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RWC 2019 – COMPLETE – Pool C Preview

Half of the Americas representation at the Rugby World Cup is contained in Pool C where both Argentina and the USA are found. Many have labeled it the ‘Pool of Death’ with both England and France also in search of a Quarter Final spot and Tonga playing the potential spoiler role. England’s form mark them as clear favorites to top the pool but second place is up for grabs with Saturday’s match between Los Pumas and Les Bleus of critical importance.

POOL C FIXTURES
Sat, Sept 21 – France vs Argentina – Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo
Sun, Sept 22 – England vs Tonga – Sapporo Dome, Sapporo
Thurs, Sept 26 – England vs USA – Misaki Stadium, Kobe
Sat, Sept 28 – Argentina vs Tonga – Hanazono Stadium, Osaka
Wed, Oct 2 – France vs USA – Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka
Sat, Oct 5 – England vs Argentina – Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo
Sun, Oct 6 – France vs Tonga – Egao Kenko Stadium, Kumamoto
Wed, Oct 9 – Argentina vs USA – Rugby Stadium, Kumagaya
Sat, Oct 12 – England vs France – Nissan Stadium, Yokohama
Sun, Oct 13 – USA vs Tonga – Hanazono Stadium, Osaka

It has not been a smooth ride for Los Pumas since their Semi Final appearance four years ago. In fact it’s been quite the opposite with a very poor record shared between former coach Daniel Hourcade and current supremo Mario Ledesma. In the meantime the Jaguares have reached new height but Argentina’s European stars have been virtually ignored. It remains a topic of much debate and if the Pumas don’t reach the top four again, is certain to come up again during the debrief.

    • Current Ranking: 11 (high 3, low 12)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 8-33-0
    • Qualified: RWC 2015, 2nd Pool C
    • World Cups: 8 – Detailed History
    • Best Finish: Semi Finals

Head Coach: Mario Ledesma (age 46, Argentina, record 2-11-0) – ‘Super Mario’ made a swift transition from Forwards Coach of Australia to Head Coach of Los Jaguares and finally Head Coach of Los Pumas in the span of just a year. One of Argentina’s greatest front rowers, he was an appointment accompanied by much fanfare. The honeymoon is now over, however, and his methods and selection policy must now yield results.

Captain: Pablo Matera (flanker, age 26, 62 caps) – Now firmly established as Argentina’s best player and on-field leader, Matera is among the very best flankers in the world. He is a player who seems to have it all – size, strength, agility, and footballing skills. Pumas fans are hoping his second World Cup is as fruitful as his first.

One to Watch: Emiliano Boffelli (fullback, age 24, 25 caps) – Has overtaken Joaquín Tuculet as Argentina’s first choice at the back. Since his debut in 2017 he has been one of the first names on the team sheet. Still just 24, he has the talent to be one of the best in the tournament. Brave under the high ball, a dangerous runner in space, and able to return fire from the boot with interest.

Notable Absentees: There was no shortage of surprise when the squad was announced. First choice scrumhalf Gonzalo Bertranou was deemed short of full fitness after recently recovering from a shoulder injury, while veteran Martín Landajo was simply unwanted. The same can be said for three of Argentina’s most prominent exports – No8 Facundo Isa and wing duo Juan Imhoff and Santiago Cordero, both of whom had been starters at RWC 2015.

Pool Prediction: 2nd

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro LH 1.88 121 Jun 11 1989 54 Jaguares
Mayco Vivas LH 1.86 121 Jun 2 1998 4 Jaguares
Agustín Creevy HO 1.81 110 Mar 15 1985 85 Jaguares
Julián Montoya HO 1.84 108 Oct 29 1993 55 Jaguares
Santiago Socino HO 1.87 114 May 7 1992 2 Jaguares
Juan Figallo TH 1.90 119 Mar 25 1988 30 Saracens (UK)
Santiago Medrano TH 1.86 115 May 6 1996 14 Jaguares
Enrique Pieretto TH 1.89 120 Dec 14 1994 23 Jaguares
Matías Alemanno LO 1.99 117 Dec 5 1991 57 Jaguares
Tomás Lavanini LO 2.01 125 Mar 22 1993 53 Jaguares
Guido Petti LO 1.94 110 Nov 17 1994 49 Jaguares
Marcos Kremer FL/LO 1.96 115 Jul 30 1997 24 Jaguares
Juan Manuel Leguizamón FL 1.90 105 Jun 6 1983 86 Jaguares
Tomás Lezana FL 1.88 103 Feb 16 1994 34 Jaguares
Pablo Matera FL 1.93 110 Jul 18 1993 62 Jaguares
Rodrigo Bruni N8 1.89 109 Sep 3 1993 3 Jaguares
 Javier Ortega Desio N8 1.93 108 Jun 14 1990 54 Jaguares
Tomás Cubelli SH 1.76 81 Dec 6 1989 72 Jaguares
Felipe Ezcurra SH 1.79 88 Apr 15 1993 5 Jaguares
Nicolás Sánchez FH 1.78 85 Oct 26 1988 77 Jaguares
Benjamín Urdapilleta FH 1.76 84 Mar 11 1986 12 Castres (FR)
Jerónimo de la Fuente CE 1.84 97 Feb 24 1991 50 Jaguares
Juan Cruz Mallía CE/FB 1.82 88 Sep 11 1996 4 Jaguares
Lucas Mensa CE 1.83 95 May 24 1996 1 Pucará
Matías Moroni CE 1.85 91 Mar 29 1991 43 Jaguares
Matías Orlando CE 1.83 96 Nov 14 1991 41 Jaguares
Santiago Carreras WI 1.83 87 Mar 30 1998 1 Jaguares
Bautista Delguy WI 1.82 84 Apr 22 1997 11 Jaguares
Ramiro Moyano WI 1.80 86 May 28 1990 34 Jaguares
Emiliano Boffelli FB 1.91 91 Jan 16 1995 25 Jaguares
Joaquín Tuculet FB 1.83 92 Aug 8 1989 55 Jaguares

Second best in the Six Nations but the top team in the Northern Hemisphere according to the odds makers. England boast strength in depth and also versatility. They can change their tactical approach to suit the conditions or even as the game progresses. They are gambling slightly with two players – prop Mako Vunipola and winger Jack Nowell – still recovering from injury but otherwise this is their best chance at a title since their 2003 triumph.

    • Current Ranking: 3 (high 1, low 8)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 34-9-1
    • Qualified: RWC 2015, 3rd Pool A
    • World Cups: 8 – Detailed History
    • Best Finish: Champions

Head Coach: Eddie Jones (age 59, Australia, record 34-9-1) – The mad professor seems to thrive in the spotlight. Four years after leading Japan to their greatest ever win over South Africa, Jones will have a bigger goal in mind this time. Of course he has already participated in a World Cup-winning campaign having been a technical adviser for the Springboks in 2007.

Captain: Owen Farrell (flyhalf, age 27, 73 caps) – Son of Andy, soon-to-be Head Coach of Ireland and formerly of England. Farrell has rugby running through his veins and is very much the on-field general for the side. Not the most creative attacker but an excellent defender and tactician.

One to Watch: Jamie George (hooker, age 28, 40 caps) – A starter for the Lions two years ago but this will be his first real go at the World Cup having appeared in only one match in 2015. With Dylan Hartley out of the running, the ball is firmly in George’s court to prove he is among the world’s elite.

Notable Absentees: It now looks certain that the international career of injured hooker Dylan Hartley (knee) is over, a rather sad end just three matches short of a century and with no World Cup appearances since 2011. Others of his class – former skipper Chris Robshaw, scrumhalf Danny Care, and fullback Mike Brown – have been left out along with polarizing flyhalf Danny Cipriani.

Pool Prediction: 1st

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Ellis Genge LH 1.85 117 Feb 16 1995 12 Leicester Tigers
Joe Marler LH 1.83 120 Jul 7 1990 62 Harlequins
Mako Vunipola LH 1.80 122 Jan 13 1991 54 Saracens
Luke Cowan-Dickie HO 1.84 110 Jun 20 1993 15 Exeter Chiefs
Jamie George HO 1.83 112 Oct 20 1990 40 Saracens
Jack Singleton HO 1.80 108 May 14 1996 2 Worcester Warriors
Dan Cole TH 1.90 123 May 9 1987 89 Leicester Tigers
Kyle Sinckler TH 1.79 115 Mar 30 1993 28 Harlequins
Maro Itoje LO 1.95 116 Oct 28 1994 29 Saracens
George Kruis LO 1.98 118 Feb 22 1990 35 Saracens
Joe Launchbury LO 1.98 124 Apr 12 1991 61 Wasps
Courtney Lawes LO/FL 2.01 115 Feb 23 1989 75 Northampton Saints
Tom Curry FL 1.85 106 Jun 15 1998 13 Sale Sharks
Lewis Ludlam FL 1.90 108 Dec 8 1996 2 Northampton Saints
Sam Underhill FL 1.83 103 Jul 22 1996 10 Bath
Mark Wilson FL 1.91 112 Oct 6 1989 15 Newcastle Falcons
Billy Vunipola N8 1.88 130 Nov 3 1992 45 Saracens
Willi Heinz SH 1.79 89 Nov 24 1986 4 Gloucester
Ben Youngs SH 1.78 90 Sep 5 1989 89 Leicester Tigers
Owen Farrell FH 1.88 96 Sep 24 1991 73 Saracens
George Ford FH 1.75 84 Mar 16 1993 59 Leicester Tigers
Piers Francis CE 1.84 92 Jun 20 1990 8 Northampton Saints
Jonathan Joseph CE 1.83 91 May 21 1991 42 Bath
Henry Slade CE 1.89 98 Mar 19 1993 22 Exeter Chiefs
Manu Tuilagi CE 1.83 114 May 18 1991 35 Leicester Tigers
Joe Cokanasiga WI 1.93 116 Nov 15 1997 8 Bath
Jonny May WI 1.89 90 Apr 1 1990 47 Leicester Tigers
Ruaridh McConnochie WI 1.90 95 Oct 23 1991 1 Bath
Jack Nowell WI 1.81 98 Apr 11 1993 33 Exeter Chiefs
Elliot Daly FB 1.84 94 Oct 8 1992 33 Wasps
Anthony Watson FB 1.88 95 Feb 26 1994 36 Bath

One never knows what to expect from Les Bleus. In that they are magnificently consistent. One week they can obliterate Scotland on French soil, the next they flop in Edinburgh.

At their best they play with a joie de vivre that few can live with. Their Quarter Final hopes almost certainly depend on victory over Los Pumas on Saturday.

    • Current Ranking: 8 (high 2, low 10)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 14-25-1
    • Qualified: RWC 2015, 2nd Pool D
    • World Cups: 8 – Detailed History
    • Best Finish: Finalists

Head Coach: Jacques Brunel (age 65, France, record 7-12-0) – A bizarre and unexpected appointment after the swift dismissal of Guy Novès ahead of the 2018 Six Nations. Brunel has not inspired much confidence and won’t be around after the tournament with Fabien Galthié set to take over. Indeed Galthié is already an assistant and there are suggestions that it is he, rather than Brunel, who is largely running the show behind the scenes.

Captain: Guilhem Guirado (hooker, age 33, 70 caps) – This looks likely to be the last hurrah for Guirado in test rugby, with two much younger understudies at the tournament and a coaching staff that seems ready to move on. At his best he remains an inspirational figure. Third-choice in 2011, this is his second World Cup as the starter.

One to Watch: Gaël Fickou (center, age 25, 48 caps) – Appeared in two games in 2015. This is now Fickou’s time to make the jump from almost-there to bona fide star. Since arriving in test rugby as a teenager he has shown glimpses of brilliance but inconsistent selection has seen him moved around into different positions. Fickou has the ability to set the French backs on fire.

Notable Absentees: Injury hasn’t played a major part in selection aside from unfortunate scrumhalf Morgan Parra (ankle). Powerhouse center Mathieu Bastareaud was left out of the group in June, as was winger Teddy Thomas. Missing the final cut were prop Dany Priso and second row Félix Lambey, the latter the most surprising omission.

Pool Prediction: 3rd

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Cyril Baille LH 1.82 115 Sep 25 1993 13 Toulouse
Jefferson Poirot LH 1.82 118 Nov 1 1992 29 Bordeaux Bègles
Camille Chat HO 1.78 104 Dec 18 1995 22 Racing 92
Guilhem Guirado HO 1.83 106 Jun 17 1986 70 Toulon
Peato Mauvaka HO 1.84 113 Jan 10 1997 1 Toulouse
Demba Bamba TH 1.85 122 Mar 17 1998 6 Brive
Emerick Setiano TH 1.83 116 Jul 19 1996 3 Toulon
Rabah Slimani TH 1.78 119 Oct 18 1989 53 Clermont Auvergne
Paul Gabrillagues LO 1.99 119 Jun 3 1993 13 Stade Français
Arthur Iturria LO/FL 1.98 110 May 13 1994 13 Clermont Auvergne
Bernard le Roux LO/FL 1.96 113 Jun 4 1989 32 Racing 92
Sébastien Vaha’amahina LO 2.03 122 Oct 21 1991 42 Clermont Auvergne
Yacouba Camara FL 1.95 111 Jun 2 1994 15 Montpellier
Wenceslas Lauret FL 1.88 104 Mar 28 1989 24 Racing 92
Charles Ollivon FL 1.99 114 May 11 1993 8 Toulon
Grégory Alldritt N8 1.91 113 Mar 23 1997 7 La Rochelle
Louis Picamoles N8 1.92 118 Feb 5 1986 79 Montpellier
Antoine Dupont SH 1.74 86 Nov 15 1996 17 Toulouse
Maxime Machenaud SH 1.73 83 Dec 30 1988 36 Racing 92
Baptiste Serin SH 1.80 82 Jun 20 1994 30 Bordeaux Bègles
Camille Lopez FH 1.75 88 Apr 3 1989 24 Clermont Auvergne
Romain Ntamack FH 1.87 86 May 1 1999 8 Toulouse
Gaël Fickou CE 1.90 97 Mar 26 1994 48 Stade Français
Wesley Fofana CE 1.82 94 Jan 20 1988 48 Clermont Auvergne
Sofiane Guitoune CE 1.86 96 Mar 27 1989 7 Toulouse
Virimi Vakatawa CE/WI 1.85 103 May 1 1992 18 Racing 92
Yoann Huget WI 1.91 96 Jun 2 1987 59 Toulouse
Damian Penaud WI 1.88 95 Sep 25 1996 13 Clermont Auvergne
Alivereti Raka WI 1.84 98 Dec 9 1994 2 Clermont Auvergne
Maxime Médard FB 1.80 88 Nov 16 1986 59 Toulouse
Thomas Ramos FB 1.78 87 Aug 23 1995 7 Toulouse

Could another famous upset be on the card? The Ikale Tahi stunned France in 2011 but a similar result looks unlikely in 2019. Tonga have had the least amount of competitive fixtures since the last tournament, an indictment of World Rugby. They can cause problems but there is a lack of genuine class in the team.

    • Current Ranking: 15 (high 9, low 20)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 8-13-0
    • Qualified: Oceania 2
    • World Cups: 7 – Detailed History
    • Best Finish: Pool Stage

Head Coach: Toutai Kefu (age 45, Tonga, record 8-13-0) – The former Wallabies great has taken the helm of his birth country through the entire World Cup cycle. He seems to be doing a reasonable job having guided the side to victory over Samoa in the qualifiers. Holding him back is a lack of resources that continues to hamper not only Pacific Nations but all Tier 2 and below sides.

Captain: Siale Piutau (center, age 33, 39 caps) – Now entering his third World Cup, the older brother of former All Blacks fullback Charles has been a staple in the side since making his debut in 2011. He is equally comfortable in either midfield spot and a quality player but now entering the twilight of his professional career.

One to Watch: Telusa Veainu (fullback, age 28, 9 caps) – One of the outstanding attacking players in the English Premiership, Veainu has managed only five tests for Tonga since 2015 between injury and club commitments. He is truly a game-changer and has the ability to create something out of nothing. Expect some highlight-reel counter-attacking from their best back.

Notable Absentees: It’s the same old story for Tonga, sadly, as several eligible players have not made themselves available for the tournament. Among them are Clermont Auvergne prop Loni Uhila, Cardiff Blues center Willis Halaholo, and Sunwolves winger Hosea Saumaki. Another winger, Daniel Kilioni, appears to be an injury absentee though it remains unconfirmed.

Pool Prediction: 5th

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
Vunipola Fifita LH 1.80 120 Feb 28 1996 2 Brumbies (AU)
Siegfried Fisi’ihoi LH 1.84 125 Jun 8 1987 9 Stade Français (FR)
Latu Talakai LH 1.85 135 Dec 26 1989 6 Eastwood (AU)
Siua Maile HO 1.81 111 Feb 18 1997 1 Shirley (NZ)
Paula Ngauamo HO 1.82 113 Feb 19 1990 19 Agen (FR)
Sefo Sakalia HO 1.83 105 Dec 14 1991 10 Asia Pacific Dragons (SG)
Ma’afu Fia TH 1.78 124 Nov 22 1989 6 Ospreys (UK)
Siua Halanukonuka TH 1.86 120 Aug 9 1986 11 Glasgow Warriors (UK)
Ben Tameifuna TH 1.84 153 Aug 30 1991 11 Racing 92 (FR)
Leva Fifita LO 1.95 118 Jul 29 1989 15 Grenoble (FR)
Sam Lousi LO 1.99 122 Jul 20 1991 4 Hurricanes (NZ)
Steve Mafi LO 2.01 116 Dec 9 1989 32 Castres (FR)
Dan Faleafa FL/LO 1.96 115 Feb 13 1989 22 Coventry (UK)
Sione Kalamafoni FL 1.93 121 Aug 14 1988 33 Leicester Tigers (UK)
Zane Kapeli FL 1.89 103 Sep 28 1992 6 Bay of Plenty (NZ)
Fotu Lokotui FL 1.90 108 Mar 19 1992 12 Kagifa Samoa (WS)
Nasi Manu N8 1.90 110 Aug 15 1988 3 Benetton Treviso (IT)
Ma’ama Vaipulu N8 1.90 112 Jul 21 1987 8 Castres (FR)
Sami Fisilau SH 1.83 105 Nov 29 1987 19 Auckland Marist (NZ)
Leon Fukofuka SH 1.85 98 Sep 8 1994 7 Kagifa Samoa (WS)
Tane Takulua SH 1.76 96 Nov 1 1991 34 Newcastle Falcons (UK)
James Faiva FH 1.82 95 Jun 13 1994 5 El Salvador (SP)
Kurt Morath FH 1.83 92 Nov 13 1984 37 Doncaster Knights (UK)
Mali Hingano CE 1.80 95 Jan 27 1992 4 Stade Français (FR)
Siale Piutau CE 1.85 98 Oct 13 1985 39 Bristol Bears (UK)
Cooper Vuna CE 1.82 108 Jul 5 1987 13 Bath (UK)
Viliami Lolohea WI 1.81 93 Apr 7 1993 9 Papatoetoe (NZ)
Afa Pakalani WI 1.83 90 Aug 2 1989 10 Eastwood (AU)
Nafi Tu’itavake WI 1.80 97 Jan 21 1989 13 Northampton Saints (UK)
David Halaifonua FB 1.88 104 Jul 5 1987 33 Coventry (UK)
Telusa Veainu FB 1.80 90 Dec 26 1990 9 Leicester Tigers (UK)

Two seasons of Major League Rugby has proved a major boost to the Eagles, who now boast a fully professional side for the first time at a World Cup. Another first saw them earning the Americas 1 spot ahead of Canada. As such expectations are high, though perhaps muted given the difficulty of the pool. A Quarter Final spot is highly unlikely but there is an outside chance at felling a big name and possibly finishing third in the pool.

    • Current Ranking: 13 (high 12, low 20)
    • Test Record 2016-Present: 24-11-1
    • Qualified: Americas 1
    • World Cups: 7 – Detailed History
    • Best Finish: Pool Stage

Head Coach: Gary Gold (age 52, South Africa, record 15-3-0) – Has undoubtedly benefited from having a greater pool of players to choose from but has also clearly made a difference to the side since coming on board ahead of the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship. This is his second World Cup campaign, having been an assistant with the Springboks in 2011. Gold has the confidence of the players and is focusing on performance rather than results heading into the tournament.

Captain: Blaine Scully (wing, age 31, 50 caps) – Set to return to the USA after six seasons in Europe with Leicester and Cardiff Blues, Scully is the most-capped and most experienced player in the squad who commands respect. Not the fastest winger but rarely makes mistakes and his strength under the high ball in an asset.

One to Watch: AJ MacGinty (flyhalf, age 29, 24 caps) – An obvious choice but his value to the team is immense. Has proven himself against Europe’s best and if the Eagles are to win a famous upset, it will be MacGinty who makes the difference. Suffered a worrying ankle injury in the Pacific Nations Cup but is on track to play in the opener against England.

Notable Absentees: The big man – Samu Manoa – announced his sudden retirement from test rugby in June, a year after outstanding back row Andrew Durutalo did the same. Versatile back Dylan Audsley (ankle) is injured while San Diego teammate Ryan Matyas and Utah’s Gannon Moore, both outside backs, just missed the cut.

Pool Prediction: 4th

Complete Roster

NAME POS HGT WGT DOB CAPS CLUB
David Ainu’u LH 1.80 118 Nov 20 1999 8 Toulouse (FR)
Eric Fry LH 1.93 120 Sep 14 1987 45 Vannes (FR)
Olive Kilifi LH/TH 1.80 124 Sep 18 1986 27 Seattle Seawolves
Dylan Fawsitt HO 1.83 106 Jul 24 1990 12 Rugby United New York
James Hilterbrand HO 1.84 104 May 21 1989 19 Manly Marlins (AU)
Joe Taufete’e HO 1.84 125 Apr 10 1992 23 Worcester Warriors (UK)
Titi Lamositele TH 1.80 127 Feb 11 1995 28 Saracens (UK)
Paul Mullen TH 1.82 122 Nov 6 1991 14 Houston SaberCats
Nate Brakeley LO 1.96 118 Aug 31 1989 21 Rugby United New York
Nick Civetta LO 2.03 115 Nov 5 1989 23 Doncaster Knights (UK)
Ben Landry LO 1.98 123 Mar 26 1991 22 Ealing Trailfinders (UK)
Greg Peterson LO 2.04 126 Mar 26 1991 26 Bordeaux Bègles (FR)
Hanco Germishuys FL 1.86 105 Aug 24 1996 17 Glendale Raptors
Tony Lamborn FL 1.85 105 Jul 31 1991 19 Melbourne Rebels (AU)
Ben Pinkelman FL 1.93 99 Jun 13 1994 2 USA Sevens
John Quill FL 1.88 106 Mar 10 1990 36 Rugby United New York
Malon Al-Jiboori N8 1.91 107 Aug 1 1997 5 Glendale Raptors
Cam Dolan N8 1.99 112 Mar 7 1990 47 NOLA Gold
Nate Augspurger SH 1.71 81 Jan 31 1990 24 San Diego Legion
Shaun Davies SH 1.73 83 Jun 20 1989 25 Glendale Raptors
Ruben de Haas SH 1.83 88 Oct 9 1998 13 Free State Cheetahs (SA)
A.J. MacGinty FH 1.85 91 Feb 26 1990 24 Sale Sharks (UK)
Will Magie FH 1.85 87 Feb 23 1992 25 Glendale Raptors
Marcel Brache CE 1.91 94 Oct 15 1987 19 Western Force (AU)
Bryce Campbell CE 1.86 107 Sep 21 1994 28 London Irish (UK)
Paul Lasike CE 1.80 113 Jun 18 1990 16 Harlequins (UK)
Thretton Palamo CE 1.91 116 Sep 22 1988 18 Houston SaberCats
Martin Iosefo WI 1.85 98 Jan 13 1990 6 USA Sevens
Blaine Scully WI 1.90 100 Feb 29 1988 50 Cardiff Blues (UK)
Mike Te’o WI 1.75 93 Jul 23 1993 24 San Diego Legion
Will Hooley FB 1.85 89 Nov 28 1993 12 Bedford Blues (UK)

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