The RWC so far

The tournament so far has been one dominated by the southern Hemisphere countries. I will review each of the tournament contender’s progress so far.

South Africa
The Springboks have looked a team that could push the New Zealanders. They have had two very clinical victories over England and Samoa, the two other quarter-final contenders in their pool. They look to have the two of the best line out jumpers around in Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, an area that they should dominate against any team. They look to have good pace on the outside in Brian Habana and JP Petersen. The only factor that I believe they don’t have is a world class first five-eight. Butch James is a mediocre player, not good enough to compete with the likes of Daniel Carter and Stephen Larkham. None the less, the Boks are a team in form and if they can maintain it, watch out.
Previous pick: runners up
Current pick: runners up

Ireland
The Irish so far have looked a depressing team. They escaped what could have been one of the biggest upsets in history against Georgia, winning 14-10. Despite winning, they also played very ordinary against Namibia. If they are to get up and beat France or Argentina they are going to have to step up a few gears. Truthfully, I don’t think the men in green have the firepower in the backs to cause pain to the bigger contenders.
Previous pick: quarter finalists
Current pick: packing early

New Zealand
Despite yet to face any real challenges the All Blacks still appear to be the team to beat. With huge victories over Italy ad Portugal the kiwi fan should be feeling happy with the progress of the team. A strength that the kiwis have, which has been shown in their early outings is their enormous depth in the bench. This weapon could become vital come the later stages of the tournament. Injury wise, New Zealand continues to be troubled in the locking department with injuries to Keith Robinson and Reuben Thorne with Chris Jack overcoming an injury in the lead up to the Portugal game. Apart from the locks, the only other concern is fullback Mils Muliana.
Previous pick: Winners
Current pick: Winners

Argentina
Before the tournament I picked them to be the dark horses, and could I be more correct. The Argentines produced the tournaments only upset thus far, beating France in this first match of the tournament. They have got some good players in key positions and are led well by Augustin Pichot, If they can knock over the out of form Irish they will have an easy root to the semi finals (expected to play Scotland or Italy). The South Americans look a dangerous side and have some good attacking flair to go with grinding defence. Don’t count them out. Expect the unexpected.
Previous pick: pool stages
Current pick: semi finalists

France
The host were the victims of the first upset of the tournament, going down to Argentina in the tournament opener. They received a lot of criticism by the French media and it was a thoroughly disappointing loss for the fans. They did bounce back with a demolition of Namibia but there are major improvements for the French to make if they are to be their at the business end. They face an out of form Ireland on Saturday morning but even if they can win that they will face the daunting task of facing the All Blacks in a quarter final. They desperately need some form.
Previous pick: semi finalists
Current pick: quarter finalists

Wales
The Welsh were overall disappointing in their crucial loss to Australia, which now puts them in a very difficult position. If they do manage to qualify over the Fijians they would then have to play the in form springboks in a do or die quarter final. Their first half performance let them down. They had very poor defence, letting in 25 points in the firast half and their attack was also pretty predictable. They were better in the second half but if they are to qualify and cause also sort of trouble to the South Africans they are going to need a lot more firepower in the backs
Previous pick: quarter finalists
Current pick: quarter finalists

Australia
The Aussies have had a strong start to the tournament with a comprehensive victory over Japan and a tough win over the Welsh in Cardiff. There are some good signs coming through and the wallabies attacking midfield of Stirling Mortlock and Matt Giteau is proving tough to defend against. The only real issue is a couple of concerning injuries to key players Stephen Larkham and Stirling Mortlock. Although they both should be back by the quarter finals, concerns are still their for a side lacking depth. Their defence overall looks strong but there are still some areas for apposing attacks to exploit, which Wales showed late in the second half in their clash. The Wallabies also need to work on their discipline as they conceded two yellow cards late in their match against Wales.
Previous pick: semi finalists
Current pick: semi finalists

England
The Poms have had a lacklustre start to a tournament that they were written off in. They were demolished 36-0 by a much better springbok outfit and now will be fighting for their place in the quarter finals. They do not seem to have anything there on attack and only just passing by minnows USA 28-10 their hopes of having a shot at the business end look very poor. South Africa scored some easy tries against a struggling defence and there are certainly lots of things to worry about for the reigning champs.
Previous pick: quarter finalists
Current pick: quarter finalists