After watching the first round of games from the group stages of the world cup, I feel it is now the perfect time for me to state my prediction for each group in the competition.
Pool A- winner
New Zealand
The All Blacks are in my opinion easily the best side in the world, and believe me with the love of Australia that I have it is extremely hard for me to say. They have a group of forwards emotionally and passionately led by Richie McCaw, he is the heart and soul of the All Blacks side. He fills the crowd and team with passion whenever he steps foot onto the field. But McCaw is not the only forward that can strike fear into the hearts of the opposition, behind his leadership elite performers such as Kieran Reed, vice captain Keven Mealamu, Brad Thorn and the Franks brother. This is an extremely and unbelievably talented group of forwards who will run through and over a brick wall for their countries success.
If the forwards don’t destroy a team by themselves the Kiwi SUPERBACKS can and will strike at any time from anywhere on the pitch, I use the term superbacks purposely, this is because not only are the Kiwi starters outstanding and phenomenal talents, they are supported by players such as scrum half Piri Weepu, fly half Colin Slade, centres Richard Kahui and Sonny Bill Williams and full back Mils Muliaina, this group of ‘substitutes’ are better than most of the starters in every other international side. However I can also see the Kiwis following their history of the tournament by entering the tournament as favorites and then choking against a side they should easily beat.
Group B- Winner
England
I feel that although this England side is very talented, Martin Johnson has made a number of selection mistakes. Hooker Steve Thompson should never have been in the squad, in mean this with the upmost respect because he was once a great talent, he is now to old and to lazy to succeed in an international shirt, his performance against the Pumas was embarrassing, I cannot remember an English hooker doing the lack of work he did. Captain and flanker Lewis moody should have also been left out because he has struggled with injury and fitness for the past year and should be replaced with Leicester Aussie convert Thomas Waldrom who could have also offered the Red rose with another (and better) option to Nick Easter at number 8. Fly half Jonny Wilkinson should have also been dropped and his appalling performance at the weekend signified why he should be dropped, not only has he long past his prime, his kicking ability has now seemly dropped to a level which is not good enough for World cup rugby, I feel he should have been replaced by Saracens fly half and rugby league convert Owen Farrell who showed extreme maturity for a young lad in last seasons premiership final. He could have also offered more expansive rugby than both Wilko and Flood. I also feel Mark Cueto should be dropped and replaced in the squad with Saracens fullback Alex Goode, because he is to old to be in the quad and although he offers experience he has not got the skill of Alex Goode. The final poor selection I feel is Mike Tindall, although I feel he should still be in the squad as he is a vital member of the squad for experiences, I believe Riki Flutey should have replaced him as a starter because he is a more expansive player, Martin Johnson now has the chance to make this call if he calls up Riki Flutey. I feel these selections may have cost England the world cup and that they will lose to Australia in the semi finals because of Johnson being set in his ways and picking his ‘mates’.
Pool C- Winner
Australia
I feel this Australian team has the youth and ability in its squad to become the greatest Wallabies side in history. Led by captain James Horwill, scrummy Will Genia, fly half Quade Cooper and fullback Kurtley Beale may well be able to destroy every team in the competition until they meet New Zealand in the final where it will be an extreme challenge but if Quade and Genia show the maturity and command that they showed during their super 15’s campaign with the Queensland reds they will be able to fight their way to victory over their arch rival. As well as these key players, australia have lock Nathan Sharpe, number 8 Wycliff Palu and centre Adam Ashley-Cooper who are the foundation of the side and are outstanding players in their own right. This gives the Wallabies a huge advantage over any opponents because of the wide amount of attacking options as well as youth and experience they have to offer. As well as this they have an outstanding young player in James O'Connor who is one of the best players in the world and will be a vital part of them beating New Zealand. This will lead the Qantas Wallabies to becoming the second side in history to win the rugby world cup twice.
Pool D- Winner
Samoa
This may come as a surprise to most people because of the fact that South Africa led by Morne Steyn are also in this group, but the fact is South Africa got firmly beaten in the tri nations and even if they did get into the knockout rounds they would immediately be eliminated. Therefore I am pledging my support to the underdogs Samoa who are a very talented and improving side. Led by captain Mahonri Schwalger and supported by lock Filippo Levi, number 8 George Stowers, centre Seilala Mapusua and wings David Lemie, Sailosi Tagicakibau and Alesana Tuilagi Samoa have the attacking force to pose a threat to any team in the world. Although they don’t have the most frightening of forwards, in the wide areas the have wingers who can demolish any team in the world. With this if Samoa can keep the ball in wide areas so their elite wingers can attack the ball at pace they can threaten any team in the world even the likes of the all blacks.
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