RUGBY WORLD CUP: Sunday 2 October

02.10.2011
Argentina 25, Georgia 6 in Palmerston North (World Cup, Pool B)
New Zealand 79, Canada 15 in Wellington (World Cup, Pool A)
Wales 66, Fiji 0 in Hamilton (World Cup, Pool D)
Ireland 36, Italy 6 in Dunedin (World Cup, Pool C)

Briefly
I saw Argentina defeat Georgia Sunday. On that performance I can’t see them holding the All Blacks. But then the whole basis of the All Blacks has changed with the injury to Dan Carter.

New Zealand put in a very good performance against the Canadians. Full credit to the North Americans. They have been one of the form teams of the tier 2 nations.

Wales overwhelmed Fiji and Ireland showed they are going to be a force to reckon with at the quarter-finals stage.

After the weekend’s results the quarter finalist are now known

08.10.2011
Ireland v Wales in Wellington (World Cup Quarter-final 1)
England v France in Auckland (World Cup Quarter-final 2)

09.10.2011
South Africa v Australia in Wellington (World Cup Quarter-final 3)
New Zealand v Argentina in Auckland (World Cup Quarter-final 4)

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results 24-27 Sept.

27.11.2011Canada 23, Japan 23 in Napier (Pool A)
Italy 27, United States 10 in Nelson ( Pool C)

26.09.2011Wales 81, Namibia 7 in New Plymouth (Pool D)

25.09.2011Samoa 27, Fiji 7 in Auckland (Pool D)
Ireland 62, Russia 12 in Rotorua (Pool C)
Argentina 13, Scotland 12 in Wellington (Pool B)

24.09.2011England 67, Romania 3 in Dunedin (Pool B)
New Zealand 37, France 17 in Auckland (Pool A)

RUGBY WORLD CUP: New Zealand Too Good

16.09.2011
New Zealand 83, Japan 7 in Auckland (World Cup, Pool A)

Briefly
New Zealand were just too good for Japan in Auckland last night. They scored 13 tries to 1 and looked every bit a world champion team.

Japan had little ball. When they did they looked organised but were unable to breach the black wall of defence. The biggest cheer of the night was when they scored their only try through veteran winger Onizawa.

Stand out players for New Zealand were Ma'a Nonu and replacement player Sonny Bill Williams.

WORLD CUP RUGBY: Japan v New Zealand

16.09.2011
The talk has been about the minor injuries to key New Zealand players. It makes sense to me that in this tournament you do not need to risk further injury. The whole squad is expected to be able to take the place of others. That is why you have a squad. So to me it is perfectly reasonable to replace McCaw and Carter if they are not fit to play.
Japan has, on the other hand, made their selections based on needs. The Japanese are not targeting the New Zealand game as a game they must win so have put a second-string side on the paddock. Fair enough. I just hope the game does not blow out score wise. In 1995 New Zealand crushed Japan 145-17 with what was, on the day, an All Black second-string side. I have a feeling something similar might happen today.
The All Blacks selected have everything to play for. A dynamic display could mean you are in the side to play France next weekend. For the Japanese, there is little to play for. Motivation is what will win the game easily for the All Blacks.
Previous Encounter 04.06.1995 New Zealand 145-17 in Bloemfontein (World Cup)
This is the only occasion the two teams have meet on a full test basis. Japanese sides have meet NZ Maori, NZ Juniors and a New Zealand XV in internationals that Japan has awarded test caps for.
GWC Rugby Rankings World Table-New Zealand 3rd, Japan 12th
IRB Ranking Points New Zealand 90.95, Japan 71.95
Prediction: New Zealand by 65 points
Teams
 
New Zealand 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Richard Kahui, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andrew Ellis, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Adam Thomson, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Bradley Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, Capt. 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements
16 Andrew Hore, 17 John Afoa, 18 Alistair Williams, 19 Anthony Boric, 20 James Cowan, 21 Piri Weepu, 22 Sonny Bill Williams
Head Coach: Graham Henry

Japan 15 Taihei Ueda, 14 Takahisa Usuzuki, 13 Koji Taira, 12 Yuta Imamura,
11 Hirotoki Onozawa, 10 Murray Williams, 9 Atsushi Hiwasa, 8 Takashi Kikutani, Capt. 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Itaru Taniguchi, 5 Toshizumi Kitagawa,
4 Hithoshi Ono, 3 Nozomu Fujita, 2 Yusuke Aoki, 1 Naoki Kawamata
Replacements 16 Hiroki Yuhara, 17 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 18 Yuji Kitagawa, 19 Sione Talikavili Vatuvei, 20 Tomoki Yoshida, 21 Shaun Webb, 22 Alisi Tupuailai
Head Coach: John Kirwan

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results Wednesday 14 Sept.

Canada 25, Tonga 20 in Whangarei (World Cup, Pool A)
Scotland 15, Georgia 6 in Invercargill (World Cup, Pool B)
Samoa 49, Namibia 12 in Rotorua (World Cup, Pool D)
Briefly Another exciting game. Canada and Tonga really turned on the rugby at Whangarei. Tonga seemed to lack the drive and power they showed last Friday when they played the All Blacks. Canada were better organised and their stand-out player Adam Kleeberger always in the thick of play causing headaches for the Tongans. This was an excellent win for Canada.
The Scotland-Georgia game was a bore. What a pity. Georgia played to their strength, fair enough. They are a fearsome forward outfit and will be capable of matching it with any other team up front. But it does not lead to crowd-pleasing back play. Scotland were simply dreadful and they will struggle against England and Argentina. Their performances so far are not encouraging.
In another good game of rugby Samoa were too good for Namibia as was expected. But I was impressed with the determination and passion the Namibians displayed throughout. They scored their second try with only 14 players on the field. Brave and mighty rugby!
Next Today USA play Russia in New Plymouth.
On Friday the All Blacks face Japan without Dan Carter.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Tonga v Canada

14.09.2011
Venue: Northland Events Centre, Whangarei
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Preview Canada begins their 2011 Rugby World Cup finals programme with a tough task facing Tonga. The Tongan’s played in the remarkable opening game, giving the All Blacks a huge second half fright. The question is can they maintain that momentum against a Canadian side with an impressive recent record?
Canada’s recent form is impressive. They lost to an Australian Barbarians team recent, 11-38, that contained a number of Wallabies on the fringe of selection or who missed out on the World Cup squad. Prior to that they defeated the USA in a pre-World Cup doubled-header. In the Churchill Cup they defeated Russia and Italy ‘A’ before losing to England Saxons 6-37 in the final. In their European Autumn tour in 2010 they lost to Georgia 15-22, but defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal.
Tonga comes into this game already ahead of Tonga on what is required of teams in World Cup pool matches. A loss almost means catch up rugby in order to qualify. Tonga is ahead on most recent form. Canada can certainly match their physical approach to the game which means Tonga may have to play with as much determination if not more than what they showed against the All Blacks if they are to win this game. Tonga will also be without much of their Auckland-based army of supporters.

How will Tonga fare without much of their Auckland-based
supporters?
Canada’s non nonsense and physical approach might just see them ahead at the end. I think it will be close.
Previous Encounters 29.10.2003 Canada 24-7 in Wollongong (World Cup, Pool C)
20.05.2000 Canada 29-11 in Vancouver (Pacific Rim)
03.07.1999 Tonga 18-10 in Nuku’alofa (Pacific Rim)
24.05.1987 Canada 37-4 in Napier (World Cup)
25.10.1974 Tonga 40-14 in Vancouver
GWC Rugby Rankings World Table-Tonga 14th, Canada 16th
IRB Ranking Points Tonga 72.48, Canada 71.56
Prediction: Canada by 4 points
Teams

Tonga 15 Kurt Morath, 14 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Alipate Fatafehi, 11 William Helu, 10 Taniela Moa, 9 Thomas Palu, 8 Samiu Vahafolau, 7 Sione Vaiomounga, 6 Finau Maka, Capt. 5 Tukulua Lokotui, 4 Sione Timani, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Ephraim Taukafa, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.
Replacements
16 Aloisio Ma'asi, 17 Soane Tonga'uiha, 18 Halani Aulika, 19 Viliami Ma'afu, 20 Sione Kalamafoni, 21 Viliame Iongi, 22 Alaska Taufa.
Head Coach: 'Isitolo Maka

Canada 15 James Pritchard, 14 Ciaran Hearn, 13 DTH Van Der Merwe, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Phillip Mackenzie, 10 Ander Monro, 9 Edward Fairhurst, 8 Aaron Carpenter, 7 Chauncey O'Toole, 6 Adam Kleeberger, 5 James Cudmore, 4 Jebb Sinclair, 3 Jason Marshall, 2 Patrick  Riordan, Capt. 1 Hubert Buydens.
Replacements
16 Ryan Hamilton, 17 Scott Franklin, 18 Tyler Hotson, 19 Nanyak Dala, 20 Conor Trainor, 21 Sean White, 22 Nathan Hirayama
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

RUGBY WORLD CUP RESULTS: Saturday 10 September

10.09.2011
England 13, Argentina 9 in Dunedin (World Cup, Pool B)

Scotland 34 - 24 Romania in Invercargill (World Cup, Pool B)
France 47 - 21 Japan in Albany (World Cup, Pool A) Fiji 49 - 25 Namibia in Rotorua (World Cup, Pool D) Briefly England came back from 3-9 down to edge past a determined Argentina in the second half. All the goal kickers left their kicking boots behind. Poor goal kicking nearly lost England the game. Jonny Wilkinson had a shocker. The scene has now been set. Expect the unexpected at ths World Cup. Romania very nearly created the first major upset when it led Scotland with ten minutes to go. A penalty and two tries from Scotland winger Simon Danielli saved the day for Scotland. But what a game from Romania. I was at the France-Japan game. What a performance by Japan! They came within 4 points of France mid way through the second half. They missed a certain try at this stage and that try could well have turned the game completely Japan's way. France made replacements and scored some late tries against a tiring Japanese side. The spectacle was just fantastic. Catch my pics on the other posting. Vereniki Goneva was Fiji's hero as he scored 4 out of their 6 tries in a high-scoring win over Namibia in what has been described as a thrilling match. The Namibians put up a good fight against the Fijians. Here is another example of a minnow playing with passion and pride at the special event. This is what World Cup rugby is all about.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: French Campaign Begins

10.09.2011
France v Japan in Albany (World Cup, Pool A)


Venue: North Harbour Stadium

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Preview
I'm off soon to see this game. I lived much of my life from the teenage years on the North Shore but I have never been to this stadium, built after I moved to Australia.

I Love following the French rugby team. Brilliant one game, very ordinary the next. They are so unpredictable I don't think I have every made an accurate score prediction.

France are odds on favourite to cause some sort of stir and/or upset at this tournament. Today they face a Japanese side who come ito the tournament the underdog and with a mixed record.

Japan easily won the Asia 5 Nations tournament and then won the Pacific Nations tournament for the first time. Coach John Kirwan has this team running smoothly. A narrow 24-31 loss to Italy in one of its World Cup warm up games blotted the record book (and they lost to Samoa in the Pacific Nations). I'm not expecting a French loss and at best Japan could get to within 20 points.

France will field, predictably, a mixed team of experience and inexperience. They will want a good win to set up the big clashh against the All Blacks next weekend.

Previous Encounters
18.10.2003 France 51-29 in Townsville (World Cup, Pool D)
27.10.1973 France 30-18 in Bordeaux


GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-France 5th, Japan 12th

IRB Ranking Points
France 82.69, Japan 71.96

Prediction: France by 41 points

Teams

France15 Cedric Heymans, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Aurélien Rougerie, 12 Fabrice Estebanez, 11 Maxime Médard, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Dimitri Yachvili, 8 Raphael Lakafia, 7 Imanol Harinordoquy, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, Capt. 5 Julien Pierre, 4 Lionel Nallet, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Fabien Barcella.
Replacements
16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Jean-Baptiste Poux, 18 Julien Bonnaire, 19 Pascal Papé, 20 Morgan Parra, 21 David Skrela, 22 David Marty
Head Coach: Marc Lievremont

Japan15 Shaun Webb, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Koji Taira, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Hirotoki Onozawa, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Ryukoliniasi Holani, 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Takashi Kikutani, Capt. 5 Toshizumi Kitagawa, 4 Luke Thompson, 3 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements
16 Yusuke Aoki, 17 Nozomu Fujita, 18 Hitoshi Ono, 19 Itaru Taniguchi, 20 Atsushi Hiwasa, 21 Murray Williams, 22 Alisi Tupuailai.
Heaed Coach: John Kirwan

RUGBY WORLD CUP: New Zealand hold out Tonga

09.09.2011
New Zealand 41, Tonga 10 at Eden Park (World Cup, Pool A)

Briefly
New Zealand built up a very handy 29-3 lead at halftime and it looked as though they would post a huge score. But Tonga jumped into life after halftime and for much of the second half the dominated play and at one point were outscoring the All Blacks.

New Zealand would not have been pleased with their second half. They allowed the Tongans back into the game.

Tonga created a huge roar from the crowd when they scored their pick-and-drive try after a dozen drives. The All Blacks were never going to lose. Once the ball moved along their backline they looked very slick and dangerous.

Tonga can be proud of their effort, especially the second half. The Kiwis will need to do some soul searching if they are going to compete against the other big teams in this competition.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Tonga v New Zealand

09.09.2011
Tonga v New Zealand (World Cup, Pool A)

Venue: Eden Park

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Preview
All rugby eyes will be on the opening game of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. 60,000 fans will cram Eden Park, 100,000 will be down town in Auckland City watching the game on seven huge screens, whilst millions of viewers world-wide will be glued to their TV's. It will be amazing!

The Tongan Sibu Tau war dance.

New Zealand is expected to win. Tonga has never come within shouting distance of the New Zealanders in three previous tests. History will repeat. For eighty minutes the All Blacks will be battered by a traditionally fierce Tongan defense that will only yield late in the game.

The Tongans will need to be careful. They cannot afford to lose players to yellow-red cards for indiscipline as they attempt to crash-tackle the Kiwis off their game. This team is more experienced that the one that defeated Fiji in the first Pacific Nations Cup and slightly more experienced that the side that drew one all with Fiji last month.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has juggled his backline and selected a team more likely to stand up to the expected Tongan onslaught rather than his first choice players. Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams are there to take (and give) the big tackles. Expect Carter and McCaw to be replaced once the Black team is rolling.

It's going to be a great game and I expect New Zealand to win comfortably in the end. That won't disappoint the Tongan fans who will stream into Eden Park draped in red and who will leave in party mood.

Previous Encounters
24.10.2003 New Zealand 91-8 in Brisbane (World Cup, Pool D)
17.06.2000 New Zealand 102-0 in Albany
03.10.1999 New Zealand 45-9 in Bristol (World Cup, Pool B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 2nd, Tonga 14th
Oceania Table-New Zealand 1st, Tonga 4th

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 91.64, Tonga 71.17

Prediction: New Zealand by 40 points

Teams

New Zealand
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Richard Kahui, 13 Ma'a Nonu, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Isaia Toeava, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 James Cowan, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Richie McCaw, Capt. 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Alistair Williams,
4 BradleyThorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements
16 Corey Flynn, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Cory Jane.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

Tonga
15 Vunga Lilo, 14 Viliame Iongi, 13 Suka Hufanga, 12 Andrew Ma'ilei, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Kurt Morath,
9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Finau Maka, Capt. 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Joseph Tu'ineau, 4 Paino Hehea, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements
16 Ephraim Taukafa, 17 Alisona Taumalolo, 18 Kisi Pulu, 19 Sione Timani, 20 Samiu Vahafolau, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Alipate Fatafehi.

Head Coach: 'Isitolo Maka

FRANCE 2011 RUGBY WORLD CUP SQUAD

Forwards

Fabien Barcell
Julien Bonnaire
Luc Ducalcon
Thierry Dusautoir (captain)
Imanol Harinordoquy
Guilhem Guirado
Nicolas Mas
Romain Millo-Chluski
Raphael Lakafia
Lionel Nallet
Fulgence Ouedraogo
Pascal Pape
Louis Picamoles
Julien Pierre
Jean-Baptiste Poux
William Servat
Dimitri Szarzewski.

Backs
Vincent Clerc
Patrice Estebanez
Cedric Heymans
David Marty
Maxime Medard
Maxime Mermoz
Alexis Palisson
Morgan Parra
Aurelien Rougerie
David Skrela
Damien Traille
Francois Trinh-Duc
Dimitri Yachvili

Head Coach: Marc Lievremont

Who Got Left Out
35 year old veteran Sylvain Marconnet, Thomas Domingo and veteran Sebastien Chabal. Also missing is centre Mathieu Bastareaud

France Lead-Up Matches

20.08.2011 v Ireland W 26-22 in Dublin (World Cup Warm-up)
13.08.2011 v Ireland W 19-12 in Bordeaux (World Cup Warm-up)
19.03.2011 v Wales W 28-9 in Paris (6 Nations)
12.03.2011 v Italy L 21-22 in Rome (6 Nations)
26.02.2011 v England L 9-17 at Twickenham (6 Nations)

TONGA RUGBY SQUAD: 2011 Rugby World Cup

The 'Ikale Tahi squad are:
1. 'Aleki 'Aho Lutui
2. Ephraim Taukafa
3. 'Aloisio 'Ilaisa Ma'asi
4. 'Alisona Taumalolo
5. Kisi Pulu
6. Soane Longopoa Tonga'uiha
7. Halani 'Aulika
8. Taufa'ao Filise
9. Kelekolio Paino Hehea
10. Sione Lamipeti Ngalu Timani
11. Tukulua Lokotui
12. Joseph Mark Laifone Tu'ineau
13. Sione Ma'ake Kalamafoni
14. Finau Maka, (Captain)
15. Viliami Suaesi Ma'afu
16. Samiu Vahafolau
17. Sione Vaiomo'unga
18. Taniela Moa
19. Thomas Taufoou Palu
20. Samisoni Fisilau
21. Kurt Stanley Morath
22. Siale Vailea Piutau
23. Latu 'Alipate H Naqasima Fatafehi
24. Andrew Kautonga Ma'ilei
25. Sukanaivalu Ikavuka Hufanga
26. William Fetu'ufuka Ukumaki Helu
27. Fetu'umoana Vainikolo
28. Alaska Nikolasi Taufa
29. Viliame Volovola 'Iongi
30. Vungakoto Lilo (Vice Captain)

Head Coach: 'Isitolo Maka

Notes
Original selected former captain Nili Latu was not included in the squad following the release of the revised squad.

Catch up with the details of the controversy at http://www.matangitonga.to/article/sports/rugby/20110823_tonga_ikale_tahi_rwc_squad.shtml

Tonga’s Build up to the World Cup
19.08.2011 v Fiji W 32-20 in Lautoka
13.08.2011 v Fiji L 12-27 in Lautoka
13.07.2011 v Samoa W 29-19 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
09.07.2011 v Japan L 27-28 in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)
02.07.2011 v Fiji W 45-21 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
18.06.2011 v Italy ‘A’ L 18-27 in Gloucester (Churchill Cup, Playoff 3rd-4th; Non-test)
12.06.2011 v England Saxons L 14-41 in Worcester (Churchill Cup; Non-test)
08.06.2011 v United States W 44-13 in Esher (Churchill Cup)

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY SQUAD: 2011 Rugby World Cup

Forwards:
Hookers
Corey Flynn Canterbury (14)
Andrew Hore Taranaki (54)
Keven Mealamu Auckland (85)
Props
John Afoa Auckland (33)
Ben Franks Tasman (11)
Owen Franks Canterbury (23)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (75)
Locks
Anthony Boric North Harbour (20)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (51)
Samuel Whitelock Canterbury (17)
Ali Williams Auckland (65)
Loose forwards
Jerome Kaino Auckland (41)
Richie McCaw (capt) Canterbury (97)
Kieran Read Canterbury (31)
Adam Thomson Otago (21)
Victor Vito Wellington (7)
Backs:
Halfbacks
Jimmy Cowan Southland (47)
Andy Ellis Canterbury (20)
Piri Weepu Wellington (48)
First five–eighths
Daniel Carter Canterbury (82)
Colin Slade Canterbury (5)
Midfielders
Richard Kahui Waikato (12)
Ma’a Nonu Wellington (58)
Conrad Smith Wellington (48)
Sonny Bill Williams Canterbury (7)
Outside backs
Israel Dagg Hawke’s Bay (7)
Zac Guildford Hawke’s Bay (6)
Cory Jane Wellington (24)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (97)
Isaia Toeava Auckland (31)

Coach: Graham Henry

Briefly
All have played test rugby. Victor Vito is the major surprise. Anthony Boric has not played a rugby game since the Super 15 semi-finals. He will play for North Harbour this weekend.

Those who missed out
Hosea Gear, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ben Smith, Liam Messam, Wyatt Crockett and Jarred Hoeata. This group is the back-up for any injuries.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_7118969,00.html

New Zealand’s build up to the finals
27.08.2011 v Australia in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup, Tri Nations)
20.08.2011 v South Africa L 5-18 in Port Elizabeth (Tri Nations)
06.08.2011 v Australia W 30-14 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
30.07.2011 v South Africa W 40-7 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
22.07.2011 v Fiji W 60-14 in Dunedin

2011 Rugby World Cup: The Examination-Pool A

The Rugby World Cup 2011 is only seven months away. This is the fourth article in an examination of the four pools and twenty teams that will contest the 2011 Rugby World Cup, to be held in New Zealand.

Pool A
New Zealand
France
Tonga
Canada
Japan

Certainties
Both New Zealand and France will progress to the quarter-finals. Tonga, Canada and Japan wont.

New Zealand
This tournament is probably New Zealand's biggest challenge in their long rugby history. Since they won the first Rugby World Cup in 1987, winning this Trophy has turned into a nightmare for this rugby-mad nation. With each failed attempt captains have vanished, players sacked, management lynched (not really), and coaches given marching orders. The shame and disappointment for the nation. To be the leading rugby nation of the world at to not win the Cup has been more than the average Kiwi fan can bare. So much is hinging on winning this tournament. There really can be no excuses.

After New Zealand were bundled out of the 2007 Rugby World Cup the NZRFU took the unusual step of not sacking either the captain nor the coach. Richie McCaw and Graham Henry were retained to take the team to the 2011 Rugby World Cup. For once the nation took the disappointment calmly with the gritty determination, "wait to you's all come here in 2011!". And so the expectation has grown so that there is just nowhere for the team, the coach and management to go but up-or out. Losing the Cup at home is simply unthinkable. So how has the team being doing and what can we expect September through to November 2011?

The team is going well. They won the Tri Nations tournament in 2010 causing the World Cup Champions South Africa to flounder last. They dropped a Bledisloe Cup in Hong Kong to Australia (blip on radar) but then cruised through their November tour of Europe with relative ease. The All Blacks displayed a ruthless approach to the game, solid on defence, capitalising on opposition errors, cutting through backlines with skill and ease. It all looked so simple and straight forward. And that is how New Zealand is playing its rugby. Ruthless and clinical. At their best simply unstoppable and irresistible. It doesn't seem to matter which combination they use. Their 'B' side can win tests as well. The team has a solid, skilful all round look. Where are the weaknesses?

Without Daniel Carter they slip just under excellent with less control and authority close to the scrum. Without Richie McCaw the forwards are slightly less effective. These two guys are the cement that really binds this team together. If New Zealand were to lose these two through injury, the cracks may well appear. If the opposition can shut both of them down then it may be a different game.

New Zealand will be thankful that France is in their pool. The French will provide a very stern test for the New Zealanders. In past tournaments the Kiwis have brushed opponents aside in the pool stages to stumble in the quarters, the semis or even the final. So NZ will progress even if, heaven forbid, they fall to the French at an early hurdle. After that? We'll have to wait and see.

France
France has a proud rugby tradition. Known as team unpredictable, they can be awful one test, brilliant the next. Not even the French players know which one it will be prior to a match. I just love watching the French play. At their best they can win against any team. Forwards inter passing the ball from hand-to-hand with the skill and pace of backs, backs who can attack from well inside their half and when they do this together as a team watch out. When they have their heads down or simply can't/wont/don't play with that flair and authority, they can be rolled.

France and New Zealand have a special relationship when it comes to the Rugby World Cup. France lost 9-29 to New Zealand in the first Rugby World Cup final, 1987. The next time they faced each other was at the 1999 Rugby World Cup. New Zealand had bolted away from the other teams in its pool and faced France in the Semi-Final. After building a handy half time lead New Zealand were expected to continue to dominate and roll the French in the second half.Instead France turned on an absolutely magical display to defeat New Zealand 43-31, a result that haunts New Zealanders to this day. In 2003 New Zealand defeated France easily in a 3rd-4th playoff. In 2007 France repeated their 1999 high jinks by knocked the Kiwis out of the tournament, this time at the quarter-final stage. Another nightmare for New Zealand. France went on to lose to England in the semi-final.

Australia showed the world just how to upset the rhythm of a French team. On 27 November 2011 Australia, against the odds, ran all over a French team that lacked ideas, passion and skill. Australia won 59-16! Now what that means is look out the next team that plays France. Rarely do they play poorly twice. When they do have a poor game they are usually all over the next team. That means watch out Scotland come February 5th!

France needs to rebuild their team in 2011 and it has to start in the 6 Nations Championship, beginning February 4th. They need to either win the Championship or come a close second. Then they need to perform well in the warm up games. Hey! What am I saying. France could play poorly in all those games and still do well at the Rugby World Cup. They certainly need to find some body who can direct their backline and a pack of forwards who can win the ball and do something magical with it. We will have to see.

Apart from New Zealand I can't see any other team in this pool worrying the French too much.

Tonga
In reviewing Pool D I commented on the difficulties that Pacific Island nations have selecting their teams. Only at the time of the Rugby World Cup can these nations have their players long enough to build team work and put the strength and natural skills of these players into a cohesive unit. Tonga fits this scenario just as well as Samoa and Fiji.

Tonga has had its share of successes without ever progressing past the pool stages. In1999 they defeated Italy but then leaked over a hundred points to England in the next game. In 2003 they come within 7 points of Wales in pool play and in 2007 defeated both the USA and island neighbour Samoa but were pushed out of finals contention by England and South Africa.This all points to a gradual maturing of players as they ply their trade in mostly European clubs, better coaching and developing close-knit team spirit so typical of Pacific Island teams.

In 2010 Tonga lost all their Pacific Nation Cup rugby tests against Neighbours Samoa and Fiji, and to Japan. In November they toured Europe playing 'A' sides from 6 Nations countries. That form is not encouraging. Tonga has the 2011 Pacific Nations Cup matches to build towards the Rugby World Cup. It is hoped that they can call upon all the European-based players for that tournament, and then retain them for crucial build up matches before the Cup. If this can happen Tonga could defeat Canada and Japan, and hopefully give New Zealand a fright in the World Cup opening match (what an honour for Tonga who will be supported by a huge Tongan population in Auckland) and shake a few French bones with their typical no-holds-barred island style tackling. It wont be enough however to see the Tongan progress.

Canada
Canada qualified for this Rugby World Cup by being the top America's qualifying team. In recent years they have dominated their southern neighbour the United States. Under New Zealand coach Kieran Crowley the Canadians have developed into a team worthy of a place at the World Cup. Whether they can progress further is doubtful.

Canada has participated in every Rugby World Cup since the first in 1987. They won their first ever World Cup match defeating Tonga 37-4. In 1991 they reached the quarter finals, losing honourably to New Zealand 13-29. In 1995 they defeated Romania but did not progress. In 1999 they defeated Namibia and put up a grand fight against the French but again did not go further. In 2003 their only win was over Tonga whilst 2007 was a disappointment as they manage a 12-12 draw with japan and that was it. So traditionally the Canadians have an edge over Tonga and perhaps a slight one over Japan but wins over those two nations will be about as much as can be expected.

Japan
Former New Zealand rugby test player and all time great winger John Kirwan has been guiding Japan for the last few years. In 2010 he has established Japan as a most promising rising power in world rugby, certainly totally dominating Asian rugby. After easily accounting for their Asian rivals Japan lost 8-22 to Fiji although defeating eventual cup winner Samoa 31-23. Later in October they crashed 10-13 to a virtual Samoan second XV before walking all over Rugby World Cup newcomers Russia by a crushing 75-3. Unpredictable? Certainly. Capable of upsetting France and New Zealand. Certainly not.

Japan is taking theirr preparations for the World Cup seriously. Whilst its Asia Five Nations Cup rivals wont provide more than training runs, the Japanes have more serious opponents in the World Cp warm up games; playing Italy and then the United States.

At best they could defeated Tonga and Canada but they will hopefully provide some stiff opposition to the French and New Zealanders without being a real threat. Japan still has a long way to go before it can match it with the big teams in world rugby.