Monday 14 September 2015 09:43, UK
New Zealand are clear favourites to dominate this Pool but how much will they be challenged?
Argentina and Georgia will give their tight five a tussle upfront however their backs could well have a field day against Namibia.
The Pumas will be eyeing up the runners-up berth but need to keep an eye on Tonga, who four years ago beat France in the pool stages, and gave South Africa a real run for their money in 2007.
Namibia look like they will be the Pool whipping boys while Georgia and Tonga will be battling it out for third place.
Fixtures
19 Sept: Tonga v Georgia - 12pm, Gloucester
20 Sept: New Zealand v Argentina - 4.45pm, Wembley
24 Sept: New Zealand v Namibia - 8pm, Olympic Stadium
25 Sept: Argentina v Georgia - 4.45pm, Gloucester
29 Sept: Tonga v Namibia - 4.45pm, Exeter
2 Oct: New Zealand v Georgia - 8pm, Cardiff
4 Oct: Argentina v Tonga - 2.30pm, Leicester
7 Oct: Namibia v Georgia - 8pm, Exeter
9 Oct: New Zealand v Tonga - 8pm, Newcastle
11 Oct: Argentina v Namibia - 12pm, Leicester
Strengths: The All Blacks can mix it up with the big boys in the scrum and have backs who can score from anywhere on the pitch. Comfortable with or without the ball, New Zealand are most the complete side.
Weaknesses: Anyone say chokers? Okay, we should not be so disrespectful to the defending champs so what about their pack? They can be thrown off their game if you really get stuck into them and attack them at the set pieces - scrums, lineouts and driving mauls.
Who we will love: Julian Savea, Sonny Bill Williams, the three Smiths, Dan Carter - there are just so many but for us Nehe Milner-Skudder is the man who will set this tournament alight. Also look out for winger Waisake Naholo who was unexpectedly named in the squad after been initially ruled out of with a broken leg.
Who will split opinion: Richie McCaw. The world's most capped player is right up there with Superman and Batman. However there are those who say he gets away with more than he should at the breakdown and that that there is one rule for him and another for everyone else.
MVP: Brodie Retallick. At just 24 years of age, Retallick is the perfect example of the modern-day lock. Big and strong, he can do all the hard graft but also has amazing ball skills and is a fearsome tackler. Like most of the team he has a smart rugby brain and is a key ball-carrier.
Most likely to see red: Tony Woodcock. The loosehead could well bear the brunt of the pressure put on the Kiwi scrum.
Forwards: Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Codie Taylor, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Sam Cane, Victor Vito, Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam.
Backs: Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Sonny Bill-Williams, Ben Smith, Julian Savea, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo.
Strengths: The Pumas have one of the best scrums in the world and they know how to use it. They love nothing better than getting the squeeze on and have ruined the reputation of many front-rows. With some danger men out in the backs like Juan Imhoff, Nicolas Sanchez, Juan Martin Hernandez and Tomas Hernandez, Argentina can mix it up with the best of them - just ask South Africa.
Weaknesses: Having their players scattered all over the globe has certainly not helped them but Argentina still need to find consistency. They can also be a bit too volatile and their discipline can often let them down when they are on top. They are rapidly improving but will it be enough for them to better their third place in 2007?
Who we will love: Juan Imhoff ripped South Africa to shreds as his hat-trick helped the Pumas to their first ever win over the Boks in August. The winger-cum-full-back has electric pace and will be looking to attack from anywhere.
Who will split opinion: Juan Martin Hernandez. There's no doubting his class but where should he play? Nicolas Sanchez is the man at 10 and Joaquin Tuculet is full-back. Hernandez has been in at 12 but is that the best position for him?
MVP: Marcos Ayerza. The cornerstone of the Pumas' pack and the man to give them ascendancy in the set-piece.
Most likely to see red: Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe will tackle himself to a standstill and be a real nuisance at the breakdown. Like all world class No 7s he will stretch the laws to the limit and will need to be careful and stay on the right side of the law.
Forwards: Matias Alemanno, Marcos Ayerza, Agustin Creevy, Matias Diaz, Juan Fernandez Lobbe, Ramiro Herrera, Facundo Isa, Tomas Lavanini, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Pablo Matera, Julian Montoya, Lucas Noguera Paz, Javier Ortega, Guido Petti, Leonardo Senatore, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.
Backs: Horacio Agulla, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Cordero, Tomas Cubelli, Jeronimo De La Fuente, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Imhoff, Martin Landajo, Matias Moroni, Nicolas Sanchez, Juan Pablo Socino, Joaquin Tuculet.
Weaknesses: Tonga's strength often becomes a weakness when they don't adapt their game plan. They will be prepared to throw the ball around but a lack of time together will clearly show.
Who we will love: Fetu'u Vainikolo has scored five tries in 10 appearances this season for Exeter. The wing is a superb finisher.
Who will split opinion: We've opted to go for those players who have decided not to play for Tonga and stay with their clubs. We fully understand the need to make a living and players face a huge cut in their income if they choose country over club. However, it's a World Cup and we want to see the best players running out for all teams.
MVP: Former Leicester man Steve Mafi will play a key role in the pack for Tonga. He offers plenty of physicality and combines the size and power of a lock with the athleticism and speed of a back-rower.
Player most likely to see red: Tonga's aggressive tackling style has often got them into trouble at World Cups and skipper Nili Latu has been outspoken about what he sees as unfair refereeing in this area. A fearsome tackler himself, Latu is also a dogged competitor at the breakdown and could fall foul of the referee if he is a repeat offender at trying to slow the ball down.
Forwards: Tevita Mailau, Alisona Taumalolo, Soane Tonga'uiha, Halani Aulika, Sila Puafisi, Elvis Taione, Paula Ngauamo, Aleki Lutui, Tukulua Lokotui, Joeseph Tiuneau, Steve Mafi, Opeti Fonua, Hala T-Pole, Nili Latu, Jack Ram, Viliami Ma'afu, Sione Kalamafoni, Uili Kolo'ofai.
Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Samisoni Fisilau, Sosefo Ma'ake, Kurt Morath, Latiume Fosita, Sione Piukala, Siale Piutau, Viliami Tahitu'a, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Telusa Veainu, Tevita Halaifonua, William Helu, Vungakoto Lilo.
Strengths: Another side who love to scrum and take pride in the forward battle. Their coach Milton Haig has tried to bring a more running aspect to their game and they have unearthed some quality backs and have tried to moved away from their usual 10-man game.
Weaknesses: Georgia have apparently been through some training camps that would put military units to shame, however they lack that all-important game time. Discipline is also a bit of concern especially when things are not going their way - which could be a common theme for them.
Who we will love: Vasil Lobzhanidze. He could become the youngest player to ever play at a World Cup (currently Thretton Palamo, USA, aged 19 years, eight days).
Who will split opinion: Fly-half Lasha Malaghuradze. Will he look to play the expansive game and be content to keep the ball in the forwards?
MVP: Davit Zirakashvili. One of the best props around who has been plying his trade with Clermont in the Top 14.
Most likely to see red: Mamuka Gorgodze. Lovingly nicknamed Godzilla by Montpellier fans, Gorgodze, who now plays for Toulon, takes no prisoners and uses his 6ft 5in and 18-stone frame to wreak havoc - with or without the ball.
Forwards: Kakha Asieshvili, Jaba Bregvadze, Levan Chilachava, Giorgi Chkhaidze, Levan Datunashvili, Mamuka Gorgodze (c), Vito Kolelishvili, Dudu Kubriashvili, Lasha Lomidze, Simon Maisuradze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Kote Mikautadze, Mikheil Nariashvili, Giorgi Nemsadze, Shalva Sutiashvili, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Davit Zirakashvili.
Backs: Giorgi Aptsiauri, Giorgi Begadze, Muraz Giorgadze, Davit Katcharava, Lasha Khmaladze, Vazha Khutsishvili, Merab Kvirikashvili, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Lasha Malaghuradze, Tamaz Mtchedlidze, Giorgi Pruidze, Merab Sharikadze, Sandro Todua, Beka Tsiklauri.
Strengths: Namibia will relish their underdog tag and are not lacking in courage or character. They have a solid back row with the likes of Jacques Burger and Renaldo Bothma. The mostly amateur players will be heavily reliant on their professional players who also include Exeter Chiefs full-back Chrysander Botha and Brive duo of prop Aranos Coetzee and lock Tjiuee Uanivi.
Weaknesses: Phil Davies has a wonderful rugby brain but has only been in the job a couple of months. Their tight five will struggle in the set-pieces and they could battle to set up any sort of platform. Namibia have never won a World Cup game and that will be their holy grail in the 2015 tournament.
Who we will love: Chrysander Botha. Injury has stopped us seeing as much of him we would like but he is a full-back who loves to counter attack from open play.
Who will split opinion: No one wants to see cricket scores being wracked up against the minnows. Questions will have to be asked about their resources and the capabilities of amateur teams at a Rugby World Cup in the professional era.
MVP: Jacques Burger. The Saracens flanker is one of the hardest men in world rugby, and it is something of a medical miracle that he is still playing at the highest level. Burger was voted as one of the top five players in the 2011 tournament despite Namibia suffering four huge defeats. His defensive display for Saracens in the 2014 Heineken Cup semi-final still gives Clermont nightmares and you will be excused for thinking that there several Jacques Burgers in the team because he will pop up everywhere.
Most likely to see red: Namibia cannot afford to have anyone sent off. Australia beat them 142-0 in 2003 to record the biggest RWC winning margin and that record could be broken if New Zealand get into their stride. They will need their full 15 to prevent that.
Forwards: Johannes Coetzee, AJ de Klerk, Jaco Engels, Raoul Larson, Johnnie Redelinghuys, Casper Viviers, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Janco Venter, Tjiuee Uanivi, Renaldo Bothma, Jacques Burger, Wian Conradie, Leneve Damens, Tinus du Plessis, Rohan Kitshoff, PJ van Lill.
Backs: Eneill Buitendag, Eugene Jantjies, Damien Stevens, Theuns Kotzè, Darryl de La Harpe, Johan Deysel, JC Greyling, Danie van Wyk, Conrad Marais, David Philander, Heinrich Smith, Russell van Wyk, Chrysander Botha, Johan Tromp.
1. New Zealand
2. Argentina
3. Tonga
4. Georgia
5. Namibia
