Mar 18th, 2008 | RWC 2011, Test Rugby | 3 Comments | print
In the history of the Rugby World Cup (RWC), Russia has been mentioned only in whispers of the qualifying stages. With a recent, hard-fought win over Romania in the European Nations Cup (ENC or ‘Six Nations B’) and a world ranking of 16, Russia may finally have what it takes to squeeze past Romania and qualify for the first time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
Russia are now aligned to play Georgia in a show-down for European Nations Cup dominance. Georgia are likely heavy favorites, as they typically are at the RWC, but a strong showing by the Russians on the heels of 3 consecutive ENC wins could well make the 2011 RWC European qualifiers very interesting. Twelve of the 20 teams for the 2011 championship automatically qualified based on their performance at the 2007 RWC. Two and possibly 3 more European teams will qualify for the 2011 RWC.
Oct 4th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 1 Comment | print
“Nothing left but the crying” is probably the sentiment for many Irish, Welsh, Italians and Tongans this week as the pool stages end and the 3rd place finishers head back and start thinking about either retirement or the 2011 RWC in New Zealand. For a World Cup that was supposed to be a predictable spectacle by the ‘top-tier’ teams, the so-called ‘minnows’ flexed their might (and their hearts) and produced more flair and excitement than the championship favorites like France and the SANZAR nations. Here is how it breaks down pool-by-pool. → continue reading
Sep 16th, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 5 Comments | print
Always the underdog at the big show, Georgia (formerly of the USSR) is currently defending their reputation - earned at the 2003 Rugby World Cup - as a determined and spirited side. Despite almost missing the 2003 RWC (the IRB had to step in to finance Georgia’s RWC kit and traveling expenses), the Lelos played like tigers and won the hearts of spectators world wide with an impressive 19-46 loss to South Africa.
After playing both Argentina and Ireland, it seems that Georgia has returned to the 2007 RWC with the same vigor for the game, but with much improved skills, particularly in defense. Argentina struggled to crack the Georgians line - in large part due to their excellent sliding cover in the back line - and Argentina had only a 3-point lead at half-time. The 33-3 final score was more a tribute to the fitness and patience of the Pumas rather than a lack of skill or desire by the challengers. → continue reading
Jul 31st, 2007 | Test Rugby, RWC 2007 | 20 Comments | print
RWC 2007 Predictions 1 - Pool D
Well, hopefully you have all joined a 2007 RWC pool by now because I am really anxious to take your money ☺. However, to be a fair sportsman, let me start my RWC predictions with a quick look at Pool D. I chose to look at Pool D first because the RWC opener is a Pool D match, and this pool has the potential for an upset like Pool C (Pools A and B look pretty predictable, but I digress).
Pool D consists of the following teams:
- France, 3rd place in the IRB World Rankings
- Ireland, 5th place
- Argentina, 6th place
- Georgia, 17th place
- Namibia, 25th place
Let’s start at the bottom. Namibia or ‘the Welwitschias’ is the only the second African nation to ever appear in the RWC after first qualifying for the 1999 competition. The team has never won a RWC match and suffered a 142-0 crushing vs. Australia in the 2003 RWC. Their efforts lately have been sporadic at best, and little doubt remains that they will be at the bottom of Pool D.
The next obvious victim in this pool is Georgia who have only played in one RWC (2003). Although praised at that time for some good play vs. South Africa, it is likely they only win they will get at RWC 2007 will be against Namibia on September 26.
This just leaves Les Bleus (France), Los Pumas (Argentina) and the Irish to square off for the top 2 positions and advance to the Quarter Finals. At home, the two best teams on the planet are France and New Zealand, so I have a hard time believing that Ireland or Argentina will upset the highest ranked team in Europe. Look for France to come out undefeated on top of the Pool.
Now, the barn burner… Ireland or Argentina. They square off as the last and deciding match of the pool. I know there are a lot of Irish fans around the world, but my money is on Argentina.
Historically, Los Pumas have been strong and they showed a lot of spirit in RWC 2003. They tool a bit of a nosedive about 18 months ago (slipping to 9th place) but have since regained their 6th place spot just behind 5th-ranked Ireland. ARG v IRE is always an exciting match with each team taking one win in past RWC clashes; Argentina in 1999, Ireland in 2003. But, after a triumphant defeat of an inexperienced English side at Twickenham in 2006, a European sweep in May/June of Ireland (2 wins in 2 Tests) and Italy this past spring and Scrumhalf Agustin Pichot returning to captain the team in his 4th RWC appearance, I think the South Americans are ready to explode and start their push towards a spot in the finals in Aukland in 2011. Viva La Revolucion!
