By Matt Findlay

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.

Ireland (World Ranking – 6th)

Despite looking dominant in winning the Six Nations earlier in the year, Ireland sits in a precarious position leading into the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC).

Basically, the Irish are expected to progress from pool D, but after some interesting selections from head coach Joe Schmidt and back-to-back warm-up losses to Wales and England Ireland have no momentum – although a reluctance to show their cards too early was evident in said losses.

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France (World Ranking – 7th)

France equal the most ever Rugby World Cup (RWC) games played, they’ve never failed to pass the group stage and thrice finished runners-up, but the William Web Ellis trophy remains Les Bleus’ most elusive prize.

With France’s quest for its first RWC win set to kick off against Italy in just over two weeks, head coach Phillipe Saint-Andre is under heavy fire after announcing a strong, but controversial 31-man squad for the 2015 tournament.

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Italy (World Ranking – 14th)

Progressing from pool D will be no mean feat for the Italians, grouped with both Ireland and France, and that’s not lost on head coach Jacques Brunel, leading to him select an experienced squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC).

Brunel has named Sergio Parisse – arguably one of the best No.8s to ever play the game – to lead the 31-strong squad, which boasts over 1000 international caps between them.

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Romania (World Ranking – 17th)

Head coach Lynn Howells has picked a diverse Oaks squad from all over the world, and if you ask him, it’s a unit that can be the 2015 Rugby World Cup’s surprise package.

While the Romanians are still given nigh on no hope of progressing, Howells said his side is capable of pushing some of the bigger nations – namely France, Italy and Ireland, who they are pooled with alongside Canada.

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Canada (World Ranking – 18th)

In analysing Canada’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) squad, and chances, one crucial factor pops out – experience, or lack thereof.

Canadian head coach Kieran Crowley named his 31-man squad some time ago, and it features 18 players who have never graced rugby’s top stage before.

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