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RWC 2019 – COMPLETE – Pool B Preview

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POOL B FIXTURES
Sat, Sept 21 – New Zealand 23 v 13 South Africa – Nissan Stadium, Yokohama
Sun, Sept 22 – Italy 47 v 22 Namibia – Hanazono Stadium, Osaka
Thurs, Sept 26 – Italy 48 v 07 Canada – Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka
Sat, Sept 28 – South Africa 57 v 03 Namibia – Toyota Stadium, Toyota
Wed, Oct 2 – New Zealand vs Canada – Oita Stadium, Oita
Fri, Oct 4 – South Africa vs Italy – ECOPA Stadium, Shizuoka
Sun, Oct 6 – New Zealand vs Namibia – Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo
Tues, Oct 8 – South Africa vs Canada – Misaki Stadium, Kobe
Sat, Oct 12 – New Zealand vs Italy – Toyota Stadium, Toyota
Sun, Oct 13 – Namibia vs Canada – Unosumai Stadium, Kamaishi

The Canadians were the last to qualify for the tournament and have not been convincing in the in the build-up though they showed glimpses of quality against both Leinster and the USA. Their most important match is up first as they need to beat Italy to win automatic qualification for RWC 2023. On form that looks highly unlikely leaving the Namibia match their best chance at a first RWC victory since 2011.

    • Current Ranking: 22 (high 11, low 24)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 12-27-1
    • Qualified: Repechage Winners
    • World Cups: 8
    • Best Finish: Quarter Finals

Head Coach: Kingsley Jones (age 50, Wales, record 7-15-0) – The former Wales flanker retired from playing in 2004 and moved straight into coaching. He had mixed results with Sale, Russia, and the Dragons before being confirmed as Canada’s new coach in September 2017. Since then the team has qualified via the Repechage but also defeated by Russia, Brazil, and Uruguay.

Captain: Tyler Ardron (No8, age 28, 34 caps) – Canada’s most important player is also their captain. Since moving to Super Rugby two years ago he has lifted his game and is a dominant figure on both sides of the ball. After struggling with injury at RWC 2015, his is his chance to shine on the world’s biggest stage.

One to Watch: Andrew Coe (outside back, age 23, 11 caps) – The only member of the Canada Sevens core group included in the squad, many consider Coe to be best suited for the 15-a-side game. He can play outside center, wing, or fullback, though it’s not entirely clear where Jones sees his future. Seems to have all the skills to succeed at the highest level, but how much opportunity will he get to show them in Japan?

Notable Absentees: Canada had a full compliment of professional players to choose from first the first time ever thanks in large part to Major League Rugby. It meant that several players missed out on selection, including RWC 2015 lock Brett Beuekeboom, MLR scoring leader Brock Staller, and Repechage fullback Theo Sauder. Injuries ruled out Justin Blanchet (arm) and Connor Braid (shoulder) while also hampering the chances of two-time World Cup select Matt Evans.

Pool Prediction: 4th

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Hubert Buydens LH 1.91 122 Jan 4 1982 55 NOLA Gold
Djustice Sears-Duru LH 1.85 124 May 24 1994 49 Seattle Seawolves
Eric Howard HO 1.75 104 Sep 5 1993 23 NOLA Gold
Benoît Pifféro HO 1.83 109 May 21 1987 24 Blagnac (FR)
Andrew Quattrin HO 1.83 113 Aug 29 1996 3 Toronto Arrows
Jake Ilnicki TH 1.81 119 Feb 24 1992 36 Seattle Seawolves
Cole Keith TH 1.85 118 May 7 1997 14 Toronto Arrows
Matt Tierney TH 1.90 130 Jul 4 1996 20 Pau (FR)
Conor Keys LO 1.99 120 Jul 9 1996 16 Rotherham Titans (UK)
Josh Larsen LO 1.96 112 Apr 4 1994 12 Austin Elite
Evan Olmstead LO 1.98 118 Feb 21 1991 31 Newcastle Falcons (UK)
Mike Sheppard LO 1.93 116 Dec 20 1988 8 Toronto Arrows
Kyle Baillie FL 1.95 112 Apr 7 1991 28 NOLA Gold
Matt Heaton FL 1.88 102 Feb 9 1993 25 Darlington Mowden Park (UK)
Lucas Rumball FL 1.89 105 Aug 2 1995 32 Toronto Arrows
Tyler Ardron N8 1.96 114 Jun 16 1991 34 Chiefs (NZ)
Luke Campbell N8 1.90 110 Feb 10 1992 12 Toronto Arrows
Phil Mack SH 1.70 83 Sep 18 1985 57 Seattle Seawolves
Jamie Mackenzie SH 1.75 92 Feb 28 1989 19 Toronto Arrows
Gordon McRorie SH/FH 1.76 81 May 12 1988 43 Calgary Hornets
Peter Nelson FH/FB 1.80 87 Oct 5 1992 4 Ulster (UK)
Shane O’Leary FH 1.78 88 Dec 3 1993 13 Nottingham (UK)
Nick Blevins CE 1.88 99 Nov 11 1988 62 Calgary Hornets
Ciaran Hearn CE 1.90 100 Dec 30 1985 70 London Irish (UK)
Ben LeSage CE 1.84 98 Nov 241995 15 UBC Thunderbirds
Conor Trainor CE 1.90 102 May 12 1989 34 Nevers (FR)
Jeff Hassler WI 1.78 94 Aug 21 1991 24 Seattle Seawolves
Taylor Paris WI 1.85 93 Oct 6 1992 27 Castres (FR)
DTH van der Merwe WI 1.85 98 Apr 28 1986 58 Glasgow Warriors (UK)
Andrew Coe FB 1.88 94 Apr 8 1996 11 Markham Irish
Patrick Parfrey FB 1.86 95 Nov 1 1991 30 Toronto Arrows

Aside from assuring their place at RWC 2023, there doesn’t seem to be much on offer for the Azzurri. It’s highly unlikely that they can overturn New Zealand or South Africa – such a result would be an extraordinary result not far from Japan’s win in 2015. Wins in their first two matches against Namibia and Canada, the latter a short turnaround, are mandatory.

    • Current Ranking: 14 (high 8, low 15)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 7-35-0
    • Qualified: RWC 2015, 3rd Pool D
    • World Cups: 8 
    • Best Finish: Pool Stage

Head Coach: Conor O’Shea (age 48, Ireland, record 7-30-0) – Will he stay or will he go? There is real uncertainty in O’Shea’s future with the team regardless of the outcome in the tournament. Since joining in 2016 the results have been mixed but there is hope in the younger generation of players. Credible performances against South Africa and New Zealand would be a positive return under the circumstances.

Captain: Sergio Parisse (No8, age 36, 140 caps) – One of the world’s great players since his debut in 2002, he is expected to end his international career in Japan. Parisse will become just the third player in history to appear at five World Cups, joining former teammate Mauro Bergamasco and Samoan great Brian Lima.

One to Watch: Matteo Minozzi (outside back, age 23, 13 caps) – A serious knee injury layed the hot stepper low for several months but he is now fit and firing once again. Minozzi is equally at home as a wing or fullback and even played a couple times in the midfield recently. Italy are not blessed with great depth out wide but the future Wasps star is a class act.

Notable Absentees: Injury ruled out a handful of contenders including second row Marco Fuser (sports hernia), scrumhalf Marcello Violi (shoulder), and midfielder Tommaso Castello (broken leg). Leonardo Ghiraldini was named in the squad despite having not played since injuring his knee in the Six Nations.

Pool Prediction: 3rd

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Andrea Lovotti LH 1.83 111 Jul 28 1989 38 Zebre
Nicola Quaglio LH 1.83 115 Mar 9 1991 11 Benetton Treviso
Federico Zani LH 1.79 112 Apr 9 1989 11 Benetton Treviso
Luca Bigi HO 1.82 104 Apr 19 1991 21 Benetton Treviso
Oliviero Fabiani HO 1.80 98 Jul 13 1990 9 Zebre
Leonardo Ghiraldini HO 1.83 103 Dec 26 1984 104 Toulouse (FR)
Simone Ferrari TH 1.84 121 Mar 28 1994 26 Benetton Treviso
Tiziano Pasquali TH 1.80 117 Jul 14 1994 20 Benetton Treviso
Marco Riccioni TH 1.86 128 Oct 19 1997 4 Benetton Treviso
Dean Budd LO 1.96 108 Jul 31 1986 23 Benetton Treviso
Federico Ruzza LO 1.98 112 Aug 4 1994 14 Benetton Treviso
David Sisi LO 1.96 121 Feb 5 1993 7 Zebre
Alessandro Zanni LO 1.96 111 Jan 31 1984 115 Benetton Treviso
Maxime Mbandà FL 1.89 106 Apr 10 1993 18 Zebre
Sebastian Negri FL 1.96 112 Jun 30 1994 20 Benetton Treviso
Jake Polledri FL 1.90 108 Nov 8 1995 10 Gloucester (UK)
Braam Steyn FL/N8 1.93 110 May 2 1992 32 Benetton Treviso
Sergio Parisse N8 1.96 110 Sep 12 1983 140 Stade Français (FR)
Callum Braley SH 1.78 83 Mar 23 1994 3 Gloucester (UK)
Guglielmo Palazzani SH 1.73 83 Apr 11 1991 34 Zebre
Tito Tebaldi SH 1.79 88 Sep 23 1987 34 Benetton Treviso
Tommaso Allan FH 1.87 90 Apr 26 1993 51 Benetton Treviso
Carlo Canna FH 1.90 93 Aug 25 1992 36 Zebre
Tommaso Benvenuti CE 1.87 100 Dec 12 1990 59 Benetton Treviso
Michele Campagnaro CE 1.83 95 Mar 13 1993 44 Wasps (UK)
Luca Morisi CE 1.85 98 Feb 22 1991 27 Benetton Treviso
Mattia Bellini WI 1.93 101 Feb 8 1994 20 Zebre
Giulio Bisegni WI 1.82 92 Apr 4 1992 13 Zebre
Matteo Minozzi WI 1.75 84 Jun 4 1996 13 Zebre
Jayden Hayward FB 1.85 91 Aug 11 1987 20 Benetton Treviso
Edoardo Padovani FB 1.89 90 May 15 1993 23 Zebre

Despite being the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, qualification was routine with the rest of Africa languishing behind in development. Namibia’s own progress since RWC 2015 has been slowed by off-field troubles and a lack of competitive matches with only 24 tests during that time. Some controversial selection calls may have diminished their chances of a first-ever tournament win in their final match against Canada.

    • Current Ranking: 23 (high 18, low 29)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 16-8-0
    • Qualified: Africa 1
    • World Cups: 5
    • Best Finish: Pool Stage

Head Coach: Phil Davies (age 55, Wales, record 20-12-0) – This will be the second World Cup in charge for Davies, who was a late appointment in 2015 when Danie Vermeulen stood down. It’s hard to gauge his impact since and until the Namibian Union solves its own issues it’s hard to see what any coach could achieve given the lack of resources.

Captain: Johan Deysel (center, age 27, 24 caps) – One of the team’s most consistent performers, Deysel is now based in France after several years playing in South Africa – including limited Super Rugby action. He is able to play either midfield position and is a quality operator on both sides of the ball with mental toughness his best attribute. This will be his second World Cup.

One to Watch: Cliven Loubser (flyhalf, age 22, 15 caps) – It was a strange decision to select only one specialist flyhalf in the group, but perhaps that reflects the confidence that Davies has in Loubser. He is certainly a skilled operator. With a sharp pass but also the ability to step through the line, Loubser is a very capable goal kicker whose radar will be vital of Namibia are to come away with any success.

Notable Absentees: Davies claims this is the best squad available but that is very much up for debate. Uncapped Worcester lock Anton Bresler and Bulls outside back Divan Rossouw both opted out, while hugely experienced prop Casper Viviers, back row Renaldo Bothma, and fullback Chrysander Botha were controversially left out. Bothma captained the side in 2015 and was expected to be a key man again in 2019.

Pool Prediction: 5th

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
André Rademeyer LH 1.86 115 Jun 24 1998 4 Welwitschias
Desiderius Sethie LH/TH 1.76 118 Dec 9 1992 11 Welwitschias
Nelius Theron LH 1.88 127 Jan 29 1997 5 Leopards (SA)
Obert Nortjé HO 1.83 100 Apr 17 1997 15 Welwitschias
Louis van der Westhuizen HO 1.80 102 Feb 25 1995 19 Welwitschias
Torsten van Jaarsveld HO 1.76 106 Jun 30 1987 14 Bayonne (FR)
Aranos Coetzee TH 1.86 125 Mar 14 1988 21 Cheetahs (SA)
A.J. de Klerk TH 1.87 130 Dec 9 1991 28 Welwitschias
Johan Retief LO 1.94 112 Oct 10 1995 7 Leopards (SA)
Tjiuee Uanivi LO 2.01 114 Dec 31 1990 30 London Scottish (UK)
P.J.van Lill LO 1.93 116 Dec 4 1983 50 Bayonne (FR)
Wian Conradie FL 1.85 103 Oct 14 1994 17 Welwitschias
Thomasau Forbes FL 1.78 98 Oct 12 1988 17 Welwitschias
Prince Gaoseb FL 1.87 100 Jul 7 1998 2 Welwitschias
Max Katjijeko FL 1.96 97 Apr 8 1995 14 Welwitschias
Rohan Kitshoff FL 1.82 98 Sep 13 1985 44 Welwitschias
Adriaan Booysen N8 1.90 108 May 17 1996 5 Welwitschias
Janco Venter N8 1.95 109 Sep 19 1994 25 Jersey Reds (UK)
Eugene Jantjies SH/FH 1.79 90 Oct 8 1986 68 Welwitschias
T.C. Kisting SH/FB 1.73 80 Jan 13 1994 8 Baia Mare (RO)
Damian Stevens SH 1.65 72 Jun 2 1995 25 Boland (SA)
Cliven Loubser FH 1.78 85 Feb 24 1997 15 Welwitschias
Darryl de la Harpe CE 1.86 100 Oct 2 1986 49 Welwitschias
Johan Deysel CE 1.84 94 Sep 28 1991 24 Colomiers (FR)
Janry du Toit CE 1.78 90 Aug 26 1996 2 Welwitschias
Justin Newman CE 1.80 90 Feb 18 1995 14 Welwitschias
J.C. Greyling WI 1.87 92 Jun 21 1991 32 Welwitschias
Lesley Klim WI 1.88 95 Jan 16 1995 11 Ospreys (UK)
P.J. Walters WI 1.87 97 Apr 23 1993 – Welwitschias
Chad Plato FB 1.85 87 Apr 21 1998 2 Welwitschias
Johann Tromp FB 1.83 95 Dec 23 1990 40 Welwitschias

The two-time defending Webb Ellis Cup winners are favorites again but the odds are not as overwhelming as four years ago. South Africa are by far their greatest challenge in the pool stage and the odds-makers’ choice as their closest competitors for the title. Even without world class lock Brodie Retallick, who will miss most or all of the pool matches, this is a formidable outfit who have every chance of becoming the first team to win three World Cups in a row.

    • Current Ranking: 2 (high 1, low 3)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 39-6-2
    • Qualified: RWC 2015, 1st Pool C / Defending Champions
    • World Cups: 8
    • Best Finish: Champions (x3)

Head Coach: Steve Hansen (New Zealand, record 88-9-4) – New Zealand’s record with Hansen in charge is nothing short of remarkable. How much is up to his leadership and how much to the players is up for debate, but the results don’t lie. He has now played a major role in two World Cup wins and is expected to step down in November regardless of the outcome.

Captain: Kieran Read (No8, age 33, 122 caps) – Another all-time great who will retire from international rugby following the tournament. Read is surely their most important player with no obvious replacement at the back of the scrum. An assured character known more for his rugby mind than his athletic abilities.

One to Watch: Ardie Savea (back row, age 25, 39 caps) – A likely stand-in for Read when required, Savea can play across the back row but is a very different player than his captain. Like brother Julian, a RWC 2015 winner, Ardie is an exceptional athlete who looks ready to reach global stardom in Japan.

Notable Absentees: Undoubtedly the biggest loss injury-wise was mercurial fullback Damian McKenzie (knee), while flanker Luke Jacobson (concussion) was a late withdrawal after being named in the initial squad. Back row Liam Squire is now on standby after only recently making himself available, while tighthead prop Owen Franks and inside center Ngani Laumape were the biggest names left out by the selectors.

Pool Prediction: 1st

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Atunaisa Moli LH 1.88 127 Jun 12 1995 2 Chiefs
Joe Moody LH 1.88 122 Sep 18 1988 41 Crusaders
Ofa Tu’ungafasi LH 1.95 129 Apr 19 1992 30 Blues
Dane Coles HO 1.84 108 Dec 10 1986 64 Hurricanes
Liam Coltman HO 1.85 109 Jan 25 1990 6 Highlanders
Codie Taylor HO 1.83 111 Mar 31 1991 45 Crusaders
Nepo Laulala TH 1.84 116 Nov 6 1991 20 Chiefs
Angus Ta’avao TH 1.95 128 Mar 22 1990 8 Chiefs
Scott Barrett LO 1.98 117 Nov 20 1993 31 Crusaders
Brodie Retallick LO 2.04 121 May 31 1991 77 Chiefs
Patrick Tu’ipulotu LO 1.98 120 Jan 23 1993 25 Blues
Sam Whitelock LO 2.03 118 Oct 12 1988 112 Crusaders
Sam Cane FL 1.89 106 Jan 13 1992 63 Chiefs
Shannon Frizell FL 1.95 108 Nov 2 1994 5 Chiefs
Matt Todd FL 1.85 104 Mar 24 1988 21 Crusaders
Kieran Read N8 1.93 110 Oct 26 1985 122 Crusaders
Ardie Savea N8/FL 1.90 100 Oct 14 1993 39 Hurricanes
T.J.Perenara SH 1.83 94 Jan 23 1992 59 Hurricanes
Aaron Smith SH 1.70 82 Nov 21 1988 87 Highlanders
Brad Weber SH 1.72 75 Jan 17 1991 2 Chiefs
Beauden Barrett FH/FB  1.87 92 May 27 1991 78 Hurricanes
Richie Mo’unga FH 1.76 88 May 25 1994 12 Crusaders
Ryan Crotty CE 1.79 95 Sep 23 1988 45 Crusaders
Jack Goodhue CE 1.87 100 Jun 13 1995 9 Crusaders
Anton Lienert-Brown CE 1.85 96 Apr 15 1995 38 Chiefs
Sonny Bill Williams CE 1.93 108 Aug 3 1985 53 Blues
George Bridge WI 1.86 96 Apr 1 1995 5 Crusaders
Rieko Ioane WI 1.90 103 Mar 18 1997 26 Blues
Sevu Reece WI 1.79 87 Feb 13 1997 3 Crusaders
Jordie Barrett FB/CE 1.95 96 Feb 17 1997 12 Hurricanes
Ben Smith FB/WI 1.90 93 Jun 1 1986 80 Highlanders

The Springboks may be ranked 4th heading in but most pundits rate them as legitimate title contenders, with some picking them to win. Defeating the All Blacks in their tournament opener would go some ways to boosting their odds. The rest of the pool should pose little challenge for a team that won the Rugby Championship and has few weaknesses on paper.

    • Current Ranking: 4 (high 1, low 7)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 22-19-3
    • Qualified: RWC 2015, 1st Pool B
    • World Cups: 6
    • Best Finish: Champions (x2)

Head Coach: Rassie Erasmus (South Africa, record 11-7-1) – The former Springbok flanker is now settling in having dealt with the initial shock of South African politics. He looks to have the confidence of both the players and the public, a rare feat for the position. A World Cup title would cap an outstanding turnaround for a team that looked out of sorts midway through the cycle.

Captain: Siya Kolisi (flanker, age 28, 43 caps) – His return to the squad was delayed by injury but Kolisi is now ready to take his place in history as South Africa’s first black captain at a Rugby World Cup. There is no question of his quality, he balances a world-class loose forward trio along with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Duane Vermeulen.

One to Watch: Malcolm Marx (hooker, age 25, 27 caps) – Didn’t make the cut as a youngster in 2015 but has now proved himself among the world’s elite. A huge physical presence in the loose, if his set piece work is up to scratch there are none better at hooker. His form has been somewhat cool in recent months but this is now his time to shine.

Notable Absentees: Most of the top side has been available but some quality players who likely would have made the squad have missed out through injury. Back row Marcell Coetzee (ankle) is the most recent, with No8 specialist Warren Whiteley (knee) and versatile back Damian Willemse (knee) is now on standby with his recovery coming too late. Budding star winger Aphiwe Dyantyi was likely to miss out anyway with an injured hamstring, but his chances evaporated completely after failing an out-of-competition drug test.

Pool Prediction: 2nd

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Steven Kitshoff LH 1.83 125 Feb 10 1992 40 Stormers
Tendai Mtawarira LH 1.85 118 Aug 1 1985 111 Sharks
Schalk Brits HO 1.81 98 May 16 1981 13 Bulls
Malcolm Marx HO 1.88 114 Jul 13 1994 27 Lions
Bongi Mbonambi HO 1.76 102 Jan 7 1991 30 Stormers
Vincent Koch TH 1.85 118 Mar 13 1990 15 Saracens (UK)
Frans Malherbe TH 1.90 130 Mar 14 1991 32 Stormers
Trevor Nyakane TH 1.78 120 May 4 1989 41 Bulls
Lood de Jager LO 2.05 125 Dec 17 1992 40 Bulls
Eben Etzebeth LO 2.03 121 Oct 29 1991 79 Stormers
Franco Mostert LO 1.98 112 Nov 27 1990 32 Gloucester (UK)
R.G. Snyman LO 2.07 126 Jan 29 1995 16 Bulls
Pieter-Steph du Toit FL 2.00 116 Aug 20 1992 50 Stormers
Siya Kolisi FL 1.87 102 Jun 16 1991 43 Stormers
Francois Louw FL 1.90 109 Jun 15 1985 69 Bath (UK)
Kwagga Smith FL 1.81 94 Jun 11 1993 4 Lions
Duane Vermeulen N8 1.93 118 Jul 3 1986 49 Bulls
Faf de Klerk SH 1.70 80 Oct 19 1991 25 Sale Sharks (UK)
Herschel Jantjies SH 1.68 75 Apr 22 1996 4 Stormers
Cobus Reinach SH 1.75 87 Sep 27 1991 12 Northampton Saints (UK)
Elton Jantjies FH 1.76 88 Aug 1 1990 35 Lions
Handré Pollard FH 1.90 98 Mar 11 1994 42 Bulls
Lukhanyo Am CE 1.86 95 Nov 28 1993 9 Sharks
Damian de Allende CE 1.89 105 Nov 25 1991 40 Stormers
Jesse Kriel CE 1.86 98 Feb 15 1994 45 Bulls
Frans Steyn CE 1.91 107 May 14 1987 61 Montpellier (FR)
Cheslin Kolbe WI 1.70 80 Oct 28 1993 10 Toulouse (FR)
Makazole Mapimpi WI 1.84 90 Jun 26 1990 8 Sharks
Sibusiso Nkosi WI 1.82 98 Jan 21 1996 8 Sharks
Warrick Gelant FB 1.80 92 May 20 1995 7 Bulls
Willie le Roux FB 1.86 90 Aug 18 1989 56 Wasps (UK)

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