My Must See Matches

1. France Vs Argentina, Pool D, Friday 7^th September
   Of course the ceremony opener is always one to watch, but this game also takes on an important role in qualification terms. Highly rated home nation, France, take on the Pumas with a lot of pressure, and we all know how the French handle pressure! Really could go either way this one, and what a way to kick off the tournament.
2. Scotland Vs Portugal, Pool C, Sunday 9^th September
   Portugal kick off their first ever world cup match against the hugely favours Scots, in what is likely to be a one sided affair. But expect lots of passion from the Portuguese, they're a developing nation and an unknown quantity. Won't pose a worry for the Scots, but a nice introduction for our European competitors.
3. England Vs South Africa, Pool A, Friday 14^th September
   the defending champs will go into the match as underdogs against the highly touted Bokka side. South Africa have been in good form in the last 12 months, and are the only side to have triumphed over New Zealand in the last 4 seasons, and they've done it twice! South Africa to win, and to win by a decent margin.
4. Wales Vs Australia, Pool B, Saturday 15^th September
   Wales have been in awful form approaching the tournament, but face the group favourites at a packed out home Millennium Stadium. The home fans will be loud and proud through out, and an upset is by no means impossible, but this, the biggest match of the pool, is likely to go the way of the Australians.
5. Ireland Vs Argentina, Pool D, Sunday 30^th September
   The winner of this match is likely to be the team who takes second place in Pool D, and advances to the quarter finals. There'll be a lot on the line in this one, and is probably the toughest result to call from the group stages. I fancy Ireland to snatch it, as long as they are at they're 100% best against a very good Argentinean outfit.

My Pool Predictions

Group A - Tonga and Samoa will prove decent opposition for England and South Africa, and both top teams will take a real bruising at the hands of the South Sea Islanders, but neither have a realistic chance with the reigning champs and the Bokka in their group. The USA will unfortunately be the whipping boys, despite showing some decent qualities, I think they will fail to match the intensity of the Tongans and Samoans.

Group B - It's likely to come down to the Wales vs Australia clash at the Millennium stadium as to who finishes 1^st and 2^nd. But Wales have been I appalling form, and are looking short in confidence. Canada and Fiji will fancy their chances, but I'm not sure Wales have fallen far enough to suffer at the hands of those two sides. Japan will play attractive running rugby, but are unlikely to end with any points.

Group C - New Zealand will win this easy pool outright, with Scotland and Italy battling it out for the 2^nd spot. Portugal would love a victory over Romania, and it will certainly be an interesting match to watch. However there's very little room for debate over the final standings in Pool C.

Group D - Perhaps the most interesting of the 4 pools, with any combination of France, Ireland and Argentina in the top 3. France will wear the favourites tag, with Ireland also most likely 2^nd, but the French are prone to inconsistency, while the Irish too have Jekyll and Hyde tendencies. Anything could happen in this pool, with the only sure thing being that Georgia and Namibia are in for a tough ride!

My Players to watch

Tom Rees, Flanker - England
Rees has excelled in the past year and has come to establish himself in England's back row. At just 22, he's still a raw forward talent, but expect his to be the name on many lips over the next two months, and for many years to come.

James Hook, Outside Half - Wales

Has had a wonderful year on all stages. 12 months ago was celebrating winning Wales' Premier Division with Neath, and a call up to the Welsh touring squad. Scoring on his debut, he's gone from strength to strength at the Ospreys, where he won the Magner's League. Has looked sharp in Steven Jones' absence, may well stay there for the duration or be moved to 12 to partner Shanklin.

Bryan Habana, Winger - South Africa

A far more household name than the above two, Habana has been thrilling in the Southern Hemisphere for the last few years. Still just 24, he's likely to be the start man of the tournament, and my own personal tip for Top Try Scorer. He recently has a race against a Cheetah for a conservation charity, bizarrely enough, he will milliseconds away from beating it over 100 meters!

Luke McAlister, Centre - New Zealand

Dan carter may be the name on most people's lips, but here is the boy to watch this year. He's recently agreed a deal with Sale Sharks, and what a scoop they've got! He was the under 19s IRB World Player of the Year in 2002, and now faces the prospect of winning the same award, without the age grading. A fabulous talent in the centre or fly half birth, watch out for his turn of pace and brilliant kicking display.

Yannick Jauzion, Centre - France

Yannick has been a regular in the French squad now for the past 4 years, and is perhaps one of the more reliable French stars. He's a huge man mountain, and shares the daunting abilities of strength and pace. Add those together, and World Cup sides beware. Jouzion has the ability to win the World Cup for France, and if he does, he will etch his name in stone as one the true greats.

My Outright Winner

Of course it's hard to look past New Zealand, the Kiwi's have been the best side in the world over the last 4 years, and have a squad full of players who would be make the first team of almost any other side in the competition. But they do have a tendency to choke. There's more pressure on them than ever before, and even wins will be read into if not by a large enough margin.

However, in complete contrast, the Australian's have a wonderful record in the competition. They have shown consistency in reaching 3 finals, winning two, and know how to win matches. They have certainly lost a lot in terms of quality, but Australia expects, and it would take a brave man to write them off.

France, the hosts, have simply got to be there or there abouts. They have the luxury of not meeting New Zealand until the final, should both sides make it, and are going to take some stopping after very encouraging build up. Their inconsistency is always a problem, but with a loud and lively home crowd behind them, this really could be their year.

Finally, one-time winners South Africa also have a real hope of winning the Cup again this year. It's been 12 years since they won it on home soil, and they've been through a lot of development since then. They lost their title as a real top side for a while, but as the only team to beat this awesome Kiwi side in the past 3 years, they could easily find themselves repeating that feat in the final a month and a half from now.

New Zealand will win this tournament, they simply have to. They've achieved too much to not win it. Their side features talent beyond belief in all areas, and in every man in their squad. They can call up any individual from the 30, and they will as strong, fit and talented as the man they replaced. Their strength in depth is too good, and their preparation has been spot on. For me they are 99.9% certs.

However, South Africa are the only side I could even imagine denying tem the title. The Bokka have been in immense form, and for my money, will meet the Kiwi's in the final. If anyone else has even the slightest chance this year, for me, its Jake Whites South Africa.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS