Keep an eye out for these games
They might have implications for the Springboks later on
MOST South African attention will be on the Springboks at the upcoming Rugby World Cup, but in the pool phase there are some intriguing contests to keep tabs on. Several might also have implications for the Springboks at a later stage. 1. England vs Fiji, Twickenham, London, September 18
The opening game of the RWC is always a big one, but this clash is a potential banana peel for England. They will go into the match heavy favourites against a team supposedly fourth best in the pool. But Fiji have been in electric form having beaten Samoa and Tonga recently and only just lost to the NZ Maori by a point. Only last November Fiji took Wales to the wire in Cardiff, losing 17-14 a week before Wales beat the Springboks. Fiji have also had unprecedented time together before the tournament and with no pressure on them, they have nothing to lose. When it comes to individual talent Fiji’s stocks are plentiful. Giant Crusaders wing Nemani Nadolo, as well as other superb runners, are in their ranks. Their pack has benefited from the input of former Bulls coach Frans Ludeke, which makes them dangerous underdogs. As hosts, England will be under pressure. Imagine what one or two early Fiji tries might do to the nerves? 2. England vs Australia, Twickenham, London, October 3
This could well be the decider of the group and it could also mean elimination for one of the two giants of world rugby. And if both are vying for top place in Pool A, it could reveal the identities of the Boks’ quarterfinal opponents. England would have already played Wales and Fiji, so they would know their exact fate going into the match with only group whipping boys Uruguay to follow. Australia would still have one eye on Wales in their final game but with Uruguay and Fiji probably eased aside, they’ll be well into their stride heading into this match. So much is riding on the outcome, for many reasons. 3. Samoa vs Scotland, St James’ Park, Newcastle, October 10
This is likely to be the game that decides the runner-up of Pool B and one the Scots won’t relish. Samoa will go into the match off a clash against Japan while Scotland enter the contest seven days after facing the Boks. Physically Samoa should be in better shape for a game that might have everything riding on it. Scotland play a physical, confrontational style of rugby that won’t hold fear for the islanders. Discipline will be tested as both sides can have short fuses. In a high-pressure game with a play-off berth on the line, it could become quite testy at the home of Newcastle United Football Club. 4. New Zealand vs Argentina, Wembley, September 20
The last game of the opening weekend should determine the eventual winners of this pool. The All Blacks look unbeatable, but this is a World Cup and history tells us that they are not unbeatable — at least not until the knockout stages. The All Blacks have never lost a RWC pool game in seven previous tournaments and Argentina have never beaten New Zealand. But if it’s a rainy day on a slightly narrower football pitch, some of the All Blacks’ decisive advantages are taken FAVOURITES AGAIN: New Zealand captain Richie McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup after the 8-7 victory over France at the 2011 Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park, Auckland
When it comes to individual talent Fiji’s stocks are plentiful
away. That brings the powerful Pumas scrum more into play. It’s a long shot that there will be an upset in this one, but it’s not impossible. The Pumas have confidence after beating the Springboks for the first time last month and with 90 000 fans mostly cheering for the underdog, it should be a tense battle. Or it could be a blow-out. Either way, it will be fun to watch. 5. France vs Ireland, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, October 11
The penultimate match of the entire pool phase should be the one that settles the group winner. Of course France, being France, might have already lost to Italy by the time they meet the Irish. Or they might be blowing everyone away. No one really knows. But barring another schizophrenic campaign from Les Blues, both they and Ireland should have already done enough to ensure qualification for the last eight by the time they meet.
But the prize of winning the pool is, in all likelihood, avoiding the All Blacks in the quarters.
Ireland will be especially des- perate to evade that scenario because they see this year as a real chance to go all the way to the final. France, who have twice beaten the All Blacks at World Cups, and probably should have won the 2011 final had some refereeing decisions gone their way, won’t be too perturbed about facing New Zealand at any stage.