RUGBY WORLD CUP
POOL A
FRANCE • World ranking 3POOL A
Head coach Fabian Galthie (since November 2019)
World Cup best Runners-up 1987, 1999, 2011
RWC 2019 Quarter finals
Squad
• Forwards Pierre Bourgarit, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Cyril Baille, Sipili Falatea, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Reda Wardi, Thibaud Flament, Romain Taofifenua, Bastien Chalureau, Cameron Woki, Grégory Alldritt, Paul Boudehent, François Cros, Sekou Macalou, Charles Ollivon, Anthony Jelonch
• Backs Baptiste Couilloud, Antoine Dupont (captain), Maxime Lucu, Antoine Hastoy, Matthieu Jalibert, Jonathan Danty, Gaël Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Arthur Vincent, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Damian Penaud, Gabin Villière, Melvyn Jaminet, Thomas Ramos
Host nation France could not have timed it better - from the depths of a humiliating Six Nations wooden spoon 10 years ago via a complete evisceration at the hands of New Zealand in the 2015 Rugby World Cup at the quarter finals stage, the French have undergone a long road back to recovery and respectability. A first Six Nations title since 2010 for Les Bleus - a Grand Slam no less - arrived in 2022, and only a singular defeat to Ireland in Dublin in February prevented Fabian Galthie's XV from back-to-back titles. Skipper Antoine Dupont, winner of the Six Nations player of the tournament award for the last two years, is the poster for this competition as a whole - and, as a man who is coolness personified in the heat of the game, France will need those qualities from Dupont and the rest of the squad as they deal with the pressure of attempting to win their first Rugby World Cup on home soil. Beaten finalists in 1987, 1999 and 2011, Les Bleus handily seem to peak on a duodecennial basis, only for the crows of the cockerel to be silenced at the last. This time, though, there is a genuine inkling that this is finally the moment the French star shines brightest.
• Prediction Champions
NEW ZEALAND • World ranking 4
Head coach Ian Foster (since December 2019)
World Cup best Champions 1987, 2011, 2015
RWC 2019 Semi finals
Squad
• Forwards Scott Barrett, Sam Cane (captain), Dane Coles, Shannon Frizell, Ethan de Groot, Luke Jacobson, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Dalton Papali’i, Brodie Retallick, Ardie Savea, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Whitelock, Tamaiti Williams
• Backs Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Finlay Christie, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Emoni Narawa, Cam Roigard, Aaron Smith, Mark Telea
For all the hype about hosts France, holders South Africa and world number one team Ireland, it is still New Zealand who keep their customary spot as favourites - with the bookmakers at least. It is a position which the All Blacks have found themselves going into just about every Rugby World Cup finals - but it has not always worked out with the most notable drought occurring over a 24-year period between their success at the inaugural tournament in 1987 and their long-awaited victory at home against France in 2011. The All Blacks vintage which ended the wait - led by skipper Richie McCaw on the pitch and former head coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen on the sidelines - was a total behemoth, also winning the 2015 tournament while in the midst of a record 18-match winning streak. The current squad too has the talent to match their forebears with all four of the most recent Tri Nations or Rugby Championship titles being won by the All Blacks. However, this New Zealand outfit is far more prone to an off-day with recent examples including a run of six defeats in eight between November 2021 and August 2022, as well as an all-time record reverse to the South Africans in the final warm-up match for this tournament. For sure, the All Blacks know better than any other side that there are no second chances in the knockout stage - and, with a quarter final likely against the Springboks or the Irish regardless of the outcome of the opening game against hosts France, the lop-sided draw has made it even tougher for Ian Foster's men.
• Prediction Quarter finals
ITALY • World ranking 13
Head coach Kieran Crowley (since May 2021)
World Cup best Pool stage 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Pietro Ceccarelli,Simone Ferrari, Danilo Fischetti, Ivan Nemer, Marco Riccioni, Federico Zani, Luca Bigi, Epalahame Faiva, Giacomo Nicotera, Niccolò Cannone, Dino Lamb, Federico Ruzza, David Sisi, Lorenzo Cannone, Toa Halafihi, Michele Lamaro (captain), Sebastian Negri, Giovanni Pettinelli, Manuel Zuliani
• Backs Alessandro Fusco, Alessandro Garbisi, Martin Page-Relo, Stephen Varney, Tommaso Allan, Giacomo Da Re, Paolo Garbisi, Juan Ignacio Brex, Luca Morisi, Pierre Bruno, Ange Capuozzo, Monty Ioane, Paolo Odogwu, Lorenzo Pani
Italy have been ever-presents at the Rugby World Cup since its inception in 1987 but have yet to make it through the Pool stage. In fairness, though, they have regularly been pitted against New Zealand - and, in fact, their next meeting against the All Blacks in Lyon on 29 September will be a seventh scheduled World Cup match between the teams out of 10 tournaments with the Kiwis coming out on top in all five of the previous completed games. The one exception came four years ago in Japan when Typhoon Hagidis caused the fixture to be cancelled, an outcome which meant the Azzurri finished a Rugby World Cup finals with two wins out of four for a fifth successive time. Most likely, it will become six-in-a-row as, while the Italians should have enough to beat Uruguay and Namibia, they will find sharply primed France and New Zealand teams far too tough to handle. Certainly, though, Italy head coach Kieran Crowley will expect his side to produce still creditable performances against the two higher-ranked teams. For, while their Six Nations campaign this year ended in familiar fashion with five defeats out of five and a wooden spoon, Italy's overall points difference of -60 was comfortably their best effort since 2013 when they surprisingly finished fourth, suggesting this set of players is tentatively improving.
• Prediction Pool stage
URUGUAY • World ranking 17
Head coach Esteban Meneses (since December 2015)
World Cup best Pool stage 1999, 2003, 2015, 2019
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Felipe Aliaga, Diego Arbelo, Manuel Ardao, Matías Benítez, Lucas Bianchi, Santiago Civetta, Carlos Deus, Manuel Diana, Eric dos Santos, Ignacio Dotti, Facundo Gattas, Germán Kessler, Manuel Leindekar, Ignacio Péculo, Reinaldo Piussi, Guillermo Pujadas, Juan Manuel Rodríguez, Mateo Sanguinetti
• Backs Juan Manuel Alonso, Santiago Álvarez, Baltazar Amaya, Santiago Arata, Felipe Arcos Pérez, Bautista Basso, Felipe Berchesi, Felipe Etcheverry, Ignacio Facciolo, Nicolás Freitas, Tomás Inciarte, Gastón Mieres, Agustín Ormaechea, Rodrigo Silva, Andrés Vilaseca (captain)
Uruguay have set their sights high as they head into their fifth appearance at a Rugby World Cup finals with the clear aim of winning more than one match at a single tournament for the first time. It is certainly an ambitious target but, in fairness, it is also an achievable one on the basis that Los Teros arrive in France with a fully professional squad, something which they have never had before. No fewer than 21 of the players in Esteban Meneses's 33-man selection ply their trade with the Penarol Rugby franchise in the Super Rugby Americas (SRA) tournament, set up by Uruguayan Rugby Union in a brave move which involved carrying the logo and colours of the famous Montevideo soccer team. Undoubtedly, though, the project has been a success on the pitch - Penarol were SRA champions in 2022 and 2023, having been runners-up in 2021 - and the players' familiarity with each other's game can only be beneficial to the national team too. Still, in the grand scheme of things, it is early days - and, to fulfil the heady expectations, the South Americans will rely on Pool A rivals Italy having one of their poorer days.
• Prediction Pool stage
NAMIBIA • World ranking 21
Head coach Allister Coetzee (since June 2021)
World Cup best Pool stage 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Jason Benade, Adriaan Booysen, Aranos Coetzee, Wian Conradie, Tiaan de Klerk, Prince Gaoseb, Richard Hardwick, Max Katjijeko, Adriaan Ludick, Johan Retief, Desiderius Sethie, Mahepisa Tjeriko, Tjiuee Uanivi, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, PJ van Lill, Casper Viviers
• Backs Oela Blaauw, Danco Burger, Johan Deysel (captain), JC Greyling, Cliven Loubser, Le Roux Malan, Gerswin Mouton, Chad Plato, Alcino Isaacs, Divan Rossouw, Damian Stevens, Tiaan Swanepoel, Jacques Theron, Andre van der Berg
Namibia finally got off the mark in Rugby World Cup terms in the previous tournament in Japan - but had Typhoon Hagadis to thank for their first (and only) ever finals point after their match against Canada was cancelled. In fairness, the Welwitschias - who have appeared in all six Rugby World Cup finals since their debut in 1999 - performed well enough in defeat in their other three games to finish narrowly above the Canadians, the first time that they had not finished bottom of a Pool. Of course, the Namibians will hope for a more meaningful achievement to celebrate this time around - and the match against Uruguay on 27 September offers a reasonable chance. The two sides met as recently as 5 August and, although the South Americans prevailed 26-18, the south west African side competed well throughout.
• Prediction Pool stage
POOL B
SOUTH AFRICA • World ranking 2
Head coach Jacques Nienaber (since January 2020)
World Cup best Champions 1995, 2007, 2019
RWC 2019 Champions
Squad
• Forwards Ox Nche, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Marvin Orie, Jean Kleyn, Marco van Staden, Siya Kolisi (captain), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese, Deon Fourie, Franco Mostert
• Backs Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Makazole Mapimpi, Willie Le Roux, Damian Willemse
Defending champions South Africa will be confident of keeping their world title after their show of strength at Twickenham where they inflicted a record defeat on New Zealand two weeks ago. The Springboks may have fallen short in the last two editions Rugby Championship - but, since their re-entry to the game following the end of apartheid, it has only really been the Rugby World Cup which matters. The iconic image of late South African President Nelson Mandela handing over the William Webb Ellis trophy to Francois Pienaar - captured in the epic film Invictus - is seared into the memory of all of the citizens who were alive to see it in 1995, and part of the education for everyone born afterwards. South Africa are nowhere near clear favourites, of course - but there is massive home pressure on France, concerns in New Zealand over form, an albatross around the neck of Ireland, and nothing to fear from the other half of the draw. Now, back-to-back World Cups would send South Africa above New Zealand on four titles overall - not that Jacques Nienaber's squad will need any motivation when their tournament starts against Scotland on 10 September in what is an extremely tough section.
• Prediction Runners-up
IRELAND • World ranking 1
Head coach Andy Farrell (since November 2019)
World Cup best Quarter finals 1987, 1991, 1995, 2003, 2011, 2015, 2019
RWC 2019 Quarter finals
Squad
• Forwards Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher, David Kilcoyne, Jeremy Loughman, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Josh van der Flier
• Backs Bundee Aki, Ross Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Keith Earls, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Jimmy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Jonathan Sexton (captain)
Here we go again. Ireland head into a Rugby World Cup as the world number one ranked team for the second time in a row, four years after a seventh quarter final exit. Remarkably, the quarter final stage is the furthest that the Irish have ever got at a World Cup with perhaps the toughest of all of the eliminations actually occurring eight years ago when, again well fancied after successive Six Nations titles, an injury-hit side were instead battered 43-20 by an outstanding Argentina outfit. In full, Irish defeats in the last eight have come against Australia (1987, 1991), France (1995, 2003), Wales (2011), Argentina (2015) and New Zealand (2019) with none of the matches, barring the agonising one-point defeat to the Aussies in 1991, being particularly close. Now, members of the current squad insist Andy Farrell's XV will not be haunted by past failures and they actually head into the competition on the back of a wonderful streak of 13 successive Test wins. World Cup rugby hits differently, though - and, with holders South Africa selected in the same Pool and France or New Zealand likely waiting in the quarter finals, it is going to take something special even for a number one-ranked Ireland to exorcise the demons of the past.
• Prediction Quarter finals
SCOTLAND • World ranking 5
Head coach Gregor Townsend (since May 2017)
World Cup best Semi finals 1991
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Ewan Ashman, Jamie Bhatti, Dave Cherry, Luke Crosbie, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie (captain), Pierre Schoeman, Javan Sebastian, Sam Skinner, Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Hamish Watson
• Backs Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Ben Healy, George Horne, Huw Jones, Blair Kinghorn, Ali Price, Cameron Redpath, Finn Russell, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend believes his side heads into the Rugby World Cup with "nothing to lose", having been drawn in a brutal section against the defending champions South Africa and world number one ranked outfit Ireland. Notably, the Scots are on an eight-match losing streak against the Irish and have just one win in 15 against the Springboks, so the odds are indeed firmly against the Thistles. Now, if the expected results come to pass, Scotland will be heading out of the tournament at the earliest possible stage for the third time in four editions - but, while the strength of their opponents make this outcome highly likely, recent performances have at least provided hope that such premature exits might be avoided in the future. After all, this summer, Scotland produced a brilliant comeback to beat World Cup hosts France in a warm-up match at Murrayfield before narrowly failing to repeat the feat a week later in a thriller in Saint-Etienne. Earlier this year, the Scots also finished in the Six Nations top three for only the third time since 2006 and completed back-to-back wins against England at Twickenham for the first time ever to make it three in a row against the Auld Enemy. Crucially, though, Townsend's men still finished behind Ireland and lost quite comfortably to them in Edinburgh. Another perhaps more valiant but still frustrating night awaits at the Stade de France in Paris on 7 October.
• Prediction Pool stage
TONGA • World ranking 15
Head coach Toutai Kefu (since May 2016)
World Cup best Pool stage 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Sosefo ‘Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Sione Havili Talitui, Vaea Fifita, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Fe’ao Fotuaika, Solomone Funaki, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Tau Koloamatangi, Paula Latu, Sam Lousi, Steve Mafi, Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli, Paula Ngauamo, Semisi Paea, Ben Tameifuna, Sione Vailanu
• Backs Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Solomone Kata, Otumaka Mausia, Manu Paea, Salesi Piutau, Augustine Pulu, Sonatane Takulua (captain), Kyren Taumoefolau, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Anzelo Tuitavuki
Tonga remain the poor relations of the Pacific Island Nations having never breached the Pool stage at a Rugby World Cup despite appearing at all but one of the previous editions, missing out only in 1991. ʻIkale Tahi (The Sea Eagles) are also the only team yet to win the now four-cornered Pacific Nations Cup in which they usually compete against Fiji, Samoa and Japan - and, in fact, they have been whitewashed in last two editions of that competition. Consequently, while Romania should pose few problems, it is difficult to hold out much hope for the Tongans ahead of the other matches in this devilishly brutal section. After all, Pool B features three of the top five teams in the pre-tournament rankings - and, even with the introduction of a handful of former All Blacks in the squad following a landmark decision by World Rugby Council to amend player eligibility rules, Tonga will do well to make much of an impression.
• Prediction Pool stage
ROMANIA • World ranking 19
Head coach Eugen Apjok (since December 2022)
World Cup best Pool stage 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015
RWC 2019 Expelled after qualification
Squad
• Forwards Alexandru Savin, Gheorghe Gajion, Thomas Crețu, Alexandru Gordaș, Costel Burțilă, Iulian Harțig, Ovidiu Cojocaru, Robert Irimescu, Florin Bărdașu, Adrian Motoc, Marius Iftimiciuc, Ștefan Iancu, Cristi Chirica (captain), Andre Gorin, Vlad Neculau, Dragoș Ser, Cristi Boboc, Florian Roșu, Damian Strătilă
• Backs Gabriel Rupanu, Florin Surugiu, Alin Conache, Gabriel Pop, Lama Sioeli, Tudor Boldor, Nicolas Onuțu, Marius Simionescu, Taliauli Sikuea, Taylor Gontineac, Jason Tomane, Tangimana Fonovai, Tevita Manumua, Hinckley Vaovasa
Romania make a welcome return having missed out on the 2019 tournament after fielding an ineligible player during qualification. Until then, Stejarii (The Oaks) had actually featured in every single Rugby World Cup finals, though had done with little success, winning only six games across their nine appearances, and never more than one at a single edition. Even that looks beyond this team, though, following what has been - to put it as kindly as possible - a difficult build-up. Heavy defeats to Italy (57-7), Georgia (56-6), and a 31-17 reverse to a United States team which did not even qualify suggest this could be a painful reintroduction to the top level.
• Prediction Pool stage
POOL C
WALES • World ranking 10Head coach Warren Gatland (since December 2022)
World Cup best Semi finals 1987, 2011, 2019
RWC 2019 Semi finals
Squad
• Forwards Taine Basham, Adam Beard, Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Ryan Elias, Taulupe Faletau, Tomas Francis, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake (co-captain), Dillon Lewis, Dan Lydiate, Jac Morgan (co-captain), Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright
• Backs Josh Adams, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies, Rio Dyer, Mason Grady, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit, Nick Tompkins, Johnny Williams, Liam Williams, Tomos Williams
It is no secret that Welsh rugby has spent the build up to this Rugby World Cup in a mess, on and off the field. In February, the players temporarily walked out of talks with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and threatened to refuse to play the Six Nations match against England in Cardiff. The grievances were multi-layered and principally focused not only on money but also matters such as a ruling which required players to have won 60 caps in order to play outside of Wales and remain available for selection for the national team. Uncertainty reigned as the four Celtic League teams - Cardiff, Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons - were unable to make contract offers to players without the consent of the governing body amid financial cuts - and this all came hard on the back of the resignation of WRU chief executive Steve Phillips following a damning report which concluded the organisation was fuelled by sexism, misogyny and racism. Matters have slowly been resolved - a salary cap has been agreed between the WRU and the teams while the national team cap ruling has been reduced to 25 - but the fear is that the damage has already been done. Recent form has been pretty dreadful with the Welsh winning just three of their last 12 matches in the last 12 months, a sequence which has included a historic 13-12 reverse to Georgia and chastening defeats to New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and a record 52-16 thumping from South Africa. Several retirements from players such as Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb are still being keenly felt - and, even in as kindly a section as this, it will take some extra special magic from wily head coach Warren Gatland for his team to go deep into the tournament.
• Prediction Quarter finals
AUSTRALIA • World ranking 9
Head coach Eddie Jones (since January 2023)
World Cup best Champions 1991, 1999
RWC 2019 Quarter finals
Squad
• Forwards Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amausili, Zane Nonggorr, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, David Porecki, Jordan Uelese, Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Matt Philip, Will Skelton (captain), Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini
• Backs Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Tate McDermott, Nic White, Carter Gordon, Lalakai Foketi, Samu Kerevi, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suliasi Vunivalu
Big-headed Eddie Jones fell short - although only just - with Australia on home soil in 2003 and again with England in 2019 - yet, 20 years later, the 63-year-old is now back in charge of the Wallabies after the dismissal of Dave Rennie via Zoom following a run of just five wins from 14 matches including a first ever defeat to Italy. If the executives at Rugby Australia thought the unceremonious ditching of Rennie would work, though, they were very wrong. Indeed, in results terms, it could not have gone worse since Jones returned Down Under with the Aussies losing all five of the matches since his return, collecting the wooden spoon in the Rugby Championship for the first time, before further defeats in warm-up matches against New Zealand and France. It is perhaps no surprise then, on that basis, Jones has made some big calls, most notably omitting Michael Hooper (125 caps) and Quade Cooper (79 caps) from his 33-man squad. Those selections might yet be canny calls from Jones - and, once he gets a first win on the board which should come against Georgia, he certainly has the personality to inspire a good run from his team. Whatever happens, though, it will not be good enough for Australia to join their fellow southern hemisphere sides New Zealand and South Africa on three Rugby World Cup wins.
• Prediction Semi finals
FIJI • World ranking 7
Head coach Simon Raiwalui (since February 2023)
World Cup best Quarter finals 1987, 2007
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Viliame Mata
• Backs Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), Iosefo Masi, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala, Ilaisa Droasese
The build-up to the Rugby World Cup for Fiji could not have gone any better than it has. A historic first ever win anywhere over England came at Twickenham in their final warm-up match - and the 30-22 triumph was nothing less than Pacific Islanders deserved. It moved the Flying Fijians up to seventh in the world rankings, their best ever placing - so, remarkably, Simon Raiwalui's side have gone from being drawn from the third rung teams back in December 2020 to entering the tournament as the highest ranked team in Pool C, above Australia and Wales. Of course, in terms of rugby as a whole, Fiji boast great pedigree in the Sevens format of the game - but their XV are not without their moments too, with their most significant successes coming in progress to quarter finals of the 1987 and 2007 editions of the Rugby World Cup. The latter run included a 38-34 win over Wales in Nantes - and a repeat of that tie on the first weekend of this tournament, this time in Bordeaux, will go a long way to determine whether Fiji will be able to back up some extremely encouraging signs.
• Prediction Pool stage
GEORGIA • World ranking 11
Head coach Levan Maisashvili (since August 2020)
World Cup best Pool stage 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Mikheil Nariashvili, Guram Gogichashvili, Nika Abuladze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Luka Nioradze, Tengiz Zamtaradze, Beka Gigashvili, Luka Japaridze, Guram Papidze, Lasha Jaiani, Konstantine Mikautadze, Nodar Cheishvili, Vladimer Chachanidze, Beka Saginadze, Mikheil Gachechiladze, Luka Ivanishvili, Beka Gorgadze, Giorgi Tsutskiridze, Tornike Jalagonia
• Backs Gela Aprasidze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Tengiz Peranidze, Tedo Abzhandadze, Luka Matkava, Demur Tapladze, Aleksandre Todua, Merab Sharikadze (captain), Tornike Kakhoidze, Modebadze Mirian, Akaki Tabutsadze, Davit Niniashvili, Lasha Khmaladze, Giorgi Kveseladze
Much-touted to replace Italy in the Six Nations line-up, Georgia rather missed their cue in November 2018 when the Azzurri prevailed 28-17 in Florence - but the recent form of the Lelos has been far more encouraging. A first success over the Italians was achieved at last in July 2022 in Batumi, a 28-19 victory which prompted a fine run of 11 wins out of 12. The highlight of that sequence was undoubtedly the stunning 13-12 triumph over Pool C rivals Wales in Cardiff last November - and, most recently, the Georgians also led Scotland 6-0 into the interval at Murrayfield in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match before the Scots completed a comfortable comeback win. Georgia have now won the second tier Rugby Europe Championships 12 times in the last 13 editions so will be desperate to use the next few weeks as a springboard to break through the glass ceiling against which they are currently banging their head. The problem is that, in such an open section as this, Fiji will similarly fancy their chances, Wales - while vulnerable - will be out for revenge, and Australia will likely prove too strong.
• Prediction Pool stage
PORTUGAL • World ranking 16
Head coach Patrice Lagisquet (since June 2019)
World Cup best Pool stage 2007
RWC 2019 Failed to qualify
Squad
• Forwards António Machado Santos, David Costa, Diogo Hasse Ferreira, Francisco Fernandes, Francisco Bruno, Anthony Alves, Duarte Diniz, Lionel Campergue, Mike Tadjer, Duarte Torgal, José Madeira, José Maria Rebelo Andrade, Steevy Cerqueira, Martim Belo, Nicolas Martins, Rafael Simoes, Joao Granate, Thibault de Freitas, David Wallis
• Backs Joao Belo, Pedro Lucas, Samuel Marques, Jeronimo Portela, Joris Moura, Jose Lima, Tomas Appleton (captain), Pedro Bettencourt, Rodrigo Marta, Vincent Pinto, Manuel Cardoso Pinto, Raffaelle Storti, Nuno Sousa Guedes, Simao Bento
Portugal were the last team to take their place at this edition of the Rugby World Cup and in fact made it to the tournament in rather fortunate fashion after the expulsion of Spain from qualification for the second RWC in a row. In qualifying, Os Lobos (The Wolves) had finished in fourth place behind the Spanish - but, after their neighbours were found to have fielded an ineligible player, the Portuguese were promoted to third in European qualifying which brought a place in the repechage qualification group. Held over two weeks last November in Dubai, the final place came down to a clutch 82nd-minute penalty by Samuel Marques. That secured a dramatic 16-16 tie against United States - and just a second-ever appearance for Portugal in the finals.
• Prediction Pool stage
ENGLAND • World ranking 8
Head coach Steve Borthwick (since December 2022)
World Cup best Champions 2003
RWC 2019 Runners-up
Squad
• Forwards Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, George Martin, David Ribbans, Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Billy Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis
• Backs Henry Arundell, Danny Care, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell (captain), George Ford, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Jonny May, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs
Alarm bells should be reverberating around Rugby Football Union headquarters after England departed for the short journey across the English Channel to their Rugby World Cup base in Pas-de-Calais with the tinny echo of boos from a half-empty Twickenham Stadium still ringing in their ears. The final warm-up match against Fiji was meant to provide a confidence boost ahead the main event - but instead resulted in a first ever England defeat to a Pacific Islands nation. More remarkably still, it was not even that close - and it added to a horrendous run of form, with Steve Borthwick's men having lost on eight occasions out of 13 in the last 12 months. Now, the current malaise affecting English rugby runs far deeper than the head coach - but the former Bath and Saracens lock is hardly an inspirational figure and his squad seems to struggle to learn from its mistakes. Even England's only victory in their last six matches - a 19-17 success against Wales - owed much to a bizarre Welsh collapse from 17-9 up while skipper Owen Farrell was also dismissed for a high tackle. Farrell - who has been sanctioned previously for a similar offence - is banned for the England's first two Rugby World Cup matches against Argentina and Japan, while a slew of injuries also suggests the Pumas are in the box-seat ahead of the opener. Back to that woeful attendance at Twickenham for the send-off against the Flying Fijians - it suggests at least that, for once, England does not expect too much, and it might be that lowered expectations serve this shaken-up group well. After all, it cannot be as bad as the Pool stage knockout which England suffered as hosts in 2015 - can it? Perhaps the fact that the question is even being asked, though, suggests something down the line has gone very, very wrong.
• Prediction Quarter finals
JAPAN • World ranking 14
Head coach Jamie Joseph (since August 2016)
World Cup best Quarter finals 2019
RWC 2019 Quarter finals
Squad
• Forwards Keita Inagaki, Craig Millar, Sione Halasili, Koo Ji-won, Shinnosuke Kakinaga, Asaeli Ai Valu, Shota Horie, Atsushi Sakate, Kosuke Horikoshi, Jack Cornelsen, Warner Dearns, Amanaki Saumaki, Pieter Labuschagne, Amato Fakatava, Shota Fukui, Kazuki Himeno (captain), Michael Leitch, Ben Gunter, Kanji Shimokawa
• Backs Naoto Saito, Yutaka Nagare, Kenta Fukuda, Lee Seung-sin, Rikiya Matsuda, Jumpei Ogura, Ryoto Nakamura, Tomoki Osada, Dylan Riley, Siosaia Fifita, Semisi Masirewa, Jone Naikabula, Lomano Lemeki, Kotaro Matsushima
It was good while it lasted - and, rather wonderfully, it coincided with Japan hosting the Rugby World Cup four years ago when they reached the quarter finals for the first time. But, undoubtedly, the Cherry Blossoms are now past their peak - and, in fact, head into this edition on the back of a run of just one win and nine defeats from their last 10 Tests. That sequence has included reverses against Samoa (24-22), Fiji (35-12) and, most recently, Italy (42-21) - and, consequently, the team's world ranking has dropped from eighth at the time of the World Cup draw to 14th on the eve of the tournament. Japan's best chance of making it through then is to hope for an indisciplined and generally untidy performance from England or Argentina, either or both of which are eminently possible. With the aforementioned Samoans also in Pool D, though, a more realistic target for Jamie Joseph's men would be to secure third spot and automatic qualification for the 2027 edition in Australia.
• Prediction Pool stage
ARGENTINA • World ranking 6
Head coach Michael Cheika (since March 2022)
World Cup best Semi finals 2007, 2015
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Mayco Vivas, Francisco Gómez Kodela, Joel Sclavi, Thomas Gallo, Eduardo Bello, Julián Montoya (captain), Agustín Creevy, Ignacio Ruiz, Matías Alemanno, Tomás Lavanini, Guido Petti, Facundo Isa, Pablo Matera, Juan Martín González, Marcos Kremer, Joaquin Oviedo, Pedro Rubiolo, Rodrigo Bruni
• Backs Gonzalo Bertranou, Lautaro Bazán Vélez, Tomás Cubelli, Santiago Carreras, Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Matías Moroni, Emiliano Boffelli, Juan Cruz Mallía, Mateo Carreras, Juan Imhoff, Rodrigo Isgró, Martín Bogado
Still criminally underrated by some misguided folk, despite an ever-present Rugby World Cup appearance record and two previous semi finals, Argentina head into the 2023 edition again brimming with optimism. After all, Los Pumas avoided their customary wooden spoon status in the Rugby Championship this year by virtue a 34-31 away victory in Sydney over an Australian side which features in the same side of the draw in France. If anything, though, it was the Argentines' stunning 2022 form which turned more than a few heads. True, points difference meant that edition of the Rugby Championship ended in a sixth consecutive bottom-placed finish - but Michael Cheika's men created history during the competition by beating New Zealand away for the first time with a 25-18 win in Christchurch. That had followed hard on the heels of a 48-17 thumping of Australia in San Juan and a 2-1 home series victory over Scotland - and so there can be no doubt that skipper Julian Montoya will lead an extremely competitive side this autumn. Certainly, the South Americans face fewer questions heading into the tournament than their main Pool D rivals - while none of their potential quarter final opponents from Pool C will cause sleepless nights in Buenos Aires.
• Prediction Semi finals
SAMOA • World ranking 12
Head coach Seilala Mapusua (since August 2020)
World Cup best Quarter finals 1991, 1995
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Michael Alaalatoa (co-captain), Brian Alainu’u’ese, Paul Alo-Emile, So’otala Fa’aso’o, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Charlie Faumuina, Seilala Lam, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Fritz Lee, Steven Luatua, Sama Malolo, Theodore McFarland, Alamanda Motuga, Luteru Tolai, Chris Vui (co-captain), Taleni Seu, Sam Slade, Jordan Taufua
• Backs Nigel Ah Wong, Ereatara Sotiaki Enari, Ed Fidow, Neria Foma’i, Ben Lam, Christian Leali’ifano, Alai D’Angelo Leuila, Tumua Manu, Melani Matavao, Duncan Paia’aua, Ulupano Junior Seuteni, Lima Sopoaga, Jonathan Taumateine, Danny Toala
Someone at Rugby Samoa has been searching frantically through family trees as the Pacific islanders seek to reprise their 1990s heydey during which they reached the quarter finals in successive Rugby World Cup finals on debut in 1991 and in 1995. The arrival of professionalism in the sport put teams like Samoa - who have never been blessed with the greatest of resources - on the back-foot and results unsurprisingly declined. Now, though, another potentially significant shift announced by the World Rugby Union in November 2021 has favoured Manu Samoa. The decision allows players with credible links to switch allegiance to another Test side, provided that either they, a parent or a grandparent were born in the country they wish to play for. Unlike Tonga, who have also taken advantage of the new ruling, Seilala Mapusua's men feature in Pool D on the kinder side of the draw with Japan looking particularly vulnerable during the build-up to the tournament. A repeat of the 24-22 success scored over the Cherry Blossoms in the Pacific Nations Cup in July would leave Samoa just needing an error-strewn performance from England or Argentina to be in with a shout - and, with as many as 20 New Zealand-born players selected in the Manu Samoa squad, it cannot be ruled out entirely.
• Prediction Pool stage
CHILE • World ranking 22
Head coach Pablo Lemoine (since August 2018)
World Cup best Never previously qualified
RWC 2019 Failed to qualify
Squad
• Forwards Javier Carrasco, Salvador Lues, Matías Dittus, Iñaki Gurruchaga, Esteban Inostroza, Vittorio Lastra, Augusto Bohme, Tomás Dussaillant, Diego Escobar, Javier Eissmann, Pablo Huete, Santiago Pedrero, Augusto Sarmiento, Alfonso Escobar, Raimundo Martínez, Thomas Orchard, Clemente Saavedra, Martín Sigren (captain), Ignacio Silva
• Backs Lukas Carvallo, Nicolás Herreros, Marcelo Torrealba, Benjamín Videla, Rodrigo Fernández, Santiago Videla, Pablo Casas, Matías Garafulic, José Ignacio Larenas, Domingo Saavedra, Franco Velarde, Nicolás Garafulic, Iñaki Ayarza, Francisco Urroz
Debutants Chile are the only team to be making their Rugby World Cup bow at this edition of the tournament after making it through Americas qualifying by squeezing out United States by an aggregate score of 52-51 in two absolute thrillers. Nevertheless, this first appearance on the big stage is actually long-awaited - after all, the sport of rugby has been played in Chile for over a century - and, while it will always play second-fiddle to association football, the significant British expat community and descendants of British immigrants will be determined to ensure this is not just a purple patch. Certainly, the South American derby against Argentina in Nantes on 30 September promises to be a feisty affair - but, with the Argentines having won all 39 of their previous meetings dating back to 1936, that match and the next few weeks as a whole must be treated as a learning experience by Los Cóndores.
• Prediction Pool stage
• Prediction Semi finals
FIJI • World ranking 7
Head coach Simon Raiwalui (since February 2023)
World Cup best Quarter finals 1987, 2007
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Viliame Mata
• Backs Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), Iosefo Masi, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala, Ilaisa Droasese
The build-up to the Rugby World Cup for Fiji could not have gone any better than it has. A historic first ever win anywhere over England came at Twickenham in their final warm-up match - and the 30-22 triumph was nothing less than Pacific Islanders deserved. It moved the Flying Fijians up to seventh in the world rankings, their best ever placing - so, remarkably, Simon Raiwalui's side have gone from being drawn from the third rung teams back in December 2020 to entering the tournament as the highest ranked team in Pool C, above Australia and Wales. Of course, in terms of rugby as a whole, Fiji boast great pedigree in the Sevens format of the game - but their XV are not without their moments too, with their most significant successes coming in progress to quarter finals of the 1987 and 2007 editions of the Rugby World Cup. The latter run included a 38-34 win over Wales in Nantes - and a repeat of that tie on the first weekend of this tournament, this time in Bordeaux, will go a long way to determine whether Fiji will be able to back up some extremely encouraging signs.
• Prediction Pool stage
GEORGIA • World ranking 11
Head coach Levan Maisashvili (since August 2020)
World Cup best Pool stage 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Mikheil Nariashvili, Guram Gogichashvili, Nika Abuladze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Luka Nioradze, Tengiz Zamtaradze, Beka Gigashvili, Luka Japaridze, Guram Papidze, Lasha Jaiani, Konstantine Mikautadze, Nodar Cheishvili, Vladimer Chachanidze, Beka Saginadze, Mikheil Gachechiladze, Luka Ivanishvili, Beka Gorgadze, Giorgi Tsutskiridze, Tornike Jalagonia
• Backs Gela Aprasidze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Tengiz Peranidze, Tedo Abzhandadze, Luka Matkava, Demur Tapladze, Aleksandre Todua, Merab Sharikadze (captain), Tornike Kakhoidze, Modebadze Mirian, Akaki Tabutsadze, Davit Niniashvili, Lasha Khmaladze, Giorgi Kveseladze
Much-touted to replace Italy in the Six Nations line-up, Georgia rather missed their cue in November 2018 when the Azzurri prevailed 28-17 in Florence - but the recent form of the Lelos has been far more encouraging. A first success over the Italians was achieved at last in July 2022 in Batumi, a 28-19 victory which prompted a fine run of 11 wins out of 12. The highlight of that sequence was undoubtedly the stunning 13-12 triumph over Pool C rivals Wales in Cardiff last November - and, most recently, the Georgians also led Scotland 6-0 into the interval at Murrayfield in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match before the Scots completed a comfortable comeback win. Georgia have now won the second tier Rugby Europe Championships 12 times in the last 13 editions so will be desperate to use the next few weeks as a springboard to break through the glass ceiling against which they are currently banging their head. The problem is that, in such an open section as this, Fiji will similarly fancy their chances, Wales - while vulnerable - will be out for revenge, and Australia will likely prove too strong.
• Prediction Pool stage
PORTUGAL • World ranking 16
Head coach Patrice Lagisquet (since June 2019)
World Cup best Pool stage 2007
RWC 2019 Failed to qualify
Squad
• Forwards António Machado Santos, David Costa, Diogo Hasse Ferreira, Francisco Fernandes, Francisco Bruno, Anthony Alves, Duarte Diniz, Lionel Campergue, Mike Tadjer, Duarte Torgal, José Madeira, José Maria Rebelo Andrade, Steevy Cerqueira, Martim Belo, Nicolas Martins, Rafael Simoes, Joao Granate, Thibault de Freitas, David Wallis
• Backs Joao Belo, Pedro Lucas, Samuel Marques, Jeronimo Portela, Joris Moura, Jose Lima, Tomas Appleton (captain), Pedro Bettencourt, Rodrigo Marta, Vincent Pinto, Manuel Cardoso Pinto, Raffaelle Storti, Nuno Sousa Guedes, Simao Bento
Portugal were the last team to take their place at this edition of the Rugby World Cup and in fact made it to the tournament in rather fortunate fashion after the expulsion of Spain from qualification for the second RWC in a row. In qualifying, Os Lobos (The Wolves) had finished in fourth place behind the Spanish - but, after their neighbours were found to have fielded an ineligible player, the Portuguese were promoted to third in European qualifying which brought a place in the repechage qualification group. Held over two weeks last November in Dubai, the final place came down to a clutch 82nd-minute penalty by Samuel Marques. That secured a dramatic 16-16 tie against United States - and just a second-ever appearance for Portugal in the finals.
• Prediction Pool stage
POOL D
ENGLAND • World ranking 8
Head coach Steve Borthwick (since December 2022)
World Cup best Champions 2003
RWC 2019 Runners-up
Squad
• Forwards Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, George Martin, David Ribbans, Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Billy Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis
• Backs Henry Arundell, Danny Care, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell (captain), George Ford, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Jonny May, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs
Alarm bells should be reverberating around Rugby Football Union headquarters after England departed for the short journey across the English Channel to their Rugby World Cup base in Pas-de-Calais with the tinny echo of boos from a half-empty Twickenham Stadium still ringing in their ears. The final warm-up match against Fiji was meant to provide a confidence boost ahead the main event - but instead resulted in a first ever England defeat to a Pacific Islands nation. More remarkably still, it was not even that close - and it added to a horrendous run of form, with Steve Borthwick's men having lost on eight occasions out of 13 in the last 12 months. Now, the current malaise affecting English rugby runs far deeper than the head coach - but the former Bath and Saracens lock is hardly an inspirational figure and his squad seems to struggle to learn from its mistakes. Even England's only victory in their last six matches - a 19-17 success against Wales - owed much to a bizarre Welsh collapse from 17-9 up while skipper Owen Farrell was also dismissed for a high tackle. Farrell - who has been sanctioned previously for a similar offence - is banned for the England's first two Rugby World Cup matches against Argentina and Japan, while a slew of injuries also suggests the Pumas are in the box-seat ahead of the opener. Back to that woeful attendance at Twickenham for the send-off against the Flying Fijians - it suggests at least that, for once, England does not expect too much, and it might be that lowered expectations serve this shaken-up group well. After all, it cannot be as bad as the Pool stage knockout which England suffered as hosts in 2015 - can it? Perhaps the fact that the question is even being asked, though, suggests something down the line has gone very, very wrong.
• Prediction Quarter finals
JAPAN • World ranking 14
Head coach Jamie Joseph (since August 2016)
World Cup best Quarter finals 2019
RWC 2019 Quarter finals
Squad
• Forwards Keita Inagaki, Craig Millar, Sione Halasili, Koo Ji-won, Shinnosuke Kakinaga, Asaeli Ai Valu, Shota Horie, Atsushi Sakate, Kosuke Horikoshi, Jack Cornelsen, Warner Dearns, Amanaki Saumaki, Pieter Labuschagne, Amato Fakatava, Shota Fukui, Kazuki Himeno (captain), Michael Leitch, Ben Gunter, Kanji Shimokawa
• Backs Naoto Saito, Yutaka Nagare, Kenta Fukuda, Lee Seung-sin, Rikiya Matsuda, Jumpei Ogura, Ryoto Nakamura, Tomoki Osada, Dylan Riley, Siosaia Fifita, Semisi Masirewa, Jone Naikabula, Lomano Lemeki, Kotaro Matsushima
It was good while it lasted - and, rather wonderfully, it coincided with Japan hosting the Rugby World Cup four years ago when they reached the quarter finals for the first time. But, undoubtedly, the Cherry Blossoms are now past their peak - and, in fact, head into this edition on the back of a run of just one win and nine defeats from their last 10 Tests. That sequence has included reverses against Samoa (24-22), Fiji (35-12) and, most recently, Italy (42-21) - and, consequently, the team's world ranking has dropped from eighth at the time of the World Cup draw to 14th on the eve of the tournament. Japan's best chance of making it through then is to hope for an indisciplined and generally untidy performance from England or Argentina, either or both of which are eminently possible. With the aforementioned Samoans also in Pool D, though, a more realistic target for Jamie Joseph's men would be to secure third spot and automatic qualification for the 2027 edition in Australia.
• Prediction Pool stage
ARGENTINA • World ranking 6
Head coach Michael Cheika (since March 2022)
World Cup best Semi finals 2007, 2015
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Mayco Vivas, Francisco Gómez Kodela, Joel Sclavi, Thomas Gallo, Eduardo Bello, Julián Montoya (captain), Agustín Creevy, Ignacio Ruiz, Matías Alemanno, Tomás Lavanini, Guido Petti, Facundo Isa, Pablo Matera, Juan Martín González, Marcos Kremer, Joaquin Oviedo, Pedro Rubiolo, Rodrigo Bruni
• Backs Gonzalo Bertranou, Lautaro Bazán Vélez, Tomás Cubelli, Santiago Carreras, Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Matías Moroni, Emiliano Boffelli, Juan Cruz Mallía, Mateo Carreras, Juan Imhoff, Rodrigo Isgró, Martín Bogado
Still criminally underrated by some misguided folk, despite an ever-present Rugby World Cup appearance record and two previous semi finals, Argentina head into the 2023 edition again brimming with optimism. After all, Los Pumas avoided their customary wooden spoon status in the Rugby Championship this year by virtue a 34-31 away victory in Sydney over an Australian side which features in the same side of the draw in France. If anything, though, it was the Argentines' stunning 2022 form which turned more than a few heads. True, points difference meant that edition of the Rugby Championship ended in a sixth consecutive bottom-placed finish - but Michael Cheika's men created history during the competition by beating New Zealand away for the first time with a 25-18 win in Christchurch. That had followed hard on the heels of a 48-17 thumping of Australia in San Juan and a 2-1 home series victory over Scotland - and so there can be no doubt that skipper Julian Montoya will lead an extremely competitive side this autumn. Certainly, the South Americans face fewer questions heading into the tournament than their main Pool D rivals - while none of their potential quarter final opponents from Pool C will cause sleepless nights in Buenos Aires.
• Prediction Semi finals
SAMOA • World ranking 12
Head coach Seilala Mapusua (since August 2020)
World Cup best Quarter finals 1991, 1995
RWC 2019 Pool stage
Squad
• Forwards Michael Alaalatoa (co-captain), Brian Alainu’u’ese, Paul Alo-Emile, So’otala Fa’aso’o, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Charlie Faumuina, Seilala Lam, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Fritz Lee, Steven Luatua, Sama Malolo, Theodore McFarland, Alamanda Motuga, Luteru Tolai, Chris Vui (co-captain), Taleni Seu, Sam Slade, Jordan Taufua
• Backs Nigel Ah Wong, Ereatara Sotiaki Enari, Ed Fidow, Neria Foma’i, Ben Lam, Christian Leali’ifano, Alai D’Angelo Leuila, Tumua Manu, Melani Matavao, Duncan Paia’aua, Ulupano Junior Seuteni, Lima Sopoaga, Jonathan Taumateine, Danny Toala
Someone at Rugby Samoa has been searching frantically through family trees as the Pacific islanders seek to reprise their 1990s heydey during which they reached the quarter finals in successive Rugby World Cup finals on debut in 1991 and in 1995. The arrival of professionalism in the sport put teams like Samoa - who have never been blessed with the greatest of resources - on the back-foot and results unsurprisingly declined. Now, though, another potentially significant shift announced by the World Rugby Union in November 2021 has favoured Manu Samoa. The decision allows players with credible links to switch allegiance to another Test side, provided that either they, a parent or a grandparent were born in the country they wish to play for. Unlike Tonga, who have also taken advantage of the new ruling, Seilala Mapusua's men feature in Pool D on the kinder side of the draw with Japan looking particularly vulnerable during the build-up to the tournament. A repeat of the 24-22 success scored over the Cherry Blossoms in the Pacific Nations Cup in July would leave Samoa just needing an error-strewn performance from England or Argentina to be in with a shout - and, with as many as 20 New Zealand-born players selected in the Manu Samoa squad, it cannot be ruled out entirely.
• Prediction Pool stage
CHILE • World ranking 22
Head coach Pablo Lemoine (since August 2018)
World Cup best Never previously qualified
RWC 2019 Failed to qualify
Squad
• Forwards Javier Carrasco, Salvador Lues, Matías Dittus, Iñaki Gurruchaga, Esteban Inostroza, Vittorio Lastra, Augusto Bohme, Tomás Dussaillant, Diego Escobar, Javier Eissmann, Pablo Huete, Santiago Pedrero, Augusto Sarmiento, Alfonso Escobar, Raimundo Martínez, Thomas Orchard, Clemente Saavedra, Martín Sigren (captain), Ignacio Silva
• Backs Lukas Carvallo, Nicolás Herreros, Marcelo Torrealba, Benjamín Videla, Rodrigo Fernández, Santiago Videla, Pablo Casas, Matías Garafulic, José Ignacio Larenas, Domingo Saavedra, Franco Velarde, Nicolás Garafulic, Iñaki Ayarza, Francisco Urroz
Debutants Chile are the only team to be making their Rugby World Cup bow at this edition of the tournament after making it through Americas qualifying by squeezing out United States by an aggregate score of 52-51 in two absolute thrillers. Nevertheless, this first appearance on the big stage is actually long-awaited - after all, the sport of rugby has been played in Chile for over a century - and, while it will always play second-fiddle to association football, the significant British expat community and descendants of British immigrants will be determined to ensure this is not just a purple patch. Certainly, the South American derby against Argentina in Nantes on 30 September promises to be a feisty affair - but, with the Argentines having won all 39 of their previous meetings dating back to 1936, that match and the next few weeks as a whole must be treated as a learning experience by Los Cóndores.
• Prediction Pool stage
