Rugby comes home this Friday when England face Fiji at Twickenham. The eighth Rugby World Cup promises much and the group stage includes some highly anticipated matches. Here are ten.
1. England v Fiji – Friday 18th September
Make no mistake, as hosts England are under intense pressure to regain the Webb Ellis Cup they won Down Under back in 2003. That seems a long time ago and will seem even longer if they fail to get off to a good start against Fiji.
2. New Zealand v Argentina – Sunday 20th September
Obviously New Zealand remain favourites for the competition, they nearly always are, but are under a different sort of pressure defending their title. Remember, they have never won the World Cup in the Northern Hemisphere. An ever-improving Argentina will have nothing to lose.
3. New Zealand v Namibia – Thursday 24th September
Poor Namibia. Joint 5000-1 outsiders and facing the most destructive side in world rugby. This should be an absolute mauling and painful viewing, i.e. not the sort of game to play a drinking game to. Not on a Thursday anyway.
4. England v Wales – Saturday 26th September
Wales would just love to put a dampener on England’s hopes and in their own backyard to boot. If the 6 Nations are anything to go by matches between the two tend to be tight, tough and highly entertaining. More of the same please.
5. South Africa v Scotland – Saturday 3rd October
South Africa are expected to dominate Pool B and their match against Scotland should prove to be their trickiest test. Playing just over the border in Newcastle will feel almost like a home match and Scotland might have a chance.
6. England v Australia – Saturday 3rd October
Later on that Saturday is arguably the biggest game of the group stages. Having said that, this might be one of the poorest Australian sides at a World Cup and England expects a win.
7. Argentina v Tonga – Sunday 4th October
New Zealand should cruise through Pool C meaning the winners of this clash will be favourites for runners up in the group. Tonga could spring a surprise – they did beat France at this stage four years ago.
8. Australia v Wales – Saturday 10th October
Four years ago these two faced each other in the 3rd place play-off. Few would expect both teams to get that far this time round but with Pool A expected to be tight this will prove to be a vital clash.
9. Japan v USA – Sunday 11th October
No-one really expects much from either side so this should be fun. Both can play expansive rugby and the World Cup is the best stage to strut your stuff.
10. France v Ireland – Sunday 11th October
Ah, the French. On their day, unplayable, on any other day they can be diabolical. This could play into the hands of a hard-working, risk-averse Ireland team who have much to prove in the World Cup having failed to ever get past the quarter-final stage. The losers are likely to have just six days preparation to face the All Blacks in the quarter-finals. Believe me, no-one wants to face the All Blacks.
By Omar Soliman

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