So are England, who are still getting used to new coach Steve Borthwick. The Wallabies will be in the same pool as Wales, who are struggling for form. Siya Kolisi captains the side as they go for a record fourth world crown.Īustralia, meanwhile, will be an unknown quantity as for England boss Eddie Jones returns to the Wallabies dugout. The Springboks provide the biggest physical examination in the world, one which secured them the title four years ago in bullying England in the final. We haven't even mentioned the defending champions South Africa, Ireland's pool companions, yet. With skipper Jonny Sexton, centre Bundee Aki, and a strong pack led by Cian Healy and Josh van der Flier, Irish eyes could be smiling. Andy Farrell's side were ranked world number ones before the start of the Rugby Championships and the Irish coach will be quietly confident of winning a first world crown for the Emerald Isle. Ireland may have a word or two to say about that. Two wins out of two so far and hopes will be high in the host nation.

France's stunning, record-breaking 53-10 rout of England at Twickenham served notice of a side running into form at just the right time. Les Blues won a Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this year and can count arguably world rugby's most in-form talent in scrum half Antoine Dupont. A pounding of Namibia tonight will only be the start of their healing.ĭrawn with the All Blacks in a fascinating Pool A, hosts France started as a close second favourite. Their first round loss to France will be a blow but the All Blacks are still expected to qualify for the knockouts. Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith remain one of the finest half-back pairings in the world, with Sam Whitelock a supremely experienced presence at lock. Seldom have world rugby's most dominant power been so beleaguered going into the tournament they've won a joint-record three times, but that may work in coach Ian Foster's favour. New Zealand go into the tournament as marginal favourites. The influential skipper will miss the first two games after receiving a four-game ban for a dangerous tackle against Wales. France plays hosts for this festival of tactics and tackling over the course of nearly two months of autumn action from right now until Saturday 28th October.Įngland start the tournament without Owen Farrell. Nothing in the world of the oval ball is bigger than the Rugby World Cup. Use ExpressVPN to watch your usual stream from anywhere Dates: Fri, September 8 – Sat, October 28

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