#RWC19: The view from Japan: The Favourites

The titans of world rugby will soon begin their quest to become part of rugby lore. This is the most open World Cup since its inception, and these teams are the hottest in the world right now. Each of them possesses the skill, heart, desire and pedigree needed to claim the trophy on 2 November. So in alphabetical order, so as to not imply any bias, let’s scratch the surface of these rugby powerhouses.

Half of all the finals ever played have featured Australia. Twice winners, the Wallabies have special knack of performing when it matters. Written off before the 2015 edition, they went all the way to final only to lose to one of the best All Black teams in history. Again, going into this tournament, their results have been mixed. There have been signs though that if all departments gel, they can be an incredible team. Consider too that they have been playing without arguably the best flankers in the world in David Pocock and his captain, Michael Hooper. Their return will lift the team, as combined, Hooper and Pocock are a deadly duo. The Wallaby backline is formidable with front foot possession and if Hooper and Pocock can supply that, then Advance Australia Fair.

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https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2019/09/19/the-view-from-japan-the-outsiders/

England approach the tournament riding the usual wave of media hype. As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, England will be spoken of as a favourite. It’s hard to argue against that, but one senses the inevitable implosion that England are famous for. Favourites at home in 2015, they failed to qualify for the knockout phase. Eddie Jones may just be the psychological anchor that holds the English steady though. Everything Jones has done has been in preparation for the next six weeks. He is standing on the edge of greatness, maybe even a knighthood, but he will need his players to execute his vision.

Ranked Number 1 in the world, Ireland is in dire need of a big performance at this World Cup. Surprisingly, the team has never progressed past the quarterfinals. With the likelihood of either the All Blacks or the Springboks waiting in this year’s quarterfinals, Ireland could well be doomed to repeat history. Doing so will leave the Irish feeling cursed. This team is as good an Ireland team as has ever been, but some have suggested they peaked too early. Ireland defeated the All Blacks in an epic tussle in Dublin in late 2018. The Irish were incredible that night, but have not produced a performance like that since. If they are unable to surpass the high of that night in Dublin, then in the quarterfinals, they will fall.

Not much can be said about the New Zealand All Blacks that hasn’t already been said. They are the benchmark of world rugby. They are rugby’s crown jewel. They are getting old. Seven of the squad for this Saturday’s opener against the Springboks are 30 years old and over, with several others approaching that milestone. These are key players too: captain Kieran Read, lock Sam Whitelock, front rowers Dane Coles and Joe Moody and playmakers Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams and Ben Smith. They are all veterans of the previous winning campaigns too. When the margins get tighter, the team that wants it more prevails. Considering they have all climbed this mountain twice, can they push their bodies and minds to do it for a third time?

Two years ago, Springbok fans were in the dumps. Then, the thought of playing the All Blacks in a World Cup opener was a terror-inducing nightmare. Since then, Rassie Erasmus has transformed the team into a confident, exciting machine. He has brought the best out of every member of the squad and there is a twinkle in the eye of captain Siya Kolisi that makes you think this could be the year. The Springboks’ story at World Cups is greater than rugby and the nation will be begging them to bring the trophy home.

Rugby evokes an almost religious fervour in the Welsh people. The Welsh Dragons will have the weight of the principality pushing them through every scrum, jumping at every lineout and bracing for every tackle. Expectation is through the roof and the disappointment will be crushing should they not at least reach their first ever final. Preparation has not been ideal though, with an injury to star eighth-man, Toby Faletau, and news yesterday of the assistant coach, Rob Howley, being sent home for an alleged breach of World Rugby betting rules. This is not how Warren Gatland would like to conclude preparations and he will hope his players have the mental strength to put that behind them.

That brings to an end our look at all 20 teams. The action starts today with host Japan looking for maximum points against Russia. Kick-off is at 12.45pm, local time.