Pool C
Australia -
The Wallabies have undergone massive changes under Robbie Deans since their traumatic exit to England in the quarterfinals of the last World Cup, and they have set their sights on a record-breaking third title. Possibly only six of Australia's starting XV that succumbed to England's forward supremacy and the unerring goalkicking of Jonny Wilkinson will remain when the Wallabies open their campaign against Italy at North Harbour on September 11.
Former Canterbury Crusaders' coach Deans has reshaped the Wallabies, bringing together an exuberant attacking backline revolving around the sleight-of-hand ball skills of flyhalf Quade Cooper and his Queensland Reds halfback partner Will Genia.
Although it has been far from a smooth ride for Deans - with just a 55 percent success rate and few trophies - he has fashioned an exhilarating attack, an improving forward pack and a committed defence.
Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Digby Ioane and Adam Ashley-Cooper relish the time and space conjured by the unpredictable Cooper and are a match for any backline in world rugby.
But Australia's chances of securing a third Webb Ellis Trophy hinge on whether the backline can get enough front-foot ball from a forward pack, derided in the past for its suspect set-piece technique and physicality.
Deans has been working hard to inject some steel into the forward pack, led by Reds captain James Horwill who lifted the Super Rugby title earlier this year and recently replaced former skipper Rocky Elsom.
The Wallabies' Achilles heel has been their front row, but Deans has addressed that weakness with the strength of Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, James Slipper and Salesi Ma'afu.
Australia are ranked second to New Zealand and are expected to top Pool C where they have a 20-8-1 record over likely group rivals Ireland and are seeded to play either Wales, Fiji or Samoa in the quarterfinals.
The Wallabies have a rich record at the World Cup, winning the 1991 and 1999 finals, and finishing runner-up to England at home in 2003.
Given the improved depth of the squad in the three years under Deans, Australia are timing their run perfectly for a record third World Cup crown in the backyard of their fiercest rivals New Zealand.
Coach - Robbie Deans - New Zealander Deans became the first foreigner to coach the Wallabies when he was appointed in December 2007 on the back of a dominating coaching record of four Super rugby titles from six finals appearances with the Canterbury Crusaders. Deans was coveted by the Australian Rugby Union after he was by-passed for the All Blacks' coaching job when Graham Henry was reappointed in the wake of New Zealand's quarterfinal exit at the 2007 World Cup in France. Deans, who turns 52 next month, has transformed the Wallabies, blooding new young stars and looking to play an expansive 15-man game, centred around the ball-playing skills of flyhalf Quade Cooper and scrumhalf Will Genia.
Key player -
Quade Cooper - flyhalf
Much depends on Cooper if Australia are to land their third World Cup title in New Zealand. The 23-year-old New Zealand-born playmaker has had a meteoric rise to rugby fame since his international debut in Italy in November 2008 and has played 26 internationals since then. Cooper is a quirky playmaker, often mesmerising opposing defences with his unpredictability and ability to put teammates into gaps with defence-splitting passes. Cooper's glaring weakness is his defensive technique and is often hidden at fullback or on the wing when the Wallabies are called on to defend.
Nathan Sharpe
Sharpe in name, sharp in nature for this lock forward, who is strong and versatile.
James O'Connor
Lightening fast feet and a great boot give O'Connor the unique ability to play at fly half, full back or centre comfortably, and he has shown that he can literally run circles around most defenders.
The Wallabies have undergone massive changes under Robbie Deans since their traumatic exit to England in the quarterfinals of the last World Cup, and they have set their sights on a record-breaking third title. Possibly only six of Australia's starting XV that succumbed to England's forward supremacy and the unerring goalkicking of Jonny Wilkinson will remain when the Wallabies open their campaign against Italy at North Harbour on September 11.
Former Canterbury Crusaders' coach Deans has reshaped the Wallabies, bringing together an exuberant attacking backline revolving around the sleight-of-hand ball skills of flyhalf Quade Cooper and his Queensland Reds halfback partner Will Genia.
Although it has been far from a smooth ride for Deans - with just a 55 percent success rate and few trophies - he has fashioned an exhilarating attack, an improving forward pack and a committed defence.
Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Digby Ioane and Adam Ashley-Cooper relish the time and space conjured by the unpredictable Cooper and are a match for any backline in world rugby.
But Australia's chances of securing a third Webb Ellis Trophy hinge on whether the backline can get enough front-foot ball from a forward pack, derided in the past for its suspect set-piece technique and physicality.
Deans has been working hard to inject some steel into the forward pack, led by Reds captain James Horwill who lifted the Super Rugby title earlier this year and recently replaced former skipper Rocky Elsom.
The Wallabies' Achilles heel has been their front row, but Deans has addressed that weakness with the strength of Ben Alexander, Sekope Kepu, James Slipper and Salesi Ma'afu.
Australia are ranked second to New Zealand and are expected to top Pool C where they have a 20-8-1 record over likely group rivals Ireland and are seeded to play either Wales, Fiji or Samoa in the quarterfinals.
The Wallabies have a rich record at the World Cup, winning the 1991 and 1999 finals, and finishing runner-up to England at home in 2003.
Given the improved depth of the squad in the three years under Deans, Australia are timing their run perfectly for a record third World Cup crown in the backyard of their fiercest rivals New Zealand.
Coach - Robbie Deans - New Zealander Deans became the first foreigner to coach the Wallabies when he was appointed in December 2007 on the back of a dominating coaching record of four Super rugby titles from six finals appearances with the Canterbury Crusaders. Deans was coveted by the Australian Rugby Union after he was by-passed for the All Blacks' coaching job when Graham Henry was reappointed in the wake of New Zealand's quarterfinal exit at the 2007 World Cup in France. Deans, who turns 52 next month, has transformed the Wallabies, blooding new young stars and looking to play an expansive 15-man game, centred around the ball-playing skills of flyhalf Quade Cooper and scrumhalf Will Genia.
Key player -
Quade Cooper - flyhalf
Much depends on Cooper if Australia are to land their third World Cup title in New Zealand. The 23-year-old New Zealand-born playmaker has had a meteoric rise to rugby fame since his international debut in Italy in November 2008 and has played 26 internationals since then. Cooper is a quirky playmaker, often mesmerising opposing defences with his unpredictability and ability to put teammates into gaps with defence-splitting passes. Cooper's glaring weakness is his defensive technique and is often hidden at fullback or on the wing when the Wallabies are called on to defend.
Nathan Sharpe
Sharpe in name, sharp in nature for this lock forward, who is strong and versatile.
James O'Connor
Lightening fast feet and a great boot give O'Connor the unique ability to play at fly half, full back or centre comfortably, and he has shown that he can literally run circles around most defenders.
Ireland -
Will travel to New Zealand with high hopes of redeeming themselves after their worst ever performance in a World Cup four years ago, in what should be a swansong for many of their senior players
Will travel to New Zealand with high hopes of redeeming themselves after their worst ever performance in a World Cup four years ago, in what should be a swansong for many of their senior players
Having not made it out of the pool stage in France in 2007 they can dream realistically of reaching the semifinals for the first time given their charitable draw - though they will have to discover a consistency that has been lacking since their 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam.
Their pool this time round does not hold the same dangers they fell victim to last time when they had hosts France and a superb Argentina, for while Italy have improved under Nick Mallett the Irish should have enough ammunition to see them off. A runners-up spot behind Australia would probably see them play world champions South Africa in the last eight and a top-form Ireland would have a strong chance of beating them.
Whilst there is no doubt that this squad is a more unified group under Declan Kidney, who replaced Eddie O'Sullivan after the 2007 debacle, they have an infuriating habit, if you are an Irish supporter, of going to sleep in matches. Turnovers put the defence under pressure and this has been evident in their trio of warm-up matches which have resulted in two defeats against France and one against Scotland.
Ireland have all the ingredients this time to write a more pleasant chapter in their World Cup history - provided they keep their eye on the ball.
Coach - Declan Kidney - A qualified mathematics teacher who will hope his sums add up in New Zealand. The 51-year-old quietly spoken Irishman has a record to die for in the northern hemisphere with two European Cup wins as Munster coach - plus two other final appearances - and delivered the holy grail of the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009 in only his second season in charge of the national side and as a result garnered the IRB coach of the year award. Results since then have been patchy as have been the performances but as he has shown in the past he is capable of summoning great displays out of his sides when it matters.
Key player- Brian O'Driscoll - Remarkably it is now 12 years that he has been the player Ireland has looked to after looking a star in the making even as a replacement in the 1999 World Cup squad. Now the 32-year-old centre has a final chance of securing the one major trophy to have eluded him. He may lack the speed of old and injuries are never far away but his tackling is first rate, his understanding with centre partner Gordon D'Arcy telepathic and his vision and eye for a break peerless. Most players wouldn't mind retiring with two European Cups, a Six Nations Grand Slam, over 100 caps and the try scoring record for the Five/Six Nations but O'Driscoll's appetite will only be sated with a World Cup.
Whilst there is no doubt that this squad is a more unified group under Declan Kidney, who replaced Eddie O'Sullivan after the 2007 debacle, they have an infuriating habit, if you are an Irish supporter, of going to sleep in matches. Turnovers put the defence under pressure and this has been evident in their trio of warm-up matches which have resulted in two defeats against France and one against Scotland.
Ireland have all the ingredients this time to write a more pleasant chapter in their World Cup history - provided they keep their eye on the ball.
Coach - Declan Kidney - A qualified mathematics teacher who will hope his sums add up in New Zealand. The 51-year-old quietly spoken Irishman has a record to die for in the northern hemisphere with two European Cup wins as Munster coach - plus two other final appearances - and delivered the holy grail of the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009 in only his second season in charge of the national side and as a result garnered the IRB coach of the year award. Results since then have been patchy as have been the performances but as he has shown in the past he is capable of summoning great displays out of his sides when it matters.
Key player- Brian O'Driscoll - Remarkably it is now 12 years that he has been the player Ireland has looked to after looking a star in the making even as a replacement in the 1999 World Cup squad. Now the 32-year-old centre has a final chance of securing the one major trophy to have eluded him. He may lack the speed of old and injuries are never far away but his tackling is first rate, his understanding with centre partner Gordon D'Arcy telepathic and his vision and eye for a break peerless. Most players wouldn't mind retiring with two European Cups, a Six Nations Grand Slam, over 100 caps and the try scoring record for the Five/Six Nations but O'Driscoll's appetite will only be sated with a World Cup.
Italy -
Will as-ever be relying on their pack when they tackle one of the toughest groups at the World Cup in New Zealand next month but their Achilles Heel remains the lack of a top-class flyhalf.
Will as-ever be relying on their pack when they tackle one of the toughest groups at the World Cup in New Zealand next month but their Achilles Heel remains the lack of a top-class flyhalf.
Italy has one of the most respected packs in the world with tighthead prop Martin Castrogiovanni and No.8 and captain Sergio Parisse considered amongst the very best in the world in their respective positions. Add to that the ever-improving Alessandro Zanni, fellow flank Mauro Bergamasco and veteran lock Marco Bortolami and Italy are certainly not short on talent and muscle in their front eight. But while the the Azzurri's pack is their undoubted strength it is not capable of carrying them to the world crown, and it is their failings in the backline which are most apparent.
Italy's backs in general are good players; Gonzalo Canale, Andrea Masi and Mirco Bergamasco have all played for years in France. But they have several problems. One is that most of their backs are naturally centres and hence converting a pair of them into wings is not ideal. Then there is their lack of pace as there really isn't a single flyer in the team.
The main problem is the halfback pairing. Italy have been searching for years to replace Alessandro Troncon and Diego Dominguez and have so far failed to do so. Coach Nick Mallett has had the good fortune to discover a pair of promising young scrumhalves in Edoardo Gori and Fabio Semenzato who both look capable of enjoying long international careers, although they are far from being the finished product.
But it is at flyhalf that Italy really struggle.
Mallett thought he had found a temporary solution when former Australian Rugby League international Craig Gower, who has an Italian grandfather, came to Europe to play Rugby Union for Bayonne.
Mallett gave Gower the No.10 shirt and handed him his debut in June 2009 on tour in Australia. But after just 14 starts for Italy and one Six Nations season under his belt, Gower injured his knee against Argentina last November and never played for the Azzurri again.
Coach
Nick Mallett - It is hard not to feel sorry for the South African who is held in high esteem by his players and has taken the team forward in great strides but already knows the World Cup will be his Italian swansong. Mallett has turned Italy into a highly competitive side, able to match top level opponents physically for 80 minutes. The pack is now among the most respected in the world and despite a lack of genuine quality and talent in the backline, they are steadily improving. And yet the former South Africa and Stade Francais coach has been ruthlessly discarded by the Italian Federation who could be accused of have designs above their station. It is hard to see how his replacement Jacques Brunel will do any better.
Key player - Martin Castrogiovanni - prop
So much of the reason Italy's pack is respected the world over is down to the impact of the Leicester Tigers tighthead. Considered by many to be the best in the world in his position his scrummaging expertise is the source of many a penalty for Italy. He has his detractors with several opposition coaches accusing him in the past of bending the rules beyond breaking point. Castro, as he is affectionately known in Italy, is one of the main reasons the Azzurri are no longer a pushover for anyone as they will always cause opponents problems up front in the contact zone.
Italy's backs in general are good players; Gonzalo Canale, Andrea Masi and Mirco Bergamasco have all played for years in France. But they have several problems. One is that most of their backs are naturally centres and hence converting a pair of them into wings is not ideal. Then there is their lack of pace as there really isn't a single flyer in the team.
The main problem is the halfback pairing. Italy have been searching for years to replace Alessandro Troncon and Diego Dominguez and have so far failed to do so. Coach Nick Mallett has had the good fortune to discover a pair of promising young scrumhalves in Edoardo Gori and Fabio Semenzato who both look capable of enjoying long international careers, although they are far from being the finished product.
But it is at flyhalf that Italy really struggle.
Mallett thought he had found a temporary solution when former Australian Rugby League international Craig Gower, who has an Italian grandfather, came to Europe to play Rugby Union for Bayonne.
Mallett gave Gower the No.10 shirt and handed him his debut in June 2009 on tour in Australia. But after just 14 starts for Italy and one Six Nations season under his belt, Gower injured his knee against Argentina last November and never played for the Azzurri again.
Coach
Nick Mallett - It is hard not to feel sorry for the South African who is held in high esteem by his players and has taken the team forward in great strides but already knows the World Cup will be his Italian swansong. Mallett has turned Italy into a highly competitive side, able to match top level opponents physically for 80 minutes. The pack is now among the most respected in the world and despite a lack of genuine quality and talent in the backline, they are steadily improving. And yet the former South Africa and Stade Francais coach has been ruthlessly discarded by the Italian Federation who could be accused of have designs above their station. It is hard to see how his replacement Jacques Brunel will do any better.
Key player - Martin Castrogiovanni - prop
So much of the reason Italy's pack is respected the world over is down to the impact of the Leicester Tigers tighthead. Considered by many to be the best in the world in his position his scrummaging expertise is the source of many a penalty for Italy. He has his detractors with several opposition coaches accusing him in the past of bending the rules beyond breaking point. Castro, as he is affectionately known in Italy, is one of the main reasons the Azzurri are no longer a pushover for anyone as they will always cause opponents problems up front in the contact zone.
Russia -
For 75 years the most famous Russian rugby player has been Prince Alexander Sergeevich Obolensky, an escapee from the purges of the Soviet revolution who famously ran in two tries for England in their win over the All Blacks at Twickenham in 1936.
For 75 years the most famous Russian rugby player has been Prince Alexander Sergeevich Obolensky, an escapee from the purges of the Soviet revolution who famously ran in two tries for England in their win over the All Blacks at Twickenham in 1936.
Russia making its first appearance at the World Cup, that may be about to change. Nicknamed - The Bears are the only new boys at this edition but that is not to say that rugby is new to the country. The first recorded match was in the 1880s although it was frowned upon by the Tsarist police to such an extent that there was next to no activity until the 1920s with the first Soviet championship taking place in 1936. Outlawed again by the Soviets for a decade, it struggled to compete alongside football and the state-sponsored Olympic sports. The Soviet Union turned down an invitation to compete in the inaugural event in 1987. But they are through to the 2011 tournament after qualifying second from Europe behind Georgia - their big rivals and former teammates in Soviet days.
Drawn in the same pool as Australia, Ireland, Italy and the United States, there has been a great deal of focus placed on the opening game against the American Eagles, something their national team director Kingsley Jones has tried to play down.
Drawn in the same pool as Australia, Ireland, Italy and the United States, there has been a great deal of focus placed on the opening game against the American Eagles, something their national team director Kingsley Jones has tried to play down.
The Georgians, who have successfully parked a large number of players at French clubs, are known for the strength and power of their forwards but Jones says the Russians have more flair.
The World Cup marks an exciting time for the game in a country which has been chosen to host the World Cup Sevens tournament in 2013.
Coach
Nikolay Nerush/Kingsley Jones - Nerush is the man at the helm, the titular coach, but the spotlight is likely to fall more on Kingsley Jones, who succeeded Steve Diamond as director of rugby. The Welshman was coach of Sale Sharks when they won the English Premiership in 2006, but has taken a step back from the front line to help the Russians - he is contracted through to the end of next year. As a defence coach specialist he has made them a tighter unit. "They work well together, giving us better organisation and understanding," says Ostrikov.
Key player - Vasili Artemiev
The English-speaking world use he is a blindingly good wing. Educated at that great rugby academy Blackrock College in Dublin, Artemiev became the first Russian to sign to with an English Premiership team when he joined Northampton in March.
The World Cup marks an exciting time for the game in a country which has been chosen to host the World Cup Sevens tournament in 2013.
Coach
Nikolay Nerush/Kingsley Jones - Nerush is the man at the helm, the titular coach, but the spotlight is likely to fall more on Kingsley Jones, who succeeded Steve Diamond as director of rugby. The Welshman was coach of Sale Sharks when they won the English Premiership in 2006, but has taken a step back from the front line to help the Russians - he is contracted through to the end of next year. As a defence coach specialist he has made them a tighter unit. "They work well together, giving us better organisation and understanding," says Ostrikov.
Key player - Vasili Artemiev
The English-speaking world use he is a blindingly good wing. Educated at that great rugby academy Blackrock College in Dublin, Artemiev became the first Russian to sign to with an English Premiership team when he joined Northampton in March.
USA -
The United States head to New Zealand for their sixth crack at the World Cup knowing that there is little to no chance that they will make it through to the last eight of the tournament
The United States head to New Zealand for their sixth crack at the World Cup knowing that there is little to no chance that they will make it through to the last eight of the tournament
With Australia, Ireland and Italy in the group - currently ranked second, sixth and eleventh in the world - the best the Eagles can hope for is a morale-boosting win over tournament rookies Russia. A recent documentary about the game in the United States is entitled "A Giant Awakens: the rise of American rugby". Sadly, this is based more on wishful thinking than on the cold reality of results. The United States certainly have some top players, notably their captain and flank Todd Clever, who made his mark with the Lions in Super Rugby last year before moving to Japan, and the lightning fast wing Takudzwa Ngwenya whose try against South Africa - one of the the highlights of the 2007 World Cup - landed him a contract with top French side Biarritz.
First, the Eagles will be looking to shoot down the Irish and then the Russian Bears.
Coach
Eddie O'Sullivan - One of the most experienced international coaches around having had a seven-year stint in charge of Ireland which included the 2003 and 2007 World Cups. Now back with the Eagles for a second spell, having been assistant to Jack Clarke at the 1999 World Cup. "It will be very strange to be up against Ireland but it isn't the first time," he says. "My first game in charge of the Eagles in 2009 was against Ireland in Santa Clara and back in 1999 when I was assistant coach, we also played against Ireland," he said.
Key player
Todd Clever - flank - Even if you have never seen the Eagles play you will be able to pick out Todd Clever; he is the one with the hair. As captain of the side he is also the face of US rugby and in O'Sullivan's opinion one of the really world class players in the side. "He is an explosive player, capable of producing some great moments. He was the first American to play Super Rugby, he is an excellent captain," he says. The 28-year-old is an all action loose forward who has honed his skills for North Harbour in New Zealand and Golden Lions in South Africa. Currently at Suntory in Japan, he lives up to his nickname "Captain America".
First, the Eagles will be looking to shoot down the Irish and then the Russian Bears.
Coach
Eddie O'Sullivan - One of the most experienced international coaches around having had a seven-year stint in charge of Ireland which included the 2003 and 2007 World Cups. Now back with the Eagles for a second spell, having been assistant to Jack Clarke at the 1999 World Cup. "It will be very strange to be up against Ireland but it isn't the first time," he says. "My first game in charge of the Eagles in 2009 was against Ireland in Santa Clara and back in 1999 when I was assistant coach, we also played against Ireland," he said.
Key player
Todd Clever - flank - Even if you have never seen the Eagles play you will be able to pick out Todd Clever; he is the one with the hair. As captain of the side he is also the face of US rugby and in O'Sullivan's opinion one of the really world class players in the side. "He is an explosive player, capable of producing some great moments. He was the first American to play Super Rugby, he is an excellent captain," he says. The 28-year-old is an all action loose forward who has honed his skills for North Harbour in New Zealand and Golden Lions in South Africa. Currently at Suntory in Japan, he lives up to his nickname "Captain America".
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