by Dugald Skene
The 'Brother Bowl'. The 'Har-Bowl'. However the 47th edition of the NFL season finale is to be coined, the outcome is far more of an unknown.
The 49ers have the perfect 5-0 Super Bowl record. They haven't been there for 18 years, and they will be desperate to complete their self proclaimed 'Quest for Six'.
That said, the Ravens have the momentum, beating bitter AFC rivals the Broncos and the Patriots on the road on their way to New Orleans.
This one will be close, but for me the game will come down to 3 distinct aspects.
1. Joe Flacco vs The 49er Secondary
Ravens quarterback Flacco has thrown 8 touchdowns with no interceptions in this postseason. He only needs one more TD pass to equal four time Super Bowl winner Joe Montana's NFL record of 9-0 in a postseason run.
Flacco has more than his fair share of detractors, all of whom claim he cannot be considered an 'elite' QB. The fact is this overhauled Ravens offense, run by coordinator Jim Caldwell, plays to Flacco's strengths. One of those big weapons is the cannon in his right arm.
Flacco has demonstrated with lethal effectiveness the deep ball, exposing the secondaries of each of their conquered opponents. To pull off the deep pass, he needs the guys to pass to and in wide receivers Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones he has willing runners.
The 49er safeties Trenton Robinson, Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner will have their work cut out to avoid joining the likes of the Broncos' Champ Bailey on the roster of embarrassed defensive secondaries.
2. Ray Rice vs the 49ers Linebackers
In Ray Rice, the Ravens have a wise head on still very strong legs, playing as well as he ever has in his career. With the available combinations for Flacco between the wide receivers, Anquan Boldin through the middle and Rice in the back field, the 49ers defensive line and linebackers will have to be on the ball to stop the running back making significant yards.
The revered San Francisco defence allowed only around 15 points per game up until week 14. From week 15 and through the playoffs, that has shot up to 28.8 yards. Above all, they have struggled to stop the run and OC Jim Caldwell and Ray Rice will see that weakness and look to expose it. Expect a strong running game from both sides, but Sunday night might be very special for Rice.
3. Colin Kaepernick vs the Ravens Defence
Not a lot more can be said about this Ravens defence. The return of talisman, inspiration and all round tackle machine Ray Lewis has transformed the fortunes of the Ravens through the postseason following very indifferent form after week 9.
But it isn't just one man. Terrell Suggs has improved his fitness since his return and is resembling the sort of form that saw him claim the defensive player of the year award in 2011. Other linebackers Paul Kruger and Courteney Upshaw have shone as the season has gone on, as well as Ray Lewis' protoge Dannell Ellerbe. Oh yeah, and if the 49ers get round them, they need to watch out for veteran safety Ed Reed. It is one formidable unit.
But the 49ers have an offense that the Ravens haven't yet come across this season, and it all revolves around sensational young quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Much was made about the replacement of starting QB Alex Smith with Kaepernick, but Jum Harbaugh's decision has been vindicated as his young number 7 has guided his team to the Super Bowl.
Kaepernick has it all, and can adjust to what is in front of him. Against Green Bay, he rushed for an all time NFL record of 181 yards, exposing the Packers deficiencies in defence and inability to stop the run. But against Atlanta in the NFC championship game, he ran very little and used his incredibly accurate arm to dissect the Falcons defence.
I expect he will run more against the Ravens, but not necessarily out of choice but necessity as the Ravens defence will put big pressure on the 49ers offensive line. Combined with RB Frank Gore, San Fran could rack up a lot of rushing yards, looking to stretch the likes of ageing top tackler Ray Lewis to tire him out as the game goes on.
Whatever happens in Super Bowl XLVII, it's sure to be a close fought and brutal fight. Both teams have defences that rank near the very top in the last decade or so, and whichever one gets on top in the game, particularly with turnovers, will likely claim the Lombardi Trophy
Friday, 1 February 2013
NFL Franchise In UK Closer Than Ever
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has intimated stronger than ever that the opportunity for the creation of an NFL franchise based in the UK is as possible as it ever has been.
Speaking at his annual pre-Super Bowl press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, Goodell was reacting to the positive news that both games set to be played at Wembley in 2013 have sold out, more than 9 months in advance.
"I think the message is very clear. We've got passionate fans that love the NFL in the UK," said Goodell.
2013 is the first year that 2 regular season games will be hosted at Wembley, representing home fixtures for the Minnesota Vikings and the Jackson Jaguars, the latter having committed to playing a game at Wembley in each season up to 2016.
The response to having two games could not have been more positive in the UK, with general admission tickets selling out within a week. The message to Goodell seems clear.
"We're always asking what is the next step after two games," he continued. "Do we move to three, do we try something else? How do we continue to celebrate the growth of the game in the UK? But I think from the positive reaction from the fans, that our ownership understands that this is a market in which we need to be more active."
Goodell's comments are the latest from a number of high profile and powerful players in the NFL. Last summer, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft also seemed very positive about opening up America's game beyond it's own borders.
It is generally accepted in the UK that the core fan base may have to expand to justify a sustainable franchise on this side of the pond. The NFL UK currently has over one third of a million registered members, and growing. The magic one million would most likely represent a more realistic number to represent the kind of interest to warrant a UK franchise.
It may be a few years yet before anything like this happens. In the meantime, UK and European fans have to keep expressing a demand to have fixtures over here to keep sending a strong message to that States that the option is a viable one. It seems that that message is starting to get through to those who can make the difference
Speaking at his annual pre-Super Bowl press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, Goodell was reacting to the positive news that both games set to be played at Wembley in 2013 have sold out, more than 9 months in advance.
"I think the message is very clear. We've got passionate fans that love the NFL in the UK," said Goodell.
2013 is the first year that 2 regular season games will be hosted at Wembley, representing home fixtures for the Minnesota Vikings and the Jackson Jaguars, the latter having committed to playing a game at Wembley in each season up to 2016.
The response to having two games could not have been more positive in the UK, with general admission tickets selling out within a week. The message to Goodell seems clear.
"We're always asking what is the next step after two games," he continued. "Do we move to three, do we try something else? How do we continue to celebrate the growth of the game in the UK? But I think from the positive reaction from the fans, that our ownership understands that this is a market in which we need to be more active."
Goodell's comments are the latest from a number of high profile and powerful players in the NFL. Last summer, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft also seemed very positive about opening up America's game beyond it's own borders.
It is generally accepted in the UK that the core fan base may have to expand to justify a sustainable franchise on this side of the pond. The NFL UK currently has over one third of a million registered members, and growing. The magic one million would most likely represent a more realistic number to represent the kind of interest to warrant a UK franchise.
It may be a few years yet before anything like this happens. In the meantime, UK and European fans have to keep expressing a demand to have fixtures over here to keep sending a strong message to that States that the option is a viable one. It seems that that message is starting to get through to those who can make the difference
Sunday, 13 January 2013
Kaepernick Breaks Records To Beat Packers
by Dugald Skene
NFL Playoffs
Green Bay Packers 31-45 San Francisco 49ers
Jim Harbaugh can finally feel justified.
His decision to start young quarterback Colin Kaepernick instead of the established and perfectly satisfactory Alex Smith paid off last night as Kaepernick broke NFL records as he led his San Francisco 49ers team to a 45-31 win in his first ever playoff game.
Lets get to the point: Kaepernick rushed for 181 yards from 16 attempts (including 2 kneel downs) and 2 touchdowns. He also threw for an additional 263 yards from 31 attempts and 2 TDs. In short, Kaepernick gained more yards than the whole Packers team.
No quarterback has ever rushed for 181 yards in any NFL game, ever. Kaepernick did it in his first playoff game, and only 8th start.
The 49ers now go on to the NFC Championship game to take on the winner of the Falcons - Seahawks, the same stage that Alex Smith led them to last year. Can Colin Kaepernick take them that step further and lead them to New Orleans? Given the way he showed up last night, I certainly won't be betting against him.
Thursday, 13 December 2012
SPOTY 2012: Who Will Win It?
by Dugald Skene
Who will win Sports Personality of the Year 2012?
This year, it's a tantalising choice and given my correct prediction of Mark Cavendish last year, I have a record to keep intact.
Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that in an iconic year for UK sport, the standard has been raised across the board, with all but one of the nominees (Rory McIlroy) taking part in the Olympics and succeeding in at least one aspect.
So it's with this in mind that in a historical year for UK sport, only a truly historic achievement should merit the award. This, for me, boils it down to two candidates.
I am not trying to downplay the achievements of any of the nominees. Winning one, two or even more Olympic medals is simply phenomenal and will see their names rightfully entered into the annals of triumphant sporting history. But for Bradley Wiggins and Andy Murray, they not only achieved that Olympic success, but did something that no Brit has done in either 7 decades or ever.
Ironically, of the 12 nominees, these two have perhaps the least publicly perceived 'personality' of the lot. Both quiet men, they look as uncomfortable in front of a camera as each other, but equally and clearly passionate about what they do, even if they can't convey particularly well through a TV set.
Take Andy Murray. For years he has been the 'almost but not quite' guy - the Colin Montgomerie of tennis. One member of the greatest quartet of players to be playing the game in the same era, until this summer he was the only one of the four never to have won a Grand Slam. 3 finals had been and gone and Murray was being tagged with the frustrating and frankly patronising labels assigned to not just losers, but British sporting losers - 'brave' and 'courageous'. It was never 'winner' or 'heroic'.
His success at the US Open this year not only merits recognition because he is the first British male in 76 years to win a major singles title, but because he has never stopped trying. Like all the very best sportsmen and women, he has a never say die attitude and has never openly doubted himself and his abilities while others around him and in the media may have. In a sport that relies so heavily on psychology as well as the fine combination of endurance and technical ability, Andy Murray has proved himself to be one of the greatest sportsman of his generation this country has produced.
Similarly, Bradley Wiggins' achievements in winning this years Tour de France have been borne out of disappointment in previous years. In 2011, he was tipped for the top before a crash and broken collarbone ruled him out of contention while he was sitting 3rd in the general classification.
This year, he came back fitter and stronger than ever, and with a team of the very best around him, led by coach Dave Brailsford. In the run up to the Tour, Wiggins and Team Sky had swept all before them, most notably the Paris-Nice and the Criterium de Dauphine, the winner of which is usually successful in the Tour later in the year. The first Brit to ever win the Tour in it's 99 year history, he has achieved an even higher level legendary status in British cycling.
His gold medal in the Olympic road time trial less than 2 weeks after the conclusion of the Tour confirmed him as the world's best at that discipline, and as the best all round cyclist in the world this year.
These two men have achieved far more than just Olympic success this year, they have created British sporting history. For me, it's a two horse race for the grand prize this weekend but I struggle to pick between them. My Scottish bias errs me towards Murray, but my years of fondly watching the Tour since I was a boy on holiday in France (even going to see the famous Mont Ventoux stage of 1994 live) mean I have a soft spot for Wiggins.
If pushed, I would say Wiggins might just take it. Of course, this all may be academic and neither one will take the glory. We'll just have to tune in and see.
Sports Personality of the Year 2012 Nominees:
Nicola Adams
Ben Ainslie
Jessica Ennis
Mo Farah
Katherine Grainger
Sir Chris Hoy
Rory McIlroy
Andy Murray
Ellie Simmonds
Sarah Storey
David Weir
Bradley Wiggins
Who will win Sports Personality of the Year 2012?
This year, it's a tantalising choice and given my correct prediction of Mark Cavendish last year, I have a record to keep intact.
Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that in an iconic year for UK sport, the standard has been raised across the board, with all but one of the nominees (Rory McIlroy) taking part in the Olympics and succeeding in at least one aspect.
So it's with this in mind that in a historical year for UK sport, only a truly historic achievement should merit the award. This, for me, boils it down to two candidates.
I am not trying to downplay the achievements of any of the nominees. Winning one, two or even more Olympic medals is simply phenomenal and will see their names rightfully entered into the annals of triumphant sporting history. But for Bradley Wiggins and Andy Murray, they not only achieved that Olympic success, but did something that no Brit has done in either 7 decades or ever.
Ironically, of the 12 nominees, these two have perhaps the least publicly perceived 'personality' of the lot. Both quiet men, they look as uncomfortable in front of a camera as each other, but equally and clearly passionate about what they do, even if they can't convey particularly well through a TV set.
Take Andy Murray. For years he has been the 'almost but not quite' guy - the Colin Montgomerie of tennis. One member of the greatest quartet of players to be playing the game in the same era, until this summer he was the only one of the four never to have won a Grand Slam. 3 finals had been and gone and Murray was being tagged with the frustrating and frankly patronising labels assigned to not just losers, but British sporting losers - 'brave' and 'courageous'. It was never 'winner' or 'heroic'.
Andy Murray winning the US Open
His success at the US Open this year not only merits recognition because he is the first British male in 76 years to win a major singles title, but because he has never stopped trying. Like all the very best sportsmen and women, he has a never say die attitude and has never openly doubted himself and his abilities while others around him and in the media may have. In a sport that relies so heavily on psychology as well as the fine combination of endurance and technical ability, Andy Murray has proved himself to be one of the greatest sportsman of his generation this country has produced.
Similarly, Bradley Wiggins' achievements in winning this years Tour de France have been borne out of disappointment in previous years. In 2011, he was tipped for the top before a crash and broken collarbone ruled him out of contention while he was sitting 3rd in the general classification.
This year, he came back fitter and stronger than ever, and with a team of the very best around him, led by coach Dave Brailsford. In the run up to the Tour, Wiggins and Team Sky had swept all before them, most notably the Paris-Nice and the Criterium de Dauphine, the winner of which is usually successful in the Tour later in the year. The first Brit to ever win the Tour in it's 99 year history, he has achieved an even higher level legendary status in British cycling.
Wiggins became the first Brit to win the Tour de France
His gold medal in the Olympic road time trial less than 2 weeks after the conclusion of the Tour confirmed him as the world's best at that discipline, and as the best all round cyclist in the world this year.
These two men have achieved far more than just Olympic success this year, they have created British sporting history. For me, it's a two horse race for the grand prize this weekend but I struggle to pick between them. My Scottish bias errs me towards Murray, but my years of fondly watching the Tour since I was a boy on holiday in France (even going to see the famous Mont Ventoux stage of 1994 live) mean I have a soft spot for Wiggins.
If pushed, I would say Wiggins might just take it. Of course, this all may be academic and neither one will take the glory. We'll just have to tune in and see.
Sports Personality of the Year 2012 Nominees:
Nicola Adams
Ben Ainslie
Jessica Ennis
Mo Farah
Katherine Grainger
Sir Chris Hoy
Rory McIlroy
Andy Murray
Ellie Simmonds
Sarah Storey
David Weir
Bradley Wiggins
Carlin Isles: The Fastest Man In Rugby?
by Dugald Skene
If you haven't seen it by now, check out this video of the frighteningly quick USA sevens player Carlin Isles. With that priceless ability in sevens to make something out of nothing, he is pretty special.
Unsuccessful in his quest to compete at the 100m in the Olympics, he has turned to sevens rugby in an effort to reach Rio 2016.
If you haven't seen it by now, check out this video of the frighteningly quick USA sevens player Carlin Isles. With that priceless ability in sevens to make something out of nothing, he is pretty special.
Unsuccessful in his quest to compete at the 100m in the Olympics, he has turned to sevens rugby in an effort to reach Rio 2016.
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Patriots Issue Texans With Reality Check
by Dugald Skene
Last year, the Houston Texans reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. This year, they have kicked on from that breakthrough to establish themselves as serious AFC title contenders.
The general consensus is that their run to a 11-1 record prior to this past weekend has been built on a combination of strong offence and defence, a relative rarity in the league. Consistently ranked in the top 5, if not top 3 teams in both areas in the league, Houston have seen themselves top the power rankings more than any other team this season.
The one blotch on their record came at home to a Green Bay Packers side that was coming off a run of indifferent results and languishing 3rd in the NFC North. An imperious display by QB Aaron Rodgers condemned the Texans to their only loss of 2012. The immediate reaction then was that the Texans would only face that sort of test against the top teams in the perceived stronger NFC - the Packers, Bears, 49ers et al. Given their form and their ability to dig out results in overtime as well as blow the occasional team out, the AFC title was surely only a formality, right?
Nobody told the New England Patriots.
After a shaky start in 2012, the Patriots have started to grow into the sort of perennial form that has seen them reach 5 Superbowls in the last decade or so. Under coach Bill Bellichik and led by QB Tom Brady, they are the epitomy of hardened playoff performers, and know exactly what it takes to get there, and then see it through. A trip to Foxboro to take on the Patriots is as stern a test as most will get in the NFL, and the Texans will have eyed the Monday Night Football clash as the true test to whether their aspirations of AFC glory are founded on solid ground or up in the clouds.
I'm not sure anyone expected this to be a blowout, but that's what it turned in to with Brady completing 21/35 for 296 yards and 4 touchdowns to help the Pats record a convincing 42-14 victory.
This was a reality check for the Texans. I still fully expect them to progress from last year in the playoffs and reach the AFC championship game where they are sure to meet the Patriots again. But if this dress rehearsal is anything to go by, they still have a lot of work to do.
Losses against Green Bay and now New England show that they struggle against the experienced quarterback. Both Brady & Rodgers are certain hall of famers, two of the best the league has ever seen with 4 Superbowl rings between them, but they are exactly the sort of opponent the Houston Texans will have to overcome in order to achieve their ultimate ambition.
This is a young and exciting team and one I hope to see go all the way, but for me, this year may be a little premature.
As for the Patriots, it will be hard to bet against them in the playoffs as Brady seeks that elusive 4th Superbowl ring. Just like all the best teams, their form is starting to peak at the right time. Some would argue that they want the Patriots to be beaten, just to give someone else in the AFC a go. But you have to hand it to them. The longevity and sustained success of this team, which has had it's core kept intact for 10 years now, makes them one of the all time greats, up there with the Joe Montana led 49ers team of the late 80's in my opinion.
So if that was a rehearsal for the AFC Championship game, week 15 sees the Patriots host the San Francisco 49ers in what many will predict as being the Superbowl match up in less than 2 months time. If the Patriots come through that with a win, they will be favourites to go all the way.
Last year, the Houston Texans reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. This year, they have kicked on from that breakthrough to establish themselves as serious AFC title contenders.
The general consensus is that their run to a 11-1 record prior to this past weekend has been built on a combination of strong offence and defence, a relative rarity in the league. Consistently ranked in the top 5, if not top 3 teams in both areas in the league, Houston have seen themselves top the power rankings more than any other team this season.
The one blotch on their record came at home to a Green Bay Packers side that was coming off a run of indifferent results and languishing 3rd in the NFC North. An imperious display by QB Aaron Rodgers condemned the Texans to their only loss of 2012. The immediate reaction then was that the Texans would only face that sort of test against the top teams in the perceived stronger NFC - the Packers, Bears, 49ers et al. Given their form and their ability to dig out results in overtime as well as blow the occasional team out, the AFC title was surely only a formality, right?
Nobody told the New England Patriots.
After a shaky start in 2012, the Patriots have started to grow into the sort of perennial form that has seen them reach 5 Superbowls in the last decade or so. Under coach Bill Bellichik and led by QB Tom Brady, they are the epitomy of hardened playoff performers, and know exactly what it takes to get there, and then see it through. A trip to Foxboro to take on the Patriots is as stern a test as most will get in the NFL, and the Texans will have eyed the Monday Night Football clash as the true test to whether their aspirations of AFC glory are founded on solid ground or up in the clouds.
I'm not sure anyone expected this to be a blowout, but that's what it turned in to with Brady completing 21/35 for 296 yards and 4 touchdowns to help the Pats record a convincing 42-14 victory.
Tom Brady is fired up during last night's
demolition of the Texans
This was a reality check for the Texans. I still fully expect them to progress from last year in the playoffs and reach the AFC championship game where they are sure to meet the Patriots again. But if this dress rehearsal is anything to go by, they still have a lot of work to do.
Losses against Green Bay and now New England show that they struggle against the experienced quarterback. Both Brady & Rodgers are certain hall of famers, two of the best the league has ever seen with 4 Superbowl rings between them, but they are exactly the sort of opponent the Houston Texans will have to overcome in order to achieve their ultimate ambition.
This is a young and exciting team and one I hope to see go all the way, but for me, this year may be a little premature.
As for the Patriots, it will be hard to bet against them in the playoffs as Brady seeks that elusive 4th Superbowl ring. Just like all the best teams, their form is starting to peak at the right time. Some would argue that they want the Patriots to be beaten, just to give someone else in the AFC a go. But you have to hand it to them. The longevity and sustained success of this team, which has had it's core kept intact for 10 years now, makes them one of the all time greats, up there with the Joe Montana led 49ers team of the late 80's in my opinion.
So if that was a rehearsal for the AFC Championship game, week 15 sees the Patriots host the San Francisco 49ers in what many will predict as being the Superbowl match up in less than 2 months time. If the Patriots come through that with a win, they will be favourites to go all the way.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Jason White Calls It A Day
by Dugald Skene
Jason White has called time on his professional rugby career.
In typically succinct fashion, he stated "That's me finished" as he admitted that other priorities in his life have meant that now is the right time to hang up the boots. He said "I won't be playing professional rugby again. We've just had a little girl, so I'm on daddy duty for a while, which is great."
The move brings to an end any speculation of his move to a new club, with Glasgow Warriors the team tipped to acquire his talent. "I was certainly keen on a move back to Glasgow and there were signs of interest at their end and a lot of talk in the press about it." said White. "Unfortunately, it never quite happened. I would have liked to go there, but it wasn't to be."
White, 34, played 77 times for Scotland, captaining his country on 19 of those occasions. That makes him the 6th most capped Scot of all time. He developed a bit of a cult following after he strung together a series of displays in his early career that quickly earned him the reputation as one of the biggest tacklers in world rugby. Quiet and unassuming off the pitch, he often did the best of his talking on it.
Scotland fans will fondly remember him tackling England winger Paul Sackey and driving him backwards 10 yards before unceremoniously dumping him on the deck during a Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield. But that is just one of the many that could (and have) been strung together in video reels across the internet.
Strong in the lineout and in open play, he was a talismanic leader wherever he played and he will be missed from the field of play. He has not stated what, if any ambitions he has in the game or what he might move on to next.
In the meantime, it never gets boring to remember some of those huge hits he has put in over the years, right until the end.
Jason White has called time on his professional rugby career.
In typically succinct fashion, he stated "That's me finished" as he admitted that other priorities in his life have meant that now is the right time to hang up the boots. He said "I won't be playing professional rugby again. We've just had a little girl, so I'm on daddy duty for a while, which is great."
White in full flow against Italy
The move brings to an end any speculation of his move to a new club, with Glasgow Warriors the team tipped to acquire his talent. "I was certainly keen on a move back to Glasgow and there were signs of interest at their end and a lot of talk in the press about it." said White. "Unfortunately, it never quite happened. I would have liked to go there, but it wasn't to be."
White, 34, played 77 times for Scotland, captaining his country on 19 of those occasions. That makes him the 6th most capped Scot of all time. He developed a bit of a cult following after he strung together a series of displays in his early career that quickly earned him the reputation as one of the biggest tacklers in world rugby. Quiet and unassuming off the pitch, he often did the best of his talking on it.
Scotland fans will fondly remember him tackling England winger Paul Sackey and driving him backwards 10 yards before unceremoniously dumping him on the deck during a Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield. But that is just one of the many that could (and have) been strung together in video reels across the internet.
Strong in the lineout and in open play, he was a talismanic leader wherever he played and he will be missed from the field of play. He has not stated what, if any ambitions he has in the game or what he might move on to next.
In the meantime, it never gets boring to remember some of those huge hits he has put in over the years, right until the end.
Jason White on Chris Wyles, courtesy of rugbydump.com
Monday, 3 December 2012
Scotland Drawn In Favourable Group For RWC 2015
by Dugald Skene
Scotland should come away from the Rugby World Cup draw fairly buoyant after being selected in a competitive group, but one that can be realistically overcome.
Scotland have been drawn in Pool B with South Africa, Samoa, the top qualifying Asian nation and the second top qualifying American nation.
In all likelihood, those last two places would be filled by Japan and the USA, if the rankings are anything to go by at the moment. Given recent form, both of those games would provide stern tests for the current Scotland squad.
It's by no means an easy group, clearly, but in comparison to 1 or 2 of the others, Scotland will feel relatively relieved.
Pool A sees hosts England being drawn with Wales who found themselves in the 3rd qualifying pool following their last gasp defeat to Australia, and to the Australians themselves. All three have history between each other, and it should prove to be mouth watering. England will have a clear home advantage come the World Cup, but there is no way of telling which of these three are likely to miss out on the quarter finals.
In Pool C, Webb Ellis trophy holders New Zealand have a reasonably comfortable looking group with Argentina and Tonga. As we know, the Tongans are all too able to cause an upset, but you would fully expect the All Blacks and Pumas to make the grade in this one. By the time the World Cup finally comes round, Argentina will have competed in 4 Rugby Championship's and should be a stronger team than we know today.
Pool D is all about European rivalries with France, Ireland and Italy all being drawn together. If history and 6 Nations form is anything to go by, France and Ireland would expect to graduate from this group, but both teams have history of upsets in the early stages of World Cups.
Not much can be analysed at such an early stage, and it will be another 2 years before the groups have been fully fleshed out following the conclusion of the qualifying rounds. Lots to mull over certainly, but there's a lot of rugby to be played between now and RWC 2015.
Scotland should come away from the Rugby World Cup draw fairly buoyant after being selected in a competitive group, but one that can be realistically overcome.
Scotland have been drawn in Pool B with South Africa, Samoa, the top qualifying Asian nation and the second top qualifying American nation.
In all likelihood, those last two places would be filled by Japan and the USA, if the rankings are anything to go by at the moment. Given recent form, both of those games would provide stern tests for the current Scotland squad.
It's by no means an easy group, clearly, but in comparison to 1 or 2 of the others, Scotland will feel relatively relieved.
The full draw for RWC 2015
Pool A sees hosts England being drawn with Wales who found themselves in the 3rd qualifying pool following their last gasp defeat to Australia, and to the Australians themselves. All three have history between each other, and it should prove to be mouth watering. England will have a clear home advantage come the World Cup, but there is no way of telling which of these three are likely to miss out on the quarter finals.
In Pool C, Webb Ellis trophy holders New Zealand have a reasonably comfortable looking group with Argentina and Tonga. As we know, the Tongans are all too able to cause an upset, but you would fully expect the All Blacks and Pumas to make the grade in this one. By the time the World Cup finally comes round, Argentina will have competed in 4 Rugby Championship's and should be a stronger team than we know today.
Pool D is all about European rivalries with France, Ireland and Italy all being drawn together. If history and 6 Nations form is anything to go by, France and Ireland would expect to graduate from this group, but both teams have history of upsets in the early stages of World Cups.
Not much can be analysed at such an early stage, and it will be another 2 years before the groups have been fully fleshed out following the conclusion of the qualifying rounds. Lots to mull over certainly, but there's a lot of rugby to be played between now and RWC 2015.
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