ugby World Cup Pool B

South Africa’s flanker Siya Kolisi (C) is tackled by New Zealand’s fly-half Lima Sopoaga (R) during the Rugby test match between South Africa (Springboks) and New Zealand (All Blacks) at Newlands Rugby stadium on October 7, 2017 in Cape Town. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP) / ALTERNATIVE CROP

Rugby World Cup preview: A closer look at Pool B

It’s likely to be close race to the top between the Springboks and the All Blacks.

ugby World Cup Pool B

South Africa’s flanker Siya Kolisi (C) is tackled by New Zealand’s fly-half Lima Sopoaga (R) during the Rugby test match between South Africa (Springboks) and New Zealand (All Blacks) at Newlands Rugby stadium on October 7, 2017 in Cape Town. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP) / ALTERNATIVE CROP

Pool B consists of two of the favourites to win the Rugby World Cup – the All Blacks and Springboks. On Saturday these two will play in the blockbuster fixture of the pool and possibly the pool stage in its entirety.

Rugby World Cup 2019: Pool B

They are joined in the pool by Italy, Canada and Namibia.

South Africa

The Springboks go into this Rugby World Cup as the most in-form team out of all of them, it would not be over confident to say they look in the best shape ahead of a World Cup since their 2007 tournament. They will be keen to avoid a slip up against the smaller nations in their group, their capitulation against Japan in 2015 is still regarded as the lowest day in Springbok history.

The game against New Zealand on Saturday will go a long way in deciding who finishes top of the pool and quite possibly avoids Ireland in the quarterfinals. The Springboks should have no problems getting past Italy, Namibia and Canada. In their past 2 World Cup triumphs, South Africa have relied heavily on the flyhalf. Handre Pollard’s commanding form going into the tournament will play a huge role in how far South Africa go in Japan.

Italy

The Italians at one point seemed to be progressing at a rapid rate. They were growing into a credible Tier 1 rugby nation, but somewhere along the line, they have stagnated and what was now considered a tricky fixture for the more established nations has become somewhat of a routine victory again.

The Azzuri will have to get a huge upset against either of the Southern Hemisphere giants if they are to stand any chance of progressing past the pool stages. They will target big wins against Namibia and Canada. Ordinarily, inspirational skipper Sergio Parisse would be the standout, but at 36 years, the big 8thman is no longer the force he once was. Jake Polledri is a rising star in the Italian side and is expected to take the mantle from Parisse after the World Cup, he is one to look out for.

Canada

The North American nation has played in every World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987 and have only gotten out of the pool stages in 1 tournament – the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Their 28 year wait for another knockout stages qualification is unlikely to materialise this year.

The other teams in their pool, barring Nambia are far too strong for the Canadians. Their game against Namibia should be a battle to avoid the wooden spoon in their group. Tyler Ardron – who was only 4 months old the last time Canada got past the pool stages – will captain his nation. The Chiefs lock/loose forward’s knowledge of the New Zealand game will help his side against the All Blacks. His lineout work and ball carrying will be important in Japan.

Namibia

The only other African representatives along with the aforementioned South African side. The Namibians will have an uphill battle once again in this year’s tournament. There simply aren’t enough of their players playing in quality competitions around the world and as a result of this growth is a struggle for the African side. No longer being able to call up on the inspirational Jacques Burger means they go into the tournament light on experience.

They will struggle to avoid the wooden spoon in this pool and their only realistic chance of victory will be against Canada. In order to secure a victory over the Canadians, former Cheetahs hooker, Torsten van Jaarsveld will have to provide the inspiration and quality up front for Namibia.

New Zealand

The reigning champions have hardly put a foot wrong in Test rugby over the last 10 years, they have rarely been beaten more than once a year and have won both World Cups in that period. To say they have been the best rugby playing nation in that period somewhat feels understated. They have been ahead by a country mile, but like all great golden periods, there is an end. The All Blacks have shown those cracks at the worst possible time and many feel this year’s tournament will be a bridge to far for Hansen’s men.

You write off the All Blacks at your own peril, when they turn the style on, they are still hard to stop and with some fresh new talent, it would be unadvised to consign them to the has-been heap. Amongst a plethora of talented options, it is hard to pinpoint a single player. Sam Whitelock takes on an added importance in the tight 5 with the exclusion of stalwart Owen Franks. The 30 year old will be crucial for the All Blacks.