The 2015 Rugby World Cup is coming, and it promises plenty of adrenaline rush-inducing action. Here we take a look at Pool B, which seems to be all but locked up by heavy favorite South Africa. But a couple of teams could rise up to the occasion and spring surprises from the likes of Samoa and Scotland. Japan and the United States also show potential, but will need to be at their best on the biggest of stages.
Read on for everything you need to know heading into Pool B. Complete your rugby World Cup experience with our previews and predictions for Pool A and Pool D.
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2015 Rugby World Cup Pool B Preview
South Africa
South Africa is the favorite to win Pool B of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and rightfully so. The Springboks beat world No. 1 New Zealand last October, the All Blacks’ first defeat in almost two years. South Africa is absolutely loaded with talent with forwards in the gigantic Du Plessis brothers, Eben Etzebeth and the likes of Duane Vermeulen and Willem Alberts.
[sc:Other240banner ]The Springboks also field an impressive youngster in Handre Pollard. The 21 year-old fly-half has scored a total of 168 points on four tries, 32 conversions, 26 penalty goals and two drop goals in all tests including the Rugby Championship in 2014-2015. Expect Pollard to be a scoring machine for South Africa in Pool B.
South Africa is the overwhelming favorite to win Pool B at -1,000.
Predicted record: 4-0
Samoa
Samoa may not be much of a challenge against South Africa, but it can enter the quarterfinals with a second-place finish. Scotland figures to be Samoa’s closest competitor in the pool. But having dangerous attacking players such as brothers George and Ken Pisi as well as Kahn Fotuali’i should give the Samoans an edge.
Predicted record: 3-1
Scotland
Scotland has one of the best coaches in the world in Vern Cotter. He didn’t have the results he wanted in his first shot at the Six Nations, where Scotland failed to register a win. But the Scots should have some more success this time around having gotten more opportunities to familiarize themselves with Cotter’s style. They also have an excellent center in Mark Bennett and No. 10 Finn Russell.
Predicted record: 2-2
Japan
Japan has shown plenty of progress recently, climbing into the top 10 in June 2014. They slipped back and entered the World Cup ranked 13th in the world. Japan performs well against lower-ranked teams, but falters when they face the big guns on the largest of stages. Expect Japan to struggle against the top three teams in this pool, but coach Eddie Jones should make the necessary adjustments to keep his side somewhat competitive.
Predicted record: 1-3
USA
The United States may be rocking American Football, but they’re almost total scrubs in rugby. The Americans had a poor run in the Pacific Nations Cup in 2014, after being soundly beaten by Japan 34-25. But the United States still showed that it has the talent to be competitive. Chris Wyles ranked second in points scored (32) in that tournament, while Blaine Scully tied for fifth with 25 points.
The Americans will also benefit aplenty from having Samu Manoa in the frontline. Manoa is arguably the best No. 8 in the world. He’s been a force in the English Premiership since 2011, scoring 80 points on 16 tries.
Predicted record: 0-4
Writer’s Prediction
South Africa (-1,000) leaves no doubt with a clean sweep of Pool B. Create a betting account now and get into all the Rugby World Cup action.
