The Best and the Brutal
New Zealand are hot favourites but France, South Africa, Australia and Ireland are not without hope. An introduction to the 2007 Rugby World Cup, by Brent Pope....
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Ireland's Prospects Diminished
 The eurphoria following victories against South Africa and Australia and the Six Nations performance has given way to pessimism and anxiety
By Brent Pope....
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Players of the Rugby World Cup
Brent Pope selects his player of the tournament for each Rugby World Cup since 1987, and the single player who will determine the winners of the 2007 World Cup. ...
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Ranking World Rugby
World Rankings show a team's form relative to its international rivals as it enters the World Cup and is an indication of how far a team will likely progress. The system behind the rankings is explained below....
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Background to the Rugby World Cup
Several proposals for a first ever world cup in rugby were made to the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB) in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But not until 1985 when New Zealand and Australia proposed to co-host an inaugural tournament was the concept of a World Cup seriously considered. Individual applications from both countries had been turned down in 1984, so they jointly conducted a feasibility study which was presented to a meeting of IRFB member unions in Paris in March 1985....
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Pool A - England
Despite heavy criticism at home, England coach Brian Ashton has reverted to what won England the World cup in 2003 - a huge pack, Jonny Wilkinson at out-half and not much else. Brian Ashton's appointment as coach last year has not helped England's preparation – he was still tinkering with their composition a few weeks before the World Cup, two years too late. ...
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Pool A - Samoa
If ferocious tackling, passion and commitment won world cups, Manu Samoa (the Samoan Warriors) would have won it by now. Sadly, despite reaching the quarter finals in 1991 and 1995, they have struggled to perform in the professional era due to financial difficulties, locality and player depth. Unfortuantely while the leading sport in Samoa most talented rugby players depart their shores for more lucurative pastures, especially New Zealand where the likes of Michael Jones, Bryan Willimas, Pat Lam
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Pool A - South Africa
Similar to England, South Africa have reverted to their most suited composition – a large forward pack with a limited back line. South Africa have failed to ever produce creative mid-field players and rely instead upon strong direct players who agressively attack the gain line. But as recently proved, even in the pre-World Cup game against Connaught, removing that element from their game plan limits the Springboks.
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Pool A - Tonga
Tonga head coach Quddus Fielea had unsuccessfully attempted to postpone naming his squad until high court proceedings between members of the Tonga rugby union had been completed. The court action was as a result of a split in the union that emerged earlier this year when three board members resigned amid accusations that the remaining four board members had been meeting in secret and making unauthorised decisions. The split, which threatens to leave the union in turmoil, will not have helped the...
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Pool A - United States
In five tournaments, the Eagles won just two games, a trend of rugby mediocrity that looks set to continue. A second-tier team, the Eagles have two fundamental flaws; they lack a solid professional core, and they are dogged by an inability to compete against stronger rugby nations. Most of the Eagles squad play in the US semi-professional Super League. This is not an elite league, and the exclusion of some of the country's strongest rugby clubs questions the league's premier division status. Thu...
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Pool B - Australia
Australia are always an unknown quantity at the World Cup. They are only team to have won a final twice, they always do well at finals and yet their performances immediately prior to the tournament are generally shaky. There is some domestic controversy surrounding the selection of George Gregan and other ageing players, but they can perform at the top level for any one off game.
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Pool B - Canada
Despite having only once qualified to the knockout stage (1991), this promises to be a good tournament for the maple leaf men. Currently ranked number 13 in the world rankings, and placed in a pool that presents hardship and opportunity in equal measures, Canada has potential to surprise. Canada is not known as a rugby powerhouse, but recent participation in international development series, such as the Churchill Cup and Super Cup has strengthened Canadian rugby with several Canadian internation
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Pool B - Figi
Coached by Ilivasi Tabua, who played for Australia at RWC 1995 and his native Fiji four years later, the islanders go into this World Cup seeking a first quarter final appearance since 1987 without their star player, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, who has been excluded from the squad as a result of a three-month ban imposed after he tested positive for cannabis. As anyone who has seen him perform with ball in hand can confirm, notably during a two try performance versus Scotland during RWC 2003 when
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Pool B - Japan
Japan arrives at France 2007 as the finest rugby talent that Asia has to offer. Unfortunately, Asia isn't offering much. A second-tier rugby nation at best, Japan falls between adequate and good, performing well against Asian and low class Pacific opponents but struggling against established rugby nations.
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Pool B - Wales
Even though Wales has the ability to spring a surprise any team, they could be the disappointment of this tournament. They were walloped by England and won a morale boosting victory over Argentina in the August tests, but this wasn't a particularly strong performance....
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Pool C - Italy
Italy is an unknown quantity. They performed well over three games earlier this year in their most succesful Six Nations tournament to date but suffered a heavy defeat against Ireland. Strong and competitive in the pack, Italy on their day have as good a tight five and loose forwards as any other team in the tournament.
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Pool C - New Zealand
The 2007 World Cup is New Zealand's tournament to lose. They enter as hot favourites and have been the form team at previous finals, but have yet failed to win a title since 1987. The main problem is the pressure exerted by an expectant media and public at home. Few teams have the ability to beat New Zealand, but they can crumble under pressure and beat themselves....
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Pool C - Portugal
Portugal is the first all-amateur team to qualify for the RWC since the dawn of the professional era in 1995 and the Wolves' trip to France will mark their RWC debut. Following a tempestuous qualification series, Portugal snatched the final entry berth with wins over the Czech Republic, Georgia, Ukraine and Uruguay. However, recent form will not suffice.This weak rugby nation's qualification to the RWC is a staggering accomplishment. It is testament to Portugal's recent successes in the European
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Pool C - Romania
The Romanians can be expected to beat Portugal and will be attempting to win two matches for the first time in their fifth appearance at the World Cup. A heavy defeat to New Zealand is anticipated but they will hope to push both Italy and Scotland close with the aim of winning one of these matches.
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Pool C - Romania
The Romanians can be expected to beat Portugal and will be attempting to win two matches for the first time in their fifth appearance at the World Cup. A heavy defeat to New Zealand is anticipated but they will hope to push both Italy and Scotland close with the aim of winning one of these matches.
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Pool D - Argentina
The Pumas suffered several injuries in recent weeks, have lost three mid-field players and will struggle to emerge from Pool D simply because they don't have the necessary player strength and depth. An extremely abrasive side at home as demonstrated during the summer internationals, not many teams can travel to Buenos Aires in a hostile environment and win. However, Argentina, like many teams, are not the same force when they play away from home....
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Pool D - France
Bernard Laporte has taken away what people love about French rugby - flare and off-the-cuff play. France are now disciplined and structured in play. Home advantage is significant for France. Should they play well, fans will get behind them; perform poorly and Laporte and his players will feel the wrath of a demanding and fickle crowd who have previously turned nasty. This makes the opening game against Argentina all the more crucial for France. Perhaps foolishly, Laporte has banked on older play...
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Pool D - Georgia
Cash-strapped Georgia make the best use of their relationships with French clubs. The national team played Agen, Auch and Albigeois to warm up for the World Cup. The team were coaxed there by Frenchman Claude Saurel and two-thirds of the squad currently ply their trade in French club rugby. Saurel, a 54-year-old former Béziers flanker who was once Morocco's national coach was the key figure in getting Georgia to their first world cup in 2003.
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Pool D - Namibia
Pity the Welwitschias for at RWC 2007 anything in a Namibian jersey will be chewed-up and spat out. Namibia is a third-tier rugby nation and easily the worst team participating. IRB rankings place them 25 in the world – the lowest ranked team making the trip to France. Namibia's main problem is that they contest too few full internationals, and therefore lack experience.
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Profiles and statistics for members of the Ireland squad. 