Pool C, the minor Nations add interest
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Pool C
New Zealand
Scotland
Italy
Romania
Portugal
New Zealand's world cup will start in the quarters as none of their opponents in Pool play poise anything remotely troublesome. Scotland will expect to take the second quarter spot though Italy may have something to say about that, the Scotland v Italy game is the crunch match from C. Nice to see Romania back in the thick of International Rugby, and Portugal will be making their debut.
New Zealand Graham Henry took over the MiBs four years ago and has been steadily building towards this tournment, with Bill being the only cup eluding the kiwis for a number of years (20 to be precise). He wont lack any sort of motivation with the Aussie and English press providing the ammunition to fire up the good guys. Four years huh George, that may come back to haunt you at the semis.
There's a couple of weaknesses in this MiB outfit that opposing coaches would have noted. The line-out is a shambles at the best of time, and there is some doubt about the kiwis having a true backline general. The best broken field running outfit in the cup, a structured game plan will be needed to deny them Bill. As opposed to some muppets in the Oz media, the MiBs are heading to the semis at least.
Scotland The Scots play well at home and are pretty fanatic about all things ruigby related. They have the team to make the quarters but no one really stands out as a true International star. Some passion, some pride, and structured Euro style forward work should get them out of the Pool.
Scotland have some big scalps under their belt heading into the Cup but recent results are a worry for them.
Italy Could very well surprise us all and knock off the Scots. The Azzure have been improving season in season out. They certainly wont have 70 or more points run in against them at this cup and will at least have two wins to take to the bank. An exciting team to watch in action with backline runners to burn, they do breakdown at an unexceptable level in defense. Improve their D and they are in with a shot at the quarters.
Italy will be looking to gain parity in the forwards as a base for unleashing their world class backline. Opposing teams will be looking to running it up the middle all day from the ruck.
Romania Unknown element at this stage, and not likely to match the teams that terrorised European competitions in the 1970s. Rugby Union is in great shape with the Romanians back in the action, a team to watch for in the future, maybe at the next world cup?
No details on this outfit but expect some hard hitting from their forward pack. The Romanians didn't used to take a backward step to anyone, reputations wont matter to them. Hope they have given up on that poof spreading of flowers on the pitch prior to matches, that was just all wrong.
Portugal New boys on the block and expected cannon fodder till recently. Portugal held Los Pumas to 30 odd points in their last hit out prior to the cup and that speaks volumes about their defensive work. They may find it hard to match the more seasoned international sides in this Pool, but will play well above their status. Welcome to the World Cup, hope all goes well, and a result happens for them.
The clash with Romanian might well be the highlight match of this Pool.
Likely Outcome
New Zealand to steam roll through this Pool leaving death and mayhem in their wake. Will we get to see the Henry game plan for the knock out stages is the interest here? Scotland should join the kiwis in the quarters.
What we would like to see
Italy knocking over Scotland and advancing out of the Pool.
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