Ultimate guide to the 2015 Rugby World Cup
By Matt Findlay
The 2015 Rugby World Cup appears to be the most open tournament in history, with a handful of teams finalising preparations this week with a genuine hope of claiming the Webb Ellis trophy.
On top of the 12 automatic qualifiers, a further 84 nations battled for the final few spots in the tournament, with 184 matches played to determine the final eight qualifiers.
There’s a story for everyone in this World Cup, and Matt Findlay is here to take you through them all in Rugby News’ ultimate guide to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Pool A – Australia, England, Wales, Fiji, Uruguay
The ‘pool of death’ sees Australia, England, Wales, Fiji and Uruguay battle to progress through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Following injuries to stars Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb, Australia and England appear in the box seat to claim the top two positions, however it’s difficult to rule out Wales or Fiji for that matter.
Pool B – South Africa, Scotland, Samoa, Japan, USA
Whilst much of the early discussion around the pool stages has been centred on Australia’s ‘pool of death’, Pool B – South Africa, Scotland, Japan, USA and Samoa – looks set to be just as hotly contested.
South Africa appear almost certain to progress through to the knockout stages, however you wouldn’t be surprised if any of the remaining four sides joined them.
Pool C – New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga, Georgia, Namibia
2011 World Cup winners New Zealand will face Rugby Championship rivals Argentina, neighbours Tonga, European qualifiers Georgia and African Cup champions Namibia in pool C.
Whilst the Kiwis are expected to qualify for the knockout stages without too much concern, Argentina and Tonga will battle for the final quarter final spot, with Georgia and Namibia set to play off in what could be one of the matches of the tournament in Exeter.
Pool D – Ireland, France, Italy, Romania, Canada
Six Nations rivals Ireland, France and Italy are expected to battle for two quarter final places in Pool D, with Romania and Canada qualifying for the final two spots.
Although most expect Ireland and France to push through to the knockout stages, it’s difficult to rule out the ever improving Italians and with the runner-up in Pool D likely to meet New Zealand in the quarter finals, none of the sides will want to drop a match.