Ultimate Guide to the Rugby World Cup: Pool B
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.
Rugby News’ Matt Findlay has taken a look at all five teams in the Ultimate Guide to the RWC – Pool B.
South Africa (World Ranking – 4th)
Despite an appalling Rugby Championship campaign, currently being outside the top three in terms of world rankings and coach Heyneke Meyer producing several interesting selections, South Africa remains among the favourites to take out the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC).
Scotland (World Ranking – 10th)
In what many consider the most exciting pool of the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC) outside the Wallabies’ pool of death, Scotland is one of four sides in pool B considered a strong chance to progress.
Manu Samoa (World Ranking – 12th)
Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham admitted his side’s second placing at the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) wasn’t the ideal way to go into the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC), but said it certainly isn’t a bad preparation by any means.
Japan (World Ranking – 14th)
Versatility.
That’s what Japanese head coach and former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones touted when talking selections for the Cherry Blossoms’ 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC) squad, and he’s made good on the promise.
USA (World Ranking – 16th)
With 20 debutants named in a 31-man squad, USA coach Mike Tolkin maintained faith in the squad which lost Rugby World Cup (RWC) warm-up matches to Canada, and English Premiership side Harlequins.