With just two days until the Rugby World Cup kicks off, we preview each of the four pools.
The pool allocation took place back in December 2012, meaning hat the current rankings mean very little to do with the caliber of teams in the different groups.
Argentina
World Ranking: 8
Summed up in three words: Unpredictable, Combative, Experienced
Head Coach: Daniel Hourcade
Familiar faces: Agustin Creevy, Marcos Ayerza
Key Player: Energetic scrum-half Tomas Cubelli has breathed rugby from a young age, following in the footsteps of his father Alejandro, who was also an Argentina international between 1977 and 1990. Although he may be considered “small” in the game, he makes up for it with pure skill and an exceptional passing range.
Overview: Argentina finished off the bottom of The Rugby Championship for the first time following their incredible triumph against South Africa in Durban, which will give the Pumas confidence. They should reach the quarter-finals with anything else being a bonus.
RUCK verdict: Quarter-finals
Georgia
World Ranking: 16
Summed up in three words: Prosperous, Hard-working, Resilient
Head Coach: Milton Haig
Familiar faces: Mamuka Gergodze
Key Player: Talismanic back-rower Mamuka Gorgodze, who plays his club rugby with French giants Toulon, is the heart of Georgia’s robust forward pack. The 31-year old will need to use all his experience to help drive the Georgians forward as he is one of their few impressive ball carriers.
Overview: Georgia has considerably improved since making their World Cup bow in 2007. They are probably solid enough to finish third in their Pool, but a crunch match against Tonga stands in their way.
RUCK Verdict: Pool stage
Namibia
World Ranking: 20
Summed up in three words: Physical, Immense, Fighters
Head Coach: Phil Davies
Key Player: Inspirational Captain Jacques Burger will be the key man to Namibia’s World Cup campaign as they endeavor to secure a first finals victory. The back-row is the master of the big tackle, and everyone will need to watch out for him, even the All Blacks.
Overview: Namibia has traditionally struggled during World Cup finals having never won a match, while also being thrashed 142-0 by the Wallabies in 2003. The aim for them should be to compete in games, seeking to keep the All Blacks less than 80 points and Argentina under 50 would be acceptable targets.
RUCK Verdict: Pool stage
New Zealand
World Ranking: 1
Summed up in three words: Champions, World-class, Favourites
Head Coach: Steve Hansen
Familiar faces: Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Sonny Bill Williams
Key Player: Scrum-half Aaron Smith is the man who makes the All Blacks tick with his pin-point passing. The 26-year old will need to be on form to allow the rest of New Zealand’s superstars to perform, making him essential.
Overview: The reigning world champions are still the force to be reckoned with in international rugby. No team has ever successfully defended the Rugby World Cup but when you look at their experience and ability, the All Blacks could change that this time around.
RUCK Verdict: Rugby World CUP 2015 Winners
Tonga
World Ranking: 11
Summed up in three words: Passionate, Conventional, Robust
Head coach: Mana Otai
Familiar faces: Nili Latu, Sione Kalamafoni
Key player: The Skipper Latu is the heartbeat of the Tongan side. His experience and power at the ruck and scrum will be crucial to their World Cup campaign.
Overview: The decisive match in Pool C will be between Argentina and Tonga, with the winner likely to advance to the quarter-finals. The Pumas are probably the stronger of the pair, but at least a third place finish would ensure qualification for the next World Cup in three year’s time.