Ultimate guide to the Rugby World Cup: Pool A
By Matt Findlay
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.
Australia (World Ranking – 2nd)
The Wallabies were disappointing in New Zealand in 2011, and Michael Cheika has made some polarising decisions with his 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC) squad but even so, pundits give Australia a genuine chance of claiming the William Web Ellis Cup for the first time since 1999.
England (World Ranking – 4th)
Leading into the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC) there’s been few teams spoken about as often, or as negatively, as the host nation.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster made what many consider some dicey decisions in leaving out Nick Easter, Danny Cipriani, Luther Burrell and Billy Twelvetrees, particularly considering the inclusions of Owen Farrell and Sam Burgess instead.
Wales (World Ranking – 5th)
The Welsh just can’t take a trick.
After years of being dealt controversial blows at Rugby World Cups (RWC), Wales will be forced to play the entire 2015 tournament without two of their biggest stars.
Fiji (World Ranking – 9th)
“Challenges such as those ahead of us bring out the best in top competitors and top teams”.
That’s exactly what Fijian head coach John McKee is hoping his side does at the Rugby World Cup (RWC) – rise to the occasion.
Uruguay (World Ranking – 19th)
Uruguay has no Rugby World Cup (RWC) experience in its squad, none whatsoever.
There is no survivors among the current group from the 1999 or 2003 tournaments and of course, the South Americans failed to qualify in either 2007 or 2011.