SCRUM Magazine – September 2019

SAMOA

JAPAN

RUSSIA

This year’s hosts caused one of the biggest

upsets in World Cup history four years ago when

they beat the Springboks, and it would be less of

a surprise if they notched another scalp this

time round.

Captain Michael Leitch is integral cog for the

Brave Blossoms, while they’ll rely on their

Sunwolves contingent and their experience of

Super Rugby, and the home crowd spurring them

on, if they are to make it to the knockout rounds.

SCRUM Prediction

Their pool clash against Samoa could be an

entertaining affair, while the hosts should be

assured of victory over Pool minnows Russia,

but they might run out of steam against the top

two teams in the Pool.

Traditionally the strongest of the three Pacific

island sides, the Samoans have been overtaken

by Fiji in the last few years, but gave Scotland a

scare at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and have the

individual talent to shock even the best teams

on their day.

Will benefit from the experience of Chris Latham

and Ben Afeaki in their coaching set-up, and

fans of the Gallagher Premiership will be familiar

with Newcastle prop Lugo Mulipola and Bristol’s

Jack Lam; while Scotland should know all about

Scarlets’ Kerion Fonotia and Cardiff Blues’ Rey

Lee-Lo in midfield.

SCRUM Prediction

The Samoans are strong on paper, and could

provide this World Cup with a shock or two if the

other teams in this pool aren’t at their very best.

They’ll be typically tough-tackling and look to

attack from all over the field, but a difficult draw

may count against them this time.

A first-ever appearance at the Rugby World

Cup awaits Lyn Jones’ men in Japan, but

appearing at the worldwide showpiece may

prove as good as it gets. They’re in a tough

pool, and with most of their squad plying

their trade domestically, a lot of responsibility

may fall on veteran fullback Vasily Artemyev,

once of Northampton Saints.

SCRUM Prediction

It’s difficult to see anything other than four

losses. They’ll likely put up a good fight

for the opening 40-50 minutes in matches

before their lack of top-level experience

counts against them.

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ISSUE 116 2019 • WWW.SCRUMMAGAZINE.COM • 95

RUGBY WORLD CUP - POOL GUIDE