Pool C is arguably the most underrated group of the Rugby World Cup. Yet it could very well be the most competitive pool with three of the bottom five all very evenly matched.
A victory for any of these second tier nations could bring world rugby to a stop.
Agustin Creevy versus Dan Coles
Have there ever been more in-form Southern Hemisphere hookers as there are now? It appears we are in midst of a purple patch for top class hookers. Agustin Creevy and Dan Coles appear to be hitting top form at just the right time of the rugby calendar.
Both players had impressive Rugby Championships and will look to leave their mark on rugby’s global showpiece. They are equally effective but go about their business in a very different manner.
Hurricanes player Dan Coles is one of the most effective ball-carrying forwards in the world. He has explosive pace and has built more bulk in recent years.
Worcester Warriors’ Creevy is also an effective ball carrier but is more of a grafter. He is intensive at the breakdown and a real leader. There is a ferocity to everything Creevy does on the rugby pitch.
Both players have accurate darts at lineout and their teams often use their lineouts to score tries.
Davit Zirakashvili versus Marcos Ayerza
All I can say is sit back, fasten your seat belt and relax as these two are set to deliver a scrum spectacle for the ages. These two could singlehandedly make scrums enjoyable to watch again. They both pride themselves on their power and while they may not contribute a whole lot from open play, they will have a gruelling scrum battle to put up with.
The Georgians pride themselves on their scrum, it’s almost a religion for them. In fact out of the 42 players playing from Georgia in France 28 are props. With Zirakashvili at tighthead they will look for scrum dominance over every team in the group. Zirakashvili is one of the most underrated props in the world. A stalwart of the Clermont pack, he has faced off against the best of the best in the Top 14.
Meanwhile, Ayerza is playing his rugby in the premiership for Leicester. Many people regard Ayerza as the best loosehead in world rugby and his performance against South Africa will do nothing to quash those claims. It will be an intriguing scrum battle.
Jacques Burger versus Mamuka Gorgodze
These two players represent everything that is good about rugby. They have been consistently the best players for their respective nations and often have to carry the battle on their own. Two of the most polular players in European rugby they are renowned for their relentless physicality, particularly at the tackle.
Gorgodze featured on the Toulon team that won last year’s Champions Cup while Burger played a starring role in Saracens’ victory over Bath in the Aviva Premiership final. While both players are similar in work ethic and heart they couldn’t be more different in terms of size. Gorgodze stands at 1.96 metres and weighs 119 kilograms, meanwhile Burger stands at 1.88 metres and weighs 105 kilograms.
Burger’s job during this match will be to stop the strong carries of Gorgodze. Both will pose a considerable threat at the breakdown so it could be nullified.
Juan Imhoff versus Julian Savea
Savea will feel he has a point to prove after an unusually quite Rugby Championship. There are rumours going around that he was carrying a flu during the competition. The Kiwis will be hoping that’s all it was, as he is still the most threatening winger in world rugby with ball-in-hand.
Imhoff was looking at his imperious best during the Rugby Championship. His performance against South Africa will live long in the memory of all Argentinians as he scored a hat-trick of tries. If Argentina are to have an impact on the World Cup this man will need to continue his form.
It‘s the opening match for both teams of the Rugby World Cup so don’t be surprised if the teams are a bit rusty. It is unlikely that we will see either winger get much ball in the opening half. As with most World Cup games, conditions will dictate how much ball Savea and Imhoff see. If conditions allow for running rugby we will have the joy of watching two speed merchants in action.
Nili Latu versus Kieran Read
Kieran Read won’t be the only No.8 with a soft pair of hands when Tonga take on New Zealand. Former Hurricanes player Nili Latu will captain Tonga in a repeat of the 2011 World Cup opener.
Regardless of him being only 100 kilograms, Latu tackles like a demon and is a good passer of the rugby ball. He has been playing the majority of his club rugby in Japan and will move to Newcastle Falcons at the end of the World Cup.
Kieran Read for his part is widely regarded as the best No.8 in world rugby. He combines strong ball carrying with great handling skills. New Zealand will look to Reid to break down the most combative defences during the World cup.
Will David prosper with Nili Latu or will the more successful Goliath with Read triumph?
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