After four long years it is once again time for the most important of rugby events – the World Cup. All the best teams in the world will gather in France for the next two months for a no-holds barred tournament of epic proportions. For the rugby fan it does not get any better than this – a moment of pure sport joy! I will either watch or record all 46 matches and somehow find the time to watch them all. For the uninitiated this may seem a bit excessive, but for rugby people it takes on a “gathering of the clans” atmosphere. Although most of us are not fortunate enough to travel to France, those left behind will be watching, reading, and talking about this event well into next spring. This is our Olympics, Super Bowl, and World Series all in one. Make sure you tune in (Setanta Sports is carrying all the games) and if not, read my blog over the next few weeks as I review the action.

1924 US Olympic Rugby Champions

The United States Eagles are in Pool A with traditional rugby powers England and South Africa. The last major championship for the US was in 1924 when they won their second gold medal in the Olympics. Despite some major improvements leading up to the tournament it looks like the US will be fortunate if they get one win against Tonga in pool play.

World Cup Predictions

I have gathered a hand-picked panel of rugby experts from around Houston to give me their predictions for the World Cup.

James Wolfinger (Head coach STH Rugby and noted referee)

Finalists: France v. New Zealand – Wolf thinks this is the way it should work out, although he is always in favor of the underdog. Knowing Wolf the way I do, I would not be surprised if he were secretly rooting for Namibia to win it all.

Darkhorse: Australia – Wolf feels that the Wallabies are experienced and have demonstrated the ability to play well in pressure situations. They have won two World Cups, more than any other squad, and are heavily under-rated. Coach Wolf says do not be surprised if they are lifting the Cup in November.

Eagles: 1-3 – Jim picks the US National team to go 1-3, with their projected win over Tonga in pool play. He feels that they might have an outside chance of going 2-2 if they play the perfect game against Samoa.

Conor Mills (STH Eagles #10, Texas Select and USA)

Finalists: France v. New Zealand – Conor (the only player chosen for the panel – this was done because he is far smarter than all of the coaches) feels that these two teams are no-brainers for the final. France has been unstoppable during the pre-tournament schedule and play the most exciting brand of rugby. The All-Blacks are, according to Conor, the All-Blacks, which means they are virtually unbeatable. Conor feels that Dan Carter is the best flyhalf in the world and will do some serious damage on his opponents. According to Conor the dominance displayed by New Zealand over the last four years clearly makes them the favorites.

Darkhorse: Argentina – Conor likes the physical style of the Argentines, but he thinks they now have the backs to go with their fabulous forwards. Juan Martin Hernandez is the best fullback in rugby and Conor believes he will be a major factor in Argentina’s success. The Pumas are ranked sixth in the world and have pushed all the major powers in the last few years, so look for them to upset in Pool D.

Eagles: 1-3 – Conor hopes the Eagles will pull an upset against England, but thinks that a realistic assessment has the Eagles beating only Tonga.

Phil Beck (Head Coach Woodlands RFC, former London Wasps player)

Finalists: New Zealand v. Australia – Phil believes that the Wallabies have what it takes to win it all. He points out the fact that the Australians played brilliantly this summer and came away with a win against New Zealand in the Tri-nations. Their experience (they are the only team to have won two World Cups) and momentum will be the deciding factor.

Darkhorse: France/Ireland – Phil likes France as the darkhorse because they are at home and can be brilliant at times. However, they are mercurial and their match-up with a fantastic Ireland squad will define their tournament. According to Phil, the winner of the that match in the pool of death (Pool D) might provide the team that will surprise everyone. Phil also put a shout out for England, the defending World Champions. I would have been disappointed if a native son did not put England in the mix. Too many people are discounting England – they may be the biggest surprise of all.

Eagles: 1-3 – Phil agrees with the rest of the panel that the Eagles will have a good showing if they finish with a win over Tonga. However, after recently returning from Chicago to watch the Eagles play Munster (Irish professional team), he says they are playing excellent ball and might be a lot better than people are giving them credit for.

Me:

Finalists: New Zealand v. France – I will be shocked if New Zealand does not make it to the final. Although it has been twenty years since they last won the Cup, I think it might be their destiny this year. Dan Carter and Richie McCaw are the best in the world at their positions and the All-Blacks have won 38 of their last 43 test matches. Some teams in the tournament have not won 38 matches in their entire existence. I like France because they are at home and play the most exciting rugby. Watching France is liking watching fast-break basketball, they are artists in making big plays. If anyone has a chance of derailing New Zealand it will be Les Bleus!

Darkhorse: Ireland – I love Ireland (it is in my blood) and even if the did not stand a snowball’s chance I would pick them as my darkhorse. However, this is a very special Ireland squad, with a combination of powerful forwards, led by Paul O’Connell and brilliant and creative backs led by Captain Brian O’Driscoll. If they can beat France in pool play the may go all the way. I would not discount Australia, England, or South Africa – they are all very dangerous teams who can beat the best on any given day and are all former Cup champions.

Eagles: 2-2 – I am going against the panel on this prediction because I think the Eagles are hungry and Samoa has 5 starters out of the lineup because of injury. The Eagles cannot disappoint because nobody expects them to win – they will be relaxed and play extremely physical ball which will lead to two victories.

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