With the Rugby World Cup in Australia only months away bookmakers, punters and rugby lovers begin to speculate over who will win rugby's biggest prize. Perhaps, the Northern Hemisphere could finally win this tournament but I'm not convinced and will be looking to place a bet elsewhere:
New Zealand Always seem to be favorites at the World Cup but have not managed to pull it off since 1987. However, I feel that it will be their World Cup this time. The Super 12 season has shown their ability to produce new young stars who will be fresh and ready to knock all opposition over.
South Africa After a shocking season last year, the 1995 champs will be looking for revenge. Wounded pride is the most dangerous ingredient when facing any Springbok team. The Springboks will have a good mix of youth and experience in their squad. Be sure that they will have a big, mean pack of forwards and some young exciting runners in the backs... If the players can remain injury free the coach will be able to get the right mix of players on the field. In 1995 South Africa beat Australia in the first round which gave them an easier path to the final while Australia faced a much more difficult path resulting in an early exit. Once again South Africa have a crucial first round game against England, the losers will face New Zealand in the Quarter Finals...
Australia After dominating in 1999 the defending champs are on a downward trend. Failing to produce any new stars much the same as in 1995. George Gregan will of course be marshalling his troops but players like Owen Finegan have probably taken too many knocks, much of the Australian style of play relies on Finegan making "THE HARD YARDS". Their match winner could be George Smith depending on how referees interpret the Rucks and Tackle Ball situation. They will however be a difficult team to beat, but probably will not go all the way.
England The form team at this stage of the game but when will their bubble burst? England have built up a great reputation over the last 2 season but I feel much of this is due to the fact they have played the Tri-nations teams at Fortress Twickenham in November when the Southern Hemisphere players are injured or exhausted. I predict a loss in the first round against South Africa and then knocked out by the All Blacks in the quarters. Any bets????
France One of the most successful teams in World Cups...Always have an easy path in the draw but do have many up and coming players. Usually they travel very well and for this reason I rate them with the best chance of all the Northern Hemisphere Teams. Remember, they really can beat anyone on their day and on top of this they are becoming more and more consistent.
Argentina The only other team with a chance in this tournament. They seem to play for 70 minutes and fall away against the top teams in the last 10. However, they are a tough team and also seem to be on the up. Not sure if they travel well, but are definitely the best of the rest.
The team I will be watching at the World Cup will be Georgia. I am very interested to see how far off the pace they are. Looking at their results against a South Africa U/23 Team I think that they will offer tough opposition to any team they play. The Rugby World needs new teams to rise to the top level, so I hope they will provide us with a few surprises.
The Rugby Giraffe
(Don’t laugh, this is how the Easter Bunny started)
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