After last year, the drama within the teams, players moving to other countries in search of greener pastures and the retirements.
I had a discussion with my friends and I cannot believe it but I had to admit that the Sharks, compared to last year’s best-performing South African team the Stormers, represent South Africa’s best chance of success in the 2012 Super Rugby season.
According to the latest edition of Sports Illustrated magazine and the artlicles I have read about the upcoming Super Rugby season.
They have theSharks finishing second on the overall log behind the Crusaders, last season’s runners-up and the top side in the Super Rugby history, and thus winning the SA conference.
It tips the Stormers, last year’s domestic conference winners and eventually beaten semi-finalists, to end fifth overall and as conference runners-up, thus qualifying again for the playoffs as the only other South African team to do so.
According to the magazine, the rebuilding Bulls will end seventh, just outside the playoffs, cash-strapped Currie Cup champions the Lions 11th and the Cheetahs 12th.
“The Sharks have all the personnel, skills and smarts a team could wish for. Now they just need the belief,” SI said.
It cited favourable aspects for the Sharks like the fact that they don’t meet the Crusaders on the pre-playoff calendar this season, and will play defending champions the Reds at home.
In slightly downgrading the Stormers this year, the magazine said: “They have the goods to take top (conference) spot if they fire on all cylinders, but when they backfire, they do so spectacularly.”
On a broader level, as the tournament faces a record-length year marked by a three-week break for Test rugby, it quoted SARU chief executive Jurie Roux as admitting that the schedule was “challenging not only from a player point of view but also because we have the incoming English tour in the middle of the Super Rugby competition which makes selling both quite tricky”.
He added: “It’s certainly easier to handle the promotion of one tournament at a time. The Test window will put added pressure on the new Bok coach because he’ll have hardly any time to work with the players before the first England Test.”
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Rugby players partying like Rockstars, Part 2
The Kiwis also like to party. Shocked onlookers at a bar watched as a naked, drunk and bleeding Zac Guildford staggered into a beachside Rarotonga bar and assaulted two holidaymakers.
Witnesses said the All Black winger suddenly appeared dripping wet and without clothes in Trader Jacks, a popular bar and restaurant, about 10pm on Friday (NZ time).
He was bleeding from a gash to his forehead and wounds on his chest and knees, thought to have happened when he fell off a scooter earlier in the day.
The 22 year old Guildford first punched one man in the bar who asked him if he needed help. The All Black then staggered to the bar and hit Australian Nick Cox across the back of the head.
In September, Guildford admitted to a drinking problem and met with All Blacks coaches to promise he would take steps to control his drinking.(Umm,... Yeah)
But the Kiwis watching him on Friday night say his behaviour was appalling.
Luckily Zac Guildford has kept his lucrative New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) contract but been banned for four games and ordered to undergo alcohol counselling
Luckily Zac Guildford has kept his lucrative New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) contract but been banned for four games and ordered to undergo alcohol counselling
2012 Super Rugby chops and changes
It looks like they made changes for the 2012 Super Rugby tournament and not every team will play against each other. This, obviously, creates a bit of inequality with some teams coming off with better draws than others.
Here’s a quick look at who doesn’t play whom – we’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions!
Bulls don’t play the Hurricanes or Western Force
Cheetahs don’t play the Blues or Reds
Lions don’t play the Highlanders or Waratahs
Sharks don’t play the Crusaders or Rebels
Stormers don’t play the Chiefs or Brumbies
Blues don’t play the Cheetahs or Waratahs
Chiefs don’t play the Stormers or Rebels
Crusaders don’t play the Sharks or Brumbies
Highlanders don’t play the Lions or Western Force
Hurricanes don’t play the Bulls or Reds
Brumbies don’t play the Stormers or Crusaders
Rebels don’t play the Sharks or Chiefs
Reds don’t play the Cheetahs or Hurricanes
Waratahs don’t play the Lions or Blues
Western Force don’t play the Bulls or Highlanders
I dont know hey, I dont think this is a good idea but who am I to say, im not running this.
Here’s a quick look at who doesn’t play whom – we’ll leave you to draw your own conclusions!
Bulls don’t play the Hurricanes or Western Force
Cheetahs don’t play the Blues or Reds
Lions don’t play the Highlanders or Waratahs
Sharks don’t play the Crusaders or Rebels
Stormers don’t play the Chiefs or Brumbies
Blues don’t play the Cheetahs or Waratahs
Chiefs don’t play the Stormers or Rebels
Crusaders don’t play the Sharks or Brumbies
Highlanders don’t play the Lions or Western Force
Hurricanes don’t play the Bulls or Reds
Brumbies don’t play the Stormers or Crusaders
Rebels don’t play the Sharks or Chiefs
Reds don’t play the Cheetahs or Hurricanes
Waratahs don’t play the Lions or Blues
Western Force don’t play the Bulls or Highlanders
I dont know hey, I dont think this is a good idea but who am I to say, im not running this.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Rugby players partying like Rock stars
What is up with these rugby players partying like Rock stars these days?
A month ago England scrumhalf Danny Care was arrested and fined by police for being drunk and disorderly on a night out with his team-mates from English club Harlequins.
He was later released after being arrested, shortly after Harlequins' 21-10 defeat to Toulouse in the Heineken Cup. He was fined £80. (really,... hmmm ok)
Care, who has won 24 caps for England, says "I should have remembered that as a professional player, I am on duty throughout the season and need to set a better example to fans." (written by the publicist i suppose)
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Rugby World Cup team profiles - Pool D
Pool D
Fiji -
Although the Flying Fijians have slipped outside the top ten in the IRB rankings they are confident of rattling a few reputations at the World Cup. Fiji have had a troubled build-up to their sixth World Cup with politics, form and injuries dropping them to a current 12th ranking behind regional rivals Samoa at 10.
Renowned for their Sevens' virtuosity, the Fijians have had a tough time matching it with their better-resourced rivals at the World Cup and have yet to get past the quarterfinal stage which they managed at the 1987 and 2007 showpieces.
It has been far from a smooth lead-up to Fiji's opening Pool D game against Namibia in Rotorua on September 10.
Fiji backed down from a political confrontation with the New Zealand government by excluding Leone Nakarawa, a 23-year-old soldier, from playing against the All Blacks in Dunedin in late July.
New Zealand have barred entry into their country for Fijians with military or government ties as part of sanctions imposed following the 2006 coup when military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama seized control of the Pacific nation.
The IRB had been trying to resolve the impasse but an accomodation was eventually found when Nakarawa agreed to resign his army commission prior to the tournament.
Fiji, unable to get a release of their players from Northern Hemisphere clubs and stymied by the New Zealand travel ban, were hammered 60-14 by the All Blacks.
The Fijians also lost the Pacific Nations Cup to Japan 24-13 to an injury-time bonus point try in Lautoka in July. They paid dearly for a lack of discipline with three yellow cards and two reds, allowing Japan to take advantage of the numerical imbalance.
This month Fiji beat regional rivals Tonga 27-12 three tries to two in Lautoka to round off the World Cup preparations.
Fiji had a memorable last World Cup pulling off a stunning 38-34 pool win over Wales after securing wins over Japan (35-31) and Canada (29-16).
Then they clawed back a 13-point deficit against South Africa in their quarterfinal with two converted tries when down to 14 men only to succumb to the Springboks' superior tactical nous and forward power in a 37-20 loss.
High performance manager Talemo Waqa said Fiji faced a similar scenario prior to the 2007 World Cup where they made their presence felt.
Once again Fiji will look to their sizeable Northern Hemisphere contingent of stars, including captain and prop Deacon Manu (Scarlets), lock Akapusi Qera (Gloucester), flyhalf Nicky Little (Bristol), No.8 Sisa Koyamaibole (Sale) and inside centre Seremaia Bai (Castres).
Coach - Samu Domoni
The 42-year-old Domoni who played six internationals for Fiji at lock before a stint with the Waratahs, replaced Ilivasi Tabua in 2009 on the strength of his expertise in rugby technology and came recommended by the Australian Rugby Union. He has concentrated on monitoring the players' fitness levels. "They can travel from the other side of the globe but they still have to pass the fitness test. It is a very busy year and there is no room for passengers," he said.
Key players
Seremaia BaiBai, 32, is an experienced inside back with almost 50 Tests and spent four seasons with Clermont Auvergne helping them win France's Top 14 title before linking up with Castres. He was a member of Fiji's team that shocked Wales at the 2007 World Cup in Cardiff before playing at flyhalf in the quarterfinal defeat to South Africa.
Talemaitoga Tuapati This hooker's selection to the Fijian squad came in 2010 after impressing selectors on the watch at the Pacific Rugby Cup tournament which included club teams from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Although the Flying Fijians have slipped outside the top ten in the IRB rankings they are confident of rattling a few reputations at the World Cup. Fiji have had a troubled build-up to their sixth World Cup with politics, form and injuries dropping them to a current 12th ranking behind regional rivals Samoa at 10.
Renowned for their Sevens' virtuosity, the Fijians have had a tough time matching it with their better-resourced rivals at the World Cup and have yet to get past the quarterfinal stage which they managed at the 1987 and 2007 showpieces.
It has been far from a smooth lead-up to Fiji's opening Pool D game against Namibia in Rotorua on September 10.
Fiji backed down from a political confrontation with the New Zealand government by excluding Leone Nakarawa, a 23-year-old soldier, from playing against the All Blacks in Dunedin in late July.
New Zealand have barred entry into their country for Fijians with military or government ties as part of sanctions imposed following the 2006 coup when military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama seized control of the Pacific nation.
The IRB had been trying to resolve the impasse but an accomodation was eventually found when Nakarawa agreed to resign his army commission prior to the tournament.
Fiji, unable to get a release of their players from Northern Hemisphere clubs and stymied by the New Zealand travel ban, were hammered 60-14 by the All Blacks.
The Fijians also lost the Pacific Nations Cup to Japan 24-13 to an injury-time bonus point try in Lautoka in July. They paid dearly for a lack of discipline with three yellow cards and two reds, allowing Japan to take advantage of the numerical imbalance.
This month Fiji beat regional rivals Tonga 27-12 three tries to two in Lautoka to round off the World Cup preparations.
Fiji had a memorable last World Cup pulling off a stunning 38-34 pool win over Wales after securing wins over Japan (35-31) and Canada (29-16).
Then they clawed back a 13-point deficit against South Africa in their quarterfinal with two converted tries when down to 14 men only to succumb to the Springboks' superior tactical nous and forward power in a 37-20 loss.
High performance manager Talemo Waqa said Fiji faced a similar scenario prior to the 2007 World Cup where they made their presence felt.
Once again Fiji will look to their sizeable Northern Hemisphere contingent of stars, including captain and prop Deacon Manu (Scarlets), lock Akapusi Qera (Gloucester), flyhalf Nicky Little (Bristol), No.8 Sisa Koyamaibole (Sale) and inside centre Seremaia Bai (Castres).
Coach - Samu Domoni
The 42-year-old Domoni who played six internationals for Fiji at lock before a stint with the Waratahs, replaced Ilivasi Tabua in 2009 on the strength of his expertise in rugby technology and came recommended by the Australian Rugby Union. He has concentrated on monitoring the players' fitness levels. "They can travel from the other side of the globe but they still have to pass the fitness test. It is a very busy year and there is no room for passengers," he said.
Key players
Seremaia BaiBai, 32, is an experienced inside back with almost 50 Tests and spent four seasons with Clermont Auvergne helping them win France's Top 14 title before linking up with Castres. He was a member of Fiji's team that shocked Wales at the 2007 World Cup in Cardiff before playing at flyhalf in the quarterfinal defeat to South Africa.
Talemaitoga Tuapati This hooker's selection to the Fijian squad came in 2010 after impressing selectors on the watch at the Pacific Rugby Cup tournament which included club teams from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Namibia -
The lowest ranked 2011 World Cup participants, are targeting Group D rivals Fiji in the hope of achieving their first-ever victory at the tournament. The south-west African nation will also face Wales, Samoa and neighbours and defending champions South Africa in a tough group for the minnows.
Refusing to write off the title hopes of the Springboks despite poor recent results, Namibia coach Johan Diergaardt says the Fiji fixture offers his team the best chance of success in New Zealand.
The Welwitchias have retained 13 of the 2007 World Cup squad and while attention will be on Saracens flank and national team skipper Jacques Burger, Diergaardt tips 25-year-old Western Province flank Rohan Kitshoff to emerge as the Namibian star at the tournament.
Half the Namibian squad play in a local amateur league but Diergaardt is optimistic that his charges can achieve a first World Cup victory.
Namibia are the second strongest African Rugby Union nation after South Africa, having qualified for the last three World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
Other African teams that have competed at the World Cup are Zimbabwe (1987 and 1991) and Ivory Coast (1995).
The Welwitchias got direct qualification as African Cup champions - a system other nations want reviewed given Namibia's poor World Cup results, including a record 142-0 defeat by hosts Australia at the 2003 World Cup.
But Diergaardt says opponents should "write us off at their peril".
Coach - Johan Diergaardt
Chairman of the national selectors committee for the past two World Cups, Diergaardt has been in charge of the Welwitschias since 2008 and surprised Namibians when he led the national team to the IRB Nations Cup title in Romania a year ago. Diergaardt has won back-to-back league titles with local side Western Suburbs.
Key Player -
Jacques Burger - loose forward
The Namibia captain is determined to crown an outstanding season in the English Premiership with a successful World Cup. Burger was the players' player of the year at London-based Saracens and is relishing a second appearance at the World Cup. "Our squad has many local players and the level of rugby in Namibia is not as high as other countries at the tournament, but we have experience from the last World Cup and the young blood in our squad makes us dream bigger," said the 27-year-old flank.
The lowest ranked 2011 World Cup participants, are targeting Group D rivals Fiji in the hope of achieving their first-ever victory at the tournament. The south-west African nation will also face Wales, Samoa and neighbours and defending champions South Africa in a tough group for the minnows.
Refusing to write off the title hopes of the Springboks despite poor recent results, Namibia coach Johan Diergaardt says the Fiji fixture offers his team the best chance of success in New Zealand.
The Welwitchias have retained 13 of the 2007 World Cup squad and while attention will be on Saracens flank and national team skipper Jacques Burger, Diergaardt tips 25-year-old Western Province flank Rohan Kitshoff to emerge as the Namibian star at the tournament.
Half the Namibian squad play in a local amateur league but Diergaardt is optimistic that his charges can achieve a first World Cup victory.
Namibia are the second strongest African Rugby Union nation after South Africa, having qualified for the last three World Cups in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
Other African teams that have competed at the World Cup are Zimbabwe (1987 and 1991) and Ivory Coast (1995).
The Welwitchias got direct qualification as African Cup champions - a system other nations want reviewed given Namibia's poor World Cup results, including a record 142-0 defeat by hosts Australia at the 2003 World Cup.
But Diergaardt says opponents should "write us off at their peril".
Coach - Johan Diergaardt
Chairman of the national selectors committee for the past two World Cups, Diergaardt has been in charge of the Welwitschias since 2008 and surprised Namibians when he led the national team to the IRB Nations Cup title in Romania a year ago. Diergaardt has won back-to-back league titles with local side Western Suburbs.
Key Player -
Jacques Burger - loose forward
The Namibia captain is determined to crown an outstanding season in the English Premiership with a successful World Cup. Burger was the players' player of the year at London-based Saracens and is relishing a second appearance at the World Cup. "Our squad has many local players and the level of rugby in Namibia is not as high as other countries at the tournament, but we have experience from the last World Cup and the young blood in our squad makes us dream bigger," said the 27-year-old flank.
Samoa -
When Manu Samoa swept aside Australia less than two months from the start of the World Cup they sent a clear message - to Wales in particular - they will be serious contenders come tournament time. Samoa are in arguably the toughest pool at the World Cup - with South Africa, Wales, Fiji and Namibia - where at least four teams boast credentials worthy of filling one of the two quarterfinal berths.
Wales have the most reason to be concerned having underestimated Samoa in the 1991 and 1999 World Cups and former All Blacks great Michael Jones, a Samoan, sees history repeating itself.
Samoa's quest to be recognised among the sports elite nations has been hampered by the money on offer to play professionally in New Zealand, Australia and Europe which has drawn their leading players away.
The players have the money but the union does not and it had to raise 6.5 million tala (US$2.9 million) in public donations to cover World Cup costs including the warm up game in Australia.
Outside of the World Cup the Samoans are rarely all available at the same time and when coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua first named a 41-man squad to be pruned to 30 for the Cup, only four of the players were based in Samoa.
Several members of the side who beat Australia were absent from the squad which finished last in the Pacific Nations Cup the previous week.
But when they are together the Samoans have forged a unit renowned for a powerful, confrontational style and Springbok captain John Smit described the first 20 minutes of his 2007 World Cup match against Samoa as "the most physical of my Test career."
Although Wallabies coach Robbie Deans may not have fielded his strongest side against the Samoans he made no excuses for the defeat and admitted his side was out-muscled up front.
The forward pack is big and experienced, led by Otago Highlanders hooker Mahonri Schwalger along with Toulouse prop Census Johnston and Ospreys loose forward George Stowers. The backs include former IRB Sevens Player of the Year Uale Mai contesting the scrumhalf role with Kahn Fotuali'i of the Canterbury Crusaders.
Former London Irish centurion Seilala Mapusua guides the midfield with Paul Williams from Stade Francais and a son of All Blacks legend Bryan Williams at fullback.
Samoa, when they played under the name of Western Samoa, qualified for the knock-out stage in 1991, 1995 and 1999, beating Wales in pool play in '91 and '99.
They struggled at the last World Cup in France with one win from four pool games, and see this tournament as a chance for redemption. Now they want to prove that was no fluke by beating Wales in pool play which could see them finish second to South Africa in Pool D and a rematch with likely Pool C winners Australia in the quarterfinals.
Coach - Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua.
Tafua forged his coaching reputation with the Samoa Sevens side and masterminded their first win in the IRB Sevens series when they won the Wellington leg in 2007. Two years later he was appointed the Manu Samoa head coach. Tafua, a former Manu Samoa and Samoa Sevens captain, said his World Cup goal is "to go back to the quarterfinals".
Key players -
Seilala MapusuaSamoan skipper Mapusua may now be heading into the twilight of his career but he remains a potent force in the midfield from where he directs the Samoan attack. Renowned for his explosive running with the ball and rock-solid defence, Mapusua joined the Kubota Spears in Japan this year after long stints with the Otago Highlanders and London Irish. Mapusua is described by London Irish coach Toby Booth as "a guy that wants to go to war for you". In 2009 he won the Players' Player of the Year award in England
George Pisi Blues and Samoan centre George Pisi is a young, up-and-coming firebrand who will look to deliver the standard big hits and piercing runs the typify Samoan rugby.
When Manu Samoa swept aside Australia less than two months from the start of the World Cup they sent a clear message - to Wales in particular - they will be serious contenders come tournament time. Samoa are in arguably the toughest pool at the World Cup - with South Africa, Wales, Fiji and Namibia - where at least four teams boast credentials worthy of filling one of the two quarterfinal berths.
Wales have the most reason to be concerned having underestimated Samoa in the 1991 and 1999 World Cups and former All Blacks great Michael Jones, a Samoan, sees history repeating itself.
Samoa's quest to be recognised among the sports elite nations has been hampered by the money on offer to play professionally in New Zealand, Australia and Europe which has drawn their leading players away.
The players have the money but the union does not and it had to raise 6.5 million tala (US$2.9 million) in public donations to cover World Cup costs including the warm up game in Australia.
Outside of the World Cup the Samoans are rarely all available at the same time and when coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua first named a 41-man squad to be pruned to 30 for the Cup, only four of the players were based in Samoa.
Several members of the side who beat Australia were absent from the squad which finished last in the Pacific Nations Cup the previous week.
But when they are together the Samoans have forged a unit renowned for a powerful, confrontational style and Springbok captain John Smit described the first 20 minutes of his 2007 World Cup match against Samoa as "the most physical of my Test career."
Although Wallabies coach Robbie Deans may not have fielded his strongest side against the Samoans he made no excuses for the defeat and admitted his side was out-muscled up front.
The forward pack is big and experienced, led by Otago Highlanders hooker Mahonri Schwalger along with Toulouse prop Census Johnston and Ospreys loose forward George Stowers. The backs include former IRB Sevens Player of the Year Uale Mai contesting the scrumhalf role with Kahn Fotuali'i of the Canterbury Crusaders.
Former London Irish centurion Seilala Mapusua guides the midfield with Paul Williams from Stade Francais and a son of All Blacks legend Bryan Williams at fullback.
Samoa, when they played under the name of Western Samoa, qualified for the knock-out stage in 1991, 1995 and 1999, beating Wales in pool play in '91 and '99.
They struggled at the last World Cup in France with one win from four pool games, and see this tournament as a chance for redemption. Now they want to prove that was no fluke by beating Wales in pool play which could see them finish second to South Africa in Pool D and a rematch with likely Pool C winners Australia in the quarterfinals.
Coach - Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua.
Tafua forged his coaching reputation with the Samoa Sevens side and masterminded their first win in the IRB Sevens series when they won the Wellington leg in 2007. Two years later he was appointed the Manu Samoa head coach. Tafua, a former Manu Samoa and Samoa Sevens captain, said his World Cup goal is "to go back to the quarterfinals".
Key players -
Seilala MapusuaSamoan skipper Mapusua may now be heading into the twilight of his career but he remains a potent force in the midfield from where he directs the Samoan attack. Renowned for his explosive running with the ball and rock-solid defence, Mapusua joined the Kubota Spears in Japan this year after long stints with the Otago Highlanders and London Irish. Mapusua is described by London Irish coach Toby Booth as "a guy that wants to go to war for you". In 2009 he won the Players' Player of the Year award in England
George Pisi Blues and Samoan centre George Pisi is a young, up-and-coming firebrand who will look to deliver the standard big hits and piercing runs the typify Samoan rugby.
South Africa -
Sporting history is littered with tales of great teams and individuals who did not know when to quit and suffered humiliating exits. Many South African supporters fear a similar fate awaits the 'Green and Gold' at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand as they try to become the first country to successfully defend the title.
Up to 12 of the 2007 cup-winning team could start against Wales in Wellington on September 11 with retired Percy Montgomery and Os du Randt and injured Juan Smith the only definite absentees.
While some of the side that conquered England 15-6 in the Paris final remain worthy of starting places, there are large question marks hanging over others like captain and hooker John Smit. When coach Peter de Villiers sends Du Plessis on as a replacement, he regularly moves Smit to tighthead prop with sometimes disastrous results for the team. In a home Tri-Nations Test loss to Australia this month, a Springbok scrum that had held its own suddenly fell apart in the closing stages when Smit switched front row positions.
Wings JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana, flyhalf Butch James, tighthead CJ van der Linde, lock Bakkies Botha and utility forward Danie Rossouw are others who have battled at times.
The current coach enjoyed a glorious 2009, winning a three-Test series with the British and Irish Lions and bringing the Tri-Nations trophy to South Africa for only the third time.
He promised a new, bolder approach after replacing White, but the team seems set to take its much-loved kick-chase-harass approach into the World Cup despite repeated recent failures.
Vice-captain Matfield and Botha no longer lord the line-outs, the scrum can be vulnerable and a threequarter line that favours brawn over brain struggles endlessly to find gaps.
Injuries have also taken their toll with loose forward Smith, often the unsung star of a Springbok triumph, ruled out along with two-metre-plus third-choice lock Andries Bekker.
It will also concern De Villiers that likely first-choice flanks Schalk Burger and Heinrich Brussow have been battling injuries with the former missing the entire Tri-Nations.
But the biggest worry for many is uncertainty over who fills the vital flyhalf position with Morne Steyn, the best goal-kicker in the world when on song, suffering untimely poor form.
Alternative James, who helped the Springboks win in Paris, offers more flair but his goal kicking is erratic and he has a habit of making rash challenges that bring yellow cards.
Fourie du Preez only recently returned from an injury-induced 21-month Test absence and the scrumhalf considered the best in the world two seaons ago must prove himself again.
South Africa should win a group including Fiji, Namibia, Samoa and Wales, but if they get past likely quarterfinals opponents Ireland, their nemesis the All Blacks loom large.
Coach - Peter de Villiers
"There is little difference between winning and losing except you feel better after winning," says a man more famous for his quotes than coaching prowess. Criticisms include failure to adapt to law changes, an inability to change the course of a game, badly-timed substitutions, excessive loyalty to 2007 World Cup winners and allowing some senior players too much influence. Unpopular among supporters and the media, his only hope of staying in charge is to bring the trophy home.
Key players -
Fourie du Preez -
Eddie Jones, the Australian assistant to 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White, believes the main reason the Springboks have been struggling is the absence of long-term casualty Du Preez, who plans to play club rugby in Japan after the World Cup. Many attribute the slump in form of flyhalf Morne Steyn to the absence of his provincial team-mate. The field-kicking and backline leadership of the 29-year-old are vital in a Springbok armoury short of lethal weapons this year.
Schalk Burger
In the mould of a tougher (if that's possible) Richie McCaw, Burger sets the field alight with his ball gathering skills, relentless runs and devastating tackles. He is fearless, and of late has had an impeccable discipline record, something that needed to be sorted out.
Gio Aplon
The diminutive Stormers winger/fullback has been an absolute revelation in 2010, making piercing runs with a seemingly unstoppable ability to find half-gaps, and despite his size is a relentless tackler in defense.
Victor Matfield
The former Springbok skipper is a man mountain in the sport – an inimitable lineout specialist, a great rucker and almost more importantly, a talisman to all South Africans on and off the field of play.
Sporting history is littered with tales of great teams and individuals who did not know when to quit and suffered humiliating exits. Many South African supporters fear a similar fate awaits the 'Green and Gold' at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand as they try to become the first country to successfully defend the title.
Up to 12 of the 2007 cup-winning team could start against Wales in Wellington on September 11 with retired Percy Montgomery and Os du Randt and injured Juan Smith the only definite absentees.
While some of the side that conquered England 15-6 in the Paris final remain worthy of starting places, there are large question marks hanging over others like captain and hooker John Smit. When coach Peter de Villiers sends Du Plessis on as a replacement, he regularly moves Smit to tighthead prop with sometimes disastrous results for the team. In a home Tri-Nations Test loss to Australia this month, a Springbok scrum that had held its own suddenly fell apart in the closing stages when Smit switched front row positions.
Wings JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana, flyhalf Butch James, tighthead CJ van der Linde, lock Bakkies Botha and utility forward Danie Rossouw are others who have battled at times.
The current coach enjoyed a glorious 2009, winning a three-Test series with the British and Irish Lions and bringing the Tri-Nations trophy to South Africa for only the third time.
He promised a new, bolder approach after replacing White, but the team seems set to take its much-loved kick-chase-harass approach into the World Cup despite repeated recent failures.
Vice-captain Matfield and Botha no longer lord the line-outs, the scrum can be vulnerable and a threequarter line that favours brawn over brain struggles endlessly to find gaps.
Injuries have also taken their toll with loose forward Smith, often the unsung star of a Springbok triumph, ruled out along with two-metre-plus third-choice lock Andries Bekker.
It will also concern De Villiers that likely first-choice flanks Schalk Burger and Heinrich Brussow have been battling injuries with the former missing the entire Tri-Nations.
But the biggest worry for many is uncertainty over who fills the vital flyhalf position with Morne Steyn, the best goal-kicker in the world when on song, suffering untimely poor form.
Alternative James, who helped the Springboks win in Paris, offers more flair but his goal kicking is erratic and he has a habit of making rash challenges that bring yellow cards.
Fourie du Preez only recently returned from an injury-induced 21-month Test absence and the scrumhalf considered the best in the world two seaons ago must prove himself again.
South Africa should win a group including Fiji, Namibia, Samoa and Wales, but if they get past likely quarterfinals opponents Ireland, their nemesis the All Blacks loom large.
Coach - Peter de Villiers
"There is little difference between winning and losing except you feel better after winning," says a man more famous for his quotes than coaching prowess. Criticisms include failure to adapt to law changes, an inability to change the course of a game, badly-timed substitutions, excessive loyalty to 2007 World Cup winners and allowing some senior players too much influence. Unpopular among supporters and the media, his only hope of staying in charge is to bring the trophy home.
Key players -
Fourie du Preez -
Eddie Jones, the Australian assistant to 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White, believes the main reason the Springboks have been struggling is the absence of long-term casualty Du Preez, who plans to play club rugby in Japan after the World Cup. Many attribute the slump in form of flyhalf Morne Steyn to the absence of his provincial team-mate. The field-kicking and backline leadership of the 29-year-old are vital in a Springbok armoury short of lethal weapons this year.
Schalk Burger
In the mould of a tougher (if that's possible) Richie McCaw, Burger sets the field alight with his ball gathering skills, relentless runs and devastating tackles. He is fearless, and of late has had an impeccable discipline record, something that needed to be sorted out.
Gio Aplon
The diminutive Stormers winger/fullback has been an absolute revelation in 2010, making piercing runs with a seemingly unstoppable ability to find half-gaps, and despite his size is a relentless tackler in defense.
Victor Matfield
The former Springbok skipper is a man mountain in the sport – an inimitable lineout specialist, a great rucker and almost more importantly, a talisman to all South Africans on and off the field of play.
Wales -
Head to the World Cup with the omens against them, drawn in a so-called "group of death" alongside defending champions South Africa and potential South Seas banana skins Fiji and Samoa. First up for Warren Gatland's men is a game against Pool D favourites South Africa in Wellington, followed by Samoa in Hamilton, and Namibia in New Plymouth. The group phase ends with an ominous-looking match-up against Fiji.
It was the Fijians who broke Welsh hearts at the last World Cup in 2007, pipping then-coach Gareth Jenkins' men 38-34 in the western French city of Nantes.
Wales also famously lost to Samoa in the 1991 World Cup on home turf, and with Samoa having recently beaten Australia, and a whole clutch of the South Sea Islanders plying their trade in top leagues the world over, Wales will certainly have their work cut out.
The run-in to the World Cup has been anything but smooth sailing for the Welsh, injuries on the pitch compounding serious breaches of the squad's code of conduct off it.
Erstwhile captain and hooker Matthew Rees will miss the tournament for an operation on a niggling neck injury, handing Gatland, himself once a hooker, a real headache in the front row.
Also injured is Gavin Henson, the mercurial utility back who is currently without a club after hopping from Ospreys to Saracens and then departing Toulon acrimoniously after just two games and a punch-up with teammates.
Henson, whose obvious talent is sometimes shielded by his urge to seek out publicity no matter the cost, dislocated a bone in his wrist and looks set to miss out on a third World Cup.
Scrumhalf Mike Phillips also made the news for all the wrong reasons, filmed being wrestled to the ground by a bouncer at a fast food restaurant in the early hours of the morning.
A week's ban and he is now reinstated in a squad that returned from two sessions in Poland using cryothemic chambers - and looking fit.
In the warm-up games, Wales were pipped 23-19 by England and then reversed their fortunes with a 19-9 victory at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, before dominating Argentina for a 28-13 win.
There is no denying that the Welsh have some class players, the likes of utility back James Hook, centre Jamie Roberts and the up-and-coming George North lighting up the backs.
Phillips is one of the leading No. 9s in the world on his day, while Sam Warburton has emerged from Martyn Williams' shadow at Cardiff Blues and the Wales set-up to become an outstanding openside flank and leader.
Warburton leads a rejuvenated pack alongside young teammates Dan Lydiate (flank) and Tongan-born Toby Faletau (No. 8), with old hands Ryan Jones and Alun Wyn Jones always a calming and influential presence.
The weakness will likely come in the front row. Rees is out and first-choice props Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins have been battling serious injury.
It will be a big ask of their replacements to step up a level and see if Wales can improve on their best ever showing in a World Cup, when they finished third in the inaugural edition in 1987.
Coach - Warren Gatland
Wales coach since Gareth Jenkins' departure after the Red Dragons bombed out of the last World Cup at the group stage, the Hamilton-born Gatland faces an emotional return to the country of his birth. The 47-year-old played 17 times for the midweek All Blacks team and even featured in a Waikato side that beat a touring Wales team in 1988. Since taking over as Wales coach, Gatland has insisted on organising an impressive series of November internationals against the Tri-Nations teams in a bid to toughen up his team. But consistency is a major problem and with a success rate of 44 percent in 32 games at the helm, Gatland knows that all stops will have to be pulled out to improve that ratio.
Key players
Sam Warburton - backrow
The Cardiff-born Warburton has emerged from mentor Martyn Williams' shadow at both the Blues and the Wales set-up. A strong, dynamic player on the park comfortable with ball in hand, the 22-year-old has also established himself as a proven leader and was given Gatland's nod of approval by receiving the captain's armband during Wales' warm-up games
Mike Phillips
Welsh number 9 Mike Phillips is uncharacteristically large for a scrum-half, and uses this to his advantage to make darting runs and bring big hits to bear. He is also renowned for aggravating opposition with chit chat, often resulting in them retaliating and conceding penalties.
Shane Williams
Arguably the best winger in world rugby in 2008, Williams is tenacious, incredibly fast and with a great awareness of space and gaps.
Head to the World Cup with the omens against them, drawn in a so-called "group of death" alongside defending champions South Africa and potential South Seas banana skins Fiji and Samoa. First up for Warren Gatland's men is a game against Pool D favourites South Africa in Wellington, followed by Samoa in Hamilton, and Namibia in New Plymouth. The group phase ends with an ominous-looking match-up against Fiji.
It was the Fijians who broke Welsh hearts at the last World Cup in 2007, pipping then-coach Gareth Jenkins' men 38-34 in the western French city of Nantes.
Wales also famously lost to Samoa in the 1991 World Cup on home turf, and with Samoa having recently beaten Australia, and a whole clutch of the South Sea Islanders plying their trade in top leagues the world over, Wales will certainly have their work cut out.
The run-in to the World Cup has been anything but smooth sailing for the Welsh, injuries on the pitch compounding serious breaches of the squad's code of conduct off it.
Erstwhile captain and hooker Matthew Rees will miss the tournament for an operation on a niggling neck injury, handing Gatland, himself once a hooker, a real headache in the front row.
Also injured is Gavin Henson, the mercurial utility back who is currently without a club after hopping from Ospreys to Saracens and then departing Toulon acrimoniously after just two games and a punch-up with teammates.
Henson, whose obvious talent is sometimes shielded by his urge to seek out publicity no matter the cost, dislocated a bone in his wrist and looks set to miss out on a third World Cup.
Scrumhalf Mike Phillips also made the news for all the wrong reasons, filmed being wrestled to the ground by a bouncer at a fast food restaurant in the early hours of the morning.
A week's ban and he is now reinstated in a squad that returned from two sessions in Poland using cryothemic chambers - and looking fit.
In the warm-up games, Wales were pipped 23-19 by England and then reversed their fortunes with a 19-9 victory at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, before dominating Argentina for a 28-13 win.
There is no denying that the Welsh have some class players, the likes of utility back James Hook, centre Jamie Roberts and the up-and-coming George North lighting up the backs.
Phillips is one of the leading No. 9s in the world on his day, while Sam Warburton has emerged from Martyn Williams' shadow at Cardiff Blues and the Wales set-up to become an outstanding openside flank and leader.
Warburton leads a rejuvenated pack alongside young teammates Dan Lydiate (flank) and Tongan-born Toby Faletau (No. 8), with old hands Ryan Jones and Alun Wyn Jones always a calming and influential presence.
The weakness will likely come in the front row. Rees is out and first-choice props Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins have been battling serious injury.
It will be a big ask of their replacements to step up a level and see if Wales can improve on their best ever showing in a World Cup, when they finished third in the inaugural edition in 1987.
Coach - Warren Gatland
Wales coach since Gareth Jenkins' departure after the Red Dragons bombed out of the last World Cup at the group stage, the Hamilton-born Gatland faces an emotional return to the country of his birth. The 47-year-old played 17 times for the midweek All Blacks team and even featured in a Waikato side that beat a touring Wales team in 1988. Since taking over as Wales coach, Gatland has insisted on organising an impressive series of November internationals against the Tri-Nations teams in a bid to toughen up his team. But consistency is a major problem and with a success rate of 44 percent in 32 games at the helm, Gatland knows that all stops will have to be pulled out to improve that ratio.
Key players
Sam Warburton - backrow
The Cardiff-born Warburton has emerged from mentor Martyn Williams' shadow at both the Blues and the Wales set-up. A strong, dynamic player on the park comfortable with ball in hand, the 22-year-old has also established himself as a proven leader and was given Gatland's nod of approval by receiving the captain's armband during Wales' warm-up games
Mike Phillips
Welsh number 9 Mike Phillips is uncharacteristically large for a scrum-half, and uses this to his advantage to make darting runs and bring big hits to bear. He is also renowned for aggravating opposition with chit chat, often resulting in them retaliating and conceding penalties.
Shane Williams
Arguably the best winger in world rugby in 2008, Williams is tenacious, incredibly fast and with a great awareness of space and gaps.
Rugby World Cup team profiles - Pool C
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".
Rugby World Cup team profiles - Pool B
Pool B
Argentina - Argentina played its first international rugby match in 1910 against a touring British Isles team. It is today considered one of the top rugby nations in the world and the best in the Americas by a considerable degree, and has competed at every Rugby World Cup staged since the first in 1987.
Although rugby union is nowhere near as popular as football in Argentina, the impressive results by Los Pumas since the 1999 World Cup, have nonetheless seen the sport's popularity grow exponentially. Argentina has managed from its appearance in the international arena to accomplish several upset victories, are tough contenders when playing in Buenos Aires, and are fully capable of regularly defeating Six Nations sides. An upset victory over the hosts France in the first game of the 2007 World Cup, took Argentina to fourth in the IRB World Rankings. The team were undefeated in their pool, and reached the semi-finals for the first time, beating Scotland 19-13 in their quarter-final. Despite being beaten 37-13 by South Africa in the semi-finals, they defeated France for a second time in the tournament to claim third place overall. In March 2008 the team reached an all-time high of third in the IRB World Rankings.
Of late, they have suffered poorer performances, and have slipped to 8th in the overall rankings, possibly due to the fact that they spent 5 months in 2007/2008 looking for a new coach after the-coach Marcelo Loffreda resigned.
The key to their improvement is playing against the stronger Southern hemisphere teams of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, and this opportunity will formalise in 2012 when the Pumas are included for the first time in the annual Tri-nations tournament – long believed to be the most elite of its kind in rugby. The Pumas have set themselves high goals, aiming for the first time to win against the Springboks and the All Blacks at some point in the 2010s, but they have a long way to go
Although rugby union is nowhere near as popular as football in Argentina, the impressive results by Los Pumas since the 1999 World Cup, have nonetheless seen the sport's popularity grow exponentially. Argentina has managed from its appearance in the international arena to accomplish several upset victories, are tough contenders when playing in Buenos Aires, and are fully capable of regularly defeating Six Nations sides. An upset victory over the hosts France in the first game of the 2007 World Cup, took Argentina to fourth in the IRB World Rankings. The team were undefeated in their pool, and reached the semi-finals for the first time, beating Scotland 19-13 in their quarter-final. Despite being beaten 37-13 by South Africa in the semi-finals, they defeated France for a second time in the tournament to claim third place overall. In March 2008 the team reached an all-time high of third in the IRB World Rankings.
Of late, they have suffered poorer performances, and have slipped to 8th in the overall rankings, possibly due to the fact that they spent 5 months in 2007/2008 looking for a new coach after the-coach Marcelo Loffreda resigned.
The key to their improvement is playing against the stronger Southern hemisphere teams of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, and this opportunity will formalise in 2012 when the Pumas are included for the first time in the annual Tri-nations tournament – long believed to be the most elite of its kind in rugby. The Pumas have set themselves high goals, aiming for the first time to win against the Springboks and the All Blacks at some point in the 2010s, but they have a long way to go
Coach: Santiago Phelan, Fabián Turnes
Key Players:
Patricio Albacete - Lock forward who plays his club rugby in Toulouse, and is a fearsome competitor. With 35 international caps, he has good experience, and is capable of taking on the best in the world.
Felipe Contepomi - Captain, flyhalf and tactician, Contepomi is widely regarded as a truly exceptional footballer, with his club side Toulon grateful to have his skills.
Key Players:
Patricio Albacete - Lock forward who plays his club rugby in Toulouse, and is a fearsome competitor. With 35 international caps, he has good experience, and is capable of taking on the best in the world.
Felipe Contepomi - Captain, flyhalf and tactician, Contepomi is widely regarded as a truly exceptional footballer, with his club side Toulon grateful to have his skills.
England - The history of the team extends back to 1872 when the English rugby team played their first official Test match, losing to Scotland by one try. England dominated the early Home Nations Championship (now the Six Nations) which started in 1883. Following the schism of rugby football in 1895, England did not win the Championship again until 1910. England first played against New Zealand in 1905, South Africa in 1906, and Australia in 1909.
England have contested every Rugby World Cup since it began in 1987, reaching the final three times and winning it once in 2003.
In the inaugural tournament they finished second in their pool before losing to Wales in the quarter-finals. They again finished pool runners-up in 1991 but recovered to beat France in their quarter-final, and then Scotland in their semi-final, en-route to a 12–6 final defeat to Australia.
In 1995 England topped their group and defeated Australia 25–22 at the quarter-final stage before being beaten by the All Blacks in the semi-final. Their third-fourth place play-off match against France was lost 19–9.
The 1999 competition saw England again finish second in the group stage. Though they proceeded to win a play-off game against Fiji they went out of the tournament in the quarter-finals, losing 44–21 to South Africa.
England exacted revenge over South Africa in the early stages of the 2003 tournament, winning 25–6 to qualify for the knockout stages as winners of Pool C. They defeated Wales in their quarter-final, before a subsequent semi-final victory against the French earned them a place in the final in Sydney. After a tense match and a 20 minute period of extra time after Jonny Wilkinson kicked over the magic drop goal, England triumphed 20–17 over Australia to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
The 2007 defence of the cup in France got off to a poor start, with a below par victory over the United States and a heavy 36–0 defeat to South Africa leaving the holders on the brink of elimination at the group stage. Improved performances against Samoa and Tonga saw England again reach the knockout stages as pool runners-up, before a surprise 12–10 defeat of Australia in Marseille and a narrow 14–9 victory over the host nation France carried England to a second successive final appearance. The final was played in Paris on 20 October against South Africa, who won by 15 points to 6.
England's Jonny Wilkinson became the highest overall points scorer in World Cup history when he kicked all 12 points in England's quarter-final victory over Australia in 2007. He kicked a further 9 points (including a 40-yard (40m) drop goal) in the semi final and 6 in the final defeat to South Africa.
Their prospects for 2011 success are mixed – they have a good mix of youth and experience, but have not had the same impact players on top form that they had earlier in the decade. Much will depend on who gets the number 10 jersey, and how they perform, as well as whether or not they will be able to compete effectively at the breakdown.
Coach: Martin Johnson
Key Players :
Simon Shaw
It's not certain the Shaw will make the final squad for 2011 based on his age (37) but if selected, he will look to bring his lineout and ball carrying skills to the fore in what will be his last World Cup.
Mark Cueto
Vastly experienced, very quick and with a great step, Cueto will be a spearhead of the England point-scoring machine if they are to have success.
In the Six Nations tournament of 2007, Jonny Wilkinson returns to action after three years of injuries and bizarre accidents - he even succumbed to appendicitis. But he has apparently lost none of his enthusiasm or famous work ethic, and Brian Ashton reckon he is playing better than ever.
England have contested every Rugby World Cup since it began in 1987, reaching the final three times and winning it once in 2003.
In the inaugural tournament they finished second in their pool before losing to Wales in the quarter-finals. They again finished pool runners-up in 1991 but recovered to beat France in their quarter-final, and then Scotland in their semi-final, en-route to a 12–6 final defeat to Australia.
In 1995 England topped their group and defeated Australia 25–22 at the quarter-final stage before being beaten by the All Blacks in the semi-final. Their third-fourth place play-off match against France was lost 19–9.
The 1999 competition saw England again finish second in the group stage. Though they proceeded to win a play-off game against Fiji they went out of the tournament in the quarter-finals, losing 44–21 to South Africa.
England exacted revenge over South Africa in the early stages of the 2003 tournament, winning 25–6 to qualify for the knockout stages as winners of Pool C. They defeated Wales in their quarter-final, before a subsequent semi-final victory against the French earned them a place in the final in Sydney. After a tense match and a 20 minute period of extra time after Jonny Wilkinson kicked over the magic drop goal, England triumphed 20–17 over Australia to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
The 2007 defence of the cup in France got off to a poor start, with a below par victory over the United States and a heavy 36–0 defeat to South Africa leaving the holders on the brink of elimination at the group stage. Improved performances against Samoa and Tonga saw England again reach the knockout stages as pool runners-up, before a surprise 12–10 defeat of Australia in Marseille and a narrow 14–9 victory over the host nation France carried England to a second successive final appearance. The final was played in Paris on 20 October against South Africa, who won by 15 points to 6.
England's Jonny Wilkinson became the highest overall points scorer in World Cup history when he kicked all 12 points in England's quarter-final victory over Australia in 2007. He kicked a further 9 points (including a 40-yard (40m) drop goal) in the semi final and 6 in the final defeat to South Africa.
Their prospects for 2011 success are mixed – they have a good mix of youth and experience, but have not had the same impact players on top form that they had earlier in the decade. Much will depend on who gets the number 10 jersey, and how they perform, as well as whether or not they will be able to compete effectively at the breakdown.
Coach: Martin Johnson
Key Players :
Simon Shaw
It's not certain the Shaw will make the final squad for 2011 based on his age (37) but if selected, he will look to bring his lineout and ball carrying skills to the fore in what will be his last World Cup.
Mark Cueto
Vastly experienced, very quick and with a great step, Cueto will be a spearhead of the England point-scoring machine if they are to have success.
In the Six Nations tournament of 2007, Jonny Wilkinson returns to action after three years of injuries and bizarre accidents - he even succumbed to appendicitis. But he has apparently lost none of his enthusiasm or famous work ethic, and Brian Ashton reckon he is playing better than ever.
Georgia
The small, ex-Soviet state of Georgia, although participating at their 3rd World Cup in 2011, are currently considered a third tier rugby union nation. The Lelos (derived from the Georgian word for “try”) participate in the European Nations Cup, and won the tournament in 2001, 2007-08 and 2008-10 season. Famously, the Georgians, lacking the resources of the major nations, made scrum machines from old Soviet tractors.
Rugby union is one of the most popular sports in Georgia. The Georgian national sevens team became the first national side from Georgia to compete in a major tournament, playing in the IRB Sevens World Cup in Argentina. However, the full national team would go onto qualify for the 2003 Rugby World Cup - playing against rugby powers such as Ireland and France.
In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Georgia performed strongly, holding Argentina 6-3 at half time, and in the next match did even better, losing to Ireland 14-10, which included a disallowed try, three missed drop goals, and spent the last 5 minutes just metres from the Irish line, allowing Ireland to scrape through. Georgia secured its first World Cup win with a convincing 30-0 victory over Namibia. Georgia's final try in the match came in injury time with an interception by Davit Kacharava.
In 2008, Georgia cemented its place at the top of the European hierarchy (beneath the Six Nations), and augmented its claim to be ranked the seventh best European national rugby union team, when it won, for the second time, the 2007-8 FIRA-AER European Nations Cup, with nine wins and a single loss, to perennial rival Romania, over a two-year campaign.
Since there is no system of promotion and relegation between the Six Nations Tournament and the ENC, Georgia remains in Division One for the 2008–10 campaign.
Captain: Irakli Abuseridze
Key Player:
Merab Kvirikashvili
One of Georgia's most experienced players, with two World Cups under his belt, flyhalf Kvirikashvili will hope to create some dynamism for his back line in the 2011 campaign Key Player:
Merab Kvirikashvili
Romania - The Romania national rugby union team, nicknamed The Oaks (Stejarii), have long been considered one of the stronger European teams outside of the Six Nations.
They have participated in all six Rugby World Cups, and currently compete in the first division of the European Nations Cup, where most recently in the 2008-2010 competition they finished third.
Rugby union in Romania is administered by the Romanian Rugby Federation. The team plays in yellow and blue stripes.
France first played Test rugby against Romania in 1924, when they tried to establish a rival to the Five Nations championship.
At their best during the 1980s, Romania defeated Wales (twice), Scotland (the 1984 Grand Slam side) and France (twice). In 1981, they lost to the All Blacks 14-6 but had two tries disallowed.
At this height of their powers, many felt Romani should have been invited into top-flight competition. There were, however, rumours that the Oaks were invited to join, but refused because the championship took place during their winter break.
Subsequently, with the deterioration of the domestic political and economic situation in the country, rugby in Romania suffered. The country has of late experienced an economic recovery, and it's hoped local rugby will once again soar to the heights of the 1980s and beyond.
Romania played in the first six Rugby World Cups from 1987, with their best result being a win during the pool stages.
Of late, the likes of Georgia have challenged Romania for top spot below the Six Nations, and Georgia, along with Portugal have both won the European Nations Cup (or Six Nations B).
In the 2011 World Cup, Romania will play in Pool B with Argentina, England, Georgia and Scotland.
Coach: Romeo Gontineac
Key Players :
Sorin Socol - Lock and captain Sorin Socol was voted player of the tournament in the 1996 Under 21 Rugby World Championships, where he also captained Romania. Socol has played club rugby in France since 1998, and is considered to be a fearless leader and experienced tactician.
It is significant that Romanian forwards are in greater demand than their backs. That is how their game has largely been - tough, unimaginative forwards who do tight phases well - much as the Pumas used to be. They are more expansive now but have not had development to equal the that of the Pumas. But then the captain Romeo Gontineac is a centre who plays for Aurillac and fly-half Ionut Tofan plays for the Paris Racing Club
They have participated in all six Rugby World Cups, and currently compete in the first division of the European Nations Cup, where most recently in the 2008-2010 competition they finished third.
Rugby union in Romania is administered by the Romanian Rugby Federation. The team plays in yellow and blue stripes.
France first played Test rugby against Romania in 1924, when they tried to establish a rival to the Five Nations championship.
At their best during the 1980s, Romania defeated Wales (twice), Scotland (the 1984 Grand Slam side) and France (twice). In 1981, they lost to the All Blacks 14-6 but had two tries disallowed.
At this height of their powers, many felt Romani should have been invited into top-flight competition. There were, however, rumours that the Oaks were invited to join, but refused because the championship took place during their winter break.
Subsequently, with the deterioration of the domestic political and economic situation in the country, rugby in Romania suffered. The country has of late experienced an economic recovery, and it's hoped local rugby will once again soar to the heights of the 1980s and beyond.
Romania played in the first six Rugby World Cups from 1987, with their best result being a win during the pool stages.
Of late, the likes of Georgia have challenged Romania for top spot below the Six Nations, and Georgia, along with Portugal have both won the European Nations Cup (or Six Nations B).
In the 2011 World Cup, Romania will play in Pool B with Argentina, England, Georgia and Scotland.
Coach: Romeo Gontineac
Key Players :
Sorin Socol - Lock and captain Sorin Socol was voted player of the tournament in the 1996 Under 21 Rugby World Championships, where he also captained Romania. Socol has played club rugby in France since 1998, and is considered to be a fearless leader and experienced tactician.
It is significant that Romanian forwards are in greater demand than their backs. That is how their game has largely been - tough, unimaginative forwards who do tight phases well - much as the Pumas used to be. They are more expansive now but have not had development to equal the that of the Pumas. But then the captain Romeo Gontineac is a centre who plays for Aurillac and fly-half Ionut Tofan plays for the Paris Racing Club
Scotland - Since the change to Six Nations, Scotland have yet to win the competition. Their Rugby World Cup record is fairly average, although they have competed in all five competitions, their best finish came in 1991, where they lost to the All Blacks in the third place play-off.
Their best form of late has come since the appointment of former England coach Andy Robinson as coach in time for the 2009 Autumn Internationals. Scotland's form picked up with a 23–10 victory over Fiji and a memorable 9–8 win against Australia (the first win over the Wallabies for 27 years) at Murrayfield.
Scotland went into the 2010 Six Nations with a renewed confidence, hoping to build off the successes in the autumn. After losing their first match to a superior French side, Scotland looked to turn the corner against Wales in Cardiff. They scored two tries in the opening quarter of the match and held a 24-14 lead with seven minutes remaining. However, two players were sin-binned in that period, and Scotland strangely opted not to kick the ball into touch after Wales had tied the game just short of the 80 minute mark. The resulting passage of play saw Wales score the winning try and leave Scotland frustrated. The frustration continued in a loss to Italy and a draw with England. However, in the final rugby match at Croke Park, Scotland stole the occasion, dominating the set pieces and continually attacking. They won the match against Ireland 23-20 on a last-minute penalty by Dan Parks, denying the Irish the Triple Crown and assuring they themselves would avoid the wooden spoon.
The championship was highlighted by Parks' influential return to the international foray, and the outstanding play of the 'Killer B' back row: Kelly Brown, John Barclay, and Johnnie Beattie.
In the 2010 Summer Internationals, Scotland toured Argentina and recorded their first ever away series victory, beating the Pumas in two tests, 24-16 (all points kicked by Dan Parks)and 13-9
Coach: Andy RobinsonTheir best form of late has come since the appointment of former England coach Andy Robinson as coach in time for the 2009 Autumn Internationals. Scotland's form picked up with a 23–10 victory over Fiji and a memorable 9–8 win against Australia (the first win over the Wallabies for 27 years) at Murrayfield.
Scotland went into the 2010 Six Nations with a renewed confidence, hoping to build off the successes in the autumn. After losing their first match to a superior French side, Scotland looked to turn the corner against Wales in Cardiff. They scored two tries in the opening quarter of the match and held a 24-14 lead with seven minutes remaining. However, two players were sin-binned in that period, and Scotland strangely opted not to kick the ball into touch after Wales had tied the game just short of the 80 minute mark. The resulting passage of play saw Wales score the winning try and leave Scotland frustrated. The frustration continued in a loss to Italy and a draw with England. However, in the final rugby match at Croke Park, Scotland stole the occasion, dominating the set pieces and continually attacking. They won the match against Ireland 23-20 on a last-minute penalty by Dan Parks, denying the Irish the Triple Crown and assuring they themselves would avoid the wooden spoon.
The championship was highlighted by Parks' influential return to the international foray, and the outstanding play of the 'Killer B' back row: Kelly Brown, John Barclay, and Johnnie Beattie.
In the 2010 Summer Internationals, Scotland toured Argentina and recorded their first ever away series victory, beating the Pumas in two tests, 24-16 (all points kicked by Dan Parks)and 13-9
Key Player : Flyhalf Dan Parks has been and will continue to be a pivotal player for the Scots, with his decisive boot and willingness to run or feed the line when the time is right.
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