The long wait is nearly over as we are just under a week before the start of the Rugby World Cup. Over the next four days, we will breakdown the four pools leading into the start of the tournament on Friday.
Today, we look at Pool B, arguably one of the toughest in the competition. It’s headlined by defending champions New Zealand and 2007 champions South Africa, along with Italy, Canada and Namibia seemingly fighting for third position.
New Zealand
The reigning, defending, undisputed champions are looking to make history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive World Cups. The All Blacks will be brimming with confidence as they retain the core contingency of the side that won in 2015.
However, this World Cup will be their toughest yet, with New Zealand coming into the tournament without the number one ranking for the first time since 2007.
How they Qualified
By being New Zealand
Recent form
The All Blacks have shown signs of fragility over the past twelve months, with loses to Australia and Ireland confirming what some had speculated that they are in fact human. However, don’t mistake this for weakness as New Zealand are still the team to beat regardless of what their ranking says. This was evident in their 36-0 thumping of the Wallabies and their 92-7 demolition of Tonga a fortnight ago.
Squad
Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Matt Todd, Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tuungafasi, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Liam Coltman, Jordie Barrett, Ben Smith, Sevu Reece, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber
Coach: Steve Hansen
Player to watch
Beauden Barrett
The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year travels to Japan alongside brothers Scott and Jordie looking to guide New Zealand to the three-peat. However, Barrett will likely play a different role from 2015, shifting to fullback to accompany Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf. Their partnership will be crucial towards the side’s fortune and if they click, then I expect the trophy to remain in New Zealand.
World Cup History
Played: 50
Wins: 44
Loses: 6
Best Finish: Winners (1987, 2011, 2015)
Last Five World Cups
2015: Winners
2011: Winners
2007: Quarter Final
2003: Third
1999: Fourth
Prediction
You’d be a brave man to back against the All Blacks. They seem to be peaking at the right time (as usual) and I think they still have a few more tricks up their sleeves heading into the World Cup. Expect them to make history and secure the three-peat.
South Africa
The Springboks coughed and stumbled throughout the 2018 season, leaving many to question their World Cup credentials. Like any good South African team, they have answered them emphatically, putting in a number of consistent performances across 2019 to position themselves as one of the favourites. However, they will come into the tournament without their flyer Aphiwe Dyantyi, who has been suspended due to a drug violence
How they Qualified
By finishing first in their pool in 2015
Recent form
2018 was a tough year for South Africa, having dropped matches to the likes of England, Australia, Argentina and Wales. However, they have seemed to have turned the corner in 2019, securing the Rugby Championship in convincing fashion with victories over Australia and Argentina, along with a draw against the All Blacks in Wellington.
They finished off their preparations with a 41-7 win over Japan in Kumagaya to preserve the spot as one of the leading contenders.
Squad
Siya Kolisi (c), Willie le Roux, Warrick Gelant, Cheslin Kolbe, Sbu Nkosi, Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Frans Steyn, Jesse Kriel, Handre Pollard, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Herschel Jantjies. Forwards: Schalk Brits, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Steven Kitshoff, Tendai Mtawarira, RG Snyman, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Francois Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen
Coach: Rassie Erasmus
Player to watch
Siya Kolisi
Kolisi makes history as the first black South African captain to lead his side into a World Cup and he will look to replicate the work of his fellow flanker Francois Pienaar in 1995. Kolisi has been an essential part of the Springboks revitalisation since Erasmus took over and his strong ball running and work at the breakdown will be crucial in their tough pool.
World Cup History
Played:36
Wins:30
Loses:6
Best Finish: Winners (1995, 2007)
Last Five World Cups
2015: Third
2011: Quarter Final
2007: Winner
2003: Quarter Final
1999: Third
Prediction
In my opinion, I think there are only three teams better than the Springboks heading into this year’s World Cup. Unfortunately, they will face one of those teams (New Zealand) in the group stages and likely the other (Ireland) in the quarter-finals. This makes their journey past the quarters difficult, however, if they can pull off a victory against either side, then they are in with a massive shot of winning the whole thing.
Italy
Italy at the World Cup has been a story of close but no cigar, with the Azzurri being knocked out in the group stages at the last three tournaments thanks to a loss in their final group game. They face a mountain to qualify this time, having to cause a serious upset over either New Zealand or the Springboks to reach the knock out stages. They come into the tournament with plenty of confidence though, having beaten South Africa in 2016.
How they Qualified
By finishing third in their pool in the 2015 World Cup
Recent form
The form line for Italy is not pretty, having won just three games in 14 attempts. The Azzurri showed throughout the Six Nations that they are willing to fight and hang tough against superior opponents, having lost by less than 12 in three out of the five games. They showed that they have the potential to score points in their 85-15 win over Russia, although crushing loses to France and England seems to be a better indication of where they stand.
Squad
Sergio Parisse (c), Callum Braley, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tito Tebaldi, Tommaso Allan, Carlo Canna, Tommaso Benvenuti, Michele Campagnaro, Luca Morisi, Mattia Bellini, Giulio Bisegni, Jayden Hayward, Matteo Minozzi, Edoardo Padovani, Simone Ferrari, Andrea Lovotti, Tiziano Pasquali, Nicola Quaglio, Marco Riccioni, Federico Zani, Luca Bigi, Oliviero Fabiani, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Dean Budd, Federico Ruzza, David Sisi, Alessandro Zanni, Maxime Mbanda, Sebastian Negri, Jake Polledri, Abraham Steyn
Coach: Conor O’Shea
Player to watch
Sergio Parisse
Parisse will make history, with this year’s tournament marking his fifth appearance at a World Cup, tieing the record. He is the heart and soul of the Italian team and they need him and fellow backrower Jake Polledri to fire in order to pull off what is considered to be mission impossible.
World Cup History
Played: 28
Wins: 11
Loses: 15
Best Finish: Group Stages
Last Five World Cups
2015: Group Stages
2011: Group Stages
2007: Group Stages
2003: Group Stages
1999: Group Stages
Prediction
Whilst there is class in the Italian lineup, I don’t think they have enough to beat New Zealand and South Africa in their current form. Expect them to continue their long-standing tradition of finishing third at the World Cup.
Namibia
Namibia enters the World Cup looking to break their 19-game losing streak at the tournament. However, they will be quietly confident that they can break this streak after winning consecutive Africa Gold Cups, going unbeaten in both instalments. This has left the Welwitschias primed for a strong showing under former Welsh forward Phil Davies.
How they Qualified
Through winning the Africa Gold Cup in 2018
Recent form
Outside of their flawless Africa Gold Cup in 2018, there is little form available for the Namibians. They started 2019 with mixed results, with a narrow 30-28 win over Uruguay before they were shut out by Russia 20-0. They tuned up before this tournament with a pair of narrow victories over Pro14 team Southern Kings and a win over a Sharks Invitational team.
Squad
Johan Deysel(c), Obert Nortje, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Aranos Coetzee, AJ de Klerk, André Rademeyer, Desiderius Sethie, Nelius Theron, Johan Retief, Tjiuee Uanivi, PJ van Lill, Adriaan Booysen, Wian Conradie, Thomasau Forbes, Prince Gaoseb, Max Katjijeko, Rohan Kitshoff, Janco Venter; Helarius Kisting, Lesley Klim, PJ Walters, Chad Plato, Johann Tromp, Darryl de la Harpe, JC Greyling, Justin Newman, Janry du Toit, Cliven Loubser, Eugene Jantjies, Damian Stevens
Coach: Phil Davies
Player to watch
Johan Deysel
Deysel has plied his trade in the French Second Division for Colomiers and represents the fresh batch of talent coming through the system for the country. He scored their first-ever World Cup try against the All Blacks in 2015 and they will need him to lead from the front if they wish to earn their first victory.
World Cup History
Played:19
Wins:0
Loses:19
Best Finish: Group Stages
Last Five World Cups
2015: Group Stages
2011: Group Stages
2007: Group Stages
2003: Group Stages
1999: Group Stages
Prediction
This is the best chance for Namibia to snatch their first victory at the World Cup, with the Welwitschias eyeing off the match against the Canadians as their grand final. I think this might be the year that they get it.
Canada
Canada is in a period of rebuilding after a strong World Cup campaign in 2015, where they should have pulled off two wins before collapsing against Italy and Romania. They will get a chance to avenge their loss against the Azzuri at this year’s tournament, although this is a vastly different team from four years ago.
How they Qualified
By running the gauntlet in the Repercharge tournament, beating the likes of Kenya, Germany and Hong Kong in the last chance competition.
Recent form
Since the Repercharge, it has been bleak viewing for the Canadians, having won once in their last 8 games. This includes losses to Uruguay, Tonga and Brazil, who failed to even qualify for the World Cup. They were humbled in the Pacific Nations Cup, losing to Fiji, Tonga and USA.
Squad
Tyler Ardron (c) Kyle Baillie, Josh Larsen, Nick Blevins, Hubert Buydens, Luke Campbell, Andrew Coe, Jeff Hassler, Ciaran Hearn, Matt Heaton, Eric Howard, Jake Ilnicki, Cole Keith, Conor Keys, Ben LeSage, Phil Mack, Jamie Mackenzie, Gordon McRorie, Peter Nelson, Shane O’Leary, Evan Olmstead, Patrick Parfrey, Taylor Paris, Benoit Piffero, Andrew Quattrin, Lucas Rumball, Djustice Sears-Duru, Mike Sheppard, Matthew Tierney, Conor Trainor, DTH van der Merwe
Coach: Kingsley Jones
Player to watch
Tyler Ardron
Ardron will be a familiar face for Super Rugby fans, having played a crucial role for the Chiefs since 2018. He will need to do the same for his nation, with the powerful flanker needing to take over and control the breakdown if they want to avoid embarrassment.
World Cup History
Played: 29
Wins: 7
Loses: 20
Draws: 2
Best Finish: Group Stages
Last Five World Cups
2015: Group Stages
2011: Group Stages
2007: Group Stages
2003: Group Stages
1999: Group Stages
Prediction
I think Canada already have an eye on the 2023 World Cup with their squad full of players either too inexperienced for this stage or seemingly past their prime. Their big test will be to rebel Namibia in their final group matches if they wish to get something out of this World Cup campaign.
Final Table Prediction
1st: New Zealand
2nd: South Africa
3rd: Italy
4th: Namibia
5th: Canada
Fixtures (All time AEST)
Saturday, September 21: New Zealand v South Africa, International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama (7:45PM)
Sunday, September 22: Italy v Namibia, Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashiosaka (3:15PM)
Thursday, September 26: Italy v Canada, Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka (5:45PM)
Saturday, September 28: South Africa v Namibia, City of Toyota Stadium, Toyota (7:45PM)
Wednesday, October 2: New Zealand v Canada, Oita Stadium, Oita (8:15PM)
Friday, October 4: South Africa v Italy, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, Fukuroi (7:45PM)
Sunday, October 6: New Zealand v Namibia, Tokyo Stadium, Toyko (3:45PM)
Tuesday, October 8: South Africa v Canada, Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe (9:15PM)
Saturday, October 12: New Zealand v Italy, City of Toyota Stadium, Toyota,(3:45PM)
Sunday, October 13: Namibia v Canada, Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Kamaishi (2:15PM)
