Ex-England Rugby ace Brian Moore has always been known for his unfiltered opinions, whether on the field during his playing days or in his present role as a commentator.
Pointing out that England have landed what numerous view as a promising draw in the tournament, Moore remained skeptical about Steve Borthwick's team's ability to capitalise on this chance and make headway into the knockout stages.
Explaining that three of England’s four opponents are not ranked inside the top ten of World Rugby’s rankings, Moore wrote: “England have been granted the easiest of draws in their World Cup pool.
"Their opponents are ranked seventh, 12th, 14th and 22nd in the world, and, under normal circumstances, England should expect to win the pool and progress with relative comfort.
"Let us put it this way, would you rather have Scotland’s draw against the first, fourth, 15th and 19th-ranked nations?
Moore added: "Yet England fans are now having to consider that their team might not get out of the pool. If they do not beat Argentina in their opening game, they would face playing effective knockout rugby against Japan and Samoa.
"Ordinarily, both those teams would be 15 points the inferior but must now be feeling that on a good day, they might just pull off a surprise.
"The Argentines will approach their England game with some expectation, not just a great deal of hope.” Moore stated.
RUGBY QUIZ:
Five most hated rugby players, named and ranked:
We have curated a compilation of individuals who, through their actions on and off the field, have acquired a regrettable reputation within the game. Their notoriety extends beyond specific fan bases or clubs; it encompasses the entire rugby community.
#5. Dan Biggar (Wales)
Amusingly, Biggar epitomizes the kind of player who manages to invoke strong dislike until he becomes a part of your own team.
Over the course of his career, this fly-half has exhibited a growing penchant for passionately berating referees.
This behavior has reached such heights that Glove39, a renowned online personality and unwavering fan of Scotland, cleverly crafted a video titled 'birdman.'
In this video, Glove39 humorously mimicked Biggar's habitual arm-raising expression of frustration directed at officials.
#4. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
The expert in unsportsmanlike behavior. Sexton is skilled in exaggerating contact or distracting officials, knowing precisely when to employ his repertoire of underhanded tactics.
His most recent example of on-field nouse came against Wales just last weekend. The yellow card handed to Liam Williams in the 65th minute for a high hit on Sexton took a while to come as it was reviewed from multiple angles by the officials.
Wales fans piled in on Sexton after the Williams sin-binning, with one writing: 'Sexton play acted a head injury. Blatant cheating.'
Another Wales fan vented: 'That Liam Williams yellow card shows why rugby will be dead in a few years – nothing wrong with Liams body shape and Sexton play acting sums up how rugby has drastically changed for the worse. It’s a mockery to the real injuries.'
Another commented on Sexton being seen winking after the card, and said that his behaviour would "destroy the spectacle that is International rugby"
#3. Nic White (Australia)
White has become arguably the most unpopular player in world rugby over the past 12 months..
Last year, White fell about like a lion had attempted to rip off his face after Faf de Klerk accidentally made contact with it while attempting to dislodge the ball out of his hands as he attempted a pass.
After consulting with the television match official, referee Paul Williams adjudicated that this warranted a yellow card for de Klerk.
This decision sent the world of rugby into meltdown, with criticism coming from all quarters aimed at White for bringing the game into disrepute.
#2. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
The world Cup-winning lock is undoubtedly world-class, but he is also one of the dirtiest players in the sport. If your team has played against him, you will not be a fan. A proper sh**house, but huge biceps.
#1. Owen Farrell (England)
Could it be anybody else? Farrell fits the label “our guy” better than most, meaning you love to hate him unless he’s in your squad.
Then you’d go to the end’s of the earth to defend him. The England captain, also known as 'Shoulder boy' for his high tackling, does himself no favours with his poor tackling technique.
And that came to a head yesterday when he was sent off for a high tackle against Wales.
Farrell could potentially miss the start of the World Cup as a result of his dismissal for a high tackle on Taine Basham in the 19-17 win at Twickenham.
England's first World Cup match is against Argentina on 9 September.
