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RWC 2019 – COMPLETE – Pool A Preview

POOL A FIXTURES/RESULTS

    • Fri, Sept 20 – Japan 30 v 10 Russia – Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo
    • Sun, Sept 22 – Ireland 27 v 03 Scotland – Nissan Stadium, Yokohama
    • Tues, Sept 24 – Russia 09 v 34 Samoa – Rugby Stadium, Kumagaya
    • Sat, Sept 28 – Japan 19 v 12 Ireland – ECOPA Stadium, Shizuoka
    • Mon, Sept 30 – Scotland vs Samoa – Misaki Stadium, Kobe
    • Thurs, Oct 3 – Ireland vs Russia – Misaki Stadium, Kobe
    • Sat, Oct 5 – Japan vs Samoa – Toyota Stadium, Toyota
    • Wed, Oct 9 – Scotland vs Russia – ECOPA Stadium, Shizuoka
    • Sat, Oct 12 – Ireland vs Samoa – Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka
    • Sun, Oct 13 – Japan vs Scotland – Nissan Stadium, Yokohama

Did Ireland peak a year too early? That’s the question many are pondering. Their form has cooled since overturning New Zealand in Dublin last November, and the side is battling injuries within the camp having already lost two forwards earlier this year. Look for them to push through to the Quarter Finals but it won’t be entirely smooth sailing.

    • Current Ranking: 1 (high 1, low 9)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 32-11-1
    • Qualified: RWC 2015, 1st Pool D
    • World Cups: 8
    • Best Finish: Quarter Finals

Head Coach: Joe Schmidt (age 54, New Zealand, record 52-18-1) – A shrewd tactician who will leave the team following the tournament. He has led Ireland to historic highs and is among the most highly-regarded coaches in the world. The immediate task is to navigate the pool stage, then guide the team to their first ever World Cup Semi Final.

Captain: Rory Best (hooker, age 37, 120 caps) – One of his country’s best ever at his position, he will hang up the boots in November. Inspirational as a leader but no longer quite at the height of his powers. Accuracy at the set piece will be his number one priority.

One to Watch: James Ryan (lock, age 23, 19 caps) – Destined to be among Ireland’s greats after an incredible start to his young career. Critical to success in the lineout but it’s his tireless work rate around the pitch that stands him apart. Expected to be among the best in his position at his first World Cup.

Notable Absentees: Two potentially first choice flankers were ruled out earlier this year in Dan Leavy (knee) and Sean O’Brien (hip). Flying winger Simon Zebo has effectively been exiled since moving to France, while towering lock Devin Toner was surprisingly left out of the squad in favor of newly-qualified Jean Kleyn.

Pool Prediction: 1st

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Cian Healy LH 1.85 114 Oct 7 1987 91 Leinster
David Kilcoyne LH 1.83 113 Dec 14 1988 31 Munster
Rory Best HO 1.80 206 Aug 15 1982 120 Ulster
Sean Cronin HO 1.81 105 May 6 1986 70 Leinster
Niall Scannell HO 1.85 111 Apr 8 1992 16 Munster
Tadhg Furlong TH 1.84 126 Nov 14 1992 36 Leinster
Andrew Porter TH 1.83 122 Jan 16 1996 18 Leinster
John Ryan TH 1.83 120 Aug 2 1988 20 Munster
Tadhg Beirne LO/FL 1.98 113 Jan 8 1992 8 Munster
Iain Henderson LO 1.99 118 Feb 21 1992 48 Ulster
Jean Kleyn LO 2.03 121 Aug 26 1993 3 Munster
James Ryan LO 2.03 113 Jul 24 1996 19 Leinster
Peter O’Mahony FL 1.91 107 Sep 18 1989 59 Munster
Rhys Ruddock FL 1.91 111 Nov 13 1990 23 Leinster
Josh van der Flier FL 1.85 104 Apr 25 1993 19 Leinster
Jack Conan N8 1.93 111 Jul 29 1992 16 Leinster
C.J. Stander N8 1.85 114 Apr 5 1990 33 Munster
Luke McGrath SH 1.75 82 Jan 5 1992 14 Leinster
Conor Murray SH 1.88 94 Apr 20 1989 74 Munster
Joey Carbery FH 1.83 86 Nov 1 1995 19 Munster
Jack Carty FH 1.81 91 Aug 31 1992 7 Connacht
Jonathan Sexton FH 1.88 92 Jul 11 1985 84 Leinster
Bundee Aki CE 1.82 101 Apr 7 1990 20 Connacht
Chris Farrell CE 1.95 110 Mar 16 1993 7 Munster
Robbie Henshaw CE 1.91 103 Jun 12 1993 39 Leinster
Garry Ringrose CE 1.87 95 Jan 26 1995 23 Leinster
Andrew Conway WI 1.80 89 Jul 11 1991 15 Munster
Keith Earls WI 1.77 87 Oct 2 1987 78 Munster
Jacob Stockdale WI 1.91 103 Apr 3 1996 21 Ulster
Rob Kearney FB 1.85 95 Mar 26 1986 92 Leinster
Jordan Larmour FB 1.78 91 Jun 10 1997 16 Leinster

As tournament hosts, the Brave Blossoms have considerable expectation on their shoulders. Building on their remarkable success of RWC 2015 is the task, with the explicit goal of reaching the Quarter Finals for the first time. After winning the Pacific Nations Cup in impressive fashion, a win over Scotland in the final match of the pool stage looks very achievable.

    • Current Ranking: 10 (high 9, low 20)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 18-12-1
    • Qualified: RWC 2015, 3rd Pool B / Hosts
    • World Cups: 8 
    • Best Finish: Pool Stage

Head Coach: Jamie Joseph (age 49, New Zealand, record 13-10-1) – The former All Black flanker led the Highlanders to their first ever Super Rugby title in 2015 before joining Japan the following year. Not all of his selections have been met with applause, with some of the best young Japanese talent left out entirely of the tournament’s build-up. His coaching methods, however, look to have the team well positioned to cause another big upset in the pool stage.

Captain: Michael Leitch (flanker, age 30, 63 caps) – A New Zealander by birth but he has now spent half his life in Japan, making his Brave Blossoms debut more than a decade ago. Leitch spent three seasons with the Chiefs in Super Rugby before switching to the Sunwolves. His calming presence is as important as his overall ability.

One to Watch: Kenki Fukuoka (wing, age 27, 33 caps) – Could well emerge as the face of the tournament in the pool stage. Fukuoka is a brilliant attacker with his searing pace and finishing ability. Though still just 27, this could be his last run with the Brave Blossoms as a career in medicine beckons – though he may stick around long enough to play in next year’s Olympic games.

Notable Absentees: Japan have been spared any major injuries though probable uncapped second row selection Grant Hattingh (groin) dropped out of contention in July. A handful of RWC 2015 veterans still playing did not make the grade – among them tighthead prop Hiroshi Yamashita, midfielder Harumichi Tatekawa, and winger Akihito Yamada.

Pool Prediction: 2nd

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Keita Inagaki LH 1.86 116 Jun 2 1990 29 Panasonic Wild Knights
Isileli Nakajima LH 1.86 120 Jul 9 1989 3 Kobelco Steelers
Shota Horie HO 1.80 105 Jan 21 1986 61 Sunwolves
Takuya Kitade HO 1.80 102 Sep 14  1992 1 Suntory Sungoliath
Atsushi Sakate HO 1.80 104 Jun 21 1993 17 Sunwolves
Yusuke Kizu TH 1.78 113 Dec 2 1995 3 Toyota Verblitz
Ji-Won Koo TH 1.84 122 Jul 20 1994 8 Sunwolves
Asaeli Valu TH 1.87 115 May 7 1989 9 Sunwolves
Uwe Helu LO 1.93 113 Jul 12 1990 14 Sunwolves
James Moore LO 1.95 110 Jun 11 1993 3 Sunwolves
Luke Thompson LO 1.96 110 Apr 16 1981 66 Sunwolves
Wimpie van der Walt LO 1.88 106 Jan 6 1989 12 NTT Red Hurricanes
Lappies Labuschagne FL 1.89 105 Jan 11 1989 3 Kubota Spears
Michael Leitch FL 1.90 110 Oct 7 1988 63 Toshiba Brave Lupus
Yoshitaka Tokunaga FL 1.85 100 Apr 10 1992 12 Sunwolves
Hendrik Tui FL 1.89 108 Dec 13 1987 44 Sunwolves
Kazuki Himeno N8 1.87 108 Jul 27 1994 12 Toyota Verblitz
Amanaki Mafi N8 1.89 112 Jan 11 1990 25 Sunwolves
Yutaka Nagare SH 1.66 73 Sep 4 1992 19 Suntory Sungoliath
Kaito Shigeno SH 1.70 75 Nov 21 1990 10 Sunwolves
Fumiaki Tanaka SH 1.66 72 Jan 3 1985 70 Sunwolves
Rikiya Matsuda FH 1.81 92 May 3 1994 20 Sunwolves
Yu Tamura FH 1.81 91 Jan 9 1989 57 Sunwolves
Timothy Lafaele CE 1.86 98 Aug 19 1991 18 Coca-Cola Red Sparks
Ryoto Nakamura CE 1.78 95 Jun 3 1991 19 Suntory Sungoliath
Will Tupou CE 1.90 104 Jul 20 1990 10 Coca-Cola Red Sparks
Kenki Fukuoka WI 1.75 83 Sep 7 1992 33 Panasonic Wild Knights
Lomano Lemeki WI 1.79 95 Jan 20 1989 11 Honda Heat
Ata’ata Moeakiola WI 1.85 114 Feb 6 1996 4 Chiefs (NZ)
Kotaro Matsushima FB 1.75 88 Feb 26 1993 34 Suntory Sungoliath
Ryohei Yamanaka FB 1.88 95 Jun 22 1988 13 Sunwolves

One of the last teams to qualify and certainly the most fortunate. The Bears were not in a position to make their second World Cup until the Rugby Europe eligibility scandal resulted in the effective expulsions of Spain and Romania. Their loss is Russia’s gain, but expectations are low given their sub-par performance in the build-up.

    • Current Ranking: 20 (high 16, low 26)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 19-18-0
    • Qualified: Europe 1
    • World Cups: 1
    • Best Finish: Pool Stage

Head Coach: Lyn Jones (age 55, Wales, record 4-6-0) – Since leaving the Ospreys a decade ago the former Wales flanker has coached London Welsh, the Dragons, and Welwitschias – Namibia’s domestic representative side. He joined Russia in August of last year and has pieced together a team in transition with some younger players and others in the twilight of their careers.

Captain: Vasili Artemyev (fullback, age 32, 89 caps) – One of those reaching the end is their classy fullback, who has previously spent time in the Leinster academy and at Northampton Saints. Not quite as rapid as he once was but he is an intelligent footballer who rarely makes mistakes. Artemyev started all four games for Russia in their only previous World Cup appearance in 2011.

One to Watch: Tagir Gadzhiev (flanker, age 25, 30 caps) – The powerful blindside has become a fixture in the Russian pack. Don’t expect much subtlety Gadzhiev, he delights in winning big collisions. That comes as no surprise given he hails from Dagestan – a world-renowned stable for wrestlers – and is a former mixed martial arts practitioner who only turned to rugby at age 18.

Notable Absentees: Another side virtually free of significant injury. The biggest names absent are the old guard whose international careers are now likely finished – tighthead prop Innokenty Zykov, No8 Anton Rudoi, midfielder Sergei Trishin, and utility back Mikhail Babaev.

Pool Prediction: 5th

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Valeri Morozov LH 1.90 115 Sep 21 1994 18 Sale Sharks (UK)
Andrei Polivalov LH 1.85 109 Aug 9 1986 27 VVA
Sergei Chernyshev HO 1.80 105 May 13 1988 12 Slava
Evgeny Matveev HO 1.87 105 Apr 15 1985 59 VVA
Stanislav Selskiy HO 1.80 105 Sep 2 1991 35 Enisei STM
Azamat Bitiev TH 1.82 112 Dec 9 1989 20 Krasny Yar
Kirill Gotovtsev TH 1.87 118 Jul 17 1987 4 Krasny Yar
Vladimir Podrezov TH 1.85 117 Jan 27 1994 26 VVA
Evgeny Elgin LO 1.90 114 Mar 10 1987 25 Enisei STM
Bogdan Fedotko LO 2.00 107 Sep 22 1994 20 Krasny Yar
Andrei Garbuzov LO 1.93 110 Aug 7 1983 95 Krasny Yar
Andrei Ostrikov LO 1.99 116 Jul 2 1987 33 Sale Sharks (UK)
Tagir Gadzhiev FL 1.90 108 Mar 29 1994 30 Kuban
Roman Khodin FL 1.91 104 Jun 9 1993 5 Kuban
Anton Sychev FL 1.82 100 Feb 5 1994 15 Metallurg
Vitali Zhivatov FL 1.86 98 Feb 16 1992 10 VVA
Viktor Gresev N8 1.86 107 Mar 31 1986 105 Krasny Yar
Nikita Vavilin N8 1.88 105 May 13 1994 10 Slava
Vasili Dorofeev SH 1.76 81 Aug 6 1990 23 Krasny Yar
Dmitri Perov SH 1.77 83 Nov 18 1984 11 VVA
Ramil Gaisin FH/SH 1.78 81 Jul 26 1991 46 Enisei STM
Yuri Kushnarev FH 1.82 95 Jun 6 1985 111 Krasny Yar
Sergei Yanyushkin FH 1.75 85 Nov 16 1986 19 Lokomotivi
Igor Galinovski CE 1.80 92 Nov 8 1985 51 Krasny Yar
Dmitri Gerasimov CE 1.85 100 Apr 16 1988 65 Enisei STM
Kirill Golosnitskiy CE 1.85 105 May 30 1994 10 Krasny Yar
Vladimir Ostroushko CE 1.84 98 Sep 30 1986 47 Kuban
German Davydov WI 1.86 102 Mar 10 1994 18 VVA
Denis Simplikevich WI 1.95 110 Mar 11 1991 28 Enisei STM
Vladislav Sozonov WI 1.85 82 Oct 9 1993 9 VVA
Vasili Artemiev FB 1.80 89 Jul 24 1987 89 Krasny Yar

Samoa have traditionally been a handful at World Cups with late arrivals with ancestral links boosting their odds. This time around the group are not as convincing and while a couple players have jumped on-board, still others have disappointingly opted out. That said, they are always capable of an upset on their day and their competitive showing against Australia gave a glimmer of hope to their fans.

    • Current Ranking: 16 (high 7, low 17)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 6-17-1
    • Qualified: Play-Off Winners
    • World Cups: 7
    • Best Finish: Quarter Finals

Head Coach: Steve Jackson (age 46, New Zealand, record 2-5-0) – The most recent coaching appointment of any side at the World Cup, Jackson took over from local favorite Titi Tafua in late September of last year. He was previously a Forwards Coach with the Blues, with his only professional Head Coach role a two-season stint with North Harbour. Jackson played second row for four provincial sides and represented the New Zealand Māori in 2002.

Captain: Jack Lam (flanker, age 31, 35 caps) – Boasting experience both at Super Rugby and the English Premiership, the Samoan captain is known as an all-rounder who can compete at the breakdown and link with the backs. He has had his ups and downs in form over the past couple years but looks to be in a good spot after recovering from a recent injury. Having played largely at No8 for Bristol, he should start on the openside for Samoa.

One to Watch: Kane Leaupepe (lock, age 26, 6 caps) – A relatively newcomer to the side, the big second row has played his best rugby over the last two years and forced his way into a Super Rugby contract with the Hurricanes. He has now cemented his place in the first choice side and is the team’s primary lineout target. A good tournament could see his stock rise even further in Wellington.

Notable Absentees: There is a fair old list of players who could have turned out for Samoa in the tournament but have chosen not to for various reasons. Long-time second row Joe Tekori ‘retired’ to stay with Toulouse, while Premiership signings Jordan Taufua and Melani Nanai preferred to get a head start with their new clubs. Queensland Reds scrumhalf Scott Malolua (shoulder) was an injury casualty in the match against Australia.

Pool Prediction: 4th

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Jordan Lay LH 1.85 115 Nov 5 1992 16 Bristol Bears (UK)
Logovi’i Mulipola LH 1.92 130 Mar 11 1987 30 Newcastle Falcons (UK)
Seilala Lam HO 1.83 110 Feb 18 1989 13 Perpignan (FR)
Motu Matu’u HO 1.84 111 Apr 30 1987 21 London Irish (UK)
Ray Niuia HO 1.76 110 Jun 19 1991 4 Highlanders (NZ)
Michael Ala’alatoa TH 1.90 132 Aug 28 1991 1 Crusaders (NZ)
Paul Alo-Emile TH 1.80 129 Dec 22 1991 13 Stade Français (FR)
James Lay TH 1.80 118 Dec 16 1993 10 Bristol Bears (UK)
Kane Leaupepe LO 2.01 118 Dec 3 1992 6 Hurricanes (NZ)
Filo Paulo LO 2.01 124 Nov 6 1987 34 London Irish (UK)
Senio Toleafoa LO 1.97 125 Aug 26 1993 2 Nevers (FR)
Chris Vui LO/FL 1.98 118 Feb 11 1993 14 Bristol Bears (UK)
Piula Fa’asalele FL 1.96 120 Jan 22 1988 18 Toulouse (FR)
T.J. Ioane FL 1.82 104 Sep 8 1988 21 London Irish (UK)
Jack Lam FL 1.88 106 Nov 18 1987 35 Bristol Bears (UK)
Afa Amosa N8 1.87 113 Oct 11 1990 3 Bordeaux Bègles (FR)
Josh Tyrell N8 1.94 116 Oct 16 1990 7 Doncaster Knights
Pele Cowley SH 1.74 86 Apr 16 1993 12 Ponsonby (NZ)
Melani Matavao SH 1.71 74 Nov 19 1995 9 Asia Pacific Dragons (SG)
Dwayne Polataivao SH 1.75 92 Jul 30 1990 13 Doncaster Knights (UK)
A.J. Alatimu FH 1.77 100 Mar 25 1993 5 Western Force (AU)
Tusi Pisi FH/CE 1.81 95 Jun 18 1982 38 Bristol Bears (UK)
Ulupano Seuteni FH 1.85 100 Dec 9 1993 2 Bordeaux Bègles (FR)
Kieron Fonotia CE 1.85 108 Feb 2 1988 9 Scarlets (UK)
Reynold Lee-Lo CE 1.80 98 Feb 20 1986 25 Cardiff Blues (UK)
Henry Taefu CE 1.83 101 Apr 2 1993 3 Western Force (AU)
Ed Fidow WI 1.88 97 Sep 11 1993 8 Provence (FR)
Alapati Leiua WI 1.83 102 Sep 21 1988 28 Bristol Bears (UK)
Belgium Tuatagaloa WI 1.87 102 Sep 19 1989 3 RoVal Drôme (FR)
Tim Nanai-Williams FB 1.80 90 Jun 12 1989 12 Clermont Auvergne (FR)
Ahsee Tuala FB 1.91 103 Oct 23 1989 20 Northampton Saints (UK)

It’s hard to say what version of Scotland we’ll see in Japan. While they have produced some quality results over the past couple years, their squad heading in looks anything but settled with injuries and variation in selection both playing their part. At their best they could topple Ireland, but similarly a loss to Japan or Samoa is also a possibility. Their status as knock-out contenders is precarious with the Brave Blossoms hot on their trail.

    • Current Ranking: 7 (high 5, low 12)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 24-17-1
    • Qualified: RWC 2015, 2nd Pool B
    • World Cups: 8
    • Best Finish: Semi Finals

Head Coach: Gregor Townsend (age 46, Scotland, record 15-11-1) – A First Five of high regard for Scotland and the Lions, Townsend was earmarked for the Head Coach role since hanging up his boots in 2007. After five years of success with the Glasgow Warriors he took over the Scotland job in May 2017. He has a reputation as a visionary, but the test arena has not proved as fruitful as club rugby just yet.

Captain: Stuart McInally (hooker, age 29, 29 caps) – Formerly a back row forward, it took several years before he was able to move ahead of his mentor at club and country Ross Ford. Having held off the challenge of Fraser Brown for the starting role, McInally was perhaps a surprise choice to lead the side in Japan given the presence of the more experienced Greig Laidlaw and John Barclay, not to mention stalwarts Jonny Gray and Finn Russell.

One to Watch: Darcy Graham (wing, age 22, 7 caps) – Not assured a starting place with Sean Maitland and Tommy Seymour also traveling, but Graham is certainly capable of sneaking his way in. His speed and outstanding footwork have some marking him as a future Lion. Despite his relatively small stature he is very difficult to bring down in a one-on-one situation.

Notable Absentees: The most significant injury to the team was the loss of Sam Skinner (hamstring), who was likely to feature in the first choice 23 as lock or blindside cover. 2013 Lions lock Richie Gray opted out after the recent birth of his son. Omissions in Townsend’s squad included No8 Josh Strauss and midfield pair Huw Jones and Rory Hutchinson.

Pool Prediction: 3rd

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Allan Dell LH 1.85 108 Mar 16 1992 25 Edinburgh
Gordon Reid LH 1.88 120 Mar 4 1987 37 London Irish
Fraser Brown HO 1.83 108 Jun 20 1989 42 Glasgow Warriors
Stuart McInally HO 1.90 108 Aug 9 1990 29 Edinburgh
George Turner HO 1.81 105 Oct 8 1992 8 Glasgow Warriors
Simon Berghan TH 1.91 128 Jul 12 1990 22 Edinburgh
Zander Fagerson TH 1.88 127 Jan 19 1996 22 Glasgow Warriors
W.P. Nel TH 1.82 120 Apr 30 1986 31 Edinburgh
Scott Cummings LO 2.00 116 Dec 3 1996 4 Glasgow Warriors
Grant Gilchrist LO 2.03 120 Aug 9 1990 36 Edinburgh
Jonny Gray LO 1.98 119 Mar 14 1994 52 Glasgow Warriors
Ben Toolis LO 2.01 118 Mar 31 1992 21 Edinburgh
John Barclay FL 1.90 105 Sep 24 1986 74 Edinburgh
Jamie Ritchie FL 1.93 105 Aug 16 1996 12 Edinburgh
Hamish Watson FL 1.83 101 Oct 15 1991 27 Edinburgh
Blade Thomson N8 1.98 107 Dec 4 1990 2 Scarlets
Ryan Wilson N8 1.93 106 May 18 1989 45 Glasgow Warriors
George Horne SH 1.74 80 May 12 1995 7 Glasgow Warriors
Greig Laidlaw SH 1.73 79 Oct 12 1985 73 Clermont Auvergne (FR)
Ali Price SH 1.78 86 May 12 1993 27 Glasgow Warriors
Adam Hastings FH 1.89 91 Oct 4 1996 14 Glasgow Warriors
Peter Horne FH/CE 1.83 93 Oct 5 1989 43 Glasgow Warriors
Finn Russell FH 1.83 91 May 12 1993 46 Racing 92 (FR)
Chris Harris CE 1.89 105 Dec 28 1990 10 Newcastle Falcons
Sam Johnson CE 1.85 95 Jun 19 1993 6 Glasgow Warriors
Duncan Taylor CE 1.90 98 Sep 5 1989 23 Saracens
Darcy Graham WI 1.76 85 Aug 31 1997 7 Edinburgh
Sean Maitland WI 1.89 99 Sep 14 1988 42 Saracens
Tommy Seymour WI 1.83 95 Jul 1 1988 52 Glasgow Warriors
Stuart Hogg FB 1.80 93 Jun 24 1992 69 Glasgow Warriors
Blair Kinghorn FB 1.95 102 Jan 18 1997 15 Edinburgh

 


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