Rugby World Cup Fixtures 2015: Key Battles in Week 1 Matches

The time for holding back has almost reached its end, and Friday's opening fixture of the 2015 Rugby World Cup signals the beginning of a more serious test welcomed by the global elite.

The upper echelon of world rugby has had its experimentation period, but from this weekend onward, fans can expect to see international coaches wheeling out their big guns in force.

Among the most enticing fixtures in Week 1 sits a southern-hemisphere clash between New Zealand and Argentina, a European duel between France and Italy, along with a testing opener for hosts England, who take on Fiji.

Read on as we discuss a host of the key head-to-head battles likely to unfold over the course of the World Cup's opening week, as well as some broader matchups.

1. Louis Picamoles vs. Samuela Vunisa

As coach Philippe Saint-Andre prepares to take his leave of the national team, he'll be relying on in-form players such as Louis Picamoles if France are to have any chance of silverware this year.

Fortunately for him, BBC Sport recently reported Italy supremo Sergio Parisse would be unavailable for their opening encounter through injury. Unfortunately for him, Samuela Vunisa is a dangerous replacement himself.

The recently signed Saracens No. 8 has shown this year the same brand of free-running rugby that Picamoles has enjoyed of late, surely making for an almighty thud when these two promise to collide at Twickenham on Saturday.

Picamoles, however, has been in especially strong form recently, carrying for a combined 163 metres in his last three appearances, per ESPN Scrum—two against England and one win over Scotland—averaging almost 55 metres per game.

2. Soane Tonga'uiha vs. Davit Zirakashvili

Claude Paris/Associated Press

On paper, New Zealand and Argentina would appear to have the top two places in Group C sewn up, but Tonga and Georgia face off this Saturday in a match that could heavily influence who finishes third.

Any third-place finishers will also gain automatic qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, making this an essential tie for the pair and putting a huge emphasis on the front-row duel between Soane Tonga'uiha and Davit Zirakashvili.

Opta's Russ Petty has noted loose head Tonga'uiha as something of a World Cup specialist, with eight of his now-15 international caps having come at World Cups.

Meanwhile, ex-England prop David Flatman hailed Clermont veteran Davit Zirakashvili as one of the best prop talents in the world, and what promises to be a hugely physical meeting will rest largely on set-piece success.

3. Dane Coles vs. Agustin Creevy

Argentina captain Agustin Creevy is hoping for a repeat of previous individual success against New Zealand next Sunday, having scored a brace of tries the last time he came into contact with the All Blacks.

However, Steve Hansen's reigning world champions have a hooker threat of their own in sight after Dane Coles opened his stride during the Rugby Championship to finish the tournament with one try to his name.

There could have been a few more for the Hurricanes No. 2, and Pumas captain Creevy may have some extra work on his hands in matching Coles' work in the loose, acting more like a centre than a hooker for stretches.

Coles has been pulled up for his lineout throwing in the past, however, and Creevy has a major task on his hands if he's to inspire Daniel Hourcade's side to what would be the most dramatic of opening upsets.

4. Jonathan Joseph vs. Vereniki Goneva

Attention will inevitably gravitate toward the back lines when England host Fiji in Friday's World Cup, but it's the likely centre showdown between Jonathan Joseph and Vereniki Goneva that interests most of all.

Leicester Tigers powerhouse Goneva has come into contact with Bath marvel Joseph during his tenure as a Premiership star, but this particular head-to-head is one that could go either way on the day.

Speaking ahead of the World Cup, Joseph told of his eagerness to establish a fluent midfield partnership alongside fellow centre Brad Barritt, per Chris Hewett of the Independent:

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I feel very confident playing outside Brad and feel we can have a good relationship. You play in a lot of different centre partnerships. When I’ve been with England recently, I’ve played a lot with Luther Burrell, who is more similar to Brad than Kyle would be.

In terms of this partnership, I’ll have more of a playmaking role while Brad will be the hard runner, much like Luther. I see it is that kind of relationship, rather than Brad looking to distribute in the way Kyle does. You have to play to people’s individual strengths. Brad is a very strong carrier, very strong defensively. Me? I’ll try to get my hands on the ball.

"

England will underestimate the Flying Fijians at their own peril, as they are backed with some terrific back-line assets—including Metuisela Talebula, Waisea Nayacalevu and Nemani Nadolo, each of whom Goneva will be hoping to unleash.

While the Leicester man's attacking prowess is great, limiting Joseph should perhaps be a priority, as Stuart Lancaster's side promise to thrive should he be allowed to get up to full speed.

5. Samoa vs. United States, Back-Three Battle

Natacha Pisarenko/Associated Press

It's difficult to determine who will start where in Samoa's opening encounter against the United States on Saturday, but this has the makings of an open affair where the speedsters can hope to get a gallop on.

The Americans have captain Chris Wyles in backfield, while it's very possible Taku Ngwenya and Blaine Scully start on the wings to make up a very capable back three.

Samoa have electrifying options of their own, though, including Tim Nanai-Williams, Ken Pisi and the irrepressible Alesana Tuilagi, now 34 years of age and entering his fourth consecutive Rugby World Cup.

Both teams need their first-string stars to do the damage and capitalise upon any patches of possession in which they manage to work the ball wide, utilising their most elusive (except in Tuilagi's case) carrying threats.