The tenth edition of the Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be the most competitive in the competition’s history with plenty of nations heading to France with big aspirations.
Reigning champions South Africa face a huge challenge to become only the second team to land successive World Cup triumphs, especially after being placed in the same section as the world number one side Ireland and Scotland.
Three-time world champions New Zealand or hosts France are probable quarter-final opponents for the Springboks due to a lop-sided draw with England, Wales, Argentina and Australia the leading lights on the other side of the draw.
Only four teams have ever won the Rugby World Cup but France and Ireland have genuine aspirations of joining the list of winners at a tournament which could see the established order given a shake-up.
- France to win the World Cup
- Argentina to reach the semi-finals
- Fiji to win Pool C
Fourth Time Lucky For Les Bleus
A bet on a first-time winner of the Rugby World Cup certainly appeals given the form Ireland, France and even Argentina have shown during the last cycle.
But of that trio this year’s hosts, three-time runners-up France, look to have the best chance of going all the way, particularly on home soil.
Since a disappointing quarter-final exit from the 2019 World Cup, the French have been steadily building under head coach Fabian Galthie and defensive coaching expert Shaun Edwards.
They have developed a golden generation for Les Bleus, led by scrum-half Antoine Dupont, the conductor of a lethal backline that has helped France score at least 30 points in their last 13 home games.
Up front, France pack plenty of grunt and grit, enough to match the powerhouses of likely quarter-final opponents Ireland and South Africa.
Injuries to Romain Ntamack, Paul Willemse and Jonathan Danty has dented confidence in the French camp, but they are blessed with unrivalled strength in depth to soften those blows.
The typically fickle French fans are fully behind a team who have lost only once at home in the last four years and a victory over New Zealand in Pool A on the first night of the tournament could light the touchpaper on a historic two months for the nation.
Pumas should go deep
Pumas Poised To Go Deep
The way the draw has worked out offers Argentina a golden opportunity to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup for only the third time in their history.
They are expected to be vying with an out-of-sorts England for top spot in Pool D with the two sides meeting in a crunch clash in Marseille on Saturday night.
The Pumas beat England the last time the sides met at Twickenham last year, part of an impressive collection of results achieved by the South Americans under coach Michael Cheika.
Argentina have also beaten New Zealand and Australia away in the last year with Cheika having done a good job of blending the usual scrummaging success typically associated with the Pumas with a more attack-minded approach.
They should have no issues getting out of Pool D, which also features Samoa, Japan and Chile, setting up a winnable quarter-final with one of Wales, who they beat in Cardiff two years ago, Cheika’s old team Australia or Fiji.
ARGENTINA TO REACH THE SEMI-FINALS
Radradra's Fiji will be a threat
Flying Fijians Ready For Take-Off
Fiji have made the quarter-finals of a Rugby World Cup only three times in the past, but arguably head into the tournament as the form team in Pool C having risen to an all-time-high ranking of seventh this summer.
Section favourites Australia have lost five on the spin under Eddie Jones and are at the start of a rebuild, while Wales have won only five of their last 20 Test matches. Both nations look vulnerable.
The creation of Super Rugby side Fijian Drua has allowed Fiji to keep more of their talent at home and build some cohesion, while the change to eligibility criteria has boosted the selection options of all the Pacific island nations.
Fiji warmed up for the World Cup with a first win over England, part of a run of four triumphs in their last five matches that sets them up nicely for their opening game with Wales.
Head coach Simon Raiwalu has worked on his team’s ability to scrum and maul, meaning they are no longer entirely reliant on their talented backline, and Fiji are worth chancing to finish top of the pile.
