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Dere 'mlaen Cymru!..............
........until the quarter finals at least (Pic : Guardian) |
The Rugby World Cup kicks off tomorrow, with all the home nations involved of course. I'm not much of a rugby fan to be frank - I'm more into football - but I believe I know just enough about the sport to make a prediction on the outcome.
The kick off times might be a bit inconvenient for the large European and African audiences, but the Antipodeans have had to deal with that every time the tournament has been hosted in the north - fair's fair.
Only five nations are realistic contenders for the trophy : New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England and France. Many believe this World Cup is New Zealand's to lose. Call me lazy if you want, but I can go along with that.
A best case scenario for Wales and Ireland are kind draws in the quarter finals (depending on their results in their respective pools) that might open the door to the semi's or even the final itself but that's a long shot. Whether Scotland can get that far depends on their result against Argentina.
This Welsh side appear to be the best prepared ever for a World Cup. I think they can and will exorcise some Oceanian demons this time around....touch wood.
Pool A
New Zealand
France
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Tonga
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Japan
Canada
Pool B
England
Argentina
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Scotland
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Georgia
Romania
Pool C
Australia
Ireland
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Italy
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United States
Russia
Pool D
South Africa
Wales
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Fiji
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Samoa
Namibia
Quarter Finals (winners in bold)
Australia v Wales
England v France
South Africa v Ireland
New Zealand v Argentina
Semi Finals
Australia v England
South Africa v New Zealand
Third Place Game
England v South Africa
Final
New Zealand v Australia
