Rugby World Cup 2015: Predicting Biggest Potential Upsets
The time has come to cast a final curious gaze into our crystal ball in an attempt to foresee the route the 2015 Rugby World Cup will take, this time examining the biggest potential upsets fans may see unfold.
This doesn't mean reaching into the realm of fantasy, however. As much as some may like to see Namibia win this year's tournament, it just isn't on the cards, so we've selected a sample of storylines that are significantly more likely.
Pre-tournament analysis would have the World Cup take on a preordained path, but we've picked out a host of shock pool results that would substantially spice up the contest and rock rugby's power balance in the process.
1. Fiji Take the Reins in Pool of Death
1 of 5
Starting with what is probably the most talked-about aspect of the World Cup pool stage this year, some would have it that Fiji's fate is already sealed in a Pool A that also happens to contain Australia, Wales and hosts England.
Of course, one could call it an even greater upset to see apparent also-rans Uruguay make it to the quarter-finals, but that hardly seems a notion worth entertaining, cynicism be damned.
However, after routing Canada 47-18 in their final warm-up match, this talented Fijian side is showing the means to challenge more than some might predict, and Rugby World's Paul Williams sees them claiming a big scalp.
Not only would it be pleasing to see Stephen Betham's side beat one of the top five-ranked teams in their way, but what a result it be for rugby's balance if the Pacific Island underdogs climbed to top the lot.
It all starts with a demanding opener against hosts, highly tipped England, but is it unthinkable for a nervous Red Rose to fall in front of an opponent playing without the burden of expectation?
2. Scotland Miss out on Quarter-Final Slot
2 of 5
Scotland missed out on the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history four years ago. They have been handed a fairly favourable draw in Pool B, where they'll be considered second-favourites to advance.
That's thanks to the presence of Southern Hemisphere titans and two-time World Cup winners South Africa. Samoa, Japan and the United States will be looked upon as outsiders to progress.
The difference between this year and 2011 is that England and Argentina presented two very real pool threats, but experienced coach Vern Cotter should be looking upon every enemy beside the Springboks as easy prey.
The Scots have a certain dignity at stake as one of the only two Tier 1 nations in Pool B, and anything but a top-two drive would surely be considered an embarrassment for Cotter and co.
3. Argentina Record Maiden All Blacks Victory
3 of 5
Argentina have met New Zealand on 21 occasions to date, conceding a total of 855 points in that time—an average of just below 41 points—while scoring just 278 of their own—an average of just above 13 points.
The Southern Hemisphere pair have been matched up in Pool C, and they are seen as the most likely duo to book quarter-final spots. Pumas coach Daniel Hourcade will hold onto the notion that his side can turn up for the books and clinch their first win over the All Blacks.
After all, what better time to do it than when the reigning world champions are being viewed as all but in the final eight already? Hourcade is no stranger to Steve Hansen's men at this point and recently told Reuters his men are ready to offer stiffer competition than the side that lost 39-18 in this year's Rugby Championship (h/t the Sydney Morning Herald):
"We only had a short time together, a short time to prepare. Many [Pumas] players came from Europe and were starting their season. This team is in a different moment than in Christchurch.
For us it is the same...doesn't matter if it's the first game or final group game. The All Blacks are always the All Blacks. They are the best team in the world. No surprises. ... They cannot surprise you but they are the best.
"
Argentina take on New Zealand on Sunday in what should be a high-profile opener for both teams, but there won't be many looking past a victory for the tournament favourites.
That being said, the Pumas followed up 2014's maiden Rugby Championship win over Australia with their first win against South Africa this year, with New Zealand the last box in need of checking.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Italy Buck French Trend Sans Sergio Parisse
4 of 5
Even with their Captain Fantastic, Sergio Parisse, leading the troops, Italy haven't been able to boast of much good fortune in recent years, making his absence for Saturday's opener against France that much more worrying.
BBC Sport reported a haematoma on Parisse's left calf would keep him sidelined for the clash, and after the Azzurri fell 29-0 at home to Les Bleus in March, their hopes for an opening-game victory look slight to say the least.
Italy have beaten France three times in their 36 meetings, triumphing by small margins in 2011 and 2013, but both of those wins came in Rome, and Jacques Brunel's side may not have the same advantages at Twickenham.
Parisse's eventual return may not make Italy better as a unit, but the lack of his star presence will significantly weaken the Azzurri, and it's terribly hard to envision France failing to get their tournament under way without a win.
5. Springboks Fail to Capture 'Straightforward' Pool B Perch
5 of 5
As touched upon in our discussion of a possible Scottish tragedy, South Africa are widely expected to sweep aside the other Pool B contenders and face off against the runner-up of Pool A in the quarters.
Some may not look upon a Springboks disappointment as all that unlikely following their winless Rugby Championship campaign, but their first-round World Cup foes are hardly as talented as that tournament's combatants.
Former Springboks flanker Wayne Fyvie recently told SA Rugby Magazine that "anything less than top spot is unacceptable." One would guess coach Heyneke Meyer is thinking along the same lines.
Pool B is a strange one, however, in that there are no truly easy teams; Japan, Samoa and the United States all have their star talents, so perhaps the outcome isn't as settled as South Africa fans may like to think.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
