The World Cup 2019
The World Cup 2019
ENGLAND
IRELAND
Coming off the back of a fantastic run of results and
as reigning Six Nations Champions a lot was expected
of Ireland this season. Their hopes of back-to-back
In the Six Nations England proved that they can
produce some outstanding rugby and their Plan A will
cause any team problems. Their capitulation against
Scotland and defeat to Wales raised questions about
their game management and ability to adapt to a
situation however and not for the first time.
They are also still searching for the correct balance
between their kicking and running games. Kicking
almost constantly against France worked brilliantly but
when the same tactic failed against Wales they stuck
to the tactic and eventually lost.
Overall, England can take many positives from
their Six Nations performances but they need to find
answers to a couple of major questions if they are not
to flatter to deceive at the World Cup. With Summer
fixtures against Wales (twice), Ireland and Italy before
the competition starts they still have time to solve their
problems.
Grandslams were quickly extinguished when they
succumbed to defeat to England in their first match
and the team now finds itself being questioned for the
first time in a while.
One of the biggest areas of concern may have
been the ball carrying options. They appeared to lose
the breakdown battle in both the England and Wales
matches but if your carriers are not able to get over the
gain line then your forwards are on a bit of a hiding to
nothing as we saw with England last year.
Elsewhere, both their half backs seemed a little off
colour but players of Murray and Sexton’s quality are
sure to come good as long as they stay fit and again, with
more front foot ball their perceived underperformance
will quickly disappear. With this in mind, it will not take
much for Ireland to re-establish themselves as a major
threat when the World Cup comes around.
Ireland will be looking to bounce back and shaking
off the tag of being one of the pre-tournament
favourites may just turn out to suit the team.
The World Cup Groups
18 Issue 85
Group A Group B Group C Group D
Ireland
Scottland
Japan
Russia
Samoa New Zealand
South Africa
Italy
Namibia
Canada England
France
Argentina
United States
Tonga Wales
Australia
Georgia
Fiji
Uruguay