[The Phantom]

I’m sure many of you have no interest in the Rugby World Cup, but there’s a thread for those who are watching, to discuss this years competition.

Also if you’re from the US and Canada and following your teams, but have no idea what’s going on, I’d be more than happy to answer any questions about the game.

I will be offering my thoughts on each team later on, but here's the pools each team has been drawn into for the qualifying stages.

Pool A
England
Samoa
S Africa
Tonga
USA


Pool B
Australia
Canada
Fiji
Japan
Wales


Pool C
Italy
New Zealand
Portugal
Romania
Scotland


Pool D
Argentina
France
Georgia
Ireland
Namibia

[The Phantom]

Now I’m not going to give you my thoughts on every team, because let’s face it, the likes of Samoa, Japan and Fiji are not going to win the competition, and I know nothing about Portugal, Namibia and Georgia’s rugby teams! So here’s how I think the main contenders will fair in this years world cup:

New Zealand: The All Blacks are the overwhelming favourites for this years competition. They have been favourites for the last three World Cups, but they’ve seemed to choke when it matters. This year I don’t see such a problem. Yes, I believe last season The All Blacks did hit their peak (again, a year too early) but Graham Henry will not allow any complacency, and the All Blacks will look to sweep everyone aside. Although they do look beatable, I can only see Australia and France beating them (South Africa always beat them when altitude is in their favour). New Zealand are my pick to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy in October.

Australia: The Wallabies haven’t had the best run up to the world cup. In the last two years they’ve tried to change things around by playing different players out of position, and to be honest, it hasn’t really worked. With George Greagan and Stephen Larkham back in the half backs positions they’ll ensure that there’ll be some experience and creativeness in the Wallabies backline. If the Wallabies want to with the Webb Ellis Trophy for a record breaking third time, they’ll have to be at the very top of their game. A good outside bet. (I have stuck a £10 on them)

South Africa: Coach Jake White decided to rest a few of his top players during the latter stages of this seasons tri nations tournament, to ensure players are kept fresh. While their ‘second string’ side did very well against Australia and New Zealand, their first team players have missed out on the opportunity to face these two great rugby nations. The only way to test yourself is by playing the best. It could come back to bite them. I just think players will get tired towards the latter half of the tournament. Many people’s dark horses – not mine. A definite semi final spot, but no further.

England: The defending world champions have a lot to do if they are to regain their crown. The decision to bring Andy Farrell is one that baffles me, he is next to useless, and England could have benefited by selecting a more creative centre to play in the middle of the park. Much will rely on the fitness of Johnny Wilkinson, he’s Englands key man. Also the pack must allow the England backs to have some ball, players like Mark Cueto and Jason Robison are world beaters, but far to often they are not given the opportunity to showcase their talents. Semi Final spot at best the old enemy.

France: Now I had the opportunity to watch the French play in person a fortnight ago, and they look like a team who come the first whistle will be more than ready. They have an immense defence which every team will find hard to break down. They have the right balance of power and flair to do well in the competition. Being the host nation they will want to do well. They do have a tough group, paired with Ireland and Argentina, however I don’t see that as a problem. I haven’t worked how the competition is structured, but I’d love to see a France vs. New Zealand final. Europe’s only hope of a World Cup win.

Ireland: The Irish have a strong side on paper, but as we know, matches aren’t won or lost on paper. The Irish have suffered a couple of injuries blows to key players in the run up to the tournament. 8 years ago Ireland were stuck in a group with Australia and Argentina, in which they didn’t manage to progress into the latter stages. I would not be surprised if the same happened again this time around. France and Argentina will pose major threats, and if Ireland have an off-day, they could very well be going home early.

Wales: Under coach Gareth Jenkins, Wales have averaged a win every four games. This is simply not good enough for a team who want to win a world cup. Players are at odds with the media, claiming they don’t deserve the criticism they’re receiving. The only message I have for them is to go out there and let the rugby do the talking. At the moment, with 2 wins in the last 9 games it’s simply not good enough. Look for James Hook to star (if given the starting place at 10). Wales should reach the quarter finals, but I will be shocked if they progress any further.

Scotland: The Scots should get out of their group along with New Zealand. They do lack the players and the depth to really challenge the likes of France, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Their match against the ever improving Italy will be their world cup final. A win against the Italians is vital for Scottish Rugby. The best that the Scots can expect is a quarter final spot.

Argentina: I fancy Argentina to pip Ireland to second spot in their pool. The Pumas have drastically improved since the last world cup, and they are regularly beating northern hemisphere sides. A win against the Irish will be their highlight, and a respectable Quarter Final place will be The Pumas target.

[Dr. Giganto]

New Zealand is my pick

[The Phantom]

Are you going to be watching any games Tom?

[Dr. Giganto]

Probably not...I dont even know when and where they're on

and I dont know the rules

[Tyler Durden]

England versus US this Saturday.

At last, revenge for the Boston Tea Party

[Suntan Superman]

Pfft, you all have no chance, Samoa will win I'll probably look at the scores, but no TV means no rugby

[Tyler Durden]

Samoa will do very well.

As usual, they'll be performing as New Zealand for the purposes of this tournament!!

[Suntan Superman]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[Dr. Giganto]

New Zealand: Just like Lord of the Rings!