Rugby world cup 2007 is now upon us. Already we have seen one of the biggest upsets in RWC history with the frogs losing to Argentina. this is just reward for a team that has consistently been in the top 8 in the world yet is unable to gain a spot playing against the top teams in the world in the 2 premier world rugby competitions ie tri-nation or 6 nations.This tournament will unearth a new group of world class superstars. As I am confidently picking a Springbok-All Black final, the majority of my players to watch will come from these two teams.
The players to watch are:
Bryan Habana (South Africa)
Blessed with blinding pace and acceleration, his all round game has been superb this year. His strong defence and ability to read the play makes him dangerous at all times. A big match winner for the Boks.
Fourie Du Preez (South Africa)
Has been superb this year for the Bulls. A class player who posesses a brilliant kicking game. This will be required to gain good field position for the Boks and take the pressure off Butch James and Andre Pretorius. His tackling and sniping breaks around the rucks will both save and score some crucial tries this tournament
Percy Montgomery (South Africa)
Has taken his game to a new level since returning to the Bok set up. Marshalls the back trio superbly and his goal kicking will keep the Bok scoreboard ticking over and ensure the momentum is maintained.
Bakkie Botha and Victor Matfield (South Africa)
The dynamic duo form the best locking pair in world rugby. Bakkies is the enforcer who is ready to explode after a quiet 12 months in which he has been used sparingly in preparation for RWC. Matfield is simply mr consistency who has a tremendous work rate and is without peer in the lineouts. Look for Matfield to compete more on opposition ball and turn the defensive Bok lineouts into an attacking ploy.
Schalk Burger (South Africa)
His workrate is tremendous. His commitment unparalled. Look for Burger to be prominent both on attack and defence doing what he does best. Simply being involved and contributing on both attack defense.
Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
Simply the strength of the New Zealand front row. They will rely on him to get a strong right shoulder and look to attack from scrums as their lineout looks a bit shaky.
Jerry Collins (New Zealand)
A hard man of world rugby. Doesn’t even need to use toilets! Maybe guys siply don’t want to get too close to tackle him, but he will make strong ball carries and get the All Blacks over the advantage line
Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Quite clearly Irish hopes rest on O’Driscoll breaking the line in midfield and setting up tries. He will have to do this against France and Argentina if they are to progress through to the quarter finals.
I am sure this torunament will offer more upsets of differing proportions. However the Springboks and All Blacks have the class and depth not to be affected like the other countries will be. I also pick Samoa to push england pretty hard for the second spot in Pool A.
