With the world cup now under a month away I thought it would be necessary to post my thoughts on who is going to take home the William Webb Ellis cup.Ireland
The Irish look like a competitive side who could challenge the best. Put in the ‘death pool’ with France and Argentina, led by centre Brian O’Driscoll could well be there at the business end in France.
Key Players: Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara,
My pick: Pool stages
Australia
A side that always seem to peak when world cups come around. The only side to beat the All Blacks recently, the Aussies look a decent bet. A lot will rely on the fitness of their key players as they do not have the depth of their tri-nations counterparts.
Key Players: George Smith, Stirling Mortlock
My pick: semi finalists
Argentina
Beware, the Puma’s are near. My pick to be the Dark horses of the competition; the South American’s could be a team full of surprises. If they make it through the group stage they could be an enormous threat for the cup. A one point 15-16 loss to Ireland in the 2003 world cup knocked then out in the pool stages, they will be out for revenge this time around.
Key Players: Augustin Pichot, Felipe Contepomi
My pick: quarter finalists
England
The reigning World cup champions are looking ominous of retaining their reign. After loosing an important pool of players after their 2003 triumph they have since struggled to recapture that winning form. They should reach the quarter finals but no further.
Key Players: Johnny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson
My pick: quarter finalists
New Zealand
The hot favourites, the team to beat, a good team all over the park but they have a habit of choking when it comes to world cups. Yet to hit full form this season but they still seem to have plenty left in the bag. Would be brave to bet against.
Key Players: Richie McCaw, Dan Carter
My pick: winners
South Africa
A bit of an unknown heading into it. An inconsistent team, but one capable of challenging the cup. Had good form at home in the early part of their international season, but phased of towards the end. The test for the Springboks will be playing away from home, where their success has been limited over the years.
Key Players: Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger
My pick: runners up
France
The hosts seem to be a team very much like South Africa, inconsistent. The home advantage should get them through to the semis but I fail to believe they have the firepower to go further.
Key Players: Rafael Ibanez, Yannick Jauzion
My pick: semi-finalists
Wales
The Welsh team has struggled to find a settled starting line-up. Had a very disappointing 2007 six nations, placing fifth with just one win. None the less, the Welsh are a quality team with a lot of spirit, but not quite enough firepower to seriously challenge for the cup.
Key Players: Shane Williams, James Hook
My pick: quarter finalists
The Irish look like a competitive side who could challenge the best. Put in the ‘death pool’ with France and Argentina, led by centre Brian O’Driscoll could well be there at the business end in France.
Key Players: Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara,
My pick: Pool stages
Australia
A side that always seem to peak when world cups come around. The only side to beat the All Blacks recently, the Aussies look a decent bet. A lot will rely on the fitness of their key players as they do not have the depth of their tri-nations counterparts.
Key Players: George Smith, Stirling Mortlock
My pick: semi finalists
Argentina
Beware, the Puma’s are near. My pick to be the Dark horses of the competition; the South American’s could be a team full of surprises. If they make it through the group stage they could be an enormous threat for the cup. A one point 15-16 loss to Ireland in the 2003 world cup knocked then out in the pool stages, they will be out for revenge this time around.
Key Players: Augustin Pichot, Felipe Contepomi
My pick: quarter finalists
England
The reigning World cup champions are looking ominous of retaining their reign. After loosing an important pool of players after their 2003 triumph they have since struggled to recapture that winning form. They should reach the quarter finals but no further.
Key Players: Johnny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson
My pick: quarter finalists
New Zealand
The hot favourites, the team to beat, a good team all over the park but they have a habit of choking when it comes to world cups. Yet to hit full form this season but they still seem to have plenty left in the bag. Would be brave to bet against.
Key Players: Richie McCaw, Dan Carter
My pick: winners
South Africa
A bit of an unknown heading into it. An inconsistent team, but one capable of challenging the cup. Had good form at home in the early part of their international season, but phased of towards the end. The test for the Springboks will be playing away from home, where their success has been limited over the years.
Key Players: Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger
My pick: runners up
France
The hosts seem to be a team very much like South Africa, inconsistent. The home advantage should get them through to the semis but I fail to believe they have the firepower to go further.
Key Players: Rafael Ibanez, Yannick Jauzion
My pick: semi-finalists
Wales
The Welsh team has struggled to find a settled starting line-up. Had a very disappointing 2007 six nations, placing fifth with just one win. None the less, the Welsh are a quality team with a lot of spirit, but not quite enough firepower to seriously challenge for the cup.
Key Players: Shane Williams, James Hook
My pick: quarter finalists
Nuk ka komente:
Posto një koment