RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019
20 September – 2 November in Japan
The ninth Rugby World Cup gets under way in Japan today. It’s the first time the tournament will be held in Asia, but the usual countries are expected to dominate the event.
Scotland’s campaign gets underway on Sunday, and their opening fixture couldn’t come any tougher – we face the team who currently top the world rankings, Ireland.
The result of this game could well determine just how far Scotland progress in the tournament. Victory, and the likelihood of topping the group, would see Scotland enjoying an easier run to progress in the tournament – in theory at least!
Scotland’s best RWC performance was a semi-final appearance back in 1991 and we would do well to repeat that achievement – elimination at the quarter final stage would seem more realistic.
Who will win it? There is currently no one dominant force in world rugby and the tournament is more open than it’s ever been, with five or perhaps six teams capable of winning the Web Ellis Trophy.
World number one Ireland, South Africa, Wales and current holders New Zealand all have sound claims and Australia can never be written off.
And of course, there’s England …
Russia and Japan get the tournament under way this morning – and I confidently predict that neither of these nations will be lifting the trophy on 2nd November!
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