IRELAND

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST

COACH: ANDY FARRELL CAPTAIN: JOHNNY SEXTON

WEBSITE: www.irishrugby.ie

WORLD RANKING: 1ST TAB ODDS: $4.50

The world’s number-one ranked team Ireland has never had much joy at Rugby World Cups but surely 2023 is their time to shine. Certainly, the team’s form over the last few seasons has been hugely encouraging, with the 2023 Six Nations title and an historic first away-series victory over the All Blacks being the obvious highlights. But Ireland will be without their talisman leader and backline lynchpin Johnny Sexton ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The 37-yearold first-five was accused of three counts of misconduct after he confronted the match officials following Leinster’s 27–26 defeat to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final played in May. Sexton copped a three-match ban that covers the Rugby World Cup warm-up matches. He has not played since March after suffering a groin injury in Ireland’s Grand Slam triumph over England so will be well-rested for a starring role in France.

Coach Andy Farrell has an experienced and talented squad with plenty of game breakers. The back three of Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe are world class, with quality midfielders to pick from in Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose. Ross Byrne is a capable No 10 if Sexton is out, while halfbacks Jamison Gibson-Park and Conor Murray are top quality.

In the forward pack, Caelan Doris, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony are strong performing loose forwards, with locks James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne and Iain Henderson the heart of the set-piece. There is ample front-row strength with hookers Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher, plus props Andrew Porter, Cian Healy and Dave Kilcoyne.

Ireland is in Pool B with Romania, Tonga, South Africa and Scotland.

South Africa

2019 WORLD CUP PLACING: CHAMPIONS

COACH: JACQUES NIENABER CAPTAIN: SIYA KOLISI

WEBSITE: www.sarugby.co.za

WORLD RANKING: 4TH TAB ODDS: $6.50

France and Ireland have received most of the pre-Rugby World Cup plaudits, with the All Blacks regarded as next in line for the title, but what of the defending champions?

With South African clubs competing in Europe rather than in Super Rugby Pacific, it is easy to forget just how many world-class players the Springboks have and how formidable they are. The key advantage South Africa has over their rivals is their massive, well-drilled forward pack. The front-row depth is beyond equal with a likely starting front row of Frans Malherbe, Mbongeni Mbonambi and Retshegofaditswe Nche able to give everything for 60 minutes before the equally impressive trio of Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx and Vincent Koch finish the game off.

There is no doubt that the Springboks will target their main Pool B rivals Ireland and Scotland up front. If they get the dominant scrum and win the breakdown, they will be hard to beat.

Inspirational captain Siya Kolisi forms a dynamic loose forward trio with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese, with veteran Duane Vermeulen a handy replacement. Lock Eben Etzebeth is a huge influence on the pack.

Halfback Faf de Klerk is a standout player for more than his trademark long blonde hair and forms an excellent partnership with the immensely talented first-five Handre Pollard.

Fullback/winger Cheslin Kolbe and winger Kurt-Lee Arendse may be short in stature but are lightning quick, while Damian Willemse is another player who provides versatility in the backline.

The Springboks are renowned for flying under the radar ahead of major tournaments. Any team that takes them lightly in France will do so at their peril.