Rugby World Cup 2011

Rugby World Cup 2011 Pools
Stephen Jones, rugby correspondent for The Times and The Sunday Times' gives his verdict below on the Rugby World Cup 2011 pools.  

POOL A    New Zealand | France | Tonga | Canada | Japan
No prizes for identifying the top two contenders here. France, currently the reigning Grand Slam champions of Europe, may fancy their chances of taking New Zealand in the pool. Tonga were outstanding in Rugby World Cup 2007 and would appear to be the main challengers to New Zealand and France – especially if they can get enough training time together for a squad which is scattered in professional Rugby all over the world. Canada will attempt to provide nuisance value.

POOL B    Argentina | England | Scotland | Georgia | Play Off Winner
One of the most difficult pools of all, with an emotional repeat of the Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland a feature. But in addition, the improvement of Georgia suggests that they will not provide easy opposition. However, the key to this pool surely lies with Argentina, so brilliant in France 2007. If England fail to get themselves together and if Argentina can successfully replace some of their recently-retired greats, then Argentina could thrive again.

POOL C    Australia | Ireland | Italy | Russia | USA
The game between Russia and the USA could not be better for those charged with marketing this Tournament, and if Italy can find some half-backs then they could have a major say. Ireland are an ageing side at present, so there is no doubt that Australia will begin the Tournament as favourites to progress. They appear to have the best crop of young players in the world game.

POOL D    South Africa | Wales | Fiji | Samoa | Namibia
Again, there is a superb match in the undercard of this pool,with Fiji squaring off against Samoa, their Pacific neighbours. Wales will be aiming to lay to rest the ghosts of Rugby World Cup 2007, and the world wonders if South Africa’s veteran players can get through another Tournament to defend the Trophy they won in France 2007. Namibia face something of a nightmare programme in this pool.


See the Rugby World Cup 2011 match schedule