RWC Japan 2019: Pool C Preview

Labelled the group of death, Pool C offers some exciting match ups with a mixture of three top tier sides and two underdogs with potential of causing an upset.

Tonga

The pacific islanders are not arriving at the world cup after a 92-7 thrashing from the All Blacks in their final warm up game. Tonga have never qualified from the group stages and the luck of the draw did not go their way with them being the lowest ranked side in the group against top tier sides. Inexperience against top tier sides could be their biggest downfall with them having to call on the experience from their bigger players from their time playing in Europe's big leagues. There's no doubt they will bring the physicality to the opposition but have the skills to create chances. Most of the talk pre-world cup has been about the number of top level internationals that could have played for Tonga but have changed for the challenge of tier one rugby. Hopefully the current crop can prove what i means to play for the great pacific island and build that squad relationship with the training time they'll spend together.

Star Forward - Maama Vaipulu

A wrecking ball with Super Rugby and Top 14 experience that will be a valuable asset to his side. The Castres No.8 is a hardworking big man with an 87% tackle success rate in 2019 for Castres as well as gaining an average of 5.9 metres in attack with each ball carry. He should form a strong back row alongside the likes of Sione Vailanu.

Strong Back - Sonatane Takalua

The scrum half was a key part of Newcastle success in getting into the Champions cup in 2018. His game management and kicking will be required if Tonga are to challenge the big boys and he has the ability to make a break with quick feet and his natural size.

Prediction

Unfortunately I don't believe they'll be able to challenge England or Argentina but will be competitive against the unpredictable french and USA. Qualification looks like it may need a miracle with the standard of the group.

USA

With the introduction of Major League Rugby the sport is on the rise across the pond. They also have a number of players now playing in Europe which will bring quality and experience to a side that have little major tournament or top tier experience.

Star Forward - Hanco Germishuys

A lesser known one to watch in the US side who plays in the MLR for Austin Elite. The 16 stone flanker is a strong ball carrier and destructive tackler (I recommend watching his YT highlights reel, it's rather good fun) and has scored 9 tries at 23 for his national side. With pace to make him a nightmare to tackle he could be compared Alex Dombrandt of Harlequins.

Star Back - AJ MacGinty

The Sale fly half is a key part of the success of the US at this RWC. After a strong season at the AJ Bell with a kick conversion rate of 82% and pushing them to the Champions cup for next season. With the ability to create a chance and put a team mate through a hole and manage a game, the USA will look for him to provide some magic.

Prediction

An improved performance from 2015 but unfortunately not enough to get out of the group.

France

In major tournament rugby bingo the term ' Which french side will turn up?' is a given. However, France have a history of performing in RWC reaching at least the semi finals in two of their last three tournaments (we'll just ignore the slight issue with Julian Savea in 2015). The last season has seen the introduction of some promising players for les Bleus with a couple seasons of selection issues. The likes of Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos have been in great form domestically and been given their chances successfully internationally. This exciting youth mixed with the experience of players who have experienced RWC rugby gives them a chance of qualification from the group with Argentina not quite showing their strongest form at the moment. Also with the rise of Damian Penaud showing he is a lethal finisher with a strong shout for the top try scorer.

Star Forward - Louis Picamoles

One of the most consistent performers in world rugby and ageing like a fine wine, Picamoles still has the ability to cause opposition sides problems. An extremely effective ball carrier with the ability to offload and create chances, the french backs should be licking their lips at the opportunities they could get if they get on the same wavelength. In Defence, Picamoles has also had a 88% tackling success rate in 2019 so far so will lead his team in every aspect.

Star Back - Antoine Dupont

The Toulouse scrum half made a clear impact in his debut 6 Nations with his quick tempo causing issues for defences all over the shop. Averaging a gain of 11.1 metres a carry for Toulouse and scoring nine tries will mean opposition will have to police the edge of the breakdown tightly to ensure he can't snipe. It should be great to see him on the big stage as he'll be one of the best nines in the world for years to come.

Prediction

Their first match against Argentina could turn out to be crucial as England look too strong for the French currently but definitely have a strong chance of qualifying second if they are to continue big tournament form.

Argentina

Another team that always seems to hit top form at a world cup, Argentina will be looking to replicate the Jaguares form in Super Rugby in which they reached the final. However, their last international win was a year ago which could pose an issue if meeting a top tier side in the group and if they were to qualify. Los Pumas have some noticeable omissions from their squad with the electric Santiago Cordero and Toulon flanker Facundo Isa. Cordero was nominated for Premiership player of the season and Isa is a dynamic unit who can hit hard and break the gainline. The Argentines will look towards their senior figures with the likes of Agustin Creevy and Juan Manuel Leguizamon to lead them and discipline their aggressive side.

Star Forward - Pablo Matera

A key link between the forwards and backs, Matera will be crucial in a Pumas attack that hasn't quite been firing on all cylinders. A back row with that blend of handling skill and strength that has become a standard to any top tier back row nowadays. His Super Rugby form shows the best of what he has got after finishing at the top of the carries and offload charts.

Star Back - Nicolas Sanchez

The fly half has been one of the best in the world over the past years with his superb goal kicking which will be vital to stay in touch with sides at RWC. This will be particularly important if they are to meet a big side in the knockout stages. Sanchez will be able to release a dangerous back three upon the opposition and create space for his big men to run off him.

Prediction

Just enough firepower to fend off France and qualify in second place in the group. Unfortunately I think that's where their luck may run out with a potential meeting with Australia or Wales.

England

After showing what they can do in their warm up games after a disappointing result of second in the 6 Nations, they are amongst the favourites. Eddie Jones is putting together one of the most exciting world cup squads in years. Players look like they are in the best shape they have ever been and playing some of their most dangerous rugby in this RWC cycle. Strength in depth is England's best quality which can be seen from players that have been left out of the squad. With match winners throughout the squad, England are no longer as dependent on certain players, However, we are yet to see them come back from a considerable deficit since their loss to Wales in the 6 Nations which saw them struggle with a plan B. That could present an issue against stronger sides later in the tournament but with Jones's fresh new tactics and ideas seen in the summer camp, he may have solved that issue.

Star Forward - Billy Vunipola

After showing great form in England's four warm - up games, the aim for Jones will be to keep the main man fit and firing. Vunipola is the only specialist no.8 in the squad with Mark Wilson as the potential back up if anything were to happen to him. He's such an important ball carrier for England and has the ability to draw in defenders and create holes. Vunipola has shown with Saracens that he is a big game players in European Cup finals which will be valuable experience to impart onto his young teammates.

Star Back - George Ford

Maybe an unconventional selection as he is unlikely to be starting if the Ford-Farrell axis isn't favoured. The Leicester Fly-Half is one of the big leaders in the camp and is always vocal. Ford is also an underrated player in the squad as he had a great season for Tigers but was over shadowed by the brilliance of Danny Cipriani. If god forbid something were to happen to main man Farrell, Ford will be a perfect replacement waiting in the wings which will be key if England are behind in matches as he can bring something different.

Prediction

One of the favourites. Can see them reaching at least the semi-finals if not the final on current form but a RWC environment can do funny things to a squad as seen before. However, they have a similar feel to the class of 2003 in how they maybe slightly underestimated by other due to past performances but have a very strong squad.