"I was deeply honoured to be linked to the position of Head Coach for the Springbok team and having being involved with the team before, it was obviously something that I would have thought about very carefully.  A big part of that consideration would be my connection to the Ireland team as well as my desire to see out my contract as I am very happy here.

“Declan and the IRFU showed great faith in bringing me here and it has been a wonderful experience from a professional point of view, as well as for my family.  There is still such great potential and opportunities for the Ireland team and I have great faith in the players that we can achieve things together with the coaching staff.

"I have not given up on the possibility of coaching my country in the future, but my focus now is on Ireland and on our first game in The RBS 6 Nations Championship."

He will be joined at Kingston Park by Mike Ford who will fulfil the role of defence coach.

Alan Tait has taken a break from rugby but the remainder of the coaching staff will continue to support Gold and Ford as the club strives to maintain its Aviva Premiership status.

Forwards coach Paul Moriarty will take charge of this Sunday’s Amlin Challenge Cup match at home to Petrarca Padova. Moriarty is key to the Falcons coaching set-up and will work alongside Gold and Ford.

Club owner Semore Kurdi said: “I would like to welcome Gary and Mike to the club. They will be a great asset alongside the existing coaching team and this is a demonstration of our intent to fight back and secure our Aviva Premiership status.”

After four years as assistant coach at South Africa, Gold has decided to join the Falcons ahead of a number of other exciting job offers.

Gold boasts vast Super 14 and Premiership experience having being head coach at London Irish and Western Province respectively.

Joining the Springboks as forwards coach in 2008 under head coach Peter de Villiers, Gold was part of the South Africa set-up which won the Tri Nations as well as the British and Irish Lions series in 2009.

Gold began his coaching career as assistant coach at London Irish in 2001 before being promoted to the position of head coach the following year.

After three seasons at Irish, Gold moved to Vodacom Stormers as technical director prior to his switch to Western Province as head coach.

“This is an exciting challenge and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work in the Aviva Premiership,” said Gold.

“Newcastle Falcons is a big club with big ambitions and an owner who is very determined so anything is possible.

“I know a lot about the players and the traditions of the club so I am really looking forward to the challenge of keeping top-flight rugby in the North East,” added Gold.

Mike Ford arrives on Tyneside after five years as England defence coach which includes two World Cups and a British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2005.

Ford worked under Brian Ashton during the 2007 World Cup campaign in France which saw England go all the way to the final only to be defeated by South Africa, and was part of Martin Johnson’s set-up during the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

The Oldham-born former rugby league player and coach was head coach at Saracens prior to his move to the England fold in May 2006.

During his time at Twickenham, Ford worked under Andy Robinson, Brian Ashton, Rob Andrew and Martin Johnson before leaving his post as defence coach in December 2011.

The 28-year-old South African, who has over 30 Super Rugby appearances for the Stormers, is excited at the prospect of playing for the North East’s premier rugby club.

Speaking from his home in South Africa, Fondse said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge of playing for the Falcons.

“The Falcons are an ambitious club that wants to go places and I am really pleased to have the opportunity to move to Newcastle.

“I definitely want to be involved in something big at the club.”

Fondse joins fellow countryman Greg Goosen, Ashley Wells and Corne Uys at Kingston Park as the influx of South Africans continues on Tyneside.

The latter of those names Uys made the switch from Free State Cheetahs last month and has experience of playing with Fondse during his time at Western Province in the 2008-09 season.

“Adriaan is a big physical man and he is a great signing for the club,” said Uys who has hit the ground running at centre.

“He is a good ball carrier who works really hard for the team and as a person he is a nice guy – you could say he is a gentle giant,” he added.

With the former South Africa under-21 set to arrive in the country on Monday evening Uys admits he is looking forward to showing the 6ft 5” hit-man the ropes in Newcastle.

Uys said: “It will make a nice change to be able to show a fellow South African around the city. I have been here just over a month now and I am gradually settling in to life in the North East.

“The people are friendly and there is lots to do so I think Adriaan will like it up here.”

Fondse boasts vast Super 14 experience having played alongside the likes of South African internationals Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker and Bryan Habana during his stint with the Stormers.

Head coach Alan Tait is delighted with the capture of Fondse describing him as a ‘tremendous athlete.’

“He is a great player who is really well respected in South Africa and we’ve sealed another top notch second row – He is a tremendous athlete,” said Tait.

“It now gives us more options in there and it will obviously increase competition. I’m sure the boys will be happy when they find out that he is joining the club,” added the Scot.

Acknowledging the lineout as an area for improvement, Tait believes the arrival of Fondse will benefit the back division.

He said: “He takes the ball clean from line-outs and in that area he is spot on. We have to get our line-out right so that the backs can operate with quick clean ball.

“His defence and work-rate around the field is at a really high standard and he is up there with Tim Swinson – he’s just another quality player.

“We have an owner who is desperate for this club to improve and desperate for the North East people to come back and watch this club.

“One of the ways we can do that is by bringing in top quality players and he certainly enhances the squad.”

Dusautoir is the second Frenchman to win the Award, following in the footsteps of former national team captain, Fabien Galthié, who claimed the accolade in 2002.

New Zealand were named IRB Team of the Year and Graham Henry IRB Coach of the Year, to add to the Rugby World Cup crown they claimed at Eden Park with a hard-fought 8-7 victory over the French on 23 October.

Dusautoir was outstanding all season for France, including in the World Cup and particularly the final where his defensive effort and ball-carrying inspired the French against the hosts. He was picked ahead of five other nominees – New Zealand scrum half Piri Weepu, flanker Jerome Kaino and centre Ma’a Nonu and Australia flanker David Pocock and scrum half Will Genia.

The winners were selected by the Awards’ independent panel of judges, chaired by Rugby World Cup-winner John Eales and made up of former internationals with more than 500 caps between them. The panel deliberated on every major Test match played this year, starting with the first Six Nations match and finishing with the Rugby World Cup 2011 Final.

The glittering event, which also celebrated 125 years of the International Rugby Board, was a fitting finale to what IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset described as an “exceptional” Rugby World Cup and was attended by all four semi-final teams, royalty and stars from sport and entertainment.

Earlier in the day, an estimated 240,000 fans turned up to catch a glimpse of the All Blacks who were last to arrive at the Vector Arena with the Webb Ellis Cup.

IRB Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Cecil Afrika, South Africa

Cecil Afrika was the outstanding player from the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series and finished as the top try and point scorer. South Africa’s inspirational playmaker and sweeper, Afrika scored 40 tries and 385 points across seven events, returning from injury in double quick time to inspire the Blitzbokke to Cup success in Las Vegas, and was also key in their victories in London and Scotland.

IRB Junior Player of the Year – George Ford, England

George Ford becomes England’s first recipient of this Award after playing a key role in his country’s run to the IRB Junior World Championship 2011 final in Italy, where they ultimately lost 33-22 to New Zealand. The youngest player in the tournament at only 18 years and three months, Ford’s skills and vision belie his tender age, his maturity on the pitch giving the impression he always has options, more often than not taking the right one.

IRB Development Award – USA Rugby’s Rookie Rugby programme

Rookie Rugby was designed by USA Rugby, the sport’s governing body in the US, to give young players between six and 12 years old a fun, safe and enjoyable sporting experience. It introduced a whole new raft of fans and athletes to the sport through programmes administered through schools, community-based and state-based rugby organizations and USA Rugby national events. The initial aim was to introduce 100,000 new children to rugby but the reality has far outstripped that and continues to gather momentum.

Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – Jock Hobbs

Jock Hobbs was elected Chairman of the NZRU in 2002 and served with distinction, overseeing considerable success on and off the pitch while also securing New Zealand the right to host Rugby World Cup 2011. In December 2010 Hobbs stepped down from his position as Chairman of both the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 Limited due to ill health but continues to be an inspirational presence in the country.

IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service in association with Emirates Airline – Keith Lawrence

Keith Lawrence refereed 14 international matches between 1985 and 1991 and went on to become an outstanding rugby administrator in the match official sphere. Lawrence worked as a Referee Manager both within his native New Zealand and for the International Rugby Board as Sevens Referee Manager, a role from which he retired earlier this year.

IRB Women’s Personality of the Year – Ruth Mitchell

Hailing originally from Liverpool in England, Ruth Mitchell played rugby in Hong Kong before becoming an administrator and ultimately reaching the post of Director of Development for the HKRFU. A driving force behind youth rugby, Mitchell has also been instrumental in growing the women’s Game.

Spirit of Rugby Award – Wooden Spoon

The IRB recognised the work of the Wooden Spoon and its volunteers for more than 25 years of work with underprivileged children across the UK by awarding them with the IRB Spirit of Rugby Award The prestigious award recognises the incredible feats that can be achieved through Rugby both on and off the field and recognises those who, through selfless action, influence the lives of others, make significant contribution to their communities and demonstrate the force for good that sport can be in all areas of the world. Wooden Spoon is the first charity to receive such an accolade.

IRPA Try of the Year – Radike Samo, Australia v New Zealand

The final Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup match of 2011 between New Zealand and Australia in Brisbane was a breathless encounter won by the Wallabies, inspired on the day by Radike Samo. The Fijian-born 35-year-old forward received the ball on his own 10-metre line and shrugged off a couple of All Black defenders before outsprinting the cover defence to score a remarkable individual try.

IRPA Special Merit Award

Former captain George Smith is one of the greatest flankers ever to play for Australia and a veteran of 110 Tests for his country. Smith made his international debut against France in 2000 and played his final Test for the Wallabies against Wales nine years later. The 31-year-old has played for the Barbarians four times since, including earlier this year against England and Wales.

IRB Hall of Fame

Nineteen founders, pioneers and legends of Rugby World Cup have been inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame, including four men who made a major contribution to the creation of the tournament, the winning coach and captain of every edition from 1987 to 2007 and four players who have left an indelible mark for their moments of magic, inspiration or feats.

Full list of IRB Awards winners

IRB Player of the Year – Thierry Dusautoir
IRB Team of the Year – New Zealand
IRB Coach of the Year – Graham Henry
IRB Junior Player of the Year – George Ford, England
IRB Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Cecil Afrika, South Africa
IRB Women’s Personality of the Year – Ruth Mitchell
IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service – Keith Lawrence
Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – Jock Hobbs
IRB Development Award – Rookie Rugby
IRB Spirit of Rugby Award – Wooden Spoon
IRPA Special Merit Award – George Smith, Australia
IRPA Try of the Year – Radike Samo, Australia v New Zealand

IRB Hall of Fame inductees – Dr Roger Vanderfield, Richard Littlejohn, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, John Kendall-Carpenter, David Kirk, Sir Brian Lochore, Nick Farr-Jones, Bob Dwyer, Francois Pienaar, Kitch Christie, Rod Macqueen, Martin Johnson CBE, Sir Clive Woodward OBE, John Smit, Jake White, Gareth Rees, Agustín Pichot, Brian Lima and Jonah Lomu.

Note: John Eales, the 1999-winning captain, was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2007.

South Africa got out of jail after a sterling performance from Wales, who can consider themselves unlucky not to have won a close encounter that the World Cup holders only managed to win in the dying minutes of the game.

Wales took a 16-10 lead after 54 minutes when Toby Faletau burst through a tiring South African defence to score Wales’s only try, but it was an early score from Steyn that set the scene for the biggest mugging in the tournament so far.

In the opening minutes, Wales seemed surprised at the ferocity of the South African attack and conceded a well worked try in the right hand corner. Frans Steyn was the recipient of a passing move that had Wales’s defence at sixes and sevens and he fended off Hook and Williams to open the scoring.

The ease with which South Africa scored their first try seemed to emphasise the difference between winners and also-rans; portentously setting the scene for an intriguing game that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

To their credit Wales took the set-back with equanimity and fought back, securing most of the possession and territory for nearly all the game. James Hook dealt with the swirling wind and the erratic trajectory of the new ball well, scoring three penalties to South Africa’s one to keep Wales in contention.

Then in a moment of drama, just six minutes short of the hour, Faletau burst through the South African defence and touched down for a well deserved try to give Wales the lead. At this point, Wales looked home and hosed, with the South Africans puffing and panting after defending for most of the game.

South Africa are not the World Champions for nothing though and they fought back in the last ten minutes to score an unopposed try from replacement Hougaard. Wales will rue this defensive lapse, because it cost them the game and despite a Priestland drop goal attempt that drifted well wide, the Welsh could not find the resources to claw back the lead.

Earlier in the game, James Hook controversially had a penalty disallowed that would have been a game winner had it been allowed. The ball seemed to be drifting wide of the posts when it veered back in. Referee Barnes adjudged that it had not been a goal, but declined the opportunity to allow the TMO to view a TV replay that may well have had a different perspective on the incident.

Plucky losers again

Once again Wales have walked away from a test match they should have worn wearing the mantle of “plucky losers”. Despite this, Wales can be justifiably proud of their efforts against South Africa, winning everything but the points on the board; they proved that they have arrived on the international scene with a bang.

Thinus Delport said of the game: “That’s the difference between a very good team and World Champions. We got two chances and made them count.”

Wales failed to make numerous try scoring opportunities count; simply because when the chips were down, the South African defence made their efforts count. The same in attack, when they needed to score, they knew how to do it and put the points on the board.

Make no mistake though; this was a huge step forward for the men in red. Once, cruelly regarded as the “village idiots” of World Rugby, Wales can now rightly say they are amongst the best teams out there. Certainly, no Northern Hemisphere team should hold any fear for Gatland’s men. On this kind of form they could easily put away any of the six nations sides and should give the three giants of the Southern Hemisphere a good game perhaps even beating them in the right circumstances.

Wales are not world beaters yet, but they have the makings of a team than can compete with the very best. Once they get the kind of mentality that makes the difference between winners and losers, they can go on with confidence that they can compete with the best and with a youthful team, they can look forward to a bright future.

Narrow failures can be turned into successes and this is the task of coach Gatland over the next few days as the team focuses on Samoa, the bête noir of Welsh rugby. Samoa have a habit of beating bigger teams and they do not come much bigger than Australia who recently fell victim to the South Sea Islanders. Admittedly, it was a very much weakened Australia, but nevertheless they were wearing the famed gold shirts.

Wales can be confident of winning a contest that only months ago they would have looked at with trepidation for fear of an upset. Next Sunday they should secure a win and if they dominate the game in the way they did against South Africa a bonus points win is very much on the cards.

Samoa are well organised and muscular, but they lack the conditioning of Wales, whose pack should dominate possession and starve the PIs of any opportunities to release their attacking potential. Expect to see Wales cut loose in the last quarter and stick several scores on Samoa after dominating the proceedings for long periods. More of the same to come against Namibia and Fiji.

South Africa (10) 17

• Tries: F Steyn, Hougaard
  
• Cons: M Steyn 2
  
• Pen: M Steyn
  

Wales (6) 16

• Tries: Faletau
  
• Cons: Hook
  
• Pens: Hook 3
  

South Africa:

F Steyn; Pietersen, Fourie, de Villiers, Habana; M Steyn, du Preez; Mtawarira, Smit, J du Plessis, Rossouw, Matfield, Brussow, Burger, Spies.

Replacements:

James for de Villiers (24), Hougaard for Habana (61), Steenkamp for Mtawarira (55), B du Plessis for Smit (57), Muller for Matfield (44), Alberts for Spies (57).

Not Used:

van der Linde.

Wales:

Hook; North, J Davies, Roberts, Shane Williams; Priestland, Phillips; James, Bennett, Adam Jones, Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau.

Replacements:

B Davies for Alun Wyn Jones (66).

Not Used:

Burns, Bevington, Powell, Knoyle, Scott Williams, Halfpenny.

The Wales side to face South Africa shows just three personnel changes from that which defeated the 2007 RWC finalists by 19–9 in the pre-tournament warm-up match in Cardiff on Saturday 13th August.

Up front Ospreys pair Huw Bennett and Adam Jones come into the front row to replace Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns and Exeter Chiefs bound prop Craig Mitchell respectively, with Burns moving to the bench.

In the backs Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies continues his established midfield partnership with Jamie Roberts (Blues), a combination that was temporarily split up in that England match to accommodate the now injured Gavin Henson.

Davies and Roberts were reunited a week later when Wales beat Argentina (28-13)at the Millennium Stadium in their final match on home soil before leaving for New Zealand, a match which also featured Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny, Scarlets scrum-half Tavis Knoyle, Blues second row Bradley Davies and, from the bench, Ospreys prop Ryan Bevington.

Halfpenny, Knoyle, Davies and Bevington all join Burns in providing cover from the bench against the Springboks and are joined by Scarlets centre Scott Williams, Sales Sharks back row Andy Powell.

Bayonne-bound scrum-half Mike Phillips reforms his half-back partnership with Scarlet Rhys Priestland. An exciting back three of James Hook (Perpignan), George North (Scarlets) and Shane Williams (Ospreys) completes the backline.

Up front the established back row of captain Sam Warburton (Blues), Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau (Dragons) is retained, another Dragon Luke Charteris partners Osprey Alun Wyn Jones at lock and prop Paul James (Ospreys) completes the starting line-up.

“We are looking to get our World Cup campaign off to a winning start,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

“If you get the world champions in your pool you want to play them first up and throw everything you’ve got at them.

“We’ve got the toughest group in the competition, but we know if we can come through we will be in good shape.  The players have done everything we have asked of them so far, they have worked incredibly hard.”

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

REPLACEMENTS: Lloyd Burns, Ryan Bevington, Bradley Davies, Andy Powell, Tavis Knoyle, Scott Williams, Leigh Halfpenny

BIOGS

15 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 54 caps (W 23, L 29, D 2; 303 pts – 12T, 39C, 51PG, 4DG)
14 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 2, L 5, D 1; 30 pts – 6T)
13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs
International record: 14 caps (W 7, L 7; 10 pts – 2T)
12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057
DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 32 caps (W 15, L 17; 10 pts – 2T)
11 Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976
DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7” / 1.71m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs
International record: 81 caps (W 39, L 40, D 2; 270 pts – 54T)
10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080
DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
International record: 4 caps (W 2, L 2; 10 pts – 2C, 2PG)
9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022
DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
International record: 54 caps (W 25, L 27, D 2; 30 pts – 6T)
1 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021
DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
International record: 26 caps (W 10, L 15, D 1)
2 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017
DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0” / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs
International record: 42 caps (W 20, L 21, D 1)
3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018
DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs
International record: 70 caps (W 32, L 35, 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: 25 caps (W 12, L 13)
5 Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5” / 1.96m. 18st 10lbs / 119kgs
International record: 52 caps (W 21, L 31; 30 pts – 6T)
6 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071
DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 17st 10lbs / 112kgs
International record: 14 caps (W 6, L 7, D 1)
7 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, – Cap No 1,070 – CAPTAIN)
DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2”. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs
International record: 17 caps (W 8, L 9; 5 pts – 1T)
8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 1, L 2)
REPLACEMENTS:
16 Ryan BEVINGTON (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,081)
DoB: 9.12.88. 6’0”/1.82m. 17st 2lb/109kgs
International record: 4 caps (W 2, L 2)
17 Lloyd BURNS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,085)
DoB: 09.12.84. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 1, L 2)
18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6” / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
International record: 24 caps (W 10, L 13, D 1)
19 Andy POWELL (SALE SHARKS – Cap No 1,061)
DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4” / 1.94m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 18 caps (W 9, L 9; 5 pts – 1T)
20 Tavis KNOYLE (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,076)
DoB: 02.06.90. 6’1” / 1.85m. 14st 5lbs / 91kgs
International record: 5 caps (W 2, L 3)
21 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs
International record: International record: 4 caps (W 2, L 2)
22 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs
International record: 20 caps (W 8, L 12; 62 pts – 7T, 9PG)

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.

Starting XV:

1.         Tony Woodcock (74)

2.         Keven Mealamu – captain (84)

3.         John Afoa (32)

4.         Samuel Whitelock (16)

5.         Ali Williams (64)

6.         Jerome Kaino (40)

7.         Adam Thomson (20)

8.         Liam Messam (8)

9.         Jimmy Cowan (46)

10.       Colin Slade (4)

11.       Hosea Gear (7)

12.       Sonny Bill Williams (6)

13.       Richard Kahui (11)

14.       Isaia Toeava (30)

15.       Israel Dagg (6)

Reserves:

16.       Andrew Hore (53)

17.       Ben Franks (10)

18.       Jarrad Hoeata (2)

19.       Victor Vito (6)

20.       Andy Ellis (19)

21.       Piri Weepu (47)

22.       Cory Jane (23)

Number of Test caps in brackets

The squad is:

Forwards: John Afoa, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Jarrad Hoeata *, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson, Samuel Whitelock, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock and Victor Vito.

Backs: Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Hosea Gear, Zac Guildford, Richard Kahui, Cory Jane, Ma’a Nonu, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu and Sonny Bill Williams.

The squad is made up of 13 forwards and 12 backs and will be captained by 84–Test hooker Keven Mealamu.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: “As with any All Blacks side, the coaches and players set high expectations and the squad which is heading to South Africa is no different.”

“There is real excitement amongst the squad.  We have players returning from injury who will be playing for the All Blacks for the first time this year, while others will be looking to take the opportunity to stake a further claim in the black jersey and ensure selection in the Rugby World Cup, so we will have a team which is hungry to play well.”

The All Blacks squad leaves for South Africa tomorrow. Meanwhile, Israel Dagg and Zac Guildford will stay home an extra day to play for Hawke’s Bay in their ITM Cup match against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua tomorrow, and travel to South Africa on Sunday morning.

24–year–old Vito, who played six Tests for the All Blacks in 2010, will this morning assemble with squad members who are arriving in Auckland today for a two–day camp to prepare for the final two Investec Tri Nations Tests against South Africa in Port Elizabeth and Australia in Brisbane.

The squad which will travel to South Africa will be named tomorrow.  The squad departs on Saturday.