So, as we enter 2019, the year of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, a reminder of which teams are in which groups, and fixtures to look out for (or grab tickets for if you are going).
Pool A
Ireland Scotland Japan Russia Samoa
This group would be reasonably straightforward, if Japan were not the hosts, and Ireland v Scotland was not the first game up. It is unlikely but if the Scots beat an undercooked Ireland on the opening weekend, Ireland could be playing New Zealand in the QF not South Africa. The whole of Japan (and probably most of the rugby world, except Scotland) will be cheering on the Brave Blossoms in their last group game against the Scots, which (assuming the other games go to form) will be their Cup Final, for a chance to make history and reach the last 8 for the first time - Yokohama 13th October - put it in your diary.
Pool B
New Zealand South Africa Italy Namibia Canada
The outcome of this group, unfortunately, will rest on one game between Kiwis and Saffas on 21st September, again on the opening weekend in Yokohama, for the chance to avoid Ireland in the knockout stages - put it in the diary.
Pool C
England France Argentina Tonga USA
Up until the Autumn Internationals, with England in such poor form, everyone has been talking about this as the "Group of Death". Excitement has dissipated based on England's resurgence and the decline of Argentina and France (in particular). However, the French always come good in a major tournament, and will not lack for motivation in beating England in Yokohama on 12th October, especially as the loser will (probably) only have to face Australia. My pick for the game of this group however is the 2nd place fight between France v Argentina on 21st September in Tokyo.
Pool D
Australia Wales Fiji Georgia Uruguay
With Australia being in such poor form, and Wales unbeaten in the Autumn, the latter are favourites to win the group and avoid England in the last 8 - the game between the big two is in Tokyo on 29th September. However, with Fiji's rapid rise this year into the top 8 of the rankings, this group looks more and more interesting, as the Pacific Islanders are certainly capable of beating either Australia or Wales in a one off game. This is the true "Group of Death", mark my words. My pick is therefore the Fiji v Australia game in Sapporo on 21st September, for the chance to play England in the QF.
Quarter Finals projection
England v Australia
New Zealand v Scotland
Wales v France
Ireland v South Africa
But, if you have some money to burn, it would be interesting to see what odds you could get on Japan, Fiji and Argentina all making the knockout stages.
And what happens if Ireland, New Zealand, England and Wales all fail to win their groups and have to play each other? Ireland v NZ and England v Wales, with only two guaranteed a semi final place.
Wow, can't wait...
