I did one of these six months ago so I thought it would be interesting to see how the Pool D sides have progressed since then.
Wales
The Welsh side have gone from strength to strength this year. After losing to England and Ireland early in the Six Nations, they have gone on a nine-game winning streak.
Their November series was impressive with wins over Scotland, Australia, Tonga and South Africa. Warren Gatland’s side have to be firming as favourites to exit Pool D in first place.
They will play in the Six Nations next year before entering the World Cup and will be looking to continue their winning ways.
Australia
2018 has been a year to forget for the Wallabies. After starting with a promising win against the Irish it has gone downhill.
They struggled in June, then in the Rugby Championship before limping into the November tour. The tour did not go to plan with a close loss to Wales, an unconvincing win against Italy and a thrashing at the hands of England.
I hope the Wallabies can improve for next year and have a good crack at the world cup but my head says it won’t be that easy. The team is still extremely unsettled and some suspect selections on the November tour didn’t help that.
Staff and players are under a lot of pressure and I fear that the struggle could continue into the world cup.
Michael Hooper and the Wallabies would do well to look back to last year’s Bledisloe 3 success. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Fiji
The Flying Fijians had a good 2018. They were Pacific Nations Champions again but lost to Tonga. They then lost to Scotland by about 30.
The Scotland game was an interesting one. Fiji were in it for 35 minutes before having two players sin binned within two minutes of each other.
From there Scotland ran over them. The Fijians then dismantled Uruguay before beating France in an incredible game to finish the tour.
This final game showed that Fiji can, not just compete but beat the top teams when they have a bit of time together (which they will have prior to the world cup).
The Fijians also convincingly beat two other Pool D sides in Georgia and Uruguay. This along with the French win should give them a lot of confidence of a QF birth next year.
Georgia
The Lelos had a mixed year. The lost to the ever improving Italy to start the November series but finished but beating Tonga.
The Georgians love to play the tough stuff and when allowed to play this style are tough to beat but as shown in their game against Fiji earlier this year struggle to play sides that play expansive rugby.
While I think they are no walk over I cannot see Georgia getting out of the pool and expect them to finish fourth.
Uruguay
The Uruguay side faced Fiji last week and we saw a result that will most likely be the common one for them in 2019.
They have some decent players but don’t have the experience to compete with the top sides. Having said that they will grow a lot between now and the world cup and the longer the playing group stays together the better they will get.
Uso
Roar Rookie
Have no fear, the Wallabies will be there. We need to have more faith in them. Remember they just sneaked past Samoa in RWC 1991 by 6 to 3 and last minute Lynagh try to down Ireland in semi and then to go on and completely outplay the All Blacks in the final. Won the final in 1999 and went oh so close in 2003. People forget that we were 2015 finalists as well. What matters is on the day and which team turns up and Cheika knows this. Im not writing them off just yet, as history will tell you that previous years form comes to nil in a world cup year. If they win the world cup next year you will all be offering Cheika a knighthood and there will be a street parade in Sydney. Touch and hold guys touch and hold.
Harry Jones
Expert
Fiji coach John McKee: Took over at Clermont in 2000. Led them to grand final; lost 34-22 to Toulouse. Became assistant coach of Connacht under Michael Bradley in 2002. Made the QF of 02-03 Celtic League and 02–03 European Challenge Cup. Two consecutive SFs in the European Challenge Cup; 03–04 and 04–05. Head coach of Cornish Pirates (05–06): third place. 2007: head coach of Central Coast Rays (won grand final against Rebels 20-12). Landed with Pacific Islanders rugby union team on 08 European tour: beat Italy for first time. Worked with Tonga during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. 2013: became Fiji High Performance Unit GM: goal was to get Fiji into top 8 of IRB. Then, head coach of Fiji. Highlights: two wins over Italy, beat Scotland and France.
Harry Jones
Expert
The easiest pool is getting harder. Wallabies will need depth everywhere to get to SF. Pool matches will take a pound of flesh. Not many teams more physical than Fiji, Georgia, and Wales.
Rebel334
Roar Rookie
He could only play for Fiji as he had played for the sevens team before he went to the NRL.
CUW
Roar Rookie
I think Aussy are lucky - coz they play FIJI first. if history is a guide, FIJI take a couple of mathes to hit their stride. Its a pity - coz all their guys are europe based , so they will not have the lengthy prep time other big nations enjoy. Wales will need to be vary of FIJI. on current form Wales shud beat Aussy - but then worldcups are a different thing. it will be interesting how teams adapt to the climate in Japan. Early evening tend to be hot - as the BLUES found out one time.
Peter Breckenridge
Roar Guru
I went to the opening game in the last RWC where England played Fiji. Obviously England won, but I actually thought the Fijians were unlucky. They had a few calls go against them when they were hot on attack and looking dangerous. In the game, Fiji were dominating the scrums, an area they have really improved in. This should be of great concern to the Wallabies after being demolished on the weekend. I am also of the opinion that this is the 2nd pool of death and the Wallabies need to get their act together if they want to finish in the top 2.
Fred
Guest
Fiji beating France is making things look ominous for the Wallabies. Wales and Fiji both on the rise at a time the Wallabies are on the decline. Former Parramatta sensation Semi Radradra is a world-class player. If he wanted to play for them he would walk into the Wallabies (I believe he represented Australia in league. But II'm glad he's chosen to play for Fiji)
Garry
Guest
Normally that looks like an easier pool, but under Cheika, who knows? I predict we’ll lose to Wales and Fiji and arm wrestle one of the minnows.