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Without doubt the weakest of all the groups, South Africa should breeze through Pool B untroubled.
Who finishes second could be a little trickier. Any of the other four teams could fill this spot, such is the closeness of the other teams.
South Africa (4)
They are one of the main contenders and a two-time winner in 1995 and 2007. Their recent form has been a little off with losses to Australia, New Zealand and Argentina but they cannot be underestimated.
Their strengths are across the park – a solid pack, solid backline and excellent kicker in Handre Pollard. Their weakness, however, is depth. There is a significant drop off between the run on 15 and the replacements, which Australia and New Zealand exploited in their games against them. Their best 15 can match it with anyone, however.
Scotland (10)
Scotland would be the second pick from the group on paper. They are solid across the park without being spectacular. They seem to have Japan and the USA’s measure on recent results but Samoa beat them last time they played and pushed them close the previous two encounters.
Samoa (12)
The Samoans have closed the gap on Scotland recently. They might struggle at the set piece but they showed last World Cup that they can compete with the big boys after giving South Africa a real fright. They have a good recent record with everyone in their group except South Africa and are a real threat for second spot.
Japan (14)
The Japanese are still developing and improving. They have had some recent close encounters with the Samoans, just going down narrowly, and the Scottish gave them a 25-point hiding. They should mix it up well with the Americans as well. They are in the mix but I favour the Scots and Samoans more.
USA (16)
They may be the weakest team of the bunch but the USA are capable of beating any of the contenders for second spot. They do not boast good records against anyone in this group however, and I feel they won’t notch a win at all.
South Africa should win this group without much fuss, despite competition from Scotland and Samoa. Samoa has a habit of lifting for these tournaments and I feel on the back of a recent win against the Scots, they can carry that form through and finish second. Scotland for third, then Japan and the US.
Table
South Africa – four wins
Samoa – three wins
Scotland – two wins
Japan – one win
USA – zero wins
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