Explosive rugby union action is coming as New Zealand attempts to take Pool C by storm. The defending Rugby World Cup champions the All Blacks are set to dominate their pool. But with great expectations also come enormous pressure. Can New Zealand dispatch its competition unscathed to raise their second-consecutive World Cup?
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[sc:MultiSportArticles ]2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C Preview
New Zealand
[sc:Other240banner ]Defending champion New Zealand is the enormous favorite to win Pool C at -5,000, and it’s not difficult to see why. The All Blacks have ridiculous depth, one that led to an all-time great like Dan Carter (2,501 points in 181 international starts) needing to start just one test last year. They have all the talent they could ask for in Ardie Savea, Akira Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo, who could sustain a deep World Cup run.
The All Blacks should cruise to at least the semifinals where they can meet two of the clubs that have beaten them recently in South Africa (2014) and England (2012). New Zealand is the runaway favorite to win the World Cup at +125.
Predicted record: 4-0
Argentina
Argentina was very disappointing last year, finishing last in the 2014 Rugby Championship. But the Argentinians did show some promise – losing by just seven points to South Africa away from home and just two points in the home leg. The Pumas also were dealt a seven-point setback against Australia in that tournament.
The Pumas have a few stars on their side in Marcos Ayerza, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Nicolas Sanchez and the like, which should help them to easily finish second in Pool C. However, they could face tough teams in Ireland or France in the quarterfina,l which could have them ultimately bowing out of the tournament.
Predicted record: 3-1
Georgia
Georgia may be one of the bottom feeders of a tough Pool C, but they could cause plenty of headaches even for the top sides. The Lelos won a game in both of their last two World Cup appearances (over Romania in 2011 and Namibia in 2007). Georgia gave world rugby power Ireland quite a scare in a nerve-wracking 14-10 defeat in 2007. Scotland also struggled to beat the Georgians back in 2011.
Mamuka Gorgodze leads this tough Georgia side. He’s scored 120 points on 24 tries in 59 appearances in tests. He has also scored five points on one try in his two World Cup appearances. Expect the Georgians to turn some heads in the upcoming 2015 World Cup.
Predicted record: 2-2
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Tonga
Tonga has an aging team, but they could still cause some problems even for the top teams. The Tongas had one of the biggest upsets in the 2011 World Cup, beating eventual finalist France in the Pool Stage. Tonga returns members of the 2011 team for this upcoming World Cup, but they also have a young stud in Latiume Fosita. The 23-year-old has scored 29 points on seven total conversions and five penalty goals in all tests from 2013-2015.
Predicted record: 1-3
Namibia
Namibia has been the bottom feeder in each of its World Cup appearances. The Namibians have played 15 matches at the World Cup, losing each one by an aggregate score of 974-144. Georgia may be the closest opponent Namibia has according to ranking in the Pool Stage, but the last time the two sides met, Namibia was blown out 30-0.
Namibia does have a player to watch out for in Chrysander Botha. The 27-year-old fullback has scored 147 points on 16 tries, 14 conversions and 13 penalties in 33 career test appearances. Yet, he has scored on just one try in four career appearances in the World Cup.
Predicted record: 0-4
Writer’s Prediction
New Zealand (-5,000) wins Pool C without breaking a sweat.
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