Rugby World Cup Preview: Pool C

Pool C of the Rugby World Cup 2019 is hard to call. The Pool Includes England, France and Argentina.

Tonga

Not much is expected of Tonga in the World Cup after they were humiliated 92-7 in their final warm up game against the all blacks. A game where New Zealand Voluntary took a player off so they could practice playing with 14 men; any optimism their was for Tonga before that game has surely gone. They are also in a pool with three very strong Top Tier nations in England, France and Argentina.

Their game against USA will be the battle for the wooden spoon but one that they could win; albeit against a very well coached USA team. Veteran Winger Cooper Vuna is one to watch out for; he’s plied his trade in England and is a handy customer offensively.

France

France are one of the most frustrating rugby teams in the world and maybe one of the unluckiest. They have made it to three finals in the past but still have no William Webb Ellis Cup to show for it. They made the final in 1987, 1999 and 2011  – exactly 12 years in between each appearance meaning it is unlikely 2019 is their year! the most frustrating thing with the French team is you don’t know which team will turn up; they are blessed with a talented squad but are frustratingly inconsistent.

Whether they get out this pool will depend on if they can find some consistency and play some good rugby. The game against Argentina will probably decide who advances to the knockout stage with England. My player to watch out for is the hugely talented Romain Ntamack; Much of Frances success will rest on him.

USA

The USA is an up and coming Rugby Nation and they have a strong Sevens team which is helping grow the game in America. The 15s team is coached by Gary Gold; A Vastly Experienced coach who always sets his teams up to be well organized and well drilled.

The tournament is a good opportunity to gage the progress the americans have made as they continue to grow and learn. They will look to be competitive and their best chance of of a win will be against the Tongans. USA fly half AJ Mcginty is an excellent kicker and will be key in terms of game management.

England

After a tough 2018 season, England go into the Rugby World Cup in good form. 2019 included Eddie Jones dropping some veterans and embedding in some youngsters and it seems to have worked; England’s chances of winning the tournament are significantly higher than at the start of 2019. England are expected to finish top and put their group stage exit of 2015 firmly behind them.

England should make light work of Tonga and USA whilst edging past France and Argentina in the form that they are in. There is a lot of quality all over the park for England but you can’t look past captain and Fly half Owen Farrell. Joe Cokanasiga is also one to watch; the 21 year old winger has 5 tries in 8 appearances and he has the X factor.

Argentina

The Argentines had a very disappointing Rugby Championship campaign recently; A surprise because the Jaguares had a promising campaign in Super Rugby but those players could not replicate that form in the Los Pumas shirt. The Argentines should not be ruled out though,  in recent times they have become somewhat of a tournament team finishing 3rd in 2007 and 4th in the last World Cup.

Their game against France will most likely decide who finishes as runners up to England in this pool. That game will be hugely physical and it will be down to Agustin Creevy and Pablo Matera to bring the physicality and work rate. Bautista Delguy is one to watch in the back three.

Check my preview for Pool B here

2019, Argentina, England, france, Japan, rugby, Rugby World Cup, RWC2019, Tonga, USA, World Cup