The Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday, and this year promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting tournaments ever. Realistically, any one of four top teams could win it, with other dark horses also capable of pulling off a few big wins. As difficult as it is to predict the World Cup in Japan, let's take a look at it anyway...
Leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2019 – Peaked too early, and Wales look vulnerable
Three weeks ago, Wales went to the top of the World Rankings for the first time in their history. Now, just days away from the start of the World Cup, the Welsh Dragon looks a vulnerable and unlikely to make the semis, let alone the World Cup Final.
Leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2019 – Argentina in need of direction
We are well into the week of the start of the Rugby World Cup, and every country should be ready for their World Cup campaigns. One country that needs some work ahead of the start of the showcase in Japan is Argentina, who have been less than inspiring over the past two years. Despite making some headway into becoming a real world rugby power after joining the Southern Hemisphere Rugby Championship, they have since taken a few steps backwards in their performances.
Leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2019 – How do the new World No. 1 stack up?
A few days away from the start of the greatest rugby showcase in Japan, and many pundits and fans alike have mixed feelings about Ireland's prospects of winning the World Cup. After moving to World No. 1 after defeating Wales in Dublin in their final warm-up match, the Irish should be firm favourites to win. However, many pundits feel that Ireland will fall to their quarter-final curse, while others believe that they do not have the right personnel in the 31-man squad.
Leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2019 – England flying high, looking solid
Just days away from the start of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, and social media is filled with predictions and support for various countries. One of the most popular teams that have been touted to make the final have been in phenomenal form in 2019, and will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in Japan. Coached by the masterful Eddie Jones, England look like a well-oiled machine after their Word Cup preparations.
Leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2019 – Australia lost in the mix
As we draw nearer to the start of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, every rugby supporter has made their predictions as to who will lift the Webb Ellis Cup. Plenty of nations are in the mix as people talk about which team is most likely to win, however one team is noticeably absent from the conversation surrounding potential finalists. This is for good reason.
Leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2019 – All Blacks show cracks in their armour
The biggest event on the Rugby calendar is a few days out, and many supporters are discussing their team's chances in the Rugby World Cup. Throughout all of the discussions, the most common theme is that the All Blacks are the favourites to defend their title, and be the first team to win three Webb Ellis Cups in a row. While it is certain that New Zealand will always be a threat in any tournament, this year's World Cup does not seem to be so easy to give to the All Blacks in the lead up.
Leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2019 – South Africa on the right track
As we gear up for the biggest event on the rugby calendar, people all over traditional and social media debate the various teams' chances in Japan, and how each team should stack up throughout the tournament. In the first of a number of previews and profiles of the top teams in this year's World Cup, I look at the Springboks and their form and depth running into the showcase in Japan.
Ireland and Wales’ final preparations for RWC
This weekend will see the final preparation matches ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan at the end of September. One of the most influential matches of the weekend will take place in Dublin, as Ireland and Wales will clash in their second match in two weeks; a match which can have great ramifications for the much debated official World Rankings.
Selecting a preferred Springbok side
After the announcement of the 31-man Springbok Squad on Monday, it is clear that Rassie Erasmus' chargers are filled with talent and depth. This makes it more challenging for the head of SA Rugby to select a first choice starting lineup heading into the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Stephen Kisbey-Green Photography 