JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
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RUGBY
Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP
JAPAN
20 SEPTEMBER–2 NOVEMBER 2019
oliverlee.co.nz
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RUGBY2019
CONTENTS
6 RTOURNAMENT
UGBY WORLD CUP 2019:
30 TGetEAM PREVIEWS: POOL B
REVIEW to grips with the teams from
A preview of the upcoming South Africa and Italy.
33 TSeeEAM
tournament and the factors likely
PREVIEWS: POOL B RUGBY WORLD CUP 1987.
to predict success.
9 AKIERAN
MANAGING EDITOR: how Namibia and Canada have
Oliver Lee LL BLACKS CAPTAIN: been preparing for the tournament.
34 TBoth
READ
EDITOR: From humble beginnings to All Blacks EAM PREVIEWS: POOL C
Peter White captain at the Rugby World Cup. England and France have the
10 RFacts
Webb Ellis Cup in their sights.
37 TAssess
SUB-EDITOR: UGBY WORLD CUP VENUES
Elise McDowell and figures on the 12 stadiums EAM PREVIEWS: POOL C
where 48 Rugby World Cup games the Rugby World Cup
PAGINATION: will be played. fortunes of the teams from
12 FWillACTS
HNZL Limited Argentina and the USA.
AND FIGURES
COVER:
ONTIME Associates
this year’s Rugby World Cup
improve on any of these statistics? 38 TA EAM PREVIEWS: POOL C
preview of how the Tongan team
17 AWeLLprofile
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011.
BLACKS PROFILES is tracking.
39 TAreEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY:
photosport.nz the 31 All Blacks PREVIEWS: POOL D
Getty Images selected to play for New Zealand Australia likely to reach the
at Rugby World Cup 2019.
23 TA EAM
@World Rugby Rugby World Cup final?
PRINTER:
Ovato Auckland
PREVIEWS: POOL A
preview of the teams from Ireland 41 THave
EAM PREVIEWS: POOL D
a look at the teams from
and Scotland.
24 AGetLLready
Wales and Georgia.
42 TEAM PREVIEWS: POOL D
PUBLISHER: BLACKS POSTER
to support the All Blacks Fiji and Uruguay round-off the
for Rugby World Cup 2019.
26 TGetEAM
team previews.
44 R2019
Box 331-667, Takapuna, PREVIEWS: POOL A UGBY WORLD CUP: RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015.
Auckland 0740, to know the teams from Japan MATCH SCHEDULE
and Russia.
28 TA EAM
New Zealand Your complete timetable to the
T: 09 486 6966 PREVIEWS: POOL A 48 Rugby World Cup games.
46 KRUGBY
E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz look at Samoa’s squad and
NOW A LOT ABOUT
W: oliverlee.co.nz build-up to the tournament.
29 THowEAMare PREVIEWS:
WORLD CUPS?
POOL B Take this quiz and see if your
the All Blacks looking ahead knowledge of tournaments past
of the Rugby World Cup? is up-to-scratch.
NOTE: The TAB odds quoted throughout the magazine were correct on 4 September 2019.
ISSN 2463-7041 (Print) COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed
ISSN 2463-705X (Online) in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy,
no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine. WINNER 2019?
RUGBY WORLD CUP
the All Blacks managed to beat France 8–7 in the final to earn
their second title.
SET TO SPARKLE
Four years ago in England, the All Blacks were far more
dominant and thoroughly deserved their 34–17 victory over
Australia in the final to claim title number three.
IN JAPAN Now attention falls on Japan. The 2019 Rugby World Cup is likely
to be the most difficult of all the tournaments since 1987 to
by PETER WHITE pick a winner.
Gone is the dominance of the All Blacks. Ireland, South Africa
When organisers put together the hastily and Australia have all enjoyed victories over the world
arranged opening ceremony for the 1987 champions in recent seasons. If a changing of the guard has
happened in world rugby, it may be as much psychological as
Rugby World Cup held in Auckland, no one anything else.
could have envisaged just how quickly the The days when teams used to nervously front the All Blacks
tournament would take hold. traditional pre-game haka are long gone.
If the weather is kind in Japan at the knock-out stages, then
Now we are awaiting the ninth version of Rugby World Cup, the ability to score points from long-range counter attacks
which is being held in Japan over a seven-week period and will may well be the key factor in who wins this Rugby World Cup.
attract the most coverage of a global sporting event behind the
summer Olympics and the Football World Cup. The All Blacks have trialled playing champion first-five and
2016 and 2017 World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett
New Zealand won that first event in 1987 after defeating France
at fullback with this very factor in mind.
in the final but any thoughts the All Blacks would have a mortgage
on winning the golden Webb Ellis Cup were quickly dispelled. In Richie Mo’unga they have a younger first-five with an arsenal
of world-class skills, so they can afford to make the switch.
Australia (1991 and 1999) and South Africa (1995 and 2007) have
won two tournaments each with England triumphant in Australia The introduction of new wingers George Bridge and Sevu
in 2003. Reece against Australia in Auckland last month, at the expense
of Rieko Ioane and Ben Smith who are both wonderful players,
The pressure was ramped up on the perennial world number-
was to generate more explosive speed.
one team when Rugby World Cup returned to New Zealand in
2011. In what could hardly be called a convincing performance, “You need gas out wide,” as so famously said by former All Black
Earle Kirton, and he is right. With top-class forward packs
generally having parity at set pieces, it is the ability of teams to
score tries from anywhere that wins matches.
Playing Barrett and Mo’unga also gives the All Blacks two world-
class goal-kickers on the pitch together, a luxury none of the
other top six teams are likely to have. In such a closely contested
tournament the importance of kicking goals is paramount.
If not the All Blacks, then who wins? The TAB has England and
South Africa as second-equal favourites, while Ireland, Wales
and Australia fill the remaining top six positions.
That is probably about right on form over the last 12 months.
Fans of Six Nations’ powerhouses Wales, Ireland and England
certainly have reason to believe that a Northern Hemisphere
team may finally break the All Blacks’ winning sequence.
What is certain is that Japan will run the most well-organised
sporting event in living memory.
The impact on the growing sport of rugby in the country will be
immense with the positive increase in playing numbers likely to
be seen for many years to come.
It should be an unforgettable experience ahead.
RICHIE McCAW holds aloft the Webb Ellis Cup after the 2015 final.
6
www.rugbyworldcup.com
Driving the All Blacks for 25 years. ford.co.nz The Driving Force behind the All Blacks.
OUR No.8 WILL ALWAYS BE No.1 When it comes to team players, Kieran Read is up there with the best. Whether he’s wearing the legendary black jersey or his Plumbing World T-shirt, he always gives 110%. So before you head off, Kieran, we just want to say thanks - we’re super proud of you. From your other team in black.
FROM HUMBLE
So it was no easy task for a man like Read
who at first was uneasy in the glare of
BEGINNINGS
television cameras. But he has blossom-
ed into a clear, precise speaker and one
who can be relied on to give honest
EMERGED A reactions in his post-match interviews.
Read is also not one to shy away from
GREAT LEADER important issues. He has used his status
to support important causes such as
men’s mental health.
Kieran Read wants to finish On his Facebook page he posted a message
his All Blacks career on a that has been shared widely to help en-
courage men to open up about issues they
high. by PETER WHITE may be going through.
Kieran Read will lead the All Blacks in Japan “If only men weren’t so reluctant to talk
in pursuit of a record third-consecutive to a good mate or family when they’re
Rugby World Cup title. going through tough times. We certainly
need to out on the paddock when things
The 33-year-old No 8 typifies everything
aren’t going so well, so the same rules
New Zealanders like about their sports
should apply off the field. C’mon men
stars – being uncompromising, fearless,
let’s start talking when times get tough.”
humble, respectful of others and with
good family values. Getting the balance right in life has
always been a mark of the great All Blacks
Read grew up in the small town of Drury leaders. Read has that with a close-knit
in the Counties Manukau area, attending family including wife Bridget, daughters
Opaheke Primary School and Rosehill Elle and Eden, and son Reuben.
College. His sporting excellence at cricket
and rugby attracted St Kentigern College It is fair to say he represents what it
to offer him a scholarship but after one means to be an All Black in the modern
year he came home to finish his school- era – dominant and uncompromising on
ing as Head Boy at Rosehill College. the field but modest and compassionate
off it.
Read was a top-class young cricketer
with a natural skill and delight in scoring Read will retire from international rugby
runs. He represented Northern Districts IERAN READ aims to captain the All Blacks
K after the Rugby World Cup and take up a
at age-group level and New Zealand at to Rugby World Cup glory in Japan. one-year contract in Japan with Toyota
under-17 level. Verblitz.
But as he grew taller and stronger the If he leads New Zealand to a third success-
the pressure cauldron that will be the ive title, there can be no more deserving
national rugby selectors came calling. Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
He made New Zealand Schools and after way to sign-off on a wonderful career.
a life-changing move to Christchurch he Dealing with pressure is something
was selected for New Zealand Under-19, Read has successfully taken head-on
throughout his career.
KIERAN JAMES READ
New Zealand Under-21 and the Junior
All Blacks. He had one of the most daunting tasks AGE: 33
assigned to him when he was appointed BORN: 26 October 1985 in Papakura, Auckland
His Canterbury debut came in 2006
to follow the great McCaw as All Blacks
and two years later he was an All Black
captain. PHYSICAL: 1.93m, 111kg
aged 23.
There have been some outstanding SCHOOLING:
Now 121 test matches later, the unassum- Opaheke Primary School, Rosehill College
leaders of the men in black over history,
ing but totally focused loose forward is
with names like Wilson Whineray, Brian
the third most capped All Black in history ALL BLACKS NUMBER: 1083
Lochore, Ian Kirkpatrick, Graham Mourie
behind Richie McCaw (148) and Keven
and Sean Fitzpatrick to the fore. McCaw ALL BLACKS DEBUT:
Mealamu (132). November 8, 2008, v Scotland at Edinburgh
stands beside any of them in terms of
There is absolutely no doubt he is the on-field leadership, team success and
TESTS PLAYED: 121
ideal player to lead the All Blacks into public profile.
9
WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 VENUES
Twelve venues across Japan will be hosting Rugby World Cup 2019 matches.
#1 #2 #3 #4
KUMAMOTO STADIUM FUKUOKA OITA STADIUM KOBE MISAKI STADIUM
HAKATANOMORI STADIUM
LOCATION: Kumamoto City LOCATION: Oita Prefecture LOCATION: Kobe City
CAPACITY: 30,228 LOCATION: Fukuoka City CAPACITY: 40,000 CAPACITY: 30,132
COMPLETED: August 1998 CAPACITY: 21,562 COMPLETED: March 2001 COMPLETED: 2001
COMPLETED: 1995 POOL MATCH: Wednesday October 2
All Blacks v Canada
#12 12
Sapporo
City
#12 #5
SAPPORO DOME #10 HANAZONO RUGBY
Kumagaya 11 #11 STADIUM
LOCATION: Sapporo City City
#4 Kamaishi
City LOCATION: Higashi-Osaka City
CAPACITY: 41,410 Kobe City
COMPLETED: May 26, 2001 #8 CAPACITY: 24,000
Toyota City
10
COMPLETED: 1929
9
#2 8
7 #9
Fukuoka 6 Tokyo
City 4
5
2
3 #6 #7
#11
1 Shizuoka Yokohama
Prefecture City
KAMAISHI RECOVERY #3
#6
MEMORIAL STADIUM Oita SHIZUOKA STADIUM ECOPA
LOCATION: Kamaishi City #1 Prefecture #5 LOCATION: Shizuoka Prefecture
Kumamoto Higashi-
CAPACITY: 16,334 City Osaka City CAPACITY: 50,889
COMPLETED: 2018 COMPLETED: March 2001
#10 #9 #8 #7
KUMAGAYA TOKYO STADIUM CITY OF TOYOTA STADIUM INTERNATIONAL STADIUM
RUGBY STADIUM LOCATION: Tokyo LOCATION: Toyota City LOCATION: Yokohama City
LOCATION: Kumagaya City CAPACITY: 49,970 CAPACITY: 45,000 CAPACITY: 72,327
CAPACITY: 25,600 COMPLETED: October 2000 COMPLETED: June 2001 COMPLETED: October 1997
COMPLETED: 1991 POOL MATCH: Sunday October 6 POOL MATCH: Saturday October 12 POOL MATCH: Saturday September 21
All Blacks v Namibia All Blacks v Italy All Blacks v South Africa
10
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Richie McCaw (New Zealand) 225
FACTS AND FIGURES Schalk Burger (South Africa) 209
Thierry Dusautoir (France) 188
The 2019 tournament in Japan is the ninth Victor Matfield (South Africa) 136
Rugby World Cup held and the first time Taulupe Faletau (Wales) 134
it is being held in Asia. Here you will find
some interesting statistics on the Rugby HIGHEST POINT SCORERS
World Cup, compiled by Peter White. Jonny Wilkinson (England) 277
Gavin Hastings (Scotland) 227
RUGBY WORLD CUP WINNERS
YEAR FINAL BRONZE FINAL Michael Lynagh (Australia) 195
1987 New Zealand (29) v France (9) Wales (22) v Australia (21) Daniel Carter (New Zealand) 191
1991 Australia (12) v England (6) New Zealand (13) v Scotland (6) Grant Fox (New Zealand) 170
1995 South Africa (15) v New Zealand (12) France (19) v England (9) Andrew Mehrtens (New Zealand) 163
1999 Australia (35) v France (12) South Africa (22) v New Zealand (18)
MOST TRIES SCORED
2003 England (20) v Australia (17) New Zealand (40) v France (13)
Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) 15
2007 South Africa (15) v England (6) Argentina (34) v France (10)
Bryan Habana (South Africa) 15
2011 New Zealand (8) v France (7) Australia (21) v Wales (18)
Drew Mitchell (Australia) 14
2015 New Zealand (34) v Australia (17) South Africa (24) v Argentina (13)
Doug Howlett (New Zealand) 13
RYAN HABANA holds the joint record of tries scored at
B Adam Ashley-Cooper (Australia) 11
Rugby World Cups.
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BAK ER IE
I
IESSMOST POINTS SCORED IN A MATCH
Simon Culhane (New Zealand) 45 against Japan in 1995
Gavin Hastings (Scotland) 44 against Ivory Coast in 1995
Mat Rogers (Australia) 42 against Namibia in 2003
Tony Brown (New Zealand) 36 against Italy in 1999
Paul Grayson (England) 36 against Tonga in 1999
MOST TRIES IN A MATCH
Marc Ellis (New Zealand) 6 against Japan in 1995
Chris Latham (Australia) 5 against Namibia in 2003
Josh Lewsey (England) 5 against Uruguay in 2003
John Gallagher (New Zealand) 4 against Fiji in 1987
Craig Green (New Zealand) 4 against Fiji in 1987
POINTS SCORED OVERALL TRIES SCORED OVERALL
New Zealand 2,302 New Zealand 311
Australia 1,645 Australia 209
France 1,487 France 171
England 1,379 England 147
South Africa 1,250 South Africa 141
JONAH LOMU in action in the 1995 Rugby World Cup holds
the joint record of tries scored at Rugby World Cups.We’ve got all the biggest fans covered
ALL BLACKS PLAYER PROFILES
The All Blacks squad to play in the 2019 Rugby World Cup was named on Wednesday, 28 August 2019. Profiles for the
31 players selected are featured below. All statistics were correct as at 28 August 2019. For more up-to-date information
on the All Blacks, visit www.allblacks.com
NOTE: # DENOTES EACH PLAYER’S ALL BLACK NUMBER
KIERAN READ #1083 TJ PERENARA #1132
CAPTAIN
BACKS
Place of Birth: PAPAKURA, AUCKLAND Place of Birth: PORIRUA
Date of Birth: 26 OCTOBER 1985 Date of Birth: 23 JANUARY 1992
Age: 33 Age: 27
Height: 1.93m Height: 1.84m
Weight: 111kg Weight: 94kg
Position: LOOSE FORWARD Position: HALFBACK
Province: CANTERBURY, COUNTIES MANUKAU Province: WELLINGTON
Super Rugby: CRUSADERS Super Rugby: HURRICANES
Test Debut: v SCOTLAND in EDINBURGH, Test Debut: v ENGLAND in AUCKLAND,
8 NOVEMBER 2008 7 JUNE 2014
All Black Tests: 121 All Black Test Points: 125 All Black Tests: 58 All Black Test Points: 55
AARON SMITH #1112 BRAD WEBER #1140
Place of Birth: PALMERSTON NORTH Place of Birth: NAPIER
Date of Birth: 21 NOVEMBER 1988 Date of Birth: 17 JANUARY 1991
Age: 30 Age: 28
Height: 1.71m Height: 1.72m
Weight: 84kg Weight: 75kg
Position: HALFBACK Position: HALFBACK
Province: MANAWATU Province: WAIKATO, HAWKE’S BAY
Super Rugby: HIGHLANDERS Super Rugby: CHIEFS
Test Debut: v IRELAND in AUCKLAND, Test Debut: v SAMOA in APIA,
9 JUNE 2012 8 JULY 2015
All Black Tests: 86 All Black Test Points: 87 All Black Tests: 2 All Black Test Points: 0
BEAUDEN BARRETT #1115 RICHARD MO’UNGA #1167
Place of Birth: NEW PLYMOUTH Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH
Date of Birth: 27 MAY 1991 Date of Birth: 25 MAY 1994
Age: 28 Age: 25
Height: 1.87m Height: 1.76m
Weight: 91kg Weight: 83kg
Position: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH/FULLBACK Position: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH
Province: TARANAKI Province: CANTERBURY
Super Rugby: HURRICANES Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
Test Debut: v IRELAND in HAMILTON, Test Debut: v FRANCE in DUNEDIN,
23 JUNE 2012 23 JUNE 2018
All Black Tests: 77 All Black Test Points: 617 All Black Tests: 12 All Black Test Points: 78
RYAN CROTTY #1124 JACK GOODHUE #1165
Place of Birth: NELSON Place of Birth: WHANGAREI
Date of Birth: 23 SEPTEMBER 1988 Date of Birth: 13 JUNE 1995
Age: 30 Age: 24
Height: 1.81m Height: 1.87m
Weight: 91kg Weight: 98kg
Position: SECOND FIVE-EIGHTH Position: CENTRE
Province: CANTERBURY Province: NORTHLAND
Super Rugby: CRUSADERS Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
Test Debut: v AUSTRALIA in SYDNEY, Test Debut: v FRANCE in DUNEDIN,
17 AUGUST 2013 23 JUNE 2018
All Black Tests: 44 All Black Test Points: 45 All Black Tests: 9 All Black Test Points: 15
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WWW.ALLBLACKS.COMANTON LIENERT-BROWN #1153 SONNY BILL WILLIAMS #1108
BACKS continued
Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH Place of Birth: AUCKLAND
Date of Birth: 15 APRIL 1995 Date of Birth: 3 AUGUST 1985
Age: 24 Age: 34
Height: 1.85m Height: 1.91m
Weight: 96kg Weight: 108kg
Position: CENTRE Position: SECOND FIVE-EIGHTH
Province: WAIKATO Province: COUNTIES MANUKAU, CANTERBURY
Super Rugby: CHIEFS Super Rugby: BLUES
Test Debut: v AUSTRALIA in WELLINGTON, Test Debut: v ENGLAND in LONDON,
27 AUGUST 2016 6 NOVEMBER 2010
All Black Tests: 37 All Black Test Points: 35 All Black Tests: 53 All Black Test Points: 60
JORDIE BARRETT #1159 GEORGE BRIDGE #1178
Place of Birth: NEW PLYMOUTH Place of Birth: GISBORNE
Date of Birth: 17 FEBRUARY 1997 Date of Birth: 1 APRIL 1995
Age: 22 Age: 24
Height: 1.96m Height: 1.86m
Weight: 96kg Weight: 96kg
Position: OUTSIDE BACK Position: WING
Province: TARANAKI Province: CANTERBURY
Super Rugby: HURRICANES Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
Test Debut: v SAMOA in AUCKLAND, Test Debut: v JAPAN in TOKYO,
16 JUNE 2017 3 NOVEMBER 2018
All Black Tests: 11 All Black Test Points: 42 All Black Tests: 4 All Black Test Points: 15
SEVU REECE #1182 RIEKO IOANE #1156
Place of Birth: NADI, FIJI Place of Birth: AUCKLAND
Date of Birth: 13 FEBRUARY 1997 Date of Birth: 18 MARCH 1997
Age: 22 Age: 22
Height: 1.79m Height: 1.89m
Weight: 87kg Weight: 102kg
Position: WING Position: WING
Province: WAIKATO Province: AUCKLAND
Super Rugby: CRUSADERS Super Rugby: BLUES
Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in BUENOS AIRES, Test Debut: v ITALY in ROME,
20 JULY 2019 12 NOVEMBER 2016
All Black Tests: 2 All Black Test Points: 5 All Black Tests: 26 All Black Test Points: 115
BEN SMITH #1100 DANE COLES #1117
FORWARDS
Place of Birth: DUNEDIN Place of Birth: PARAPARAUMU
Date of Birth: 1 JUNE 1986 Date of Birth: 10 DECEMBER 1986
Age: 33 Age: 32
Height: 1.86m Height: 1.84m
Weight: 93kg Weight: 109kg
Position: FULLBACK/WING Position: HOOKER
Province: OTAGO Province: WELLINGTON
Super Rugby: HIGHLANDERS Super Rugby: HURRICANES
Test Debut: v ITALY in MILAN, Test Debut: v SCOTLAND in EDINBURGH,
14 NOVEMBER 2009 11 NOVEMBER 2012
All Black Tests: 79 All Black Test Points: 165 All Black Tests: 64 All Black Test Points: 55
CODIE TAYLOR #1143 LIAM COLTMAN #1157
Place of Birth: LEVIN Place of Birth: NEW PLYMOUTH
Date of Birth: 31 MARCH 1991 Date of Birth: 25 JANUARY 1990
Age: 28 Age: 29
Height: 1.83m Height: 1.86m
Weight: 106kg Weight: 107kg
Position: HOOKER Position: HOOKER
Province: CANTERBURY Province: OTAGO
Super Rugby: CRUSADERS Super Rugby: HIGHLANDRS
Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in CHRISTCHURCH, Test Debut: v ITALY in ROME,
17 JULY 2015 12 NOVEMBER 2016
All Black Tests: 44 All Black Test Points: 45 All Black Tests: 5 All Black Test Points: 0
NEPO LAULALA #1139 ANGUS TA’AVAO #1175
Place of Birth: MOTO’OTUA, SAMOA Place of Birth: AUCKLAND
Date of Birth: 6 NOVEMBER 1991 Date of Birth: 22 MARCH 1990
Age: 27 Age: 29
Height: 1.84m Height: 1.94m
Weight: 116kg Weight: 128kg
Position: PROP Position: PROP
Province: CANTERBURY Province: TARANAKI
Super Rugby: CRUSADERS Super Rugby: CHIEFS
Test Debut: v SAMOA in APIA, Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in BUENOS AIRES,
8 JULY 2015 29 SEPTEMBER 2018
All Black Tests: 19 All Black Test Points: 0 All Black Tests: 7 All Black Test Points: 0
18
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FORWARDS continued
Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH Place of Birth: GISBORNE
Date of Birth: 18 SEPTEMBER 1988 Date of Birth: 12 JUNE 1995
Age: 30 Age: 24
Height: 1.88m Height: 1.89m
Weight: 118kg Weight: 127kg
Position: PROP Position: PROP
Province: CANTERBURY Province: WAIKATO
Super Rugby: CRUSADERS Super Rugby: CHIEFS
Test Debut: v AUSTRALIA in SYDNEY, Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in BUENOS AIRES,
16 AUGUST 2014 20 JULY 2019
All Black Tests: 40 All Black Test Points: 15 All Black Tests: 2 All Black Test Points: 0
OFA TU’UNGAFASI #1150 SAM WHITELOCK #1104
Place of Birth: NUKUALOFA, TONGA Place of Birth: PALMERSTON NORTH
Date of Birth: 19 APRIL 1992 Date of Birth: 12 OCTOBER 1988
Age: 27 Age: 30
Height: 1.95m Height: 2.02m
Weight: 115kg Weight: 115kg
Position: PROP Position: LOCK
Province: AUCKLAND Province: CANTERBURY
Super Rugby: BLUES Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
Test Debut: v WALES in DUNEDIN, Test Debut: v IRELAND in NEW PLYMOUTH,
25 JUNE 2016 12 JUNE 2010
All Black Tests: 29 All Black Test Points: 5 All Black Tests: 111 All Black Test Points: 25
SCOTT BARRETT #1155 BRODIE RETALLICK #1110
Place of Birth: NEW PLYMOUTH Place of Birth: RANGIORA
Date of Birth: 20 NOVEMBER 1993 Date of Birth: 31 MAY 1991
Age: 25 Age: 28
Height: 1.97m Height: 2.04m
Weight: 112kg Weight: 123kg
Position: LOCK Position: LOCK
Province: CANTERBURY Province: HAWKE’S BAY
Super Rugby: CRUSADERS Super Rugby: CHIEFS
Test Debut: v IRELAND in CHICAGO, Test Debut: v IRELAND in AUCKLAND,
5 NOVEMBER 2016 9 JUNE 2012
All Black Tests: 30 All Black Test Points: 15 All Black Tests: 77 All Black Test Points: 25
PATRICK TUIPULOTU #1133 LUKE JACOBSON #1183
Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH Place of Birth: CAMBRIDGE
Date of Birth: 23 JANUARY 1993 Date of Birth: 20 APRIL 1997
Age: 26 Age: 22
Height: 1.98m Height: 1.91m
Weight: 120kg Weight: 107kg
Position: LOCK Position: LOOSE FORWARD
Province: AUCKLAND Province: WAIKATO
Super Rugby: BLUES Super Rugby: CHIEFS
Test Debut: v ENGLAND in DUNEDIN, Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in BUENOS AIRES,
14 JUNE 2014 20 JULY 2019
All Black Tests: 24 All Black Test Points: 15 All Black Tests: 1 All Black Test Points: 0
SAM CANE #1113 ARDIE SAVEA #1147
Place of Birth: ROTORUA Place of Birth: WELLINGTON
Date of Birth: 13 JANUARY 1992 Date of Birth: 14 OCTOBER 1993
Age: 27 Age: 25
Height: 1.89m Height: 1.88m
Weight: 103kg Weight: 100kg
Position: LOOSE FORWARD Position: LOOSE FORWARD
Province: BAY OF PLENTY Province: WELLINGTON
Super Rugby: CHIEFS Super Rugby: HURRICANES
Test Debut: v IRELAND in CHRISTCHURCH, Test Debut: v WALES in AUCKLAND,
16 JUNE 2012 11 JUNE 2016
All Black Tests: 63 All Black Test Points: 65 All Black Tests: 38 All Black Test Points: 35
MATT TODD #1123
Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH
Date of Birth: 24 MARCH 1988
Age: 31
Height: 1.85m
Weight: 104kg
Position: LOOSE FORWARD
Province: CANTERBURY
Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
Test Debut: v FRANCE in NEW PLYMOUTH,
22 JUNE 2013
All Black Tests: 20 All Black Test Points: 5 All Black Tests: 20 All Black Test Points: 5
20
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The best 20 teams will contest the Rugby World Cup at 12 venues in Japan. The All Blacks
are the defending champions from 2015 but England and South Africa are also leading
favourites. Who do you think will win? PETER WHITE gives a low-down on each team.
IRELAND
POOL A
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST
COACH: JOE SCHMIDT CAPTAIN: RORY BEST
WEBSITE: www.irishrugby.ie
TAB ODDS: $9.00
The players must answer Ireland’s call to have a chance of winning the Rugby World Cup
but it may also come down to the tactical smarts and motivation skills of Joe Schmidt.
The quietly spoken Kiwi is retiring as Ireland’s head coach following the tournament
after five years in charge that have changed Ireland’s rugby fortunes for good. Under
his watch, Ireland have claimed their two wins over the All Blacks, one Grand Slam,
three Six Nations Championships and a Series win over the Wallabies in Australia in 2018.
But Ireland’s build-up to Japan 2019 has been anything but convincing. A disappointing
Six Nations with losses to both England and Wales was compounded by a record 57–15
hiding at the hands of England in August.
The pressure on the team is intense ahead of Rugby World Cup. This is perhaps the
most difficult period Schmidt has faced since he began his tenure as head coach. Ireland have a poor record on rugby’s
biggest stage and have never made it past the quarter-finals. There have been plenty of close-run losses but nothing to
celebrate with a rousing chorus of Fields of Athenry. Ireland share Pool A with Scotland, Japan, Russia and Samoa and
should have no issue getting through to the quarters where South Africa or New Zealand will be waiting.
A key player will undoubtedly be first-five Johnny Sexton who has been under an injury cloud in the build-up to Japan.
The 34-year-old made his debut for Ireland in 2009 and at his best controls a game as well as any other first-five in world
rugby. His ability to unleash Ireland’s strike power out wide will be vital to their chances of success.
SCOTLAND
POOL A
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST
COACH: GREGOR TOWNSEND CAPTAIN: GREIG LAIDLAW
WEBSITE: www.scottishrugby.org
TAB ODDS: $41.00
The flower of Scotland could yet bloom in Japan with the Scots more than capable of
beating any of the more favoured teams. Scotland are in Pool A with Ireland, Japan,
Russia and Samoa and are odds-on to finish first or second to Ireland in their group. The
prize will be a quarter-final showdown with either New Zealand or South Africa. Either
scenario will not unduly concern the brave Scots whose rugby history is littered with
giant killing results.
Four years ago Scotland were set to beat Australia at Twickenham only for referee Craig
Joubert to incorrectly award the Wallabies a penalty that they converted for a 35−34
win. To their credit Scotland have clawed their way back from that heartache, although
they remain an unknown quantity from match to match. Consistency has not been part
of their arsenal. In November 2017 they gave the mighty All Blacks a real fright in Edinburgh before losing 22−17. Scotland put
50 points on Australia and enjoyed comprehensive victories over England, Wales and France twice at home but have been
less convincing playing away.
Head coach Gregor Townsend has his players clearly enjoying what they are doing and producing a highly entertaining brand
of rugby that has dramatically bolstered rugby’s profile in Scotland. A key player for the Scots is halfback and captain Greig
Laidlaw. The 33-year-old has captained Scotland more than any other player and is equally adept at first-five. Laidlaw is an
astute tactical reader of the game, accurate goalkicker and hugely important to Scotland’s chances of going further in Japan
than they did four years ago.
23
www.rugbyworldcup.comWith the All Blacks, all the way.
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JAPAN
POOL A
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
COACH: JAMIE JOSEPH CAPTAIN: MICHAEL LEITCH
WEBSITE: en.rugby-japan.jp/japan
TAB ODDS: $151.00
When host nation Japan opens the 2019 Rugby World Cup in a Pool A clash with Russia
at Tokyo Stadium it will be the start of unprecedented coverage of the sport in Japan.
Kiwi head coach Jamie Joseph was as tough as they come as a player and has instilled
into the Brave Blossoms some of that attitude. He has the ideal on-field captain
in Michael Leitch; the No 8 proved to be one of the best in the game during his 30
appearances for the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
In England four years ago Leitch captained Japan in an outstanding run of matches
that saw them beat South Africa, Samoa and the USA but a lack of bonus points
meant they did not make the quarter-finals.
The 34−32 victory over the Springboks ranks as the greatest of all Rugby World Cup upsets.
A player likely to be one of the standouts in the team is Tongan-born winger Ataata Moeakiola. The 23-year-old was a star
for Japan at the 2016 World Rugby Under-20 Championship and had a fine debut season for the Chiefs this year.
In August, Japan warmed up for the Rugby World Cup by winning the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time. Captain Leitch
lead the way scoring twice in the team’s 34−20 win over USA in the final. The victory in Suva was a timely confidence boost
for his side and the third time Japan had won the highly competitive tournament.
Japan have played at all previous eight Rugby World Cups but have yet to get past the pool stage.
The chances are Ireland and Scotland will claim the two quarter-final places from Pool A with Japan a close third once again.
But it would be unwise to write off the Brave Blossoms at home.
RUSSIA
POOL A
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: N/A
COACH: LYN JONES CAPTAIN: VASILY ARTEMYEV
WEBSITE: www.rugby.ru
TAB ODDS: $501.00
The Bears will compete at just their second Rugby World Cup after making their
historic first appearance at the 2011 tournament held in New Zealand.
The closest Russia came to a win was in their opening match against USA in New Ply-
mouth. They ran the Eagles close throughout before losing 13−6.
Much of the momentum gained from their inaugural appearance at Rugby World Cup
was lessened by their failure to qualify for the 2015 tournament. The Bears should
have made it through but let a nine-point aggregate lead slip against rivals Uruguay.
But they are back to have another crack at rugby’s biggest occasion in 2019 after
qualifying as Europe 1 representatives.
Spain, Belgium and Romania were docked points for repeatedly using ineligible players during the qualifying competition.
Romania had finished top qualifier and both Spain and Belgium defeated Russia but it is the Bears who make the trip
to Japan.
The man in charge as head coach is Lyn Jones, a former Welsh international who joined the Russian side in August last year.
He has no easy task. The Russian league contains just eight clubs spread across the vast country and the harsh winter forces
play to stop for a large portion of the year.
Russia are in Pool A alongside Ireland, Scotland, Japan and Samoa with the games against the hosts and Samoa targeted as
their best chance of claiming their first Rugby World Cup scalp.
One player set to shine is 25-year-old lock Tagir Gadzhiev who is a former MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter. He has played
21 tests for Russia since his debut in 2015 and will be a key source of lineout ball.
26
www.rugbyworldcup.comSAMOA
POOL A
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
COACH: STEVE JACKSON CAPTAIN: CHRIS VUI
WEBSITE: www.manusamoa.com
TAB ODDS: $501.00
Manu Samoa were the darlings of the 1991, 1995 and 1999 tournaments when they
made the quarter-finals and lit up each event with their scintillating back play and
ferocious defence.
Pickings have been much slimmer since then with Samoa unable to get out of pool
play at the last four Rugby World Cups. Finishing fourth in their pool in 2015 meant
Samoa had to qualify for this year’s event, which they managed over Germany.
Samoa are grouped in Pool A with European heavyweights Ireland and Scotland, plus
Japan and Russia.
Captain Chris Vui is a classy flanker while brothers Jordan and James Lay are strong
scrummaging props who have played in the Mitre 10 Cup with Bay of Plenty.
Hooker Motu Matu’u is another with good experience. Openside flanker Jack Lam is one of the true leaders in the team and his
dynamic style of play fits well with the aggressive TJ Ioane at No 8. Henry Stowers offers quality back-up.
Lock Kane Leaupepe is an outstanding ball-running second rower and was a standout performer for both Bay of Plenty and
Wellington in recent Mitre 10 Cup seasons.
Halfback Dwayne Polataivao is a classy runner while there is plenty of fire-power out wide with the likes of centre Reynold
Lee-Lo and wingers Belgium Tuatagaloa and Alapati Leiua.
Kiwi coach Steve Jackson would have been pleased with much of what his team did in the recent Pacific Nations Cup,
as despite losing two games they proved to be highly competitive.
Samoa defeated Tonga 25−17 but lost to USA 13−10 and Fiji 10−3 in tight results.
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POOL B
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: CHAMPIONS
COACH: STEVE HANSEN CAPTAIN: KIERAN READ
WEBSITE: www.allblacks.com
TAB ODDS: $2.25
The All Blacks begin their quest to win three consecutive Rugby World Cup titles (and
fourth overall). They are paying the lowest odds at the TAB to bring the Webb Ellis Cup
back home to New Zealand.
But losses to Ireland, South Africa and Australia in the last 12 months, and a one-
point victory over England that could easily have gone the other way, have meant
this is no clear-cut tournament win.
The fitness of lock Brodie Retallick could hold the key. The 2014 World Rugby Player
of the Year dislocated his shoulder against South Africa in July and has not played
since.
Without him the All Blacks forwards are not the same unit and no tight forward has Retallick’s speed and remarkable skills
with ball in hand.
The selectors have successfully utilised Ardie Savea at blindside flanker to create a new dynamic with openside flanker
Sam Cane. Savea is used at No 8 when the All Blacks feed the scrum to make use of his raw, explosive power.
Richie Mo’unga’s great form at first-five has meant a shift to fullback for usual No 10 Beauden Barrett. The move has given
the All Blacks a double playmaker option, more space for Barrett to display his extreme speed and eye for a gap, plus the
extra goalkicking accuracy of Mo’unga.
First choice fullback/right winger Ben Smith and left winger Rieko Ioane seemed set in stone but less than impressive
performances in the thumping by the Wallabies in Perth in August saw new talent in George Bridge and Sevu Reece
preferred in the rematch a week later.
Competition for all starting places in the All Blacks will be intense – just as it always has been throughout history.
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dinglefoundation.org.nzSOUTH AFRICA
POOL B
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: SEMI-FINALISTS
COACH: RASSIE ERASMUS CAPTAIN: SIYA KOLISI
WEBSITE: www.springboks.rugby
TAB ODDS: $5.50
Four years is a long time in rugby but for South African fans the two-point loss to the
All Blacks in the semi-final played at Twickenham in 2015 still hurts.
The Springboks would have been favoured to beat Australia in the final and claim
their third Webb Ellis Cup. But it was not to be and the South Africans arrive in Japan
to contest the 2019 tournament with an even stronger side.
With a victory and two near misses over the All Blacks in the last 18 months and
winning this year’s Rugby Championship, there is no doubt the Springboks have the
fire-power and depth to deserve their billing as second favourite at the TAB.
Coach Rassie Erasmus deserves credit for turning around the fortunes of the
Springboks and restoring pride in the jersey.
Captain Siya Kolisi has recovered from a serious knee injury and will be a massive influence on and off the park.
Malcolm Marx has matured into one of the best hookers in world rugby with the ability to play as a fourth loose-forward,
while No 8 Duane Vermeulen is another dynamic ball runner.
The new-found consistency and flair in the way South Africa is playing coincides with brilliant first-five Handre Pollard
having a set run as the starting 10, over the mercurial Elton Jantjies. Pollard runs the ball to the line better than any other
first-five in world rugby and is a reliable goalkicker and strong defender.
Powerhouse centre Jesse Kriel gives the team more midfield defensive might and will have a key role to fill at this Rugby
World Cup.
ITALY
POOL B
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
COACH: CONOR O’SHEA CAPTAIN: SERGIO PARISSE
WEBSITE: www.federugby.it/index.php
TAB ODDS: $501.00
Italy have played at every Rugby World Cup but are yet to progress beyond the
pool stage.
In Japan they will again be led by inspirational No 8 Sergio Parisse, who is set to supplant
Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll (141 caps) in second place on the all-time rugby test caps
list, behind New Zealander Richie McCaw (148 caps).
This will be Parisse’s fifth Rugby World Cup, joining Italy’s Mauro Bergamasco and
Samoa’s Brian Lima as the only other players to reach this impressive landmark.
Hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini and loose forward Alessandro Zanni will be at their fourth
Rugby World Cups in a generally inexperienced Azzurri squad.
Locks Dave Sisi and Federico Ruzza are highly rated while Kiwi Jayden Hayward is likely to start at fullback. Benetton first-
five Tommaso Allan has plenty of ability and former Auckland lock Dean Budd is another in the mix to get game time
in Japan.
The Azzurri are in Pool B alongside Namibia and Canada, plus favoured sides to qualify to the quarter-finals, New Zealand
and South Africa. Victory over Namibia and Canada is a minimum expectation for Italy who are capable of giving the world’s
best teams a challenge. But for so long an inability to consistently hold their discipline and keep to a game plan for
80 minutes has led to far too many defeats.
This year Italy again finished last in the Six Nations Championship after losing all five of their matches. The expectation that
regular competitive rugby would improve Italy’s performances and win-loss ratio has not eventuated.
Rugby World Cup is the best stage of all to right those wrongs but recent form does not suggest Italy will be causing any
upsets at this tournament.
30
www.rugbyworldcup.comTVNZ 1 free-to-air match schedule
COVERAGE
SEPTEMBER STARTS
Friday 20 Japan v Russia 9.30pm LIVE
Saturday 21 New Zealand v South Africa 9.45pm DELAYED BY
1 HOUR
Saturday 28 Argentina v Tonga 4.00pm LIVE
OCTOBER
Wednesday 2 New Zealand v Canada 11.30pm DELAYED BY
1 HOUR
Friday 4 South Africa v Italy 10.15pm LIVE
Sunday 6 New Zealand v Namibia 6.30pm DELAYED BY
1 HOUR
Wednesday 9 Wales v Fiji 10.15pm LIVE
Saturday 12 New Zealand v Italy 6.30pm DELAYED BY
1 HOUR
Quarter-final: TBC New Zealand’s quarter-final if they DELAYED BY
1 HOUR
progress past the pool stage
Saturday 26 Semi-final 1 7.00pm LIVE
Sunday 27 Semi-final 2 9.00pm LIVE
NOVEMBER
Saturday 2 Final 8.00pm LIVE
These matches will be broadcast free-to-air on TVNZ 1 only.
TVNZ won’t be streaming Rugby World Cup 2019™ live or on TVNZ OnDemand.
To watch all 48 matches live head to sparksport.co.nz
TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2015.NAMIBIA
POOL B
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
COACH: PHIL DAVIES CAPTAIN: JOHAN DEYSEL
WEBSITE: www.namibianrugby.com
TAB ODDS: $501.00
This will be Namibia’s sixth successive Rugby World Cup appearance but across those
19 games the Welwitschias are yet to enjoy their first victory at the tournament.
In England four years ago, Namibia picked up their first Rugby World Cup point in a
narrow 17−16 defeat to Georgia.
There have been some good signs in 2019. In April at the World Rugby Nations Cup
held in Uruguay they defeated the hosts for the first time but lost to Russia
and Argentina XV. The win over Uruguay was a huge boost to morale. Namibia are
23rd in World Rugby rankings.
Since April, Namibia have had just two more games to prepare for Rugby World Cup
– both against PRO14 side Southern Kings.
Namibia are in Pool B up against New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Canada. Their firmly set goal is beating Canada so as
to finally get that historic first Rugby World Cup win.
Namibia’s most capped player Eugene Jantjies will compete at his fourth Rugby World Cup. The 33-year-old halfback was
a standout for his country four years ago in England and is renowned for his quick ruck clearance and running from the
scrum base.
Darryl de la Harpe, Chrysander Botha, PJ van Lill and Rohan Kitshoff are other players in the squad to have experienced more
than one Rugby World Cup.
There is a strong Welsh influence in the coaching group with Dale McIntosh to link up with head coach Phil Davies in Japan.
McIntosh will act as defence coach, while fitness expert Wayne Proctor and performance analyst Sam Pickford are also
from Wales.
CANADA
POOL B
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
COACH: KINGSLEY JONES CAPTAIN: TYLER ARDRON
WEBSITE: www.rugby.ca/en
TAB ODDS: $501.00
The Canucks qualified for their eighth appearance at a Rugby World Cup after
winning the repechage tournament in Marseille last November to claim the final
spot in Japan. They slot into Pool B with New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Namibia.
Their best chance of a win comes in their game against Namibia.
Canada’s matches are spread over 17 days, the fewest in the tournament, along
with South Africa and USA, which will stretch limited playing resources and crucial
recovery time between matches.
Canada have had some tough rugby before their departure for Japan. They competed
in last month’s Pacific Nations Cup against USA, Fiji and Tonga, and have had two
extra games against Irish club Leinster in Ontario and USA.
Inspiration will be close at hand in the form of popular figure Tyler Ardron, who will captain Canada. He proved himself
to be an outstanding leader at the last Rugby World Cup and his follow-me attitude is just what his team needs.
The 28-year-old is equally adept at lock, blindside flanker and No 8. He has continued to improve every year as a hard-
working, courageous player with Bay of Plenty in the Mitre 10 Cup and the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
Canada has a relatively new head coach in Kingsley Jones, former openside flanker and captain of Wales. He succeeded
Mark Anscombe, father of New Zealand-born Welsh first-five Gareth.
Jones is a vastly experienced and highly regarded technical coach. He has coached in the English Premiership and European
Championship, PRO12 and internationally with Russia during the 2011 and 2015 cycles.
Joining him is New Zealander Henry Paul, who made his name in rugby league before switching codes to be capped by England.
33
www.rugbyworldcup.comENGLAND
POOL C
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
COACH: EDDIE JONES CAPTAIN: OWEN FARRELL
WEBSITE: www.englandrugby.com/home
TAB ODDS: $5.00
Hopes are rising among the expectant England fans that they could add the 2019
Rugby World Cup title to their previous success in 2003.
England have firmed as second-equal favourites with South Africa to win the Webb Ellis
Cup and will begin their campaign in a positive state of mind after a strong build-up.
Four years ago at their home fortress of Twickenham their world cup tournament collapsed
after losses to Wales and Australia meant they did not qualify for the knock-out stages.
After that disaster the new pairing of head coach Eddie Jones and captain Owen Farrell
have transformed England’s attitude and fortunes. They are a much tougher team to
beat now than in 2015.
England should have an easier ride out of pool play this time round competing with France, Argentina, USA and Tonga for
two quarter-final places from Pool C.
Farrell is at his second Rugby World Cup and is the lynchpin of what has become a seriously good backline unit. The former
rugby league star is a tough defender, aggressive ball runner and superb goalkicker.
The 2019 edition of the tournament will be the third for Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes and Ben Youngs. Cole and Youngs are
the most capped in the squad with 86 test appearances for England.
One new face is former England Sevens star Ruaridh McConnochie who had a season playing club rugby in Bay of Plenty.
Lewis Ludlam, Jack Singleton and former Crusaders halfback Willi Heinz also make the squad after impressive debuts in the
win over Wales in August. Heinz qualifies for England through his grandmother and is a controversial selection ahead of
the well-performed Ben Spencer.
FRANCE
POOL C
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST
COACH: JACQUES BRUNEL CAPTAIN: GUILHEM GUIRADO
WEBSITE: www.ffr.fr
TAB ODDS: $26.00
No New Zealand rugby fan would ever write off France at a Rugby World Cup, no matter
how poor their build-up has been for Japan.
The memories of the All Blacks being knocked out of the 1999 and 2007 tournaments
by France are still vivid and the 2011 final won 8-7 could so easily have been a victory
for France.
Les Bleus have contested three Rugby World Cup finals without lifting the Webb Ellis
Cup. They finished their build-up to this year’s tournament last month with home-
and-away matches against Scotland before facing Italy in Paris.
So what French team can we expect to turn up this time?
There is talent to burn in one of the youngest French sides in years with the potential to score tries against any
defensive screen.
Coach Jacques Brunel has cast aside centre Mathieu Bastareaud and halfback Morgan Parra who have 125 test caps
between them. Bastareaud has lost his place to Toulouse centre Sofiane Guitoune.
France will lean heavily on the experienced Guilhem Guirado, Yoann Huget, Wesley Fofana and Maxime Medard as key
players. Others needing to step up are first-fives Romain Ntamack and Camille Lopez, with scrum-half Antoine Dupont
able to also play at No 10.
Brunel will resign after the Rugby World Cup with current assistant coach Fabien Galthie stepping up to the top job.
How that affects what happens in Japan is anyone’s guess. France are drawn in Pool C with England, Argentina, USA and
Tonga so will need to defeat Argentina to join England in the quarter-finals. That will be no easy task with Argentina
enjoying 10 wins over Les Bleus in their last 16 encounters.
34
www.rugbyworldcup.comARGENTINA
POOL C
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: SEMI-FINALISTS
COACH: MARIO LEDESMA CAPTAIN: PABLO MATERA
WEBSITE: www.uar.com.ar
TAB ODDS: $41.00
Los Pumas have been at every one of the previous eight Rugby World Cup tournaments
and will be strong contenders again in 2019.
In 1999 and 2011 they made the quarter-finals. In 2015 they went to the next stage
and made the semi-finals, where they were beaten by Australia. In the bronze medal
play-off match Argentina lost to South Africa 24–13.
The highlight of the campaign came when Argentina produced one of their finest
victories and knocked out Ireland in the quarter-finals, 43–20.
Overall Argentina have played 37 times at Rugby World Cups with 18 wins and 17 losses.
Certainly the introduction of the Jaguares team into the Super Rugby competition in
2016 has greatly improved the depth of players available for Argentina and lifted the consistency across the playing roster.
Earlier this year the Jaguares went all the way and played their first Super Rugby final, losing to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Argentina’s growing international pedigree was evident in July this year, the All Blacks can consider themselves fortunate to
beat Argentina 20–16 at the Velez Sarsfield Stadium.
The draw has not been kind to Argentina in Japan as they are in the toughest pool, alongside England, France, USA and Tonga.
However since 2002, Argentina have won 10 of the 16 tests played against France and will fancy their chances of knocking
the French out of the competition.
Head coach Mario Ledesma is in charge of both the Jaguares and the national team. He is credited with encouraging a more
expansive game plan in Argentina rugby. That extra flair may well pay dividends in Japan.
A key player is captain and flanker Pablo Matera who leads by example on the field.
USA
POOL C
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
COACH: GARY GOLD CAPTAIN: BLAINE SCULLY
WEBSITE: www.usa.rugby
TAB ODDS: $501.00
Pool C is regarded as the pool of death at Japan 2019. One of the world’s best teams
will miss out qualifying for the quarter-finals with England, France and Argentina
battling for two places.
There is high hope in the US Eagles camp that they can knock over one of the glamour
teams. The Eagles have failed to qualify for only one Rugby World Cup since 1987
and have scored memorable wins at the 1987, 2003 and 2011 tournaments.
The Eagles will field a strong forward pack. Key players are props David Ainuu, Titi
Lamositele and Paul Mullen who along with locks Nick Civetta and Greg Petersen
will need to set a stable platform at scrum time.
A young star in the squad is halfback Ruben de Haas who plays for the Cheetahs in
the PRO14. He first played for the USA Under-19 and Under-20 teams before making his full international debut for the
Eagles last year.
Outside him is first-five AJ MacGinty, regarded as USA’s best and most consistent player. He is a fine goalkicker and loves
to take the line on.
There is plenty of experience in the coaching team. South African Gary Gold is head coach and Ireland’s Greg McWilliams
is his assistant. There is no doubt the new professional US-based Major League Rugby competition has given them a
wider pool of talent to choose from, which is positive for USA rugby now and into the future.
The Eagles have enjoyed a solid preparation for Rugby World Cup including the Pacific Nations Cup, where they made it
to the final before losing to Japan, and one-off matches against Canada, Samoa and Japan.
37
www.rugbyworldcup.comTONGA
POOL C
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
COACH: TOUTAI KEFU CAPTAIN: SIALE PIUTAU
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/TongaRugbyOfficial
TAB ODDS: $501.00
Tonga join England, France, Argentina and USA in the hardest group of all – Pool C.
The Tongan team, known as the Ikale Tahi, are currently 15th in World Rugby’s rankings.
The team have never made it out of the pool stage at any of their previous seven
Rugby World Cups tournaments, with a record of seven wins from 25 matches played.
They are unlikely to do so this time, but their opponents will know they have been in a
game after taking on the ferocious Tongan tacklers.
Tonga have caused two of the biggest boil-overs in Rugby World Cup history. In 1999
at Leicester they defeated Italy 28–25 and in 2011 they produced an even bigger
shock by rolling highly touted France 19–14 in Wellington.
Former Australian No 8 Toutai Kefu is head coach of the Tongan team. His team enjoyed
an ideal build-up for Japan in the competitive Pacific Nations Cup followed by test matches in New Zealand against Fiji and
the All Blacks.
Former All Blacks squad member Ben Tameifuna is crucial to Tonga’s set-piece plans. The 28-year-old is coming into his prime
as a tighthead prop and, after making his mark with Hawke’s Bay and then the Chiefs, is now a seasoned pro plying his trade
in France for Racing 92.
Bristol centre Siale Piutau always leads by example. Another key player is barnstorming No 8 Nasi Manu. The 30-year-
old has made a courageous return to the international fold after missed the entire PRO14 season with Italian side Benetton
Treviso while battling testicular cancer.
The vast majority of the Tongan players in action in Japan are from French and English rugby competitions.
We are With You, Taking on the World
Steve Hansen
Coach, New Zealand All Blacks
Dear Steve,
On behalf of ChildFund and all of New Zealand, we’re wishing you the
best of luck for the Rugby World Cup—we’re extremely proud of you for
taking on the world. We know how important it is for children to have
positive role models, and you’re all heroes for the thousands of children
here in New Zealand and across the world who will be following the
games with excitement.
For more than 30,000 children in rural communities in Asia and the
Pacific—many of whom are young girls—the love of rugby has been
growing, thanks to ChildFund Pass It Back. This innovative sport-
for-development programme not only promotes the right to play in
communities where children have little or no access to organised sport,
but provides important life skills and learning opportunities around
leadership, problem-solving, and gender equity.
We believe in the power of sport. Rural Timor-Leste, Laos and Vietnam may be a long way from the bright
lights of the stadiums in Japan, but they are equally important fields
where young kids can play out their dreams and, through rugby, realise
Join World Rugby and ChildFund in changing lives for their potential to thrive.
disadvantaged children in Asia so they can play, learn and grow.
To the All Blacks team: we’re sending you some of our special ChildFund
Donate today at www.childfundpassitback.org spirit for a fantastic tournament.
Best wishes, kia kaha!
ChildFund is principal
charity partner for From the team at
Rugby World Cup 2019. ChildFund New ZealandAUSTRALIA
POOL D
2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: RUNNERS-UP
COACH: MICHAEL CHEIKA CAPTAIN: MICHAEL HOOPER
WEBSITE: www.rugby.com.au
TAB ODDS: $13.00
What Australian team will front up for the big games in Japan?
Will it be the superbly drilled, fast-paced and highly skilled team that ripped the All Blacks
apart 47–26 in Perth on August 10 or the error-prone, inept version of the same side
that meekly succumbed 36–0 in the rematch at Eden Park a week later?
Either scenario is likely given the Wallabies’ lack of consistency since they contested
the 2015 Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks at Twickenham.
Major upheavals, including losing their best player Israel Folau, have not helped but
despite the ups and downs, one thing has not changed – the Wallabies have the talent
to win the Rugby World Cup.
The first positive for the Aussies is being drawn in Pool D. They should qualify for the quarter-finals alongside Wales, with
Georgia, Fiji and Uruguay to miss out.
Australia’s opening game is against Fiji, before their toughest pool match eight days later against Wales, which will indicate
how the Wallabies are tracking.
Head coach Michael Cheika is a polarising figure but has kept the difficult job since 2014. He is capable of surprising with
a new game plan, as the All Blacks found out in Perth.
Cheika has world-class talent in flankers Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Michael Hooper and David Pocock, midfielder Samu Kerevi
and winger Reece Hodge but depth across the squad is limited.
Australian captains have held aloft the Webb Ellis Cup twice before – 1991 and 1999. They are seeded sixth to win in Japan
and it would take a major rugby upset for them to add a third title to their list.
Gear up for your next adventure
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