Rugby World Cup Preview: Pool D

This is my Rugby World Cup Preview of Pool D – this pool probably doesn’t have any of the favourites to win. Wales and Australia will be pushing but they do not make up the top 4 favourites.

Uruguay

This is Uruguay’s 4th World but don’t expect too much from them as they still have quite an amateur setup. It is very possible that they could be on the end of a few thrashings in Japan.

They are unlikely to win any games, Their game against Georgia presenting them with their best chance; although the Georgians won’t be pushovers. Their 22 year old lock will be key as he has Top 14 experience in France; Remember the name Manuel Leindekar.

Wales

Outgoing Wales Coach will be hoping a World Cup win will cap off 12 years of being at the helm. They won the Six Nations earlier this year and will be looking to go one better and win the William Webb Ellis Trophy in Japan.

Top of the pool will be a shootout between Wales and the Wallabies but Fiji shouldn’t be underestimated with the various qualities in their squad. British and Irish Lions Centre Jonathan Davies is key for their backline to fire on all cylinders; Their success rests on his shoulders.

Georgia

Georgia has been a hot topic of discussion when it comes to expanding the Six Nations; its an absolute testament of the progress Georgia has made as a rugby nation that they are being mooted to compete in a top tier competition. A move which can only benefit them – just look at Italy. A Strong World Cup by the Georgians may just convince the powers to be to expand the Six Nations.

The Georgians will look for wins against Fiji and Uruguay but they should struggle against Wales and Australia. Look out for Prop Mikheil Nariashvili; a fearsome scrummager and very physical; His experience up front will be key in big scrum match ups.

Australia

Australia have had a change in fortunes just in time with their World Cup campaign imminent; They have had a few underwhelming seasons but under pressure coach Michael Cheika will be encouraged by their convincing win over the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship.

Their game against Wales will be the stand out game in the pool, both are evenly matched and the winner will surely top the pool. Fiji will pose a challenge to the Wallabies but Australia should have enough quality. Georgia and Uruguay should be a formality. James O’Connor provides a bit more firepower and X factor since his return. Midfielder Samu Kerevi is the one to watch, a huge carrier and a great offload game. His ability to find the try line and turn a game will be most welcome by the Aussies at a time where they will miss Israel Folau

Fiji

Fiji, like other pacific island teams have struggled financially. They have struggled for funds and had to rely on donations from the public. Despite all the off field drama, on it they continue to impress. At the end of 2018 they beat a good French side and they are capable of causing upsets in Japan.

They possess so much quality in their squad that it will be no surprise if the push Wales and Australia all the way. They should beat Georgia and Uruguay but it may not be that straightforward. Semi Radradra is the man to watch, he can play centre or wing and is absolutely dynamite!

Read my preview of Pool C here

2019, Australlia, Fiji, Georgia, Japan, Pool D, rugby, Rugby World Cup, RWC2019, Uruguay, wales, World Cup