Filed under: Rugby Union, Rugby World Cup, Internationals, England Rugby
The 2011 World Cup begins on Friday and in our final home nations preview, we look at England - whose fans are quietly confident of making it to the latter stages of the tournament, even after manager Martin Johnson's repeated refrains insisting the squad is still a work in progress.Their record in World Cups is enviable, having made it to the final last time out, following Jonny Wilkinson's last-gasp kick to win the tournament four years previously.
But the big question is can they go all the way to the final again? If they make it past likely quarter final opponents France and either Australia or South Africa in the semis, there will be a certain team in black awaiting them in the final...
ENGLAND:
Coach: Martin Johnson
Captain: Lewis Moody
Odds: 12-1
Pedigree: Winners 2003, Final 1991, 2007; Semi finals 1995, Quarter-final 1987, 1999
One to watch: Manu Tuilagi - the Samoan-born centre looks to be the answer to England's problems in midfield and has a devastating combination of bulk and pace. But, as England team mate Chris Ashton will attest to, he also has a short fuse.
Key game: Argentina, Sept 10 (Dunedin)
VERDICT:
The intervening years since the last World Cup have been intriguing for England, if a little disappointing in terms of success.
Martin Johnson has steadied the side since the loss to South Africa in the 2007 final, while taking the team forward in incremental steps. The patience of the manager looked to have paid off last autumn and in the beginning of this year's Six Nations, as a new, enterprising style of play began to emerge.
But then came a dour win over Scotland and a wake-up call against Ireland - and Johnson has gone back to Plan A, with a platform of a bruising pack and a similarly massive backline.
Johnson, the stoic figure that led England to World Cup victory in 2003, has assembled a squad in his own image, with the intention of snuffing out opposition sides rather than dazzling with new-age running rugby.
As he put it before his team jetted off to New Zealand: if it works, he will be hailed as a genius. If it doesn't, he will look stupid. The jury is out on which way his team will head.
One who is confident England have what it takes is Wilkinson, who is involved in his fourth successive World Cup. He has shaken off the self-inflicted pressure to be the best and having seemingly reinstated himself as first-choice fly-half, is remarkably relaxed ahead of the tournament.
He said: "Looking around this squad, we should have confidence that we can be among that group. And when you are in that group, anything is possible. But When you come to New Zealand you've got to bring the best you've got otherwise you're going to get hurt."
FANHOUSE PREDICTS:
Semi-finals.
THE REST OF THE POOL:
SCOTLAND:
Star man: Chris Paterson
Aside from the motivation gained through the intense rivalry with England - with ex-Red Rose coach Andy Robinson wanting to show England how far he has come - Scotland's main objective will be to beat Argentina, their main rivals for a spot in the knockout stages.
Pool prediction: Second.
GEORGIA:
Star man: Goderdzi Shvelidze
They were termed minnows in the last World Cup, but Ireland found out in their narrow win in 2007 they have an intimidating scrum. England hooker Steve Thompson admitted they could spring a surprise or two, having played against some of the side at club level in France - where no less than nine of the squad play in the Top 14.
Pool prediction: fourth
ARGENTINA:
Star man: Felipe Contepomi
It is a crying shame that they have not been given the resources to develop further after their third-place finish in 2007 - where they beat hosts France in the opening fixture, as well as the third-place play-off. But they will still have their eye on a place in the quarter finals and have more than a puncher's chance.
Pool prediction: third
ROMANIA:
Star man: Ovidiu Tonita
Became the 20th and final qualifier when they beat Uruguay in November last year. They have appeared at every World Cup so far, winning five of their 20 games. Few would bet against them finishing bottom of this pool, however, especially after star winger Catalin Fercu withdrew from the tournament citing a fear of flying.
Pool prediction: fifth.
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