Finally, it’s Rugby World Cup time! Four years on from New Zealand surprising no one by triumphing on home soil, this year’s edition is offering up one of the most intriguing events in recent memory.
Giving you even more reason to celebrate, Esquire Middle East will be teaming up with the fine people at the Manzil Downtown Dubai hotel and Eden Park throughout the tournament, to give you the chance to win various prizes including free meals at Nezesaussi Grill and Dhs 4,000 off Eden Park clothing. Aren’t we sweet.
With the first match [England vs Fiji] on Friday September 18th, the anticipation here at the Esquire office is steadily building. All week we’ve been throwing around (seemingly) endless rhetorical questions: Can England win on home soil?; Can Wales overcome their recent injury troubles?; Will the All Blacks steamroll all that is laid before them?; Does Namibia even have enough people to field a full team?
Full disclosure, we have no idea what the answers to those questions are, but below you’ll find a few people that know a thing or two:
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Name: Matt Burke
Allegiance: Australia
Who he?: Capped 81 times for Australia (scoring 878 points); Winner of the World Cup 1999
Who will win?
The All Blacks are the world’s top ranked team so it is hard to look past them. Although, Australia won this year’s Rugby Championship and are developing a really good culture within the team, write them off at your peril.
Who could surprise?
Ireland are going to be a crowd favourite and could go deep in this year’s Rugby World Cup. They won the 6 Nations earlier in the year, and have a very good pairing in their captain Paul O’Connell, and flyhalf Jonny Sexton.
What players will stand out?
Australia’s Israel Folau has the running ability to lift the tournament. He is the Wallabies’ go-to man. Although in Nehe Milner-Skudder, New Zealand have uncovered a true talent. He scored two tries against Australia on debut – he has amazingly fast feet and completely baffles defenders when he has the ball.
One of England, Wales and Australia will not make it out Group A. Pick one:
Home advantage for England will be huge, despite the added pressure of being the home nation. Sadly, injury to Wales’ point scoring machine Leigh Halfpenny is a massive blow and may be the reason Wales miss out.
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Name: Jim Rosenthal
Allegiance: England
Who he?: The legendary British TV presenter’s will be hosting the Rugby World Cup exclusively on OSN
Who will win?
New Zealand. We cover them regularly on OSN and they nearly always find a way to win. Since they last won time in 2011, they have only lost two games!
Who could surprise?
France could well surprise us again. Les Bleus have been woeful in recent years, but they have a formidable World Cup pedigree. They are very much a team that shows up big tournaments.
What players will stand out?
South Africa’s Jesse Kriel may only be 21, but the Bok’s coach Heyneke Meyer has already labelled him one of the most talented players he has ever coached. England captain Chris Robshaw has an incredible work rate, and with Twickenham roaring them on, I expect him to lead England deep into the tournament.
One of England, Wales and Australia will not make it out Group A. Pick one:
I think it is a blot on the tournament that one of the giants will be eliminated so early. For me Wales lack strength in depth and Halfpenny’s injury will be sorely missed.
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Name: Lewis Moody
Allegiance: England
Who he?: Played flanker 71 times for England; Winner of the World Cup 2003
Who will win?
New Zealand’s winning record is second to none. With it being Dan Carter’s and Richie Macaw’s last campaign, I can’t see those two warriors settling for anything less then a win.
Who could surprise?
The combination of home field advantage and some electrifying backs could well see England springing a surprise.I would not rule them out.
What players will stand out?
The three players I think will shine will be South Africa’s Damien de Allende, Anthony Watson of England and the Australian powerhouse Israel Folau.
One of England, Wales and Australia will not make it out Group A. Pick one:
I fear that Wales will miss out as their form has dipped in recent months and the injury to world class player Webb and Halfpenny is a big blow.