Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2019 i Rugby World

8 New Zealand All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett (above) has agreed a new four-year deal with New Zealand Rugby that takes him through to RWC 2023, but he is swapping the Hurricanes for the Blues in Super Rugby from next year. 9 USA New Zealand’s Black Ferns were crowned Women’s Super Series champions in San Diego after wins over Canada (35-20), USA (33-0) and England (28-13). They also lost 25-16 to France but still topped the table. 10 Samoa Fiji won double gold in the Pacific Games sevens at Marist St Joseph’s Stadium in Apia. The men’s side, featuring Asaeli Tuivuaka (above), beat hosts Samoa 7-5 in the final. The women won 14-5 against Australia.…

THERE’S NO other sport like rugby. The pain and hard work you put your body through for the 14 other guys on the pitch – the teamwork and camaraderie is very special. I think the manner players conduct themselves on the pitch and with referees are good standards for children to grow up around too. I love my rugby. I started playing at school – St Peter’s in York – and played county rugby until I was 17. I was a fly-half and Jonny Wilkinson was my idol. I remember watching the 2003 World Cup final at school. Cricket took off for me, so I had to make a decision to play rugby or pursue cricket. If I’d opted for rugby I hope I’d have given it a blimmin’ good…

WHEN WE qualified for the semi-finals of the 1995 World Cup, we were treated to a few days in Sun City, a sort of South African Las Vegas, writes former England hooker Brian Moore. Quite why this venue was deemed suitable is a mystery. It’s true we had already done a few of the obligatory outings, including a half-day safari to Kruger National Park, when the animals appeared to be miles away. So much so that Ben Clarke complained that he couldn’t see them. “Would it be possible,” he said, “to have a lion put in a big cage, but near us?” I’m still unsure if he was being serious. In any event, we flew to Sun City. Whilst there, Dean Richards, Jerry Guscott and a third player were at…

MAFI MOVE Tonga lock Steve Mafi will join London Irish from Castres after the World Cup. CHARITY GAME Wooden Spoon and School of Hard Knocks are aiming to set a new world record for the longest-ever rugby match. The charities hope to play for 30 hours on 25-26 August at London Irish’s Hazelwood ground. STAYING PUT Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones (right) has extended his contract with the Ospreys and will remain at the region until 2021. CHERRY PICKS Former England skills coach Rory Teague and RFU age-grade mentor Peter Walton have joined Gloucester’s back-room team. PRESIDENTIAL SEAL John Jeffrey has been elected Six Nations Council chairman for a three-year term and Sunday’s Well RFC’s Nicky Comyn is the new IRFU president. EDDIE’S READY Eddie Jones will coach the Barbarians…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED One of the 12 automatic qualifiers after reaching the last eight at RWC 2015. DID YOU KNOW? No nation has won as many Rugby World Cup games as Ireland and yet failed to ever reach a semi-final. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Q – Smart, plenty of attention to detail, technically organised and always a few tricks up their sleeve. ODDS 8-1 and among the favourites. WORLD CUP HIGH Gordon Hamilton’s famous late, late breakaway try in the quarter-final against Australia in Dublin in 1991. For a few delirious moments at Lansdowne Road it looked like the great Wallabies were going to be mugged and that Ireland were headed for a semi-final. Instead, Michael Lynagh’s late, late, late try broke Irish hearts. WORLD CUP LOW Many contenders but none as…

In three words Tough, quiet, thinker. Playing CV Joseph was an uncompromising flanker who played 20 Tests for New Zealand before winning nine caps for Japan. He was a member of the All Blacks squad at RWC 1995 and played for his adopted country four years later. Originally a lock, his athleticism saw him settle down in the back row and he played 86 games for Otago before finishing his playing days with six seasons at the Sanix club. Coaching background As with many of the foreigners playing in Japan, Joseph was often called upon to do on-field coaching and that held him in good stead when he eventually retired. Originally a skills coach and then assistant coach at Wellington, he took charge of the team in 2008, during which…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED As play-off winners, comfortably beating Germany over two legs. They played in that after finishing bottom of the Pacific Nations Cup behind Fiji and Tonga. DID YOU KNOW? Samoa’s Brian Lima was the first man to play in five World Cups. His RWC career spanned 15 years 351 days (1991-2007). UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Mount Everest – A physical challenge for whoever takes them on, but becoming conquered more often. ODDS Among the long shots at 1,500-1. WORLD CUP HIGH They kicked off their RWC history with a bang in 1991, beating Wales 16-13, but it was eight years later that they achieved a bigger result against the same opposition. The Samoans ended the RWC 1999 hosts’ ten-match unbeaten run as a try from Silao Leaegailesolo – Samoa’s fifth…

In three words Adventurous, ambitious, unpredictable. Playing CV Started as a kid at Gala and went on a huge adventure from there. Spent years at Northampton, Brive, Castres and Montpellier. Played in Australia and South Africa before finishing with the Borders. Achieved immortality as fly-half for the 1997 Lions in SA. Coaching background Went straight in as attack coach of the national team under Andy Robinson. Scotland didn’t have a lot of weaponry to attack with, though, and it wasn’t a particularly happy time for him. He moved on to become head coach of Glasgow Warriors, where he made his reputation as a brave, innovative coach during a five-year spell. What he’s known for Has made no secret of the fact he wants his team to play the fastest brand…

In three words Technical, voluble, troubleshooter. Playing CV The former openside won ten caps for Wales from 1996-98 and had stints at Cross Keys, Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale, Gloucester and Worcester. Coaching background Jones has proved to be Mr Fixit as a coach. He stepped into the breach with Canada, but has also moved into roles when needed with Sale Sharks and the Dragons, in Wales. He helped guide Russia through the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, leaving the set-up in 2014. He’s also done consultancy work with the Bulls in South Africa and London Welsh. What he’s known for He’s made a career out of making limited resources work that little bit harder. And he will promote attack – in 2011 his Russia side was known for going forward,…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED By winning last year’s Rugby Africa Gold Cup. They beat Kenya 53-28 in the final. DID YOU KNOW? Rudie van Vuuren played for Namibia in both the rugby and cricket World Cups in 2003. He’s now the personal physician to the country’s president. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Elmer Fudd – Bugs Bunny’s adversary never gives up but always loses. ODDS 7,500-1. They could add a few noughts. WORLD CUP HIGH Namibia are yet to win a match at the Finals, but in Exeter four years ago there was jubilation when fly-half Theuns Kotze crossed for a late try against Georgia – the 17-16 defeat gave the Africans their first RWC bonus point. Namibia suffered three sin-bins and the loss of concussed skipper Jacques Burger that day. WORLD CUP LOW…

In three words Gruff, strategic, unquenchable. Playing CV Was a centre for La Rochelle and Canterbury, the latter coached by his dad Des. “I’d give up everything I’ve done in coaching to play one game for the All Blacks,” says Hansen, a former policeman. Coaching background Cut his teeth with Canterbury and the Crusaders (1996-2001), then endured a rocky spell as Wales head coach that was salvaged to some extent by the team’s stirring showing at RWC 2003. He joined the All Blacks’ panel in 2004 and succeeded Graham Henry in 2012, overseeing a crushing period of dominance that includes winning RWC 2015. A four-time World Rugby Coach of the Year. What he’s known for Not the most animated figure publicly but behind closed doors he’s hugely respected by players…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED One of the 12 automatic qualifiers for finishing fourth at RWC 2015. DID YOU KNOW? Two Pumas have been top point-scorers at RWCs – Gonzalo Quesada in 1999 (102) and Nicolás Sánchez in 2015 (97). UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Jennifer Lopez – Have been able to broaden their skill-set, but have they started to forget their roots? ODDS Surprisingly long at 40-1. WORLD CUP HIGH This is an easy one – finishing third in 2007. The Pumas had already stunned hosts France in the opening game and they repeated the feat in the third-place play-off at the Parc des Princes in more spectacular fashion. They outscored France five tries to two to triumph 34-10 and secure their best World Cup finish. WORLD CUP LOW They lost eight successive World…

In three words Unswerving, indefatigable, funny. Playing CV Jones was a tigerish hooker for NSW and the great Randwick sides of the 1980s, but was never capped by Australia. At the end of his career, he played three games for Leicester Tigers’ first XV. Coaching background At 59, his bewildering CV includes spells as head coach of Australia, Japan and England, an assistant’s job with South Africa, and periods of varying success with Brumbies, Reds, Saracens and Suntory. Who knows, maybe he’ll coach a pro cricket XI next – he loves the sport! What he’s known for As a cricketer, he liked fielding close to batsmen so he could sledge them. You could argue he’s never stopped. Jones relishes the verbal sparring of Test rugby, revels in causing a room…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED By finishing second in the 2016-17 Pacific Nations Cup, which acted as a World Cup qualification tournament. DID YOU KNOW? Tonga players planned to sport green hair in a RWC 2007 match to thank team sponsors Paddy Power, but were banned from doing so by RWC organisers. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Kanye West – Known for producing big hits but can also be inconsistent, with rumours of money worries and controversy never far away. ODDS The longest of the Pacific Islands teams at 2,000-1. WORLD CUP HIGH Rewind eight years and Tonga stunned France 19-14 in Wellington. Fourteen points from the boot of Kurt Morath, added to a try by Sukanaivalu Hufanga, were enough to see off the eventual RWC 2011 runners-up, with France unable to handle the physicality…

In three words Optimistic, approachable, nomadic. Playing CV Forced to retire in 1997 due to a shoulder injury, Gold was a hooker with the Defence Force while in the Army, then around Cape Town’s club scene with False Bay, Hamilton and Villagers. Coaching background Gold has shifted around, hungry for new experiences. He served as a forwards coach at London Irish, Western Province and the Springboks, as well as being the man in charge at Newcastle, Bath, Kobelco Steelers, the Sharks in his native South Africa, Worcester Warriors and then USA Eagles. What he’s known for In recent years he has liked taking on regeneration projects, looking to implement new plans. Happy to speak his mind when he feels people have been hard done by, he also enjoys bringing more…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED By winning the 2016-17 Pacific Nations Cup, which acted as a qualifying event, to go through as Pacific 1. DID YOU KNOW? In 1924 Fiji played their first Test against Samoa at 7am so their opponents could get to work afterwards. They won 6-0 – having played barefoot. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Ed Sheeran – Fans’ favourite, plenty of variety and known for their link-ups. ODDS At 500-1, the shortest of the islanders. WORLD CUP HIGH Nantes hosted one of the great RWC games in 2007. Wales were expected to ease their way into the last eight with a win over Fiji in their final pool game. Instead, it was the islanders who reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 20 years after coming out on the right…

In three words Forthright, worldly, jovial. Playing CV A former scrum-half who was selected for New Zealand U17 in 1980, he played in England and South Africa in his early twenties before returning home to represent Bay of Plenty (1991-96). Coaching background He started coaching Bay of Plenty with Vern Cotter in 2000 and three years later took charge of Counties Manukau. He took a full-time position with NZ Rugby in 2008 after working with the nation’s U21 and colts teams, and was appointed Georgia head coach post-RWC 2011. He’s leaving the role after this World Cup to head up the back-room team at Suntory Sungoliath. What he’s known for He’s demanding, both in terms of what he asks of his players and of rugby’s top organisations to develop the…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED An automatic qualifier after reaching the quarter-finals at RWC 2015. DID YOU KNOW? Captain Alun Wyn Jones is poised to overtake Gethin Jenkins’s Welsh record of 18 World Cup appearances. The lock has played 15 tournament matches. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Cerberus – The three-headed ‘Hound of Hades’ is about as difficult to get past as the Welsh defence. ODDS Worth a punt at 9-1. WORLD CUP HIGH The 28-25 pool win against England in 2015. Trailing 22-12 with 30 minutes left, Wales’ back-line was decimated by injuries. But scrum-half Lloyd Williams – an emergency wing – created a try for Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar’s penalty sent Fortress Twickenham tumbling. WORLD CUP LOW Wales were a poor side when they lost to Samoa in 1991 but hopes were…

Age 27 (19 Oct 1991) Born Nelspruit Club Sale Sharks Position Scrum-half Height 5ft 8in Weight 13st 11lb South Africa caps 22 Test points 15 (3T) Twitter @fafdeklerk IF ANYONE knows about Faf de Klerk’s natural gifts – and his growth over the past five seasons – it’s the man who has mentored him at the Lions and Boks: Swys de Bruin. “He’s a bundle of energy,” says South Africa’s attack coach. “The way he trains is the way he plays. He’s forever lifting the spirits and inspiring his team-mates. “He’s always been a special player, and not just on attack. Time and again, we see Faf popping up to make a tackle on a prop that no one else can. He’ll hit a perfect kick that drops inside the…

BEST DANCER When Newcastle’s lineout coach, Scott MacLeod (above), has his Air Jordans on, a tight T-shirt, his blond hair slicked back, I’ve seen him dominate a few dancefloors. TIGHTEST  Ben Harris, who is now at Wasps. He’s tighter than a submarine door! BEST DRESSED I can’t think who else has decent clobber but Marcus Watson is always well-dressed. HARDEST  Will Welch is weirdly tough. It’s almost like he enjoys those moments in games when it’s minging. I remember we played Exeter away. The morning of the game he couldn’t walk but he played the full 80. One of our physios said he’d never seen a bloke get through a game as tough as that. NICEST BLOKE  Carlo del Fava was this massive unit who absolutely emptied people. He was…

Age 26 (12 May 1993) Born King’s Lynn Club Glasgow Warriors Position Scrum-half Height 5ft 10in Weight 12st 8lb Scotland caps 24 Points 15 (3T) Instagram handle @ali_price93 ALI PRICE is going toe-to-toe with Greig Laidlaw for the right to wear the Scotland No 9 jersey at the World Cup. Here he talks about the growing pains of rugby and how he uses criticism as a driving force… This time four years ago I was going into my second season at Glasgow. I’d been rooming with Mark Bennett, who was away at the World Cup. He was a big part of that team. I remember watching some of the games with the other young lads at Glasgow, all of us hoping that we’d be in the same boat as Mark…

Age 27 (30 Aug 1991) Born Suva Club Pau Position Centre Height 6ft 2in Weight 16st 8lb Fiji caps 15 Points 15 (3T) Instagram @jayva2bua HE MAY not be the most recognisable name in the Fiji team but Jale Vatubua is central to their World Cup ambitions. With his powerful work in defence and strong runs, he’s poised to become far more well known at Japan 2019. Here’s his story… I’m the youngest of eight. We’re split down the middle – four boys and four girls. I lost my dad when I was young, about nine, and my brother, William, mentored me. He’s ten years older and was my rugby coach, my athletics coach – I threw javelin and shot put – and my music teacher. He is now a…

THE WORLD CUP could arguably be coming a year too late for an Ireland side that dominated 2018 but flattered to deceive in this year’s Six Nations. Their toughest pool matches are their first two – against Scotland and hosts Japan – and these will determine their quarter-final fate. So what can we expect from an Ireland team that has so much depth and a strong resource of players from European club heavyweights like Leinster and Munster? Their World Cup opponents will be well aware of the roles of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton. Their phase attack hinges around tight plays off both these players, with run-around options and tip-on passes. Murray’s box-kicking and Sexton’s cross-kicking, aided by the effective high-ball work of the likes of Keith Earls, Jacob…

Fewer subs, fewer crashes Rugby should reduce the number of substitutes. Too many players are bulking up to play 50-60 minutes, resulting in harder hits during shorter game time, and more injuries. Reducing subs will mean players have to be leaner and try to avoid the big crashes. And stop the constant rule changing to ensure the ball is in play longer. The longer the game time, the more injuries. Some people love the physical side of the front eight battling it out, it’s not all about running the ball. More ‘fat boys with balls up the jumper stuff’ please. Nathan Flatman, East Harling, Norfolk Two refs better than one I’ve been to every World Cup (including every final). I’m more excited about this one because it will be the…

REFEREEING IS easy, isn’t it? You just run around the field, spot infringements, blow the whistle and then give the correct decision. Yet if it was that easy, we’d miss out on column inches, TV debates and endless pints on controversy after controversy. Take the All Blacks-Boks draw: social media was awash with clips suggesting infringements were missed. Did Beauden Barrett put a foot in touch in the lead-up to Jack Goodhue’s try? Did New Zealand knock on before being given a penalty? Getting into the right place to make a decision is straightforward. The big issue is time. The very best referees have the mental bandwidth to view the macro and micro picture of the ball in the context of its surroundings and make the right call. But there…

1 TIAAN THOMAS-WHEELER Age 19 (19 November 1999) Born Neath Region Ospreys Country Wales Position Centre When did you first play? I was about five and my brother’s U8s team at Bryncoch were short so asked me to play. I played there until U11 and then stopped for a while before starting back at youth level with Trebanos. I was big into cricket and represented Wales from U11-U17. Then after a year of being back in rugby at Trebanos I got picked by Ospreys U16 so I had to choose. I’ve been with the Ospreys ever since and have just got my first professional contract. Why did you pick rugby? Growing up in Wales there’s such a big rugby culture; my father played rugby, my brother and my grandfather played.…

“I’m laid-back but some things wind me up. Top of the list has to be liars and dishonest people. I appreciate people being straight with me.” “I really don’t mind which position I play in – lock or blindside. It just depends on the make-up of the back five. Personally, I just want to start and help the team. I like the fluidity because it makes me more pickable.” “My game is simple. It’s built around work-rate, hitting hard and the ability to win collisions. I set myself targets of getting more involvements. If I hit double figures in all those, I’ve had a good day’s work.” “Brad Barritt is a great leader. He’s smart, eloquent and experienced but most importantly, he leads from the front. Leadership is how you…

Age 41 Position Centre Teams Crusaders, Leicester, Glasgow, NZ U19 & U21 “I PLAYED my last professional game for Glasgow against Ulster in 2003 when I got injured. I played some club games in Scotland after that, but I was constantly in pain from the loss of knee cartilage and it got too much for me mentally. I lost all confidence in my abilities. “When I came back to New Zealand in 2006 I landed a lead role in a 13-part drama series. I absolutely loved it. “I also began working as a site manager for a construction company, so I was a busy lad. Then in 2010 I set up Ludus Magnus – my community gym. “Over the years I’ve continued to act – a Gaul in Spartacus and…

In three words Technical, obsessional, unforgiving. Playing CV Occasional Manawatu wing or full-back who moved on to become player-coach at lowly Mullingar RFC in Ireland. Coaching background A teacher who was really a born rugby coach. Took charge of NZ Schools before embarking on the most incredible adventure with Bay of Plenty, Auckland Blues, Clermont (as assistant to Vern Cotter), Leinster (where he won two European Cups) and Ireland (where he won a Grand Slam and had saintly status bestowed upon him by the rugby public). What he’s known for Ferocious attention to detail and a near demonic pursuit of accuracy. His teams are capable of playing expansive rugby but mostly they apply the bludgeon rather than the rapier. It’s an attritional brand designed to grind teams down. Who’s on…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Russia were the highest-ranked side in the Rugby Europe Championship after Romania and Spain, who both finished above them originally, were sanctioned for fielding ineligible players. DID YOU KNOW? Russia are the ‘youngest’ team at this World Cup as their first Test was in 1992, although international rugby in the Soviet Union began in the Seventies. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Cinderella – Able to go to the ball after all and likely to need a fairy godmother. ODDS The longest of this pool at 7,500-1. WORLD CUP HIGH The 2011 tournament in New Zealand is their only previous appearance and they lost all four games. The highlight? Surely walking out into Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth for their first-ever World Cup Finals match and hearing the anthem. They then…

In three words Excited, hungry, holistic. Playing CV A former lock who played for Auckland, North Harbour and Southland before retiring in 2005, Jackson’s highest honour came in representing New Zealand Maori. Coaching background He dipped his toe into the field as player-coach at Massey before taking over as Tasman forwards coach in 2009. He worked with Tana Umaga at Counties Manukau, then became North Harbour head coach before teaming up again with Umaga at the Blues. Then last September he was appointed Samoa head coach, his contract coming to an end after RWC 2019. What he’s known for A bit of an unknown – this is his first foray into Test rugby. Jackson describes himself as “a players’ coach”, pointing to the importance of building connections with all the…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED They were one of 12 automatic qualifiers after finishing third in their pool in 2015. DID YOU KNOW? The longest-ever World Cup career belongs to former Italy back-row Mauro Bergamasco, who made his tournament debut at 20 against England in 1999 and bowed out in his fifth World Cup as a 36-year-old against Ireland in 2015. His exact time span was 16 years two days – a week longer than the next guy on the list, Samoa’s Brian Lima. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Dick Dastardly and Muttley – They always begin each adventure with enthusiasm but it would be nice to see them realise their plans for once. ODDS No surprise they’re 2,500-1 given they have never made it out of their pool. WORLD CUP HIGH On four occasions,…

In three words Practical, analytical, aspirational. Playing CV Davies was Wales’ No 8 in the first two World Cups, and won 46 caps from 1985-95. The former police officer racked up 331 appearances for Llanelli over 15 campaigns, including six seasons as captain. Coaching background He spent the first ten years of professionalism at Leeds, guiding them from Division Four to Heineken Cup rugby. He returned to Wales in 2006 to take the reins at Scarlets and stints followed with Wales U20, Worcester, RGC 1404 and Cardiff Blues. He hooked up with Namibia in 2014, taking the head job in June 2015 after Danie Vermeulen quit unexpectedly. What he’s known for He’s a great one for framework – putting in place the elements needed for long-term growth. Tasked with facing…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Automatic qualifiers after finishing third at the 2015 World Cup. DID YOU KNOW? South Africa hold the record for the most consecutive World Cup matches without conceding a try – a six-Test run from Spain in 1999 to Uruguay in 2003. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Hulk – Big, powerful and, er, green, but needs to add a little more control. ODDS One of the favourites at 8-1. WORLD CUP HIGH If they go on to win another ten World Cups, none will compare to their first in their own backyard in front of Nelson Mandela. It wasn’t just the most iconic moment in their World Cup history, it was the most unforgettable day in the entire history of the tournament. Albeit, some Englishmen, a few Aussies and a couple…

In three words Passionate, intense, process-driven. Playing CV Of his 84 Argentina caps at hooker, 18 came in World Cups – a Pumas record. He played in four RWCs in all (1999-2011), and was a key component in his country finishing third at France 2007. At club level, he spent ten years in France and notably helped Clermont to their first-ever Top 14 title in 2010. Coaching background He hung up his boots after RWC 2011 and went straight to work as forwards coach at Stade Français under Michael Cheika. A stint at Montpellier followed before he teamed up with Cheika again, at the Waratahs, then the Wallabies. He returned home to take the Jaguares reins for Super Rugby 2018 and later that year replaced Daniel Hourcade as Pumas coach.…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED They were one of 12 automatic qualifiers after making the quarter-finals in 2015. DID YOU KNOW? France’s Christophe Lamaison scored 28 points against New Zealand in the 1999 semi-final – the most by any player against the All Blacks in a World Cup. See below for more on that game. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Boris Johnson – Part charismatic, part frustrating and always unpredictable, they are just as likely to commit several faux pas as rocket to the top. ODDS 50-1 – Huge odds for a country that has reached six World Cup semi-finals. WORLD CUP HIGH They have made three finals in their World Cup history, but their run in 1999 will only ever be eclipsed if they lift the Webb Ellis trophy. In the semi-final against heavy…

In three words Outspoken, thorough, relaxed. Playing CV A World Cup winner with Australia in 1999, the powerful No 8 played 60 times for the Wallabies overall, with other honours including the 2001 series win over the British & Irish Lions and back-to-back Tri-Nations titles in 2000 and 2001. He also had a long career at Queensland Reds before playing for Kubota Spears in Japan. Coaching background He took over at Sunshine Coast Stingrays in 2010 and worked as an assistant coach with Tonga at RWC 2011 before becoming interim head coach for the Pacific Nations Cup the following year. He then spent four seasons in Japan coaching his old club Kubota Spears and was appointed Tonga head coach in 2016. What he’s known for He’s not averse to rocking…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED One of the 12 automatic qualifiers after making the final last time around. DID YOU KNOW? As this month began, prop James Slipper had played 88 Tests without scoring a try. Only All Black Owen Franks (107) had played more Tests in rugby history without crossing the line. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Your little brother – Always vying for the attention in their own home, they have to seriously up their game if they want to be the star of the show. ODDS 20-1 – Reflects some current problems but you never write off the Wallabies. WORLD CUP HIGH Winning the 1991 final against England – in England – was massive, particularly as they had failed to meet expectations in 1987. Their campaign featured a last-gasp Michael Lynagh try…

In three words Planner, attack-minded, calm. Playing CV An old-school second-row/No 8, he played age-grade rugby in New Zealand before moving to Australia and playing club rugby in Sydney and Melbourne. Coaching background He went straight into coaching when he stopped playing in 1990, for Melbourne’s Harlequin club. He took charge of the Victoria state team (1994-95) before getting his first full-time role at Eastwood in Sydney (1996-2000). Then came several forwards coach roles overseas – Clermont, Connacht and Cornish Pirates. He returned to Australia in 2006 to take charge of the Central Coast Rays and got his first international experience with Pacific Islanders two years later. He became a technical adviser for Tonga, including at RWC 2011, and took charge of Fiji at the end of 2013. What he’s…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED As Americas 2 after beating Canada in a two-legged, home-and-away play-off. DID YOU KNOW? Uruguay fielded the oldest-ever player at a World Cup, with Diego Ormaechea facing South Africa aged 40 years and 26 days in 1999. His sons, AgustÍn and Juan Diego, now play for Uruguay. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Fred Flintstone – Lots of passion and plenty of leg drive, but likely to be found wanting when it comes to the all-round modern game. ODDS One of the longest shots at 7,500-1. WORLD CUP HIGH Galashiels, 1999. Beating Spain on their Rugby World Cup debut was huge for a country of no more than four million people and, back then, a small playing population of no more than 4,000. Leading that team was Diego Ormaechea and, fittingly,…

In three words Revered, unflinching, strategist. Playing CV Famous for being Sean Fitzpatrick’s luckless understudy, playing 17 games for New Zealand but never in a capped Test. He played 140 times for Waikato and scored a try in their rout of the 1993 Lions. Coaching background A World Cup title and a knighthood are pretty much all that remains to complete his illustrious CV. He’s the only man to have won three Five/Six Nations Grand Slams and has achieved a win (Australia) and a draw (New Zealand) in his two series as Lions head coach. From 2002-05 he masterminded a golden era for Wasps and he’ll have a crack at Super Rugby after Japan, ending his 11-year stint with Wales to take over the Chiefs. He will have a 12-month…

Age 26 (11 Feb 1993) Born Auckland Club Bristol Position Lock Height 6ft 6in Weight 16st Samoa caps 13 (1T) Twitter @ChrisVui_ CHRIS VUI was 18 when he first started playing rugby but within a few years he had become Samoa’s youngest-ever captain, leading the team out against Scotland in 2017 aged just 24. He is now preparing for another milestone in terms of the World Cup and here he tells his story… I grew up in a tight community. My mum and dad came over to New Zealand from Samoa and I grew up in the west of Auckland. The area we lived in had a bad reputation and back then there used to be a lot of violence, but all my family were there. It was a Pacific…

PETER O’MAHONY has honed his reputation as one of the finest defensive lineout technicians and ball snafflers in the global game. Just ask the All Blacks, who saw the momentum swing away from them last November as the flanker stole ball at the ruck and even tore back to snuff out a certain New Zealand try, despite injury. Bloody-mindedness is to be expected, as is the thousand-yard stare. Here, those who saw his rise fill us in on his evolution as key man for Munster and Ireland. THE FRIEND Childhood pal Peter Kelleher was O’Mahony’s hooker at Cork Con juniors, Presentation Brothers College and more “We started playing at U8s – I think he started when he was about five or six – and he was always as competitive. He…

Y HONEYMOON was running laps around the Vale,” Gareth Anscombe laughs. He married his long-term partner Milica Bubanja in New Zealand in June, but there was no time to mark the vows by relaxing on the beach and enjoying candlelit dinners. Instead, it was straight into Wales’ World Cup training camp at their Vale of Glamorgan base – weights, wrestling, horrible conditioning drills… Yet the Wales playmaker is able to put a positive spin on elongated wedding celebrations being replaced by extra gym sessions. “We’re trying to improve and push each other and keep raising standards,” says the 28-year-old. “It is tough, but this has been my first pre-season since the last World Cup. Usually we come back from tours, have six weeks off, and by the time we come…

Age 26 (18 July 1993) Born Buenos Aires Franchise Jaguares Position Back-row Height 6ft 4in Weight 17st 5lb Pumas caps 60 (5T) Twitter handle @PAblitoMatera IT WAS a barnstorming performance before they even reached the field. Standing in the tunnel, non-playing members of the Jaguares squad were chanting and clapping, squeezing in tight so that the starting team had to battle through a party to head onto the pitch for their Super Rugby semi-final against the Brumbies. Unsurprisingly, back-row boss Pablo Matera was bouncing, bringing the most energy to his escape. During the game he was just as vigorous. The Jaguares crushed the Aussie side 39-7. In the Super Rugby final the Argentinian outfit succumbed to the Crusaders. However, Matera was again to the fore and took the Man of…

1 MOVE WORLD CUPS are long affairs, even if you don’t make it into the knockouts. So throughout, teams have to meticulously plan nutrition around matches. As our resident nutritionist James Morehen explains: “If players are not fuelled correctly leading into each match, they run the possibility of ‘transit fatigue’ leading into the next game – a huge no-go during tournaments!” Recovery is vital, but a lot of focus will also fall on match day and ‘match day minus one’ (the 24 hours leading up to your competition day). Giving further explanation, Morehen adds: “Our lab at Liverpool John Moores University rewrote the nutritional guidelines for rugby nutrition intake a few years ago. “Players need 6g of carbs per kilo of body mass in the 36 hours before a match”…

The 100 Best Players in the World (August issue) has been useful for me. I’m a Japanese reader and have been going to public viewings or a British pub to watch Rugby Championship and Pacific Nations Cup games with the issue to reference key players. In 1999, I was in the UK and entered a pub in Cardiff when the Japan v Samoa match was scheduled. The TV was off, so I asked the pub manager to turn it on, ordered a glass of beer and took a seat at the bar. The people playing billiards gradually moved to the bar to watch the game on TV. When it was over, a lady approached me and said, “Unlucky for you today.” It was not unlucky, it was the Japan team’s…

2nd This is the day teams have to submit details of the 31 players they have picked for Japan 2019 to World Rugby. They then have until Friday 6 September to publicly announce the names, although some teams will reveal their squads earlier. From Samoa to Scotland (above), we’ll keep you up to date with all the squad news at rugbyworld.com 19th “Intimate access to the unique mindset required to make someone a genuinely great leader of men.” That’s what publishers HarperCollins are promising Sam Warburton’s new autobiography Open Side (RRP £20) will deliver. The ex-Wales captain reflects not only on his career but on what he’s learnt from rugby – the book goes on sale just before RWC 2019. 6th England (below) are taking the last of their warm-ups…

FORMER ENGLAND and Lions lock Danny Grewcock is the new high-performance rugby manager at Clifton College. His time will be split between Clifton and the Bristol Bears Academy, which has a strong link with the college. Bristol coach Pat Lam says: “Danny brings with him a wealth of experience, as a player and as a coach. Providing a pathway for young players into the Bears is a central focus of our vision.” Glenalmond College has become London Scottish’s ‘school partner’ and the Greene King IPA Championship squad will travel north to train at the Perthshire school at certain times during the season. Pupils will also receive training sessions from London Scottish coaches. Carson Russell, of London Scottish, says: “The school’s resilience and humility resonates strongly with our culture at London…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED One of the 12 automatic qualifiers for finishing in the top three of their pool at the 2015 World Cup. DID YOU KNOW? Two of the top five Test try-scorers of all time are Japanese. Daisuke Ohata tops the list with 69 tries in 58 Tests and Hirotoki Onozawa is fifth with 55 in 81. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT The Great Gatsby – Loved hosting a glamorous party to which all are invited. ODDS Highest rated of the so-called ‘smaller’ nations at 300-1. WORLD CUP HIGH Brighton 2015, a day carved in history. The 34-32 defeat of South Africa, achieved through Karne Hesketh’s stoppage-time try, was one of sport’s greatest upsets and made headlines around the world. It was reward for a lot of hard work by the players,…

In three words Adventurer, underdog, moderniser. Playing CV A flanker with Neath and Llanelli in the 1980s and early 1990s, Jones won five caps for Wales in 1983, beating Zimbabwe twice, Namibia and Japan before losing to Canada, his final Test for Wales and Scott Quinnell’s first. Coaching background Jones has been something of a rugby traveller. He spent nine years coaching Neath, five at the Ospreys, then went on to London Welsh, the Dragons, away to Abu Dhabi, where he was director of rugby at an international school, before venturing onwards to coach a club side in Namibia. Now in charge of the Bears as they prepare for a second World Cup. What he’s known for People said he was too small to be a flanker at the top…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED One of the 12 automatic qualifiers after reaching the last eight at RWC 2015. DID YOU KNOW? Scotland and Ireland have played only once before at a World Cup – Scotland ran out 24-15 winners in 1991. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Spider-Man – Ability to amaze but also known for their up-and-down nature. ODDS Outsiders of the home nations at 50-1. WORLD CUP HIGH You probably have to go back to 1991 when they made their first, and only, semi-final by beating a strong Western Samoa team that had already overcome Wales. Scotland put them away 28-6 in a classy performance. Next up: England in the semi-final at Murrayfield… WORLD CUP LOW That semi-final. England won 9-6 but the game is remembered for Gavin Hastings’s missed penalty in front…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED By toppling Germany, Hong Kong and Kenya in the World Cup repêchage. DID YOU KNOW? Talismanic back-row Tyler Ardron became Canada’s youngest captain when he led them against Georgia in 2013, at the age of 22 years 146 days. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT SpongeBob SquarePants – No one expects them to swim higher than the sea floor, but so many have a fondness for this friendly and iconic character. ODDS 7,500-1, reflecting the fact they scraped in as the last team to qualify for Japan. WORLD CUP HIGH In 1991 Canada made the quarters off the back of significant victories over Fiji and Romania, both built on muscular displays from their pack. In the final pool game, they gave France a fright in Agen (13-19) before bowing out 29-13…

In three words Savvy, personable, driven. Playing CV O’Shea played in two World Cups for Ireland, starting at full-back on seven occasions between the 1995 instalment and 1999 – he scored twice against Romania in the latter. He ended up with 35 caps and played with Lansdowne and Leinster but is remembered best for his time with London Irish. Coaching background It was at London Irish that O’Shea began his elite coaching career, working in tandem with former team-mate Brendan Venter. In 2005 he stepped into youth development, joining the RFU as head of national academies. In 2009 he was lured back into elite club coaching with Harlequins and, three years later, Quins won the Premiership title. He stepped down in 2016 to join Italy. What he’s known for Man-management…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED One of the 12 automatic qualifiers from RWC 2015, a competition they won. DID YOU KNOW? New Zealand became the first team to score 16,000 Test points when they drew 16-16 with South Africa last month in Wellington. Their try tally after that match stood at 2,091 – another record. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT The Terminator – They can be stopped but boy is it difficult. ODDS 5-4 – Ranked No 1 and hot favourites. WORLD CUP HIGH The 1987 title was a saunter in the amateur days, the 2011 title a tension-laden stumble to the line. So the 2015 triumph is New Zealand’s high point, a success in which they were able to express themselves without the injury worries of four years earlier. And after those knockout nightmares…

In three words Creative, organised, ebullient. Playing CV A former loose forward who made his debut against the Lions in the third, and victorious, Test of 1997. He went on to win 36 caps and won a Tri-Nations in 1998. He reached the semi-final of the 1999 World Cup and was a key member of Nick Mallett’s winning-streak team of 1997 and 1998. Coaching background Vast. Won a Currie Cup with the Cheetahs, was technical adviser to the Boks, then director of rugby at Western Province and Stormers head coach. After that he took on the role of general manager of South Africa’s high-performance teams before becoming Munster’s head coach and being named Pro12 Coach of the Year in 2017. Returned home as South Africa’s DoR and then head coach.…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED An automatic qualifier for finishing in the top three of their pool at RWC 2015. DID YOU KNOW? Only hosts Wales and the top three from RWC 1995 qualified automatically for the 1999 World Cup. So England had to play European qualifiers, beating Italy (23-15) and Netherlands (110-0) in Huddersfield. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT The Leaning Tower of Pisa – A grand and imposing structure of world renown, but with an ever-present threat of imminent collapse. ODDS 11-2 – The bookies’ second favourites. WORLD CUP HIGH For England, 2003 might prove a high point for all eternity. Seven straight wins in Australia, including Wales, France and the Wallabies in the knockout stage, sealed the only northern hemisphere title to date. Jonny Wilkinson’s last-gasp drop-goal winner in Sydney proved the…

In three words Loyal, pragmatic, old-school. Playing CV Something of a utility playmaker when he laced his boots, Brunel ran out for Auch (in two stints), Grenoble and Carcassonne. He gave up playing in 1988. Coaching background Brunel earned acclaim when leading Colomiers to a European Challenge Cup in 1998. He did it again with Pau in 2000 before being drafted in as an assistant coach with France, working with the forwards under Bernard Laporte. In 2009 his Perpignan side won the Top 14. He coached Italy from 2011-16 and spent a year with Bordeaux before succeeding the sacked Guy Novès as France boss at the end of 2017. What he’s known for An affable old head, he likes to caress the team’s personalities and cajole performances out of people…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED They came through as the Americas 1 qualifier after defeating regional rivals Canada in a two-legged play-off. DID YOU KNOW? USA wing Takudzwa Ngwenya won the IRP Try of the Year award for his score at the 2007 World Cup, when he scorched past Springboks great Bryan Habana. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Evel Knievel – Always arrives to great fanfare and looks to be taking off now, but crashes out all too often. ODDS Amongst the rank outsiders at 4,000-1. WORLD CUP HIGH The best of their three wins at World Cups was the 39-26 defeat of Japan in 2003. In their largest RWC win to date, they put on an attacking show, scoring five tries in Gosford. The match may last in some memories for the fact referee…

In three words Spiky, divisive, self-assured. Playing CV Forever tied to Randwick, former No 8 Cheika played an impossible number of games for the Sydney suburb side before turning out for Castres, Stade Français and Italian team Livorno. He retired in 1999. Coaching background The globetrotter has coached extensively in Europe. Starting at Padova in Italy before jetting back to Randwick, his big breakthrough was with Leinster from 2005-10, where he won the Celtic League and an historic Heineken Cup. His gig with Stade Français was a bust but he led the Waratahs to their first-ever Super Rugby title – making him the only coach to win the premier club competition in each hemisphere. He took over Australia from Ewen McKenzie in 2014, taking them to a RWC final. What…

HOW THEY QUALIFIED Automatically after finishing in the top three of their pool at RWC 2015. DID YOU KNOW? Georgia are yet to miss a conversion in World Cup history, getting maximum points from all 14 of their tries. UNOFFICIAL MASCOT Thor – Happy to go hammer and tongs with opponents, putting in thundering hits, but need to learn to mix that brute force with a deft touch now and then. ODDS Distinct long shots at 1,000-1. WORLD CUP HIGH Georgia opened their 2015 campaign with a bang, stunning Tonga 17-10 at Kingsholm. It was a result then captain Mamuka Gorgodze described as “one of the greatest days in the history of Georgian rugby”. A later pool win over Namibia (17-16) ensured they secured automatic qualification for Japan 2019. WORLD…

In three words Smart, knowledgeable, personable. Playing CV A loose forward, Meneses came through the ranks at La Plata and was instrumental in the club’s first and only Championship win in 1995. He played provincial rugby for Buenos Aires and then moved to Italy, where he played for Calvisano and Alghero (Sardinia). Coaching background After learning the ropes at La Plata, where he coached at senior level for four years, he worked with the U18, U20 and senior Buenos Aires provincial teams. He moved to Club Universitario de Buenos Aires and days after joining the Argentina union in 2016 he was chosen to coach Uruguay. What he’s known for ‘Mono’ (Monkey) Meneses never wears his heart on his sleeve; his quiet demeanour and the way he deals with players speaks…

JUST CONSIDER for a moment how much time and finance has been expended by the six major European rugby nations in the cause of World Cup preparation over the years. The four home union teams plus France and Italy have spent millions upon millions; they have often been away in perma-camp in preparation – high altitude, low altitude, hot weather and cold weather, endless repetitions, gurus brought in, charlatans kicked out, endless optimism. The six teams have between them announced hundreds of pre-World Cup squads and loads of official World Cup squads. They have fretted through years of preparation and told us all that the main goal was to win the World Cup, or at least compete with honour in the big one. Given their playing numbers and financial resources,…

WHEN ENGLAND head coach Eddie Jones calls someone a “tough bugger”, it is up there with the highest praise the Australian can bestow. Then England forwards coach Neal Hatley Hat adds that the same player “works his his backside off” while 77-cap back-row James Jam Haskell lauds their leg-tackling and and engine. You get an image of a grizzled colossus; a monosyllabic beast. Then Th Mark Wilson comes in with a smile , puts out a palm and sits to talk about England’s World Cup prep. His story is not so much Jekyll and Hyde – or should that be Tackle and Kin Kind? – but England’s new favourite back-row dynamo is respected for both his eye-watering work-rate on the field and his softly-spoken nature off it. Having finally got…

Age 22 (14 Oct 1996) Born Tbilisi Club Brive Position Scrum-half Height 5ft 9in Weight 11st 11lb Georgia caps 43 (8T) Instagram handle @vaska.lobzhana THE LAST World Cup was a historic one for Georgia. Not only did they qualify automatically for the next global showpiece for the first time, but Vasil Lobzhanidze became the youngest player to ever feature in a RWC match. He ran out in the No 9 shirt to face Tonga in their opening game aged 18 years and 340 days and helped his team to a 17-10 victory. A year later the teenager was back in England for the Junior World Cup as captain of Georgia U20, but his senior progress has continued, too, and he is nearing the half-century mark in caps. Yet it hasn’t…

“If someone is in front of you and you decide there’s an opportunity on the outside, try to square them up and be in a position where you can go both ways. And when you feel like going for it, don’t hesitate. There’s no shame if they make a great tackle, but you can either beat them or they over-chase and you present the ball back on the inside. When you decide to go, transfer the ball to your outside arm.” “If the space is back down the channel the kick came from, there’s probably a route to that corner. If the gap is down the middle, there is no time to hesitate. I won’t try to turn defenders inside out – you can overdo the stepping. You have to…