Greetings fellow Rugby internauts.
After the last blog which gave you my All-time Greatest XV, I thought this time I would throw 15 names at you who will possibly be challenging for a place in that All-time Greatest XV at some point in the future. These are the 15 players I expect to make the biggest impact in their position over the coming 7 weeks. As per usual, if you disagree, shout and tell me why.
1. Martin Castrogiavanni (ITA) - the hirsute prop has gained a cult following in Leicester for his tough defence, rampant running and knack of being in the right place at the right time. 'Castro' will be key to Italy's hopes of upsetting the odds and knocking Ireland out at the Group stages
2. Bismarck du Plessis (SAF) - Has thrust his name to the fore ahead of John Smit in terms of hooking ability. Whether used as an impact player or forcing his way into De Villiers starting line-up, he has a huge role to play for the Springboks
3. Luc Ducalcon (FRA) - Marc Lievremont is astounded at the speed at which Ducalcon has adapted, and has left behind players such as Thoma Domingo, who I rate highly, and Sylvain Marconnet. Big shoes, or maybe shorts, to fill, and for France to get to the semis, he will need to perform.
4. Paul O'Connell (IRE) - The British and Irish Lions captain showed signs against England of getting back to his best after last season's injury and suspension. He will need to, in both his second row role and as a motivator to drag Ireland out of their miserable slump
5. Ali Kellock (SCO) - First choice second row and now Captain, Kellock is key to Scotland's hopes of surviving a tough pool with England and Argentina. 3 wins should be enough to get out of the Pool and Kellock's decision-making and line-out performance will be vital
6. Rocky Elsom (AUS) - I like Elsom. He's a big unit, gets around the pitch well, gives everything, defends hard, runs hard, sends his Mum flowers for her birthday. What's not to like? Seriously, Elsom provides the back-row weight to balance Pocock's energy. A good mix.
7. Sean O'Brien (IRE) - Europe's Player of the Year, he was sorely missed against England, and given the absence of David Wallace, he along with Jamie Heaslip will need to be at their very best to provide the quick ball Ireland's speedy backs will need. Honourable mention here to Sam Warburton (WAL) who has already usurped Martyn Williams and will need to be at his inspirational best (which is very very good) to lead Wales past the QF stage.
8. Radike Samo (AUS) - His Man of the Match impact against the All Blacks set the stadium alight, and repeated performances like those 50 minutes will see him elevated, admittedly belatedly, to superstar status. A big man, with big hair, but a surprising turn of pace. Can the 35 year old survive the rigours of a 7 game in 7 weeks tournament?
9. Ben Youngs (ENG) - England's new problem position seemingly, after Tuilagi and Tindall shored up the centre berths in Dublin. Youngs has to have a big World Cup if the seemingly 'hated in all quarters' English are to go past the Quarter Finals. Struggled from Dublin onwards last season, time to step up to the plate now.
10. Dan Carter (NZL) - He's the best back in the world. I've said it before, I'll keep saying it. He must be a little wary though after his non-performance last time out. Carter pulls every string for the All Blacks and if he is on song, they have one hand on the trophy.
11. Shane Williams (WAL) - The man who was too small to make it arrives at the last World Cup of his career hoping to cap a glorious career with the spark that can ignite the Welsh. His quick feet and clever running have unpicked better defences than he will have to in New Zealand. Has he got enough in the tank for a final sparkle, or will he fizzle out.
12. Manu Tuilagi (ENG) - 2 tries in 2 games for the young Leicester centre, England's new great hope. As English as lamb rogan josh or spaghetti bolognaise, but such is 21st Century sport. His strength, pace and attitude could provide the English back line with the midfield focus that can divert defensive attention sufficiently to free up their explosive back 3.
13. Conrad Smith (NZL) - For me the relatively unsung hero of the All Blacks side. He rarely puts a foot wrong, be it in attack or defence. He isn't the best attacking centre, nor kicking centre, nor defensive centre, but his consistency is such that he is up there with the best. An honourable mention here also for Jamie Roberts of Wales.
14. Chris Ashton (ENG) - Announced his arrival on the scene with a breathtaking try against the Australians, then scored 6 in the first 2 6 Nations games of the season. A superb finisher, with strength, pace and most importantly a 6th sense that sees him more often than not on the shoulder of the breaking man, ready to pounce.
15. Kurtly Beale (AUS) - He should be picked for his 'tache alone, but Beale who was announced this week as the Australian Player of the Year, provides great pace at the back for the Wallabies. The one thing stopping me really giving the Aussies a big chance this year is there lack of a centre pair to frighten the bigger sides, but as Beale proved time and again in recent seasons, a full back running good angles can pep up even the most ambulatory back line.
There we go, XV (well XVII if you count Warburton and Roberts) to watch out for. They wouldn't make a bad Barbarians side that lot.
So with the first game approximately 5 days away now, I've summarised each team's chances in a very brief way below. Along with my ultimate prediction for each. Agree? Disagree?
Argentina
A is for Argentina, aggression and ageing. Not good enough to repeat last time's performance, in a shoot-out for a QF place with Scotland.
My Prediction: 3rd place in Pool B
Australia
12 years on from their last victory, Australia are peaking at the right time. A stroll through the Pool, then the hard work starts.
My Prediction: A projected Semi between England and Australia is touch to call, but Aussies to lose in the Final
Canada
Once Quarter FInalists, in the days of Gareth Rees, Canada have gone backwards steadily and are in a 3-way shoot-out for 3rd Place in Pool A.
My Prediction: Pool A wooden spoon... just
England
Highs and lows over 12 months. A first 6 Nations in too long, good win against Australia, then seemingly lost their attacking edge before finding a spark in Tuilagi
My Prediction: A narrow semi final loss to Australia
Fiji
2007 Quarter FInalists, they do turn it on for the RWC, but I think they have too much to do this time. Not enough in the tank to trouble the South Africans or Welsh again 4 years on.
My Prediction: 4th in Pool D
France
A side that should have bit the bullet 18 months ago and changed coach. The current management seem hell bent on doing things their way, which is hamstringing the tricolore attemps at a title they have never won.
My Prediction: Quarter Final defeat by the English
Georgia
Steady progress since the last World Cup by the Georgians. A difficult pool though, and will need to content themselves with some valiant performances in defeat against bigger nations.
My Prediction: 4th in Pool B
Ireland
Have been travelling backwards at high speed in recent weeks. Will make the Italy game that little bit trickier to prepare for than it should be, but should be good enough to survive the Pool this time around
My Prediction: Quarter Final defeat
Italy
Nick Mallett's swansong at a time when they have started performing. They will be targeting the Ireland game as the key, but I think without the backing of a home crowd, this will be a step too far.
My Prediction: 3rd in Pool C
Japan
John Kirwan has had a positive effect, but a genius would struggle to get Japan out of their pool. In their own Tri Nations tournament with Tonga and Canada.
My Prediction: 4th in Pool A
Namibia
The whipping boys of the last couple of tournaments, I see no reason why that shouldn't be the case again. Maybe not the stratospheric scores of 8 years ago, but 4 defeats loom
My Prediction: Pointless at the bottom of Pool D
New Zealand
The only team that can beat them is themselves. Haven't I said that before? Stat attack: No side has come within 20 points of beating the All Blacks in a World Cup in New Zealand (and that when tries were worth 4 points)!
My Prediction: Winners
Romania
As Georgia, they find themselves in a tricky Pool and as Namibia I foresee a tough few weeks for the European minnows.
My Prediction: Last in Pool B
Russia
A belated bow on the biggest stage for the Russians. Players have started seeping into the big European Leagues now, and the future is bright, but this tournament sees the fight for 4th Place in Pool C with the Americans
My Prediction: 5th in Pool C
Samoa
The most likely of the 3rd seeded Nations in a group to cause a shock. Wales will be slightly nervous by the sight of these warriors, but should have enough to beat them.
My Prediction: A glorious 3rd in pool D
Scotland
Green shoots of growth seem to be appearing in Andy Robinson's garden. Injuries have hurt the Scots in recent years, but they have rarely been so optimistic approaching a World Cup
My Prediction: A Quarter Final drubbing by the All Blacks
South Africa
The reigning Champions. Should win the Pool and their Quarter Final, but won't have enough in the tank to defeat the All Blacks in an Eden Park semi final
My Prediction: Semi Final and home
Tonga
Will proudly open the tournament against the hosts on Friday 9th September. After this honour and ordeal, they will soon settle into a Pool where their goal must be 3rd Place in the pool.
My Prediction: 3rd in Pool A
USA
An important game for the Eagles against the Russians will see if they can avoid finishing 5th in the Pool. Another tough tournament looms for the Americans
My Prediction: 4th in Pool C
Wales
Wales have, more than anyone, a point to prove after last time's early disappointment. Much more organised and with talent aplenty, no group embarrassment this time.
My Prediction: a QF defeat by the Aussies
And Finally....
The curtain rose yesterday on the English Premier League, with surprise wins for Exeter, Wasps, Harlequins and Worcester. The World Cup effect already seems to have hit home....
British journalist Brendan Gallagher had trouble entering New Zealand, as he had an apple in his bag. He was hit with a NZD400 fine (£200ish) despite his attempted defence of having been given the apple by a stewardess on the Air New Zealand flight and having a sticker with the words "Produce of New Zealand" written on it. The only apples in my luggage will be iPod, iPad and MacBook, that I can guarantee.
My all-time World Cup XV seemed to wind some people up, with one particular Welsh tweeter coming up with the constructive criticism that I am an idiot. When asked why, he seemed to ignore responding, but maybe there weren't enough Jones, Williams and Davies's in my All-time 15. Hard to justify their inclusion given their abysmal recent record though isn't it?
1 more day to vote on the Poll of the winners, if you haven't already done so. 1 Final little article before the start of the tournament on Friday (Polish hotel internet connection permitting as I am on my travels again this week).
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