England
With arguably the toughest group with Scotland and Argentina looking strong, England will have to perform to make their 3rd final in a row and 4th overall. People often forget the doubt placed on England last time round after the embarrassing 36-0 loss in the group stages at the hands of South Africa, but the team’s self belief became one of national pride come final day, narrowly losing out to South Africa in a tightly fought final. Yet having been criticised for their lack of a cutting edge in the build, England’s preparations are far from over.
Words & design by Toby Gray
With over 1 million tickets sold and sales exceeding NZ$250m, the Rugby World Cup is well under way and is promising great things. Although initial plans to become the first major World Cup to be broadcast in 3D were reluctantly dropped due to production issues, this year’s event is set to the be biggest yet since the tournaments inauguration back in 1987. So with all this anticipation, Nerve Sport brings you our top picks and key players to watch out for down under.
New Zealand As the hosting nation and top seeds, New Zealand will fancy themselves to amend the label as “biggest underachievers in World Cup history”, and anything short of victory will be seen as a massive disappointment. With only 1 win in the first ever event back in 1987 and a constant expectation to succeed, New Zealand have a tendency to blitz all of their group games but then stumble at the knockout stages. With a quarter final loss to France last time round, the Pool A rematch on the 24th is sure to be one of the tournaments highlights. New Zealand’s form of late is another reassuring factor, thrashing reigning champions South Africa 40 -7 in the run up to the games, and with a fairly easy group, with only France offering any serious threat, their path to the knockout stages at least seems regulation.
Ireland New Zealand’s Dan Carter is now the highest scoring test player ever
Groups
Pool A
New Zealand, France, Tonga, Canada, Japan
Pool B
Argentina, England, Scotland, Georgia, Romania
Pool C
Australia, Ireland, Italy, Russia, United States
Pool D
South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Manu Samoa, Namibia
South Africa The 2 time winners and reigning champions are in poor form of late, with losses to Australia and NZ in the warm up to the tournament. The added challenge of playing in hostile New Zealand arenas and a tough group with opposition from Wales and the ever improving Samoa, South Africa could potentially become the tournament’s first shock casualty. However, lead by the vastly experienced captain John Smit, and with a solid collection of young players, including electrifying winger Bryan Habana, the discipline and lightning fast counter attacking abilities of this South Africa team place them amongst the best in the world.
Sean O’ Brien (left) will be masive in Ireland’s cup run.
Despite constantly ranking high in the seedings and fielding world beating teams, Ireland have never reached further than the semi – finals in the World Cup. Add this history to the fitness worries of Ferris, D’arcy and O’Driscoll and the fairly flat 6 nation’s campaign at the beginning of the year; Ireland’s chances don’t seem too strong. Yet if the experience and world class talent of the likes of Brian O’ Driscoll and Ronan O’ Gara can come together in what is possibly the pairs last World Cup outing at aged 32 and 34, they will be determined as ever to place the cherry on their already glittering careers. With a group that sees Australia as the only real threat, a potential quarter final clash with Wales, Samoa or champions South Africa will be waiting, so the creases currently over the Ireland shirt will certainly need ironing out.
Remaining the only European team to win the title, England’s experience in massive games will be the key to their success. Manager Martin Johnson has noted Mike Tindall as the lynchpin to the team, but at 32, the question remains whether he will be able to maintain the physical intensity needed at this level. A massive focal point for the team is of course fly half Toby Flood, who has to step up and fill those boots of Wilkinson (who is albeit still in the squad). Whilst his skill and commitment cannot be questioned, the key is for the half backs such as Danny Care or Ben Youngs to provide support to Flood to help him gain confidence in the bigger matches. Without this ,the relationship between the scrum and fly halves breaks down, and the link between the forward and backs is lost.
Experienced Moody (above) & Tindall will be England’s driving force.
Australia Although Australia suffered a massive upset to Samoa in the build up, they will be many pundits’ favourites to win the title after a semi – final exit at the hands of England in 2007. After doubts of New Zealand’s ability to perform in knockout rugby and deliver the victory that is overwhelmingly expected being on home soil, Australia may be able to capitalise with their excellent defensive discipline and back line.
Promising winger Chris Ashton will also make his first World Cup appearance after impressing at this years 6 nations, so in terms of experience and fresh new talent, England could prove the full package going into the tournament.
Outside Shot Samoa Samoa have had some tough times in recent World Cups, drawing England and South Africa in both 2003 & 2007, each of which subsequently won the event in their respective years. Yet offering some of the most memorable World Cup moments, including 2 shock quarter – final appearances and managing an Australia scalp in the build up, Samoa continue to go from strength to strength. Although faced with just 1 win against the top 6 teams and a tough group with competition from favourites Wales and South Africa, neither team are playing their best rugby. So the chance of progression doesn’t seem totally implausible for the team sure to have a massive following across New Zealand that just can’t stop improving.
South Africa’s speedy Bryan Habana will be one to watch in New Zealand.
Australia beat reigning champions South Africa in the run up to tournament and have been in stellar form of late, so whilst scrummaging issues will be a concern for the Wallabies, the relatively struggle free pool C and a desire to amend for the 2007 campaign will place Australia as strong contenders.
Players to Watch
Chris Ashton
After a blistering 6 nation’s introduction, and racking up over 450 points for club and country since 2007, Chris Ashton has the potential to become one the greatest attacking forces in English Rugby. His pace, support and anticipation of scoring opportunities is what will make him a key asset for Martin Johnson’s side, especially in the tougher knockout stages.
Dan Carter
Whilst the pressure of being the all time leading test scorer and the label of “best fly half in the world” may be reason to praise for some, New Zealand’s Dan Carter won’t be content until that elusive World Cup medal is his. The catalyst for the All Blacks attacks, and arguably the most consistent kicker in the game, Carter will be the driving force for this team, and instrumental in delivering the Webb Ellis Trophy back to the Kiwis for the first time since 1987.
Bryan Habana
A record 8 tries in 2007 earnt this Springbok winger a place amongst New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu, and that’s not a bad accolade to have. His electrifying pace means that once given the ball in open space, he is almost impossible to stop. Yet with over 200 points for South Africa alone, his defensive prowess is another great asset. His ability to chase down players in the open field and even cover line breaks make him a key player for South Africa, and one the most scintillating players in the world.
Sean O’Brien
This strong, consistent flanker has become a regular face in the Irish team over the last few years, and after winning European Player of the Year for 2011, his role in Ireland’s World Cup run will me massive. His versatility, consistency and ball handling skills make him a key asset for Ireland, and a pivotal force in their run in the tournament.