There is one change to the starting XV as Keith Earls returns to the starting XV having missed out on the game against Wales last Sunday. Fergus McFadden moves to the bench in place of David Kearney.

IRELAND Team & Replacements

(v France, RBS 6 Nations Championship 2012, Stade de France, Saturday, February 11th, kick-off 9pm/8pm Irish time):

15 – Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 – Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 – Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
12 – Gordon D’Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 – Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
10 – Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary’s College/Leinster) 
9 – Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)

1 – Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 – Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 – Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 – Donncha O’Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 – Paul O’Connell (Young Munster/Munster) Captain
6 – Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
7 – Sean O’Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
8 – Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 – Sean Cronin (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
17 – Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 – Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
19 – Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
20 – Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 – Ronan O’Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 – Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

*Denotes uncapped player

“We are obviously delighted that Stephen has been totally exonerated of any wrongdoing by the disciplinary panel and that he is now available for selection this weekend against France.

“While we understand and fully support the stance to stamp out dangerous tackles in the game to make it safe at all levels, the disciplinary panel itself felt that the decision to award a penalty was incorrect and we also felt that it was a fair and legitimate tackle by Stephen.

“He is a hard and fair player and I think that his previous disciplinary record supports why we felt so strongly about his defence.  The focus now for Stephen and the rest of the squad is to prepare for the game against France this weekend.”

Eifion has one Welsh cap, gained against Canada in 2008, and has played for RC Toulon since 2010.

"Fridge is a great signing for us. He’s a very popular lad here; he knows the club very well and I know that he will be a big crowd favourite once more," said Sharks Chief Executive Steve Diamond.

"He’s had a great experience out in France with Toulon and he’ll come back all the better for playing over there. Eifion can play both sides of the scrum and he’s very durable and very hard working, which is what you need in those positions.

"He will give us that experience, which was what we need in the pack, and we just can’t wait to have him back here again."

Eifion added, "I’m grateful that Sale Sharks have given me the opportunity to return. There have been a lot of changes – all good, including the way the team’s playing. They want to win things, and I’m massively keen to do everything I can to help the club.

"I’ve enjoyed my time in France – it’s a tough League, with a different type of game, more focused on the set piece.

"This is a decision for my family: my wife Nia is expecting our second child in June. It’s the right time to come back."

Eifion Lewis Roberts Factfile:

Born St.Asaph, 13th February 1981

Previous clubs Ruthin, Sale Sharks, RC Toulon

Height 1.86m, 6ft 1in.

Weight 128 kg, 20st.2 lbs.

Matthews, 18, is one of nine changes, two positional, to the England starting line-up that was defeated 14-5 by France in Wednesday’s uncapped match in Marseille. And as Matthews collects her first cap tomorrow she will become the second member of the Matthews family to be capped for England. Older sister Francesca, who plays on the wing, is also a member of the England Elite Playing Squad and she has gone on to amass 18 caps for her country.

Saracens’ Hannah Gallagher, Lichfield’s Harriet Millar-Mills, Bristol’s Isobel Noel-Smith and Worcester’s Ceri Large could all be set to get their first cap for England too as they have been named on the bench. England also welcome back Emily Scarratt, Georgina Roberts and La Toya Mason to the starting line-up.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “This is the strongest starting XV we can select from this squad and we will be expecting another tough and extremely physical test against a very motivated French team. We learnt some valuable lessons from Wednesday’s match and some of the players really excelled so they will have another opportunity to show what they can do on Saturday.

“Alex had an outstanding game on Wednesday and I am really excited about her ball carrying skills and defensive qualities that she brings to our game. We also have four uncapped players on the bench and they have brought energy into this squad. With this being our last game ahead of the three autumn international tests against world champions New Zealand this is a huge opportunity for all our players to step up and show what they can do.”

England

15 Kay Wilson (Bristol)

14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester)

13 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

12 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)

11 Michaela Staniford (Wasps)

10 Kimberley Oliver (Bristol)

9 La Toya Mason (Wasps)

1 Rochelle Clark (Worcester)

2 Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield)

3 Laura Keates (Worcester)

4 Tamara Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

5 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)

6 Alexandra Matthews (Richmond)

7 Marlie Packer (Bristol)

8 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield)

Replacements:

16 Amy Turner (Richmond)

17 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield)

18 Harriet Millar-Mills (Lichfield)

19 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens)

20 Isobel Noel-Smith (Bristol)

21 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)

22 Ceri Large (Worcester)

England Autumn International Series

Nov 2nd France v England, Jean Bouin Stadium, Marseille, France 14 England 5

Nov 5th France v England, Pierre de Coubertin Stadium at Chateaurenard, KO 2pm GMT

Nov 26th England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, KO 5pm

Nov 29th England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7pm

Dec 3rd England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, 2pm

Tickets for the game at Twickenham on November 26th are available from Ticketmaster.co.uk and group booking are available from the RFU by calling 0871 22 22 017, option 6. Prices range from £65 to £35. Junior tickets cost just £15.

Tickets for the international tests at Esher RFC on November 29th and December 3rd will be available on the gate and cost £10 for adults and £5 for juniors.

Pearce, 23, will work at six of the nine series tournaments, starting with the New Zealand International Sevens at Wellington on February 3-4 next year.

It continues the Devon referee’s rapid progress since his elevation into the Elite Referee Unit 12 months ago.

Pearce, from Exeter, made his first Aviva Premiership appearance at Kingsholm in charge of Gloucester Rugby v Worcester Warriors last month and his development has also seen him appointed to matches in France as part of the RFU/FFR exchange programme.

He will be joined on the sevens circuit by former Test official Steve Lander, who is the new IRB Sevens Referee Manager.

Pearce said: “I’m looking forward to taking part in the HSBC Sevens World Series, starting with Wellington and Las Vegas in February, then Hong Kong and Japan before the tournaments in Edinburgh and London.

“It’s a step up in terms of international experience, performing in front of large crowds and in the insight it can give you into different technical areas – like the tackle – that you can take back into the 15-a-side game.”

Ed Morrison, the RFU’s Head of Elite Referee Development, said: “We’re very pleased for Luke and it’s an important part of his personal development.

“The intensity of the tournaments and the pace of the game, in front of massive crowds, will be essential in adding to his experience and being involved in that environment will play an important role in enhancing his ability to succeed in the demanding 15-a-side game.

“This season Luke has taken charge of two games in the Premiership and worked in France as well and he’s developing well. We’ve had very positive feedback about his performances.”

Morrison added: “We wish Steve Lander every success too and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable in developing these referees. I know he’s looking forward to the challenge of his new role and it’s an exciting time for sevens with the sports inclusion in the Olympics now less than five years away.”

Starting XV:

1.         Tony Woodcock (82)

2.         Keven Mealamu (91)

3.         Owen Franks (30)

4.         Brad Thorn (58)

5.         Samuel Whitelock (24)

6.         Jerome Kaino (47)

7.         Richie McCaw – captain (102)

8.         Kieran Read (35)

9.         Piri Weepu (55)

10.       Aaron Cruden (8)

11.       Richard Kahui (16)

12.       Ma’a Nonu (65)

13.       Conrad Smith (54)

14.       Cory Jane (30)

15.       Israel Dagg (11)

Reserves:

16.       Andrew Hore (61)

17.       Ben Franks (15)

18.       Ali Williams (72)

19.       Adam Thomson (24)

20.       Andy Ellis (25)

21.       Stephen Donald (22)

22.       Sonny Bill Williams (13)

Number of Test caps in brackets

The All Blacks will again field a hugely experienced team, with 708 caps in the starting XV, with the side again captained by flanker Richie McCaw in his 103rd Test.  The only change on the bench sees Adam Thomson, who has recovered from his high ankle strain, replace Victor Vito.

Graham Henry said: “This is the biggest game of the players’ lives and there is obvious excitement and anticipation at what lies ahead. To be playing in the Final of the Rugby World Cup in front of our home crowd is going to be massive and a very special occasion for the team as well as our fans. The support the team has received from New Zealanders throughout the Tournament has been incredibly humbling and we know the country will be right behind us on Sunday night.”

Meanwhile, a number of milestones will be achieved by various All Blacks this weekend.

McCaw and fellow loose forwards Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read will become the most-capped loose forward trio in All Blacks history, playing their 21st Test together, one more than the trio of McCaw, Rodney So’oialo and Jerry Collins.

Keven Mealamu will play in his 92nd Test joining All Blacks great Sean Fitzpatrick as the most capped All Blacks hooker of all time and the joint third most capped All Black behind McCaw and Mils Muliaina.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale, Aaron Cruden will be playing in his ninth Test for the All Blacks compared, interestingly, with Grant Fox who was playing in just his seventh Test match in the 1987 Rugby World Cup Final, while it was Andrew Mehrtens’ sixth Test match in the 1995 Final.

The All Blacks have played France 50 times since 1906, with 37 wins to the All Blacks, 12 to France and the one draw. The teams have played five times at the Rugby World Cup, with the 37- 17 Pool Play win to the All Blacks in this year’s Tournament the last match. The All Blacks beat France in the 1987 Final and in the 3rd /4th playoff match in 2003 with France scoring significant victories over the All Blacks in the 1999 Semi-final and 2007 Quarterfinal.

Perpignan-bound James Hook replaces Scarlets fly-half Rhys Priestland.

Priestland injured his shoulder during Wales’ impressive 22-10 quarter-final victory over the Irish in Wellington last Saturday.  He was not considered for selection this week and will now continue his rehabilitation over the next few days with a view to returning next week.

On the bench 102-times capped Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones comes in for the promoted Hook, who himself brings 57 caps worth of experience to side.

“Time was against Rhys, but we are happy that we have the talent and ability elsewhere in the squad to cover him,”said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“Rhys has done everything we have asked of him and more during this World Cup, but, when we have players of the calibre and experience of James Hook and Stephen Jones coming into the squad and starting line-up, there is no sense that Rhys’s absence leaves us any weaker.

“We know that the people in Wales and the fans that have travelled here are excited about reaching the semi-finals of the world cup and we are too, but beating France on Saturday must be and will be our sole focus.

“The time to reflect and to celebrate will come if we win our next two matches, until that happens our focus on the task ahead must be absolute.”

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny;  George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, James Hook, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau

REPLACEMENTS: Lloyd Burns, Paul James, Bradley Davies, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, Stephen Jones, Scott Williams.

WALES

15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
  DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs
  International record: 24 caps (W 12, L 12; 70 pts – 8T, 10PG)

  14 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
  DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
  International record: 13 caps (W 6, L 6, D 1; 45 pts – 9T)

  13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
  DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs
  International record: 19 caps (W 11, L 8; 25 pts – 5T)

  12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
  DoB: 08.11.86.  6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 36 caps (W 18, L 18; 20 pts – 4T)

  11 Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976)
  DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7” / 1.71m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs
  International record: 84 caps (W 41, L 41, D 2; 280 pts – 56T)

  10 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
  DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
  International record: 57 caps (W 25, L 30, D 2; 320 pts – 12T, 40C, 56PG, 4DG

  9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
  DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
  International record: 58 caps (W 28, L 28, D 2; 35 pts – 7T)

  1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,006)
  DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2” / 1.88m. 18st 9lbs / 118kgs
  International record: 80 caps (W 37, L 41, D 2; 20 pts – 4T)

  2 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)
  DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0” / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs
  International record: 46 caps (W 23, L 22, D 1)

  3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
  DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs
  International record: 74 caps (W 35, L 36, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

  4 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)
  DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9” / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs
  International record: 30 caps (W 16, L 14)

  5 Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
  DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5” / 1.96m. 18st 10lbs / 119kgs
  International record: 57 caps (W 25, L 32; 35 pts – 7T)

  6 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071)
  DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 17st 10lbs / 112kgs
  International record: 17 caps (W 8, L 8, D 1)

  7 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,070)
  DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2”. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs
  International record: 22 caps (W 12, L 10; 10 pts – 2T)

  8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
  DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 8 caps (W 5, L 3; 10 pts – 2T)

  REPLACEMENTS

  16 Lloyd BURNS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,085)
  DoB: 09.12.84. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs
  International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 5 pts – 1T)

17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
  DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
  International record: 29 caps (W 12, L 16, D 1)

  18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
  DoB: 09.01.87.  6’6” / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
  International record: 29 caps (W 13, L 14, D 1)

  19 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
  DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
  International record: 55 caps (W 28, L 25, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

  20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,087)
  DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
  International record: 3 caps (W 3; 10 pts – 2T)

21 Stephen JONES (SCARLETS– Cap No 966)
  DoB: 08.12.77.  6’1” / 1.86m.  14st 7lbs / 92kgs
  International record: 102 caps (W 42, L 56, D 3; 912 pts – 7T, 152C, 185PG, 6DG)

  22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
  DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs
  International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 20 pts – 4T)

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have today announced the All Blacks team for their third match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup against France at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday September 24.

Starting XV:

1.         Tony Woodcock (78)

2.         Keven Mealamu (87)

3.         Owen Franks (26)

4.         Brad Thorn (54)

5.         Sam Whitelock (20)

6.         Jerome Kaino (43)

7.         Richie McCaw – captain (99)

8.         Adam Thomson (23)

9.         Piri Weepu (51)

10.       Daniel Carter (84)

11.       Richard Kahui (14)

12.       Ma’a Nonu (62)

13.       Conrad Smith (50)

14.       Cory Jane (28)

15.       Israel Dagg (8)

Reserves:

16.       Andrew Hore (57)

17.       Ben Franks (12)

18.       Ali Williams (68)

19.       Anthony Boric (22)

20.       Andy Ellis (22)

21.       Colin Slade (7)

22.       Sonny Bill Williams (9)

Number of Test caps in brackets

The starting XV features four changes to the team which beat Japan 83 – 7 in Hamilton last week: Richie McCaw returns to captain the side in his 100th Test after a minor calf strain forced him to miss the Japan Test; Israel Dagg has recovered from his abdominal strain and been named at fullback; Piri Weepu is at halfback with Andy Ellis on the bench; and playmaker Daniel Carter has also recovered from his stiff back to take his place in the familiar number 10 jersey.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: “While there is obviously intense interest in this game because of past Rugby World Cups, the focus for the team is simple. We will have to match the physicality of the French, execute our key roles well and deal with anything unexpected which the French may throw at us.” 

Henry added: “The French are a very good side and they often play their very best rugby against the All Blacks.  They play with huge passion, lift themselves emotionally and, as always, they can never be underestimated.”

Saturday’s match will be the 50th Test between the two countries, with the All Blacks winning 36 matches, France 12, with one draw. The All Blacks and France have played each other four times at the Rugby World Cup (for two wins apiece) but this is the first time they have met in Pool Play.  The All Blacks beat France in the 1987 Final and in the 3rd /4th playoff match in 2003 with France scoring victories in 1999 and 2007.

New Zealand v Tonga (Auckland, Friday 9th 09:30 GMT)

The All Blacks are expected to win this game, and win it fairly comfortably – eyes will be firmly on individual and team performances. Both the New Zealand management and fans will be hoping the likes of Carter and McCaw don’t get injured in what should be a very physical encounter. From a Tongan perspective there is a hope that the team can at least match, if not better their 2007 efforts. Captain Finau Maka made a name for himself in 2007 and if he could replicate that form and lead from the front Tonga could go far. Northampton fans will be keen to see their prop Soane Tonga’uiha and whether he can replicate his fearsome scrummaging and ball carrying ability on an international stage against the mighty All Blacks.

Prediction: New Zealand to win comfortably.

France v Japan (Auckland, Saturday 10th 07:00 GMT)

Although France are unlikely to repeat their 2007 opening defeat, there is an expectation that they should put on a big score here. France haven’t set the world alight the past year; thrashed by Australia last November followed by an unconvincing second place in the Six Nations, however they should have far too much firepower for the Japanese. Led by 1987 World Cup winning All Black John Kirwan, Japan will be hoping not only to record at least a win this tournament but even get automatic qualification for 2015. However that win won’t come this weekend. What Japan can hope to do in this match is show their attacking flair and hopefully for the neutral replicate the sort of tries they scored against Wales in 2007. As the Scotland game in the Six Nations showed, the French defence can open up as their attack opens up. A good attacking display by Japan should give them confidence ahead of their crunch matches against Tonga and Canada. The French though will just hope to hit the ground running and get this World Cup campaign started with a real sense of momentum unlike four years ago.

Prediction: France to win comfortably.

Tonga v Canada (Whangarei, Wednesday 14th 06:00 GMT)

Only five days recovery for Tonga might prove costly against a Canada side that will fancy their chances. Tonga though will hope match fitness and a moral boosting performance against the mighty All Blacks will be enough to see them out. Canada will hope to make amends for their disappointing 2007 campaign and they certainly have the physicality to deal with the tough Tongans, although it’ll be interesting to see if they can match them in the backs. This match is effectively a semi final for these two teams, with the winner only needing to beat Japan to secure all important automatic qualification for the 2015 tournament in England.

Prediction: Depends on how Tonga recover from the New Zealand game, but I’ll stick my neck out and say Tonga to win a close one.

Pool A:

New Zealand – The host nation and heavy favourites in the eye of most – failure to win this tournament would be a disaster. While New Zealand did win on home soil in 1987, hosts rarely do well in World Cups. Only two of the six World Cups to date have been won by the host team, although it must be stressed that New Zealand’s home record is better than most. New Zealand have not lost at home for two years, and have only lost three times at home since 2007. Some will point to their recent defeat to Australia as a bad sign ahead of the World Cup, but it’ll probably do them the world of good. The 2007 team was used to thrashing pretty much everyone, and after an easy pool group came unstuck against a tough French team. However this team actually knows what losing feels like, having lost their last two games as well as being white washed by the Boks in 2009. If the All Blacks keep the pain of defeat at the back of their heads and just concentrate on winning the game then they’ll do well. One potential weakness is a desperation to play the perfect game – their 2007 defeat was very much down to looking for tries that never came rather than dropping goals when on offer.

France – Producer of two of the biggest World Cup upsets and the best team to never win the World Cup. France famously knocked out the All Blacks in 1999 and 2007 but are also the only team to reach a final but never win the trophy. The stereotype of France blowing hot and cold seems to be fair when applied to World Cup performances – they will produce a huge win and then lose in disappointing fashion the week after. The All Blacks will count themselves lucky that they will be meeting France in the pools and not in the quarters or semis. However the possibility of France being the first team to beat New Zealand in the pool stages look slim as there is rumour that France will field a second string team against them. The big question for France is how they get to the final while saving up their one awesome performance for that final. They will probably face England in the quarter, and England are the one team who know how to beat France having knocked them out in 1991, 2003 and 2007. The problem for France is that if they are to turn round their record against England they’ll probably have to pull out one of those famous performances and then suffer one of their infamous hangovers in the semi final.

Tonga – A real show stopper in 2007, they were one bounce of the ball away from defeating eventual champions South Africa and qualifying for the quarter finals. They famously defeated their rivals Samoa despite a red card and got themselves automatic qualification for this tournament. Tonga suffer from not playing too many tests against top level teams but they do have some quality players. Captain Finau Maka made a name for himself in 2007, and prop Soane Tonga’uiha the Northampton prop has thoroughly impressed in the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup and it’s time for him to show that he can replicate those performances on the world stage. Their minimum aim will be to replicate their 2007 third place in the pool and gain automatic qualification for 2015, but it’s unlikely they’ll upset France or New Zealand. They will do well to make sure not all the talk is about New Zealand after the tournament opener.

Canada – Gave Wales a real scare in 2007 but ultimately that tournament was a disappointment as they failed to win a single game. Their minimum will be to avenge their draw against Japan in 2007 and beat them this time. A very physical team, the Canadians will be hoping to beat Tonga and gain automatic qualification for 2015 and to give the All Blacks and French a good run for their money.

Japan – Scored a memorable try against Wales in 2007, they showed great attacking prowess, and very nearly beat the Fijians. However this was combined with a weak physical presence and were often bullied off the ball – but they did physically stand up against the hard nosed Canadians in the final game. They will hope to go one better against Canada this time, as well as upset the Tongans. The hope will be that Japan show a greater physical presence without compromising their attacking flair.

Pool B:

Argentina – They were the real story of 2007 – upsetting the French in the opening game, reached their first quarter and semi finals, before upsetting the French again to claim third place. While the team is ageing and the talismanic Agustin Pichot has since retired, the Argentinians will look at their pool and thoroughly believe that they can top the pool for a second time. As s well as World Cup success, they will be keen to show the big Southern Hemisphere teams that they won’t be whipping boys when they join the Tri Nations next summer.

England – The only northern hemisphere team to win the Webb Ellis trophy, and did so the last time the tournament was held in the Antipodes. While England are the current Six Nations champions they don’t look like world beaters – however they didn’t look like world beaters in 2007 and shocked both Australia and France to reach the final. England should top their pool, and if all goes to plan will be presented with France and Australia again, and thus a third successive final wouldn’t be too out of the question. However Argentina and Scotland are both capable of beating England, thus while England could get a winnable path to the final they could also find themselves getting knocked out by the All Blacks in the quarters or even not reaching the quarter finals at all.

Scotland – The only Celtic side to have reached the quarter finals of every World Cup to date – a record they are very proud of. This pool could either present them with their first ever failure to reach the quarters or their first time as pool winners since 1991. Scotland lost to England in the 1991 semi finals and Argentina in the 2007 quarter finals, but Scotland will go into both games with confidence. They won a test series down in Argentina last year, and have both an unbeaten home record against England since 2004 as well as giving them a run for their money at Twickenham earlier this year. Scotland shouldn’t be favourites for any of the knock out matches, but they have beaten Australia and South Africa in the past two years, so shouldn’t be completely written off.

Georgia – Famously came close to beating Ireland in 2007 in what would have probably been the biggest upset in all rugby history. With a big strong pack they’ll hope to give the English, Scottish and Argentinian packs a real run for their money. While Georgia probably won’t win those games, those teams will be very worried about possible injuries. Having said that nobody predicted their result against Ireland four years ago, so perhaps Georgia could famously upset one of those three teams, although if those teams had any sense they would have learnt the lesson from Ireland.

Romania – Came within six points of upsetting Italy in 2007, they’ll hope to produce a similar performance against the big three teams. Another physically tough team for the others to contend with but chances are they’ll get beaten fairly comfortably (on the score board at least). Romania’s main goal should be beating Georgia.

Pool C:

Australia – One of only two teams to win the Webb Ellis trophy twice and have just won their first Tri Nations title in a decade. They’ll hope to avoid their disappointing quarter final exit in 2007 and repeat their 1991 and 1999 tournament wins. It wasn’t that long ago when one might have suspected Ireland could defeat them, but with Ireland winless in their four warm up matches, and Australia winning away in South Africa and then beating the All Blacks to win the Tri Nations it looks pretty likely that Australia will finish pool winners. Their scrum was their undoing in 2007, and should they meet South Africa or Wales in the quarters this could be another big worry. However the Australian scrum held up well during their win in the Republic, and Wales have a tendency to not beat big Southern Hemisphere teams even when they play well. If Australia meet England in the semis, they will have to reverse three successive World Cup defeats to their great rivals. If the Wallabies reach their fourth final you wouldn’t want to write them off regardless of opposition.

Ireland – Despite going into the 2007 tournament being seen by many as the northern hemispheres best hope and tipped to the semi finals, they failed to reach the quarter finals. It wasn’t just their defeats to France and Argentina that summed up their failure, but also their performances against the minnows. They cruised to an unconvincing win over Namibia and very nearly lost to Georgia. Head Coach Declan Kidney and this current generation of Irish players did win a famous Grand Slam in 2009 and many of those players impressed on the Lions tour. However they weren’t too impressive in the Six Nations, England game aside, and lost all four warm up matches. While Italy will be hoping to upset Ireland, Ireland if they keep their minds focused should reach the quarters. While Ireland will be hoping for Wales rather than South Africa, the core of this Irish team will have experienced victory over the Boks at some point in their career. If Ireland do progress far in the tournament then their potential weakness might be a psychological one, as they haven’t got the best of records in this tournament and won’t have much past experience of winning big World Cup matches to draw on.

Italy – Despite nearly losing to Romania and being unimpressive against Portugal they were only a missed kick away from reaching their first ever quarter finals in 2007. While they probably won’t reach their quarters this time around, they did very nearly beat Ireland in the Six Nations, produced a famous shock win over France, and have run Australia close in Autumn Internationals in recent years. If talisman Sergio Parisse can rally his troops then they might yet reach their first quarter finals. However a lack of concentration and they could risk being mugged by Russia or the USA and even miss out on automatic qualification for 2015.

USA – Scored the try of the 2007 tournament against South Africa when Takudzwa Ngwenya gassed Bryan Habana. Their main goal will be winning their ‘Cold War’ match against Russia, while they’ll also be hoping that they can upset Italy. Head Coach Eddie O’Sullivan will be hoping to get one up on his former employees when they take on Ireland. Eyes will be on Ngwenya to see if he can produce another magical try.

Russia – This will be the first ever World Cup for the Russians whose rise in the last few years has impressed many, and two of their players have even be awarded professional contracts for English clubs after this tournament. They will savour every moment of the World Cup experience and while they might think they can upset Italy all eyes will be on the USA game. Northampton and Sale fans will be keen to check out their new signings.

Pool D:

South Africa – Reigning World Champions and have the best World Cup record of all the teams. While critics will say that they had an ‘easy’ route in 2007 and were lucky to avoid New Zealand and Australia, South Africa effectively went about doing their business and were deserved winners. South Africa dominated world rugby in the summer of 2009 when they defeated a very good Lions team before winning the Tri Nations, beating New Zealand in all three of their games. South Africa have called on many of the players that won in2007, and not only will they know what it takes to win a World Cup they also know better than most what it takes to win on New Zealand soil. Two of New Zealand’s three home defeats since 2007 have been at the hands of South Africa. South Africans would like to think that they are favourites along with New Zealand, and you wouldn’t necessarily disagree with them.

Wales – Will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself. Although they came third in 1987 they have since failed to reach the quarter finals on three occasions, including the last tournament. Unfortunately for Wales the two teams that knocked them out on those occasions are both in this pool. Samoa and Fiji know that they can upset Wales, and South Africa have only once lost to Wales (back in 1999). However the Welsh team is full of quality players and come into the tournament on the back of some much needed confidence boosting warm up results. While in theory Wales could come 3rd or even 4th in this pool, the smart money would be on them reaching the quarter finals, where they’d be confident of taking on either Australia or Ireland. However the smart money in 2007 was on Wales beating Fiji.

Fiji – Famously upset Wales in 2007, reaching the quarter finals where they gave eventual champions South Africa a good run for their money. They will be hoping for at least automatic qualification for 2015, if not producing another upset and thus another quarter final appearance. They will also be hoping to defeat local rivals Samoa.

Samoa – Twice upset Wales in the 1990s and even came close to upsetting England in 2003, and famously won in Australia this summer. Samoa have to produce at least one more famous upset if they are to progress from the pool stages for the first time since 1999. Having lost to Tonga in 2007 they will be keen to avoid another defeat to fellow Islanders, and will set beating Fiji and gaining automatic qualification as a minimum priority, especially as they missed out on automatic qualification for this tournament.

Namibia – Easy to feel sorry for these guys as they are in a pool with four very physical teams. While they will be the only team in the pool not talked up as potential quarter finalists and seen as the whipping boys of the pool, Saracens flanker Jacques Burger, recently an Aviva Premiership winner, will hope to rally his troops and upset at least one other team.