Rugby World Cup: Pool A Preview

Rugby World Cup: Pool A Preview

It is difficult to look past Ireland to top Pool A with only Scotland likely to spoil their party.

All eyes will, however, be on Japan as hosts but also after they have done everything possible to best prepare for the tournament. They won the Pacific Nations Cup this year and did so in fine style. Japan have a realistic opportunity to make it through to the Quarter Finals at the expense of Scotland who have struggled to get momentum ahead of the tournament.

 
 
 
 
 
Pool Facts:
 
  • Ireland enters the tournament ranked Number 1 in the world. Their highest ranking ever.
  • No side in this group have ever made it past the Semi-Finals, Scotland the only side to have progressed out of the quarter-finals
  • This is the only group in the tournament that does not have a World Cup winner in it
  • Japan has lost just one test this year, against South Africa
 
 
Key Matches:
 
  • Ireland vs Scotland - This is the opening game for both sides and will very likely decide who finishes top of the group
  • Japan vs Scotland - This is the final game of the pool stages on Sunday, October 13. Scotland face Russia just 4 days earlier, Japan come off a 6 day break

Players to Watch:

  • The likes of Finn Russell and Hamish Watson will be key for Scotland.
  • James Ryan, Jonathan Sexton and Jacob Stockdale have all be tipped for big Rugby World Cups.

Check out our Tier Two players to watch from Pool A:



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