RWC Japan 2019: Pool B Preview

Pool B offers up some top quality rugby with the likes of the All Blacks and Springboks looking favourites to qualify. However, after 2015 tier two nations will know that an upset is always on the cards.

These are the teams fighting for a quarter final spot against the pool A sides (Pool A preview now live).

Canada

After losing a number of tight matches in the last world cup, Canada will be hoping to claim a few scalps in pool B. They will be targeting the games against Italy and Namibia to secure their first world cup win since 2011. The side may feel better prepared for this tournament after the introduction of Major League Rugby as well as a number of their talent playing abroad in Europe and New Zealand.

Star Forward - Tyler Ardon

The back-row is one of a number of players in the squad playing abroad. Ardon is with the Chiefs in Super Rugby after spending time with the Ospreys. A player that is a key ball carrier and lethal at the breakdown, we will play a key role if Canada are to beat Namibia and Italy and maybe push the big sides close. His New Zealand experience will come in handy against the All Blacks and may help frustrate them.

Star Back - DTH Van der Merwe

He displayed his pace and power on the big stage at the last RWC with four tries including a exceptional finish against Italy at Elland Road. This man certainly knows where the try line is with 111 career tries and his team mates will be hoping he can bring that lethal finishing ability to Japan.

Prediction

A much loved side by the well informed rugby follower, I think they will excite the crowds with their rugby but won't challenge the bigger teams. It would be nice to see them claim a win against Namibia or Italy.

Namibia

A courageous side that came just short of claiming a first RWC win in 2015, these underdogs will be looking to warm hearts once gain like they did against New Zealand in 2015. This time out they will be looking for that first win and will see Canada as the perfect chance to claim that win.

Star Forward - Janco Venter

The Jersey Reds versatile back five forward has been one of their standout players in the Championship this season. He played in three games in the past world cup as a 20 year -old and will be able to bring his experience to the group of promising younger players coming through. Venter has spoken about his desire to play at the top level so he'll be pleases with the massive challenges of the big two in the group.

Star Back - Johan Deysel

Captain Deysel was the scorers of one of the famous tries against New Zealand in 2015. The centre will look to lead his side by example and continue to fuel the desire and motivation within the squad. This will hopefully result in claiming an infamous first win. He currently plays for Colomiers in Pro D2 but has past experience with the Sharks in South Africa.

Prediction

Unfortunately they could be on the end of some big scores from All Blakcks and Springboks but hopefully they can claim that first world cup win and go home national heroes.

Italy

Conor O'Shea has been transforming the Italian team over the world cup cycle and creating new national heroes for when Captain fantastic Sergio Parisse retires. The Irishman has combined a blend of exciting youngsters with wise old heads to try to compete on the big stage. However, the Azzuri have not won since last November when they defeated Georgia so will look to turn that around but if friday nights 57-0 defeat to England is anything to judge by Parisse might not quite go out with the bang he would want.

Star Forward - Jake Polledri

The young Bristol - born Italian had a storming season in the back row for Gloucester only to be halted by injury. A huge ball carrier and surprising pace for a big man ,he is a force to be reckoned with in attack and in defence if you get hit by Polledri you stay hit. At only 23 Polledri has a a couple World cups after Japan and is yet to hit his best but has the ability to fill the void of the great Parisse.

Star Back - Matteo Minozzi

After spending almost an entire season out injured, the new Wasps man will be looking to show his new employers that he can get back to his 2018 best with his electric feet, pace and finishing. With an exciting backline with Tomasso Allen, Carlo Canna and Michele Campagnaro, Minozzi will be in great company to be used whether he is at 15 or on the wing and hopefully can shine once again.

Prediction

Obviously as a tier one nation Italy have more experience than Namibia and Canada and should beat them but the big two just seem like they are too many levels above O'Shea's side.

South Africa

Rassie Erasmus has transformed the Springboks in this world cup cycle into one of the favourites for tournament in Japan. Creating a side that will bully you around the park with their big scary skilful forwards and tear you up with pace in attack. Unbelievable strength in depth which is clearly shown by the superstar scrum-half battle in the Premiership with Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach and Francois Hougaard. Also clear when they have the option to leave out World Rugby breakthrough player of the year Aphiwe Dyantyi controversially after being a key part of the squad over the part couple years.

They have quality from front to back and should have a great chance of reaching the latter stages in the tournaments but the opening game vs New Zealand will be a big test of how they look and will be a good gauge of what needs to be changed going onto the knockout stages for the big games.

Star Forward - Malcolm Marx

The hooker has one of the most versatile games in world rugby with his top draw classic hooker skills such as arrow like throwing and scrummaging as well as his ability to rack up turnovers at the breakdown and get round the park to make his tackles. He is a key figure in how the Springboks bully sides so the will need to be on top form to guide the side to the latter stages.

Star Back - Handrè Pollard

Just like when South Africa won their first world cup in 1995 the boot will be a key to success. Pollard has range and accuracy which he has shown from the tee over the past year in Super Rugby and has vital RWC experience. He has the passing ability and vision to be able to release the dangerous outside backs such as Jesse Kriel, Willie Le Roux and S'busiso Nkosi.

Prediction

A tough potentially tough route to the final so I reckon they will reach semi-finals at least and be a hot favourite.

New Zealand

The favourites at 11/8 have taken a bit of a confidence after their loss to Australia and a draw to South Africa in the Rugby Championship but they are still strong as ever. Not really sure what to say about the All Blacks that anybody doesn't know already. Strong all over the park and will find that way to win and win well. The only real worry is Brodie Retallick after his shoulder injury but will hopefully play some part in the RWC. Beauden Barrett should remain at 10 after the test of Richie Mo'unga was unsuccessful with Barrett picking up the pieces on a few occasions. Just a squad with a stupid amount of quality.

Key Forward - Keiran Read

No.8 and captain Read will be looking to lead his side to history with a third consecutive World Cup. Still a player right at the top of his game and a nightmare with his dark arts of the breakdown and frustrating play. A great talisman for the All Blacks and a great captain who can work his way onto the right side of the referee.

Key Back - Ben Smith

Mr Reliable. Probably one of the most consistent players over the past decade. Lethal in attack with his feet and pace and is great in the open field so opposition need to make sure they don't gift him any opportunities. Steve Hansen needs to make sure he is played in the correct position and avoid leaving him out in favour of Mo'unga and play Smith at fullback instead of Barrett.

Prediction

Undoubtedly the favourites despite recent blips. Should top the group without trouble from everyone except Springboks. Have the ability to beat any side on any given day.