TRU's prediction analyst makes early RWC 2015 pick
Our prediction analyst says New Zealand will beat Ireland in the final
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The 2015 tournament looks set to see some intense rugby as the culmination of the last four years of work comes to fruition.
This will be the final time we see some great players turning out for their respective international colours.
Pool A, the group of death is set to be a cracker with only two of England, Australia and Wales able to make it out alive.
Given the fact that Wales have struggled to beat Australia recently and Australia struggles with the England forward dominance, then the most likely scenario is that England tops Pool A, with Australia. It is a cruel fate for Wales who would have probably qualified from most other pools.
Pool B will see the Springboks coast through, with the winner of the Scotland vs Samoa game likely to join them in the final eight. Scotland has a habit of overachieving in Rugby World Cups, despite some rather ordinary between Rugby World Cup results, they should make the Quarter Finals.
The All Blacks are the obvious favourites in Pool C and overall, having lost only two games since their 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign and they seemingly have the depth and experience to go the whole way in 2015.
It will be the swansong for Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu, but their squad not only includes such extensive experience, but also some exciting young players to balance it out.
Argentina should join the All Blacks in the Quarter Finals, if they survive Tonga. Tonga beat France in the 2011 Rugby World Cup pool stages and so they are capable of inclusion in the Quarter Finals.
Pool D should see Ireland and France coast into the Quarter Finals. It is important to win your group and avoid meeting the top seeds in the next round.
The All Blacks should play the Springboks in an epic semi-final, while we are picking an All Blacks vs Ireland final.
Given that Ireland has never beaten the All Blacks and that the All Blacks have the most experienced team in the world, then we are picking them to be the first team to win two Rugby World Cups in a row and their first one away from home.
Who are you picking to win the Rugby World Cup 2015?
