RWC Japan 2019: Pool A Preview

After a ludicrous amount of warm up games and a number of intense warm weather training camps, Japan is almost upon us.

So here is part 1 of 4 of the RWC group previews with Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Russia and Samoa.

Ireland

The new world no.1 team in the fairly irrelevant World Rugby rankings will head to Japan in a positive mindset after consecutive victories over Wales. After a poor performance in the Six Nations and a thrashing by England in their second warm up game, Joe Schmidt has been able to identify Ireland's issues pre-world cup. One of Ireland's main issues was the inconsistent performance of their world class half-backs during the six nations. They are able to general their side around the field with their kicking to compete and organisation.

Key Forward - James Ryan

One of the hardest working members of Schmidt's side, Ryan leads the pack by example even though he's one of the younger members in the dressing room. He is always among the top of the tackle charts aswell as a key ball carrier from 9 to give Ireland a great foundation for Sexton and his merry men to attack from.

Key Back - Johnny Sexton

As if there was ever a question to as who it would be? He will be the key if Ireland are to break their World Cup hoodoo and make it past the quarter finals. Last season wasn't one of his best compared to recent years but has shown instances of his best. It is particularly important he hits his best with Joey Carbery having recent injury woes so it will be key to keep Sexton fit.

Prediction

I think compared to other sides Ireland's preparation and form will play on their mind. I think they'll top the group but be unable to progress past the quarter finals with the likely chance of facing either the All Blacks or the Springboks.

Scotland

Much like Ireland, the Scots have had a sub-par year compared to progress they have made in previous years. They are potentially one of the most exciting sides in Japan but their biggest issue is their inconsistency in defence. Gregor Townsend is only in his second year as Scotland coach so his side are still quite fresh in comparison to the England, Wales and Ireland's that have had the same coach throughout this World Cup cycle so are still developing. Scotland also have a similar issue that England have shown, that they struggle with plan B. They love to attack sides and keep the tempo of the game high but when they're in a tight game this can cause them to lose control like the England six nations game. This means the likes of Finn Russell need to work on their game management to calm the chaos and see out games in a challenging group.

Star Forward - Hamish Watson

Some say welsh defenders still feel the tremors from the human wrecking ball that is the Edinburgh flanker. A key ball carrier, a constant threat at the breakdown and a tackling machine, he is constantly at the heart of everything good for Scotland and will need to be on form to help Scotland push for top spot in the group.

Star Back - Finn Russell

Another case of the playmaker being the key to success, Russell is one of the hardest players to read in attack but can be accused of overplaying at times. His decision making will need to 100% to allow Scotland to play their typical attacking style and to out score the opposition as their defence is the weaker part of their game.

Prediction

Their defense could be their great downfall in this World Cup so feel that final pool game with the hosts Japan will decide 2nd spot.

Japan

Anyone who doesn't have a soft spot for the Japan rugby team needs to have their head tested. The hosts head into the RWC looking to cause more upsets and are in a great group to do so with two inconsistent top tier sides. Japan electric brand of rugby has been well moulded over the past few years by coach Jamie Johnson, with him working closely with his players as Sunwolves reserve coach. With the atmosphere around the World Cup and the team it would be the perfect occasion for them to face the All Blacks or be reunited with the Springboks to attempt to repeat their finest hour.

Star Forward - Micheal Leitch

It's hard to look past their captain fantastic as he is such a vital player to their success. Constantly leading his fellow blossoms by example, RWC should be no different for him with his versatile abilities in the back row. As a captain he will do anything it takes for his side to get over the line and is not afraid to make brave decisions to do it.

Star Back - Yu Tamura

A man that will need to manage the madness from 10, Tamura pulls the strings in their attacking style. He has the vision and skill to create chances and the composure to be able to see his team around the field and get his side out of sticky situations. This kind of game management will vital in close encounters in the group if they wish to advance.

Prediction

I've been told articles should be unbiased in my Sports Journalism course but in the word's of Kevin Keegan 'I would love it' if the Brave Blossoms qualified from the group to set up a spectacle that wouldn't just be amazing for Japan but rugby as a whole.

Russia

The lowest ranked side in the group, Russia are up against it in their return to World Cup rugby after not qualifying in 2015. A lack of experiance against top tier nations will be their biggest difficulty and after only going to the RWC due to other sides misdemeanours, participation will just be enough for Russia in their 2nd RWC.

Star Forward - Andrei Ostrikov

With eight years at Sale Sharks and 33 test appearances for Russia, Ostrikov has experience that will come in handy. This top level knowledge will be vital to pass on to the rest of the team if they're to do themselves proud.

Star Back - German Davydov

More of a one to watch than star man with his previous experience in the sevens team and coaching from former sevens star Waisele Serevi. It will be interesting to see if he can make a ripple in the big RWC pond.

Prediction

No chance.

Samoa

Due to financial issues grabbing headlines instead of on-field action, being at the World Cup is a victory in itself. They are not there to make up the numbers with a talented array of players in their line up led by Chris Vui. It would be a great story for Rugby if they were able to cause an upset in the pool and definitely have the ability to do it.

Star Forward - Elia Elia

'So good they named him twice'? We'll see. He has been a wall in defense this season for Harlequins only missing ten tackles out of 114 tackles this year. Samoa will need that solidity in defence to build a platform to allow the star backs to attack.

Star Back -Tim Nanai - Williams

Probably the biggest name in the side, Utility back Nanai Williams has experience at the top level and skills to match. An exciting player, we all know what he's capable off with his sharp step and pace, let's hope he packs it in his case for Japan.

Prediction

Unfortunately not enough to qualify but enough quality to pick up an upset or 2 which everyone would love to see.