As the World Cup beckons in New Zealand we look at the contenders; their squads, chances, odds and who they would be if reincarnated as pop stars.
Fiji
How far will they go? Fiji will show up to the World Cup as no laughing stock having gained real credibility in 2007 by reaching the quarter-finals.
The squad is jam-packed with overseas-based players – 21 in total – which will be a distinct advantage over Namibia and Samoa, games we expect the Pacific islanders to come through with flying colours.
Four years ago they stunned Wales to reach the quarters but this time around it looks tougher as coach Sam Domoni has decided to leave out experienced players such as Seru Rabeni, Graham Dewes, Sireli Naqelevuki, Taniela Rawaqa and the exciting youngster Josh Matavesi.
We can’t put a shock past them once again, but we’ve settled on third spot in the group this time around.
Squad:
Forwards: Campese Ma’afu, Deacon Manu (captain), Setefano Somoca, Waisea Daveta, Viliame Veikoso, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Sunia Koto, Seko Kalou, Leone Nakarawa, Wame Lewaravu, Rupeni Nasiga, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Akapusi Qera, Netani Talei, Masi Matadigo, Malakai Ravulo.
Backs: Nemia Ranuku, Vitori Buatava, Waisea Luveniyali, Seremaia Bai, Nicky Little, Albert Vulivuli, Gabirieli Lovobalavu, Ravai Fatiaki, Vereniki Goneva, Napolioni Nalaga, Michael Tagicakibau, Kini Murimurivalu, Iliesa Keresoni.
Key man: The nephew of former All Black Walter Little, Fiji’s experienced out-half Nicky Little can do damage. At 34, he will be looking to make the most of his last chance to shine on the World Cup stage.
Odds: 2,000/1
If they were a pop star they would be… Ronan Keating. Most of them play away from home.
Namibia
How far will they go? The south-west African nation managed 17 points against us in the last World Cup, but we all know that had more to do with our performance than what these minnows are capable of in the long run.
13 players from their 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign survive to make the 30-man squad for this year’s edition and we can see these fellas rooted to the bottom of the group yet again.
Namibia play their first group D match against Fiji in Rotorua on September 10 before matches against Samoa, at the same venue four days later, defending champions South Africa in Albany on September 22, and Wales in New Plymouth after a three-day break.
Squad: Backs: Johannes Bock, Chrysander Botha, Hendirk Dames, Darryl de la Harpe, Ryan de la Harpe, Eugene Janjties, Theuns Kotze, Tertius Losper, Conrad Marais, David Philander, Llelwellyn Winkler, Daniel van Wyk, Mcgrath van Wyk, Willem van Zyl.
Forwards: Jacques Burger (captain), Egbertus O’Callerghan, Nico Esterhuyse, Hendrik Franken, Hugo Horn, Uakazuvara Kazombiaze, Rohan Kitshoff, Heinze Koll, Raol Larson, Pieters van Lill, Jacques Nieuwenhuis, Reaud van Neel, Tinus du Plessis, Johannes Redelinghuys, Johannes du Toit, Marius Visser.
Key man: Any moment of inspiration is likely to be derived from their flanker and captain Jacques Burger, who plays his club rugby with Saracens.
Odds: 5,000/1
If they were a pop star they would be… Joe McElderry. Not making a whole lot of money!
Samoa
How far will they go? A hugely robust, physical side; no team will enjoy meeting Samoa at this World Cup.
They gave Australia a roughing up in a recent warm-up victory, although the Wallabies were without a number of their stars. The Samoa squad is laden down with professionals, particularly those with heavy New Zealand experience, such as Seilala Mapusua, Paul Williams, Census Johnston, Filipo Levi and Ti’i Paulo, to name but a few.
One game we won’t be missing is Samoa v Fiji – that one should be pure carnage between two heavyweights.
Prayer is said to be very important in the Samoan camp and they will certainly need to say some when they come up against South Africa.
Squad:
Forwards: Ole Avei, Maurie Faasavalu, Census Johnston, Filipo Lavea Levi, Daniel Leo, Logovi’i Mulipola, Ti’i Paulo, Anthony Perenise, Manaia Salavea, Mahonri Schwalger, George Stowers, Sakaria Taulafo, Joe Tekori, Kane Thompson, Ofisa Treviranus, Taiasina Tuifua.
Backs: Kahn Fotuali’i, David Lemi, Johhny Leota, Seilala Mapusua (captain), Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, Tasesa Lavea, Augustino Poluleuligaga, George Pisi, Tusi Pisi, James Sooialo, Jeremy Sua, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Alesana Tuilagi, Paul Williams.
Key man: Coming from good stock, Alesana Tuilagi is an older brother of England’s powerhouse Manu Tuilagi. This chap has been a key part of the Samoa set-up since the 2003 World Cup when he made his international debut and comes into this tournament in top form having scored a try against Australia.
Odds: 500/1
If they were a pop star they would be… Madonna. Both share an extraordinary interest for religion and prayer.
South Africa
How far will they go? The semi-finals and no further as they’re likely to encounter the All Blacks at the penultimate stage. That’s providing both nations top their respective groups.
The Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has opted for the tried and tested in their attempt to become the first nation to successfully defend the Webb Ellis Cup.
Of the 30-man squad named, 18 players remain from the winning group in France four years ago. John Smit, the man who captained the Springboks to glory in 07, will lead the Springboks once again into battle.
Just to highlight the experience in the squad, the average of 40 caps per player must be overwhelming for the youngest player included – 20-year-old fly-half cum full-back Patrick Lambie.
South Africa lost heavily to Australia and New Zealand at the Tri Nations and only managed to beat a second string All Blacks side before this World Cup.
First on the cards will be Wales and there’s no guarantee of a straightforward task at the Wellington Regional Stadium on 11 September.
Squad:
Forwards: Willem Alberts, Bakkies Botha, Heinrich Brüssow, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Francois Louw, Victor Matfield (vc), Tendai Mtawarira, Johann Muller, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (captain), Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde
Backs: Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Butch James, Pat Lambie, Odwa Ndungane, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Frans Steyn, Morné Steyn.
Key man: One of the finest wingers ever to grace the game, Bryan Habana on his day is a menace. His form since the wonders of the last World Cup has been patchy but his pace, try-scoring ability and physical presence are always a cause of concern for the opposition. They don’t call him “Dash” for nothing at home.
Odds: 9/1
If they were a pop star they would be… A heavyweight that goes quiet for a few years and then comes back with a bang and a major hit. U2, anyone?
Will South Africa find what they’re looking for at this World Cup?
Wales
How far will they go? Battered and bruised, Wales should just about do enough to trudge into the quarter-finals where they’ll probably meet Australia and that’s where the journey should end.
This pool, as we’ve already referred to, will sort the men from the boys and Wales need to be prepared for the endurance test.
A 16-14 split between forwards and backs in the squad made by Warren Gatland has favoured Andy Powell – a surprise inclusion for the tournament.
Gatland has the unenviable task of righting the embarrassing wrongs of 2007 when Gareth Jenkins was in charge and Wales suffered a 38-34 defeat to Fiji in Nantes, leading to a first round exit.
It will be a baptism of fire for the Welsh in their opener, facing the reigning champs.
Squad:
Backs: A Brew (Newport Gwent Dragons), L Byrne (Clermont Auvergne), J Davies (Scarlets), L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), J Hook (Perpignan), S Jones (Scarlets), T Knoyle (Scarlets), G North (Scarlets), M Phillips (Bayonne), R Priestland (Scarlets), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), L Williams (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys).
Forwards: H Bennett (Ospreys), R Bevington (Ospreys), L Burns (Newport Gwent Dragons), L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), P James (Ospreys), G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), A Jones (Ospreys), A-W Jones (Ospreys), R Jones (Ospreys), D Lydiate (Newport Gwent Dragons), C Mitchell (Exeter), K Owens (Scarlets), A Powell (Sale), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt).
Key man: Wales’ all-time top try-scorer Shane Williams gives his all on every occasion and is the go-to man if they find their backs to the wall.
Odds: 80/1
If they were a pop star they would be… Tom Jones. Their talent is undisputed, but it would seem as if their best days are behind them.
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