France
They look to becoming into strength at the right time, after four years of pretty poor performance that was inconsistent at best, among hundreds of changes to teams, and dozens of half-back pairings. France look they might have found some stability and decided who is their first team, just in time for the biggest tournament.
The biggest thing for French fans is seeing their scrum back on top, traditionally it has always been a fearsome weapon by which the French strangled and battered opponents into submission before unleashing a creative backline. However in recent years it has lacked power, this hasn't been helped by Saint-Andre refusing to play the legendary Nicolas Mas at tighthead who is feared the world over. Since his reinstatement though France at back to nearer their best, especially against England who themselves are famed for their scrum. Waiting on the bench is the gigantic Atonio with his customised shirt, while at loose-head they have the option of Debaty who provides even more power in the scrum or Ben Arous who is more akin to an openside flanker with his movement around the park. In the second row - a sparse area considering the state of the club game - they seem to have found some form, with Pascal Pape and Maestri providing a lot of size.
In the backrow France possess some major players, obviously the captain Dusautoir is heroic in defence, and towering in the lineout. The other decision is difficult to decide, with Le Roux, Nyagna and Ouedrago offering multiple options each with their own distinct game-style in combination with Dusuatoir. At No. 8 there is the decision between Chouly, who provides ferocious ball carrying, edging over the gainline by painful inches, or the more dynamic Picamoles who offers a bit more speed and wider ball carrying.
The French backline always has and probably always will start with their scrum half, unlike most sides the scrum half is the one who dictates the game, controls the tempo and makes the decisions. As such it's likely the highly experienced and quality goal kicker of Morgan Parra will start the big games, and who can blame them, as France look a different team with him behind the pack. At fly-half it's as open as it has been over the last four years, neither of the two fly-half's who played during the 6 Nations are in the squad, which leaves it wide open for the maverick Michalak, or the slightly
more dependable Tales. The centre partnership seems formed a ying-yang partnership of the wizardry of Fofana and the bull-like stature of Bastareaud, although the free-running Gael Fickou could prove a useful impact substitute able to work wonders against a tired defence. In the back three, Yoann Huget is an incredibly dangerous winger, combining surprising strength, excellent footwork and just enough French madness he will score plenty of tries. At fullback the South African born Scott Spedding is favourite, offering level headedness within a infamously maverick side, and a monster boot which can on occasion knock over 50+ yard kicks at goal.
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| Dusautoir is a tackle deamon, and an inspirational leader |
The French backline always has and probably always will start with their scrum half, unlike most sides the scrum half is the one who dictates the game, controls the tempo and makes the decisions. As such it's likely the highly experienced and quality goal kicker of Morgan Parra will start the big games, and who can blame them, as France look a different team with him behind the pack. At fly-half it's as open as it has been over the last four years, neither of the two fly-half's who played during the 6 Nations are in the squad, which leaves it wide open for the maverick Michalak, or the slightly more dependable Tales. The centre partnership seems formed a ying-yang partnership of the wizardry of Fofana and the bull-like stature of Bastareaud, although the free-running Gael Fickou could prove a useful impact substitute able to work wonders against a tired defence. In the back three, Yoann Huget is an incredibly dangerous winger, combining surprising strength, excellent footwork and just enough French madness he will score plenty of tries. At fullback the South African born Scott Spedding is favourite, offering level headedness within a infamously maverick side, and a monster boot which can on occasion knock over 50+ yard kicks at goal.
France stand a good chance at topping this pool, although will have to turn the tables on Ireland who they haven't beaten in a long while. Finishing second in the pool is likely to have them face New Zealand in the knockouts, at the Millennium Stadium, which could have the All Blacks reliving the nightmare of eight years ago.
Star Player: Thierry Dusautoir
Player to Watch: Gael Fickou
Ireland
At the start of the year Ireland seemed to be the best team in the World, capable of beating anyone but starving them of territory and possession and dictating the tempo of the game. However during the 6 Nations they struggled a little to get their game working, especially against a ferocious Welsh defence, but more noticeably in the warm up tests they weren't at their best. Yes they walked all over Wales in Cardiff, but the following fixture they were outplayed for much of the game and their driving maul game was beaten. And then going to Twickenham they looked rather lethargic in the first half, unable to retain possession, and being battered by a strong English pack up front.
It's not all doom and gloom though, they still are the best team in Pool D, and they have probably the strongest strength in depth of any team at the World Cup, with at least two players who can slot into any position without any lack of talent. Up front Healy, Best and Ross form a powerful and athletic first choice, but with the likes of sprinter Cronin, Jack McGrath and freshly inducted Nathan White. In the second row, there is the legendary Paul O'Connell, a giant of the game for many years. He is responsible for dragging Ireland over the finish line in games, when the flow of the game is going away from them he will dragging his fellow green shirted men back in to the match. Hard nosed and likely to play almost every game it's a question as to who will play alongside him, Devin Toner has been Schmidt's preferred choice in recent years with his towering height offering greater strength in the lineout, while the form choice would be Iain Henderson who is athletic and powerful in open play.
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| One last run for Ireland's greatest warrior O'Connell |
The back row has recently become a source of incredible strength for the Irish, with vice-captain and Lion Jamie Heaslip and No. 8 they have a rock at the back of the scrum, who provides a smart rugby brain, even if he is often lacking in the short range carries around the breakdown. That instead comes from the "Tullow Tank", the rampaging Sean O'Brien who has been busting the gainline for years, and is back from injury with full fitness just in time for the World Cup. On the opposite flank it is likely to be Peter O'Mahony who has become a nightmare to deal with at the breakdown, capable of clamping like a limpet on to any unsupported ball carriers and winning Ireland multiple penalties.
The backline since Schmidt's introduction hasn't been the most extravagant line up, designed much more to retain possession than to score tries, but then again it has been working. The half back
partnership of Murray and Sexton is probably the best in the northern hemisphere and would push the All Black duo too, both expert kickers both for retain possession and clearing their lines. Sexton also provides an ability to create overlaps with his infamous looping runs, which surprisingly still catches opponents out. In the centres they have young revelation Robbie Henshaw who could be a major player for any success that Ireland have at this tournament, outside him there is no stand-out performer, Jared Payne adds another "fullback" to the backline which allows Ireland to run their kicking game even better, while there is also Darren Cave who has had a good season or elusive runners Fitzgerald and Earls who are more accustom to the wing.
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| Robbie Henshaw is a rock in defence and strong in attack. |
Speaking of the wings all of them are imperious in the air, with their Gaelic football skills. Tommy Bowe is a fan favourite, but has lost a little bit of what made him a test Lion, Zebo provides excitement and flair which could light up the game and move away from the "dull" gameplan if needed. Then there is Dave Kearney who was majestic in the air during the warm-up tests. There are multiple options for Schmidt to choose from, and it might be a case of picking dependant on the opponents, something the Kiwi coach is a master at. At fullback it is all but certain to be the quality Rob Kearney, imperious in the air, lethal in attack and with a cannon of a left boot.
Ireland have a nice build up of fixtures, with their crunch match coming in the final game of the pool against France, so they could still be in a building phase at the beginning of the tournament, which could give them the stamina and game time to be ready for the important matches.
Star Player: Jonny Sexton
Player to Watch: Iain Henderson
Italy
It's been a long build up for the Italians to the world cup, it started with the players going on strike to training over a dispute with payment and kit deals. Eventually it was resolved and they begun training. The warm up games did not go well however, with zero from three, including an incredibly heavy defeat to Scotland in Edinburgh. They were back to their frustrating best against Wales, but didn't exactly look dangerous more just annoying to play against.
There is some hope with the Italians, the scrum looks as powerful as always Castro being a dependable rock on the tight head and the rest of the veteran front row at their best too. In the back row there is the talismanic Sergio Parisse who every other team in the world wants in their scrum. And they have multiple options for the flankers with Zanni, Minto and Favaro all in contention.
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| Parisse is crucial to Italian hopes, they'll want to keep him fit all tournament |
In the backline they still are lacking a confident fly-half, but Eduardo Gorri has started to come through at scrum-half. In the centres Campagnaro had a very impressive 6 Nations in 2014, but has managed to push on and really come good in the last year, while on the wings Italy possess some very impressive wingers. With Venditti and Benvenuti both having impressive outings in previous games. At fullback is the quietly impressive Andrea Masi who has plenty of experience and is incredibly committed in every match.
It's unlikely that Italy will progress to the knock-outs, having to beat one of Ireland or France to go through, but they have done it in the past so don't rule them out entirely.
Star Player: Sergio Parisse
Player to Watch: Michele Campagnaro
Canada
Canada are another team like the USA, they have a few big names in their squad but not enough to make them serious contenders. They have the giant Jamie Cudmore who is well loved at Clermont, then there is captain Tyler Ardron and flying winger Jeff Hassler who both play for the Ospreys.
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| Hassler was top class last season for the Ospreys |
Despite these names they had a very poor showing at the Pacific Nations Cup, not winning a single game, although they did come close against Samoa and the United States. It's highly unlikely that they will win more than one game at this world cup, so in reality they should be targeting beating Romania and possibly scaring the Italians, but France and Ireland are out of their reach.
Star Player: Jamie Cudmore
Player to Watch: Jeff Hassler
Romania
The whipping boys of Pool D, world cup regulars, but never really worry anybody. They might stand a chance against Canada but without any big names I can't see it happening.
Predicted Final Standings
Ireland
France
Italy
Canada
Romania
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