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New Zealand just can’t seem to avoid France at the Rugby World Cup. This time, though, with their meeting in Pool A not being a playoff match, the All Blacks will destroy them and progress to a Quarterfinal against either England or Argentina.
Or perhaps Scotland.
They should also easily dispose of any of those teams, which sets them up for a mouth watering Semi-Final against South Africa.
Playing in the Southern Hemisphere, on grounds they regularly visit in the Super 14 and Tri-Nations, I expect South Africa will be too strong for Wales and take Pool D. This will set them up for a Quarter-Final against Ireland, probably, who they should also beat.
Australia should take Pool C for a face off against Wales in the Quarters.
Pool B is at this point the most unpredictable in my opinion.
Can Argentina build on their current fourth place IRB ranking or was 2007 just a special year for them with a special group of players?
How much can England rebuild from their current mess to become a contender again? And can Scotland possibly sneak a top finish in Pool B?
If Argentina regress from their current lofty position and England continue on their current path, who knows?
Whoever takes it (let’s be honest, probably England) will most probably have to face France in the Quarters.
If you look at how far the Northern Hemisphere is behind the Southern Hemisphere, I expect the RWC 2011 will be won by one of the Tri Nations teams. Again.
It’s probably Australia to face the winner of a South Africa-New Zealand Semi-Final in the Final.
Wales look to be the best of the Northern Hemisphere bunch, capable of a Tri Nations scalp, but not of three. They’re also not the best travellers, historically.
England have too much ground to make up, and France seem to be incapable of back-to-back quality performances at Rugby World Cups.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.