It will be interesting to see how Canada fares against Tonga and Japan, seeing as their matches against France and New Zealand virtually foregone conclusions. If they can manage to keep their composure and catch a few lucky bounces I could see them winning one game, or possibly two. However realism trumps optimism in this case, which forces me to think that they will finish with the wooden spoon in Pool A.
Result “ 5th in pool, does not advance
France “ Plenty of discussion has been had over the selections by French coach Marc Lièvremont for this World Cup, with many big names missing out. Whether you agree or disagree with his selections it is virtually guaranteed that the French will progress to the knockout stages considering the pool they are in.
France always seems to be on form when the RWC rolls around every four years, and this year is no different. France finished second in the RBS Six Nations championship losing to eventual champions England and then endured a shocking defeat to heavy underdogs Italy. However there is little cause for alarm, as France has been quite consistent throughout previous years and should retain their composure for the competition.
The French boast some of the best talent in the world, especially in the back row. Captain Thierry Dusautoir is a force to be reckoned with at the breakdown, and has one of the highest work rates out of any flanker in the World Cup. Imanol Harinordoquy is another back row menace, and a solid leader for the team. The French are renowned for their flair, and expect no different this time around as they have an explosive back line that can score from anywhere. Aurélien Rougerie, Vincent Clerc and Maxime Médard are all world class talent and will punish weaker opponents such as Japan and Canada. The halfback pairing of either Morgan Parra or Dimitri Yachvili and Francois Trinh-Duc is one to watch throughout the course of the competition, as Trinh-Duc is one of the best number 10s in the world at the moment.
Result “ 2nd in pool, advances to knockout stages
Japan “ The Japanese are another developing rugby nation led by a Kiwi head coach (Canada is the other). There are no marquee names on the Japanese team, but don't let that fool you “ Japan can play. They routinely win the Asian Five Nations, but get pounded in the Pacific Nations Cup facing stiff competition from the Pacific Islanders. They had their best showing yet at the 2007 World Cup, forcing a 12-12 draw against Canada.
They will be bolstered by the expansion of professional rugby in Japan through the Top League, comprised of 14 teams throughout Japan. While there are no familiar Japanese players for the casual fan, there are a number of big name players who have played, are playing, or will play in Japan, such as: George Gregan, Brad Thorn, Danie Roussouw, Rico Gear and Jaco van der Westhuyzen. This will no doubt enhance the standard of play in Japan, leading to the development of grassroots rugby in Japan.
Result “ 4th in pool, does not advance
New Zealand - The perennial favourites and host nation “ no one has more pressure on them in this tournament to win it all. The All Blacks are yearning to break their string of bad performances at World Cups, and a victory on home soil would erase those harsh memories of years past. A team flush with talent, they must be regarded as the most likely to win the competition, however nothing is a guarantee.
Coach Graham Henry is spoiled with selection riches, but one has to think that the match day 22 will be more clearly visible after this year's Tri Nations. As always, NZ will look to fly-half Dan Carter to lead the charge in the backs, and captain Richie McCaw to set the tone up front. After those two, however, the picture becomes cloudy as to who will fill the rest of the spots. Sonny Bill Williams has been a revelation this season, performing very well for the Crusaders, but it is yet unclear whether he will don the 12 or 13 jersey, or be in the starting XV at all facing competition from Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, and Robbie Freuan.
Furthermore, if Carter gets injured there is no clear replacement for the 10 spot. Stephen Donald, who played as a reserve for the Tri Nations last year was not even selected in the training squad for the World Cup, therefore it appears that Aaron Cruden, Luke McAlister and Colin Slade will all compete for the #21 jersey. It will also be interesting to see who gets the nod at wing and fullback for the All Blacks, as this year's Super Rugby competition has seen a number of players show devastating form. Rene Ranger, Isaia Toeava, Zac Guilford, Sean Maitland, Israel Dagg and Hosea Gear are all alternatives to the usual Rokocoko-Muliaina-Sivivatu combination.
Result “ 1st in pool, advances to knockout stages
Pool A
| Team |
Win |
Loss |
Points |
| New Zealand |
4 |
0 |
22 |
| France |
3 |
1 |
15 |
| Tonga |
2 |
2 |
9 |
| Japan |
1 |
3 |
4 |
| Canada |
0 |
4 |
0 |
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