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| Photo from The Telegraph |
New Zealand are favourites to win a third successive William Webb-Ellis Trophy, while 2003 champions England are second favourites.
Grand Slam Champions Wales also in contention, they were briefly the number one side in the world this year, but their best result at a World Cup is the semi-finals.
Ireland won the Six Nations last year and have moved to the top of the world rankings, but have never got past the quarter-final stage at a World Cup.
Argentina
2015 World Cup: Semi finals
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Mario Ledesma
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
They have fared Italy in the respective competition, but are still the team that you can bank on finishing last, especially with the new era of players as yet failing to live up to the standard set by legends of the past.
They can challenge most sides on tackling, with some fearsome forwards and exciting backs, they won't be in Japan just to make up the numbers.
Under coach Mario Ledesma, there has been marked improvement in the last year, but three defeats from three in this year's Championship shows how far adrift they still are.
They reached the semi-finals in 2015, where they should have beaten Australia, so they know how to peak for a World Cup.
Squad
Forwards: Matias Alemanno, Rodrigo Bruni, Agustin Creevy, Juan Figallo, Marcos Kremer, Tomas Lavanini, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Tomas Lezana, Pablo Matera, Santiago Medrano, Julian Montoya, Javier Ortega Desio, Guido Petti, Enrique Pieretto, Santiago Socino, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Mayco Vivas.
Backs: Emiliano Boffelli, Santiago Carreras, Juan Cruz Mallia, Tomas Cubelli, Jeronimo De La Fuente, Bautista Delguy, Felipe Ezcurra, Lucas Mensa, Matias Moroni, Ramiro Moyano, Matias Orlando, Nicolas Sanchez, Joaquin Tuculet, Benjamin Urdapilleta.
Australia
2015 World Cup: Finalists
World Cups won: 2
Coach: Michael Cheika
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
It looks like the pattern may be repeating itself, with 18 months to forget on and off the pitch.
After narrowly avoided propping up the 2018 Rugby Championship, they endured a tough European tour in the winter losing to England and Wales.
Off the pitch, star player Israel Folau has been sacked for outspoken views on homosexuality.
But out of nowhere they look strong again, thanks to wins over Argentina and New Zealand they are coming into the World Cup on good form.
Squad
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Folau Fainga'a, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Isi Naisarani, David Pocock, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese.
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, James O'Connor, Jordan Petaia, Matt Toomua, Nic White.
Canada
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Kingsley Jones
 |
| Photo from sportinglife.com |
They have some notable names that have done well in Europe, but lack the quality to be a tier one nation - they lost every match in 2015 but should have beaten Romania and Italy.
They threatened to be minnows to break into the elite in the 90s, but never managed to go up the next level, and in some ways have gone backwards - all despite being coached by former Sale boss Kingsley Jones.
They were the last team to qualify for Japan, with Hong Kong, Kenya and Germany missing out, but lost all four warm up matches.
Squad
Forwards: Tyler Ardron, Kyle Baillie, Justin Blanchet, Hubert Buydens, Luke Campbell, Matt Heaton, Eric Howard, Jake Ilnicki, Cole Keith, Conor Keys, Evan Olmstead, Benoit Piffero, Andrew Quattrin, Lucas Rumball, Djustice Sears-Duru, Mike Sheppard, Matt Tierney.
Backs: Nick Blevins, Andrew Coe, Jeff Hassler, Ciaran Hearn, DTH van der Merwe, Ben LeSage, Jamie Mackenzie, Phil Mack, Gordon McRorie, Peter Nelson, Shane O'Leary, Pat Parfrey, Taylor Paris, Conor Trainor.
England
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 1
Coach: Eddie Jones
 |
| Photo from sportinglife.com |
They were knocked out in the group stages for the first time in their history four years ago, an embarrassing result at your home tournament.
After winning the Six Nations in 2017, consistency has been hard to come by, and as such they have failed to win it again.
Despite a strong showing in the warm up matches, coach Eddie Jones will have expected his side to be further ahead by this point.
Mixed performances over the last 18 months demonstrate why some fans believe they have potential to win the World Cup, while others expect another failure.
Squad
Forwards: Dan Cole (Leicester, 86 caps), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter, 12), Tom Curry (Sale, 11), Ellis Genge (Leicester, 10), Jamie George (Saracens, 37), Maro Itoje (Saracens, 27), George Kruis (Saracens, 32), Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 59), Courtney Lawes (Northampton, 72), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton, 1), Joe Marler (Harlequins, 58), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, 22), Jack Singleton (Saracens, 1), Sam Underhill (Bath, 9), Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 42), Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 53), Mark Wilson (Newcastle/Sale, 13).
Backs: Joe Cokanasiga (Bath, 5), Elliot Daly (Saracens, 31), Owen Farrell (Saracens, 70), George Ford (Leicester Tigers, 56), Piers Francis (Northampton, 5), Willi Heinz (Gloucester, 1), Jonathan Joseph (Bath, 41), Jonny May (Leicester, 45), Ruaridh McConnochie (Bath, uncapped), Jack Nowell (Exeter, 33), Henry Slade (Exeter, 22), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester, 33), Anthony Watson (Bath, 34), Ben Youngs (Leicester, 86).
Fiji
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: John McKee
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
They play skilfully and powerfully, all the while with a smile on their faces.
The Olympic Sevens champions do not enjoy such success at XV international level.
They lack training time together, cohesion, game plan and discipline.
Putting more focus on the sevens game has been their downfall, while they have lost a lot of players to other nations.
They beat France in 2018, and will be targeting second spot in their pool.
Squad
Forwards: Lee-Roy Atalifo, Tevita Cavubati, Mesulame Dolokoto, Semi Kunatani, Campese Ma’afu, Viliame Mata, Samuel Matavesi, Eroni Mawi, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Tevita Ratuva, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Kalivati Tawake, Ratu Vere Vugakoto, Mosese Voka, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato.
Backs: Levani Botia, Vereniki Goneva, Frank Lomani, Joshua Matavesi, Nikola Matawalu, Kini Murimurivalu, Filipo Nakosi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra, Henry Seniloli, Josua Tuisova, Jale Vatubua, Alivereti Veitokani, Ben Volavola.
France
2015 World Cup: Quarter finals
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Jacques Brunel
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
They lack a consistent game plan, a solid defence and a team unity that is required to mix with the very best.
They managed to reach the final in 2011, despite being in a similar mess back then, and should have beaten hosts New Zealand, but it's been all downhill since then.
They are an unpredictable side, and if they throw caution to the wind they could challenge for the title, but overall they are on a decline, as highlighted by the loss to Fiji last year.
Squad
Forwards: Gregory Alldritt, Demba Bamba, Yacouba Camara, Camille Chat, Paul Gabrillagues, Guilhem Guirado, Arthur Iturria, Felix Lambey, Wenceslas Lauret, Bernard Le Roux, Peato Mauvaka, Jefferson Poirot, Louis Picamoles, Dany Priso, Emerick Setiano, Rabah Slimani, Sebastien Vahaamahina.
Backs: Geoffrey Doumayrou, Antoine Dupont, Gael Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Sofiane Guitoune, Yoann Huget, Camille Lopez, Maxime Machenaud, Maxime Medard, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud, Alivereti Raka, Thomas Ramos, Baptiste Serin.
Georgia
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Milton Haig
 |
| Photo from sportinglife.com |
After former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili bank rolled them, they have built their team on power with a fearsome pack with a mindset to grind their opponents down.
After winning two group games in 2015, they have beaten Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Canada and United States since, and could be a banana skin for some of the big boys.
Squad
Forwards: Mikheil Nariashvili, Guram Gogichashvili, Shalva Mamukashvili, Jaba Bregvadze, Vano Karkadze, Levan Chilachava, Giorgi Melikidze, Beka Gigashvili, Giorgi Nemsadze, Shalva Sutiashvili, Mamuka Gorgodze, Kote Mikautadze, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Lasha Lomidze, Otar Giorgadze, Beka Gorgadze, Beka Saghinadze.
Backs: Sandro Todua, Soso Matiashvili, Mirian Modebadze, Zurab Dzneladze, Davit Katcharava, Merab Sharikadze, Tamaz Mtchedlidze, Giorgi Kveseladze, Lasha Malaghuradze, Lasha Khmaladze, Tedo Abzhandadze, Giorgi Begadze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Gela Aprasidze.
Ireland
2015 World Cup: Quarter-finals
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Joe Schmidt
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
However, their momentum was halted with a poor Six Nations this year, and as such the expectations have lowered.
Coach Joe Schmidt will leave the role after the tournament, but he knows if he can restore the form from 18 months ago, then he will leave with the William Webb Ellis Trophy.
But the reputation of Ireland is that they only peak between World Cups, their first target will to improve on their previous best performance which was the quarter-final stage.
Squad
Forwards: Rory Best (Ulster), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Sean Cronin (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), David Kilcoyne (Munster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Andrew Porter (Leinster), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), John Ryan (Munster), Niall Scannell (Munster), CJ Stander (Munster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).
Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Joey Carbery (Munster), Jack Carty (Connacht), Andrew Conway (Munster), Keith Earls (Munster), Chris Farrell (Munster), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Rob Kearney (Leinster), Jordan Larmour (Leinster), Luke McGrath (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jonathan Sexton (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster).
Italy
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Conor O'Shea
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
Since becoming the sixth country to make the Six Nations in 2000, they have finished bottom of the tournament 14 out of 19 times.
Italy always work hard to pressure opponents, but their downfall has been inconsistent backs, and they lack the basic execution and decision making to hurt teams when they are in the ascendancy.
Squad
Forwards: Luca Bigi, Dean Budd, Oliviero Fabiani, Simone Ferrari, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Andrea Lovotti, Maxime Mbanda, Sebastian Negri, Sergio Parisse, Tiziano Pasquali, Jake Polledri, Nicola Quaglio, Marco Riccioni, Federico Ruzza, David Sisi, Abraham Steyn, Federico Zani, Alessandro Zanni.
Backs: Tommaso Allan, Mattia Bellini, Tommaso Benvenuti, Giulio Bisegni, Callum Braley, Michele Campagnaro, Carlo Canna, Jayden Hayward, Matteo Minozzi, Luca Morisi, Edoardo Padovani, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tito Tebaldi.
Japan
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Jamie Joseph
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
Their coach then was Eddie Jones, who is now at the helm of the England national team as the tournament is played in Asia for the first team.
In rugby terms, they are still minnows, but are on the brink of becoming a tier one nation in the near future.
They beat Georgia, Italy and Russia last year, and Tonga and Fiji this year, as well as leading England at half-time last November before eventually losing 35-15 at Twickenham.
The reigning Pacific Cup champions will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage at the very least with the home support on their side.
Squad
Forwards: Keita Inagaki, Yusuke Kizu, Shogo Miura, Asaeli Ai Valu, Atsushi Sakate, Shota Horie, Kosuke Horikoshi, Luke Thompson, Wimpie Van Der Walt, Uwe Helu, James Moore, Hendrik Tui, Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Shunsuke Nunomaki, Michael Leitch, Pieter Labuschagne, Kazuki Himeno, Amanaki Lelei Mafi.
Backs: Kaito Shigeno, Fumiaki Tanaka, Yutaka Nagare, Yu Tamura, Rikiya Matsuda, Kenki Fukuoka, Ataata Moeakiola, Lomano Lava Lemeki, William Tupou, Ryoto Nakamura, Timothy Lafaele, Kotaro Matsushima, Ryohei Yamanaka.
Namibia
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Philip Davies
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
In they sixth World Cup, they are still winless, suffering an agonisingly close 17-16 defeat to Georgia in 2015, while at the other end of the scale they have suffered the record loss in the competition at 142-0 to Australia in 2003.
They sit 23rd in the world having beaten Uruguay this year but losing to Russia as well.
Squad
Forwards: Obert Nortje, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Aranos Coetzee, AJ de Klerk, André Rademeyer, Desiderius Sethie, Nelius Theron, Johan Retief, Tjiuee Uanivi, PJ van Lill, Adriaan Booysen, Wian Conradie, Thomasau Forbes, Prince Gaoseb, Max Katjijeko, Rohan Kitshoff, Janco Venter.
Backs: Helarius Kisting, Lesley Klim, PJ Walters, Chad Plato, Johann Tromp, Darryl de la Harpe, Johan Deysel, JC Greyling, Justin Newman, Janry du Toit, Cliven Loubser, Eugene Jantjies, Damian Stevens.
New Zealand
2015 World Cup: Winners
World Cups won: 3
Coach: Steve Hansen
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
Having 'bottled' the tournaments in 1999 and 2007, they looked to be suffering a mental block about getting over the line once more, but since shattering the hoodoo on home soil eight years ago, they have never looked back.
They lost their Rugby Championship crown after a draw with South Africa and a hammering by Australia showing a rare lack of discipline and tackling in the latter.
They returned the favour to the Wallabies a week later by winning 36-0, rightly remaining favourites to win the title.
Squad
Forwards: Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Matt Todd.
Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Ben Smith.
Russia
2015 World Cup: DNQ
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Lyn Jones
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
They qualification for Japan was not without controversy though, with Belgium, Romania and Spain all being kicked out for fielding ineligible players in the qualifying rounds.
After finishing third in the qualifying with narrow defeats to Spain and Romania, they were promoted into the tournament.
Having only appeared once at a World Cup eight years, ago, they first target will be to avoid four defeats in the group stages to better that outing, however they did earn a bonus point against the USA.
They have been beaten by England and Jersey Reds in World Cup warm-up matches.
Squad
Forwards: Vasily Artemyev, German Davydov, Vasily Dorofeev, Igor Galinovsky, Ramil Gaysin, Dmitry Gerasimov, German Godluk, Kirill Golosnitsky, Yuri Kushnarev, Vladimir Ostroushko, Dmitry Perov, Denis Simplikevich, Vladislav Sozonov, Sergey Yanyushkin.
Backs: Azamat Bitiev, Sergey Chernyshev, Bogdan Fedotko, Tagir Gadzhiev, Andrey Garbuzov, Kirill Gotovtsev, Victor Gresev, Roman Khodin, Evgeny Matveev, Valery Morozov, Andrey Ostrikov, Vladimir Podrezov, Andrey Polivalov, Stanislav Selsky, Anton Sychev, Nikita Vavilin, Evgeny Yelgin, Vitaliy Zhivatov.
Scotland
2015 World Cup: Quarter finals
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Gregor Townsend
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| Photo from BBC |
In the past year, their inexperience and weak game management have been highlighted.
They remain some distance away from competing consistently with the top nations, hampered by a terrible away record meaning the visit to Japan could be one to forget.
Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell are two of the most exciting backs in Europe, and the team love to be underdogs as shown in 2015 when they were written off but made it to the quarter-finals.
Squad
Forwards: John Barclay (Edinburgh), Simon Berghan (Edinburgh), Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Allan Dell (London Irish), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Stuart McInally (Edinburgh), WP Nel (Edinburgh), Gordon Reid (Ayrshire Bulls), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh), Blade Thomson (Scarlets), Ben Toolis (Edinburgh), George Turner (Glasgow Warriors), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors).
Backs: Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Chris Harris (Gloucester), Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Sam Johnson (Glasgow Warriors), Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh), Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne), Sean Maitland (Saracens), Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Racing 92), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Taylor (Saracens).
Samoa
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Steve Jackson
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
But due to a lack of support they have faded as a powerful nation in the sport in recent years.
With other countries regularly stealing their players and those that are left behind struggling to find time to practice together, they only just qualified for Japan by beating Germany, finishing behind Tonga and Fiji.
They often have yellow and red cards issued when their physical dominance goes over the top, and with strict new tackling laws, they are likely to suffer as a result.
Squad
Forwards: Afaesetiti Amosa, TJ Ioane, Piula Fa’asalele, Josh Tyrell, Chris Vui, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Leaupepe, Senio Toleafoa, Michael Alaalatoa, Paul Alo-Emile, James Lay, Jordan Lay, Logovi’i Mulipola, Motu Matu’u, Ray Niuia, Seilala Lam.
Backs: Ed Fidow, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ahsee Tuala, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Henry Taefu, Alapati Leiua, Reynold Lee-Lo, Kieron Fonotia, AJ Atatimu, Tusi Pisi, Ulupano Seuteni, Dwayne Polotaivao, Melani Matavao, Scott Malolua.
South Africa
2015 World Cup: Semi finals
World Cups won: 2
Coach: Rassie Erasmus
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
But since then, Rassie Erasmus has reformed the Springboks into a side with belief they can win the World Cup for a third time and come to Japan full of momentum.
They were the only team to beat the All Blacks in last year's Rugby Championship, and they drew with them this year to win the title for the first time in 10 years.
Squad
Forwards: Steven Kitshoff, Tendai Mtawarira, Schalk Brits, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Kwagga Smith, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen.
Backs: Warrick Gelant, Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Sibusiso Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Francois Steyn, Makazole Mapimpi, Elton Jantjies, Handre Pollard, Herschel Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach.
Tonga
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Toutai Kefu
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
They too have lost players to other nations, but have reached the World Cup by finishing second in the Pacific Tri-Nations.
They've lost to Samoa, Fiji and Japan in 2019, but beat Canada, which highlights where they are now.
Squad
Forwards: Siegfried Fisiihoi, Vunipola Fifita, Latu Talakai, Paula Ngauamo, Sosefo Sakalia, Siua Maile, Siua Halanukonuka, Ma'afu Fia, Ben Tameifuna, Sam Lousi, Leva Fifita, Sitiveni Mafi, Sione Kalamafoni, Maama Vaipulu, Fotu Lokotui, Zane Kapeli, Dan Faleafa, Nasi Manu.
Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Leon 'Fukofuka, Samisoni Fisilau, Kurt Morath, James 'Faiva, Siale Piutau, Malietoa Hingano, Nafi Tuitavake, Atieli Pakalani, David Halaifonua, Viliami Lolohea, Cooper Vuna, Telusa Veainu.
Uruguay
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Esteban Meneses
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| Photo from sportinglife.com |
They qualified in a play-off four years ago after beating Russia, and they beat Canada this time to ensure their place in Japan.
They've won five out of their seven matches this year, including wins over BRazil, Chile and Russia.
Squad
Forwards: Facundo Gattas, Joaquín Jaunsolo, Mateo Sanguinetti, Germán Kessler, Guillermo Pujadas, Diego Arbelo, Juan Echeverría, Juan Pedro Rombys, Ignacio Dotti, Manuel Leindekar, Diego Magno, Franco Lamana, Manuel Ardao, Santiago Civetta, Manuel Diana, Juan Manuel Gaminara, Juan Diego Ormaechea, Alejandro Nieto.
Backs: Agustín Ormaechea, Santiago Arata, Felipe Berchesi, Felipe Etcheverry, Juan Manuel Cat, Santiago Vilaseca, Agustín Della Corte, Tomás Inciarte, Federico Favaro, Nicolás Freitas, Leandro Leivas, Gastón Mieres, Rodrigo Silva.
USA
2015 World Cup: Group stage
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Gary Gold
 |
| Photo from sportinglife.com |
The Eagles often have quality throughout their squad, with players who have had success in Europe, but overall they lack the quality as a unit to challenge for the big upsets.
Having lost every match at the 2015 World Cup, they did get a win against Scotland last year and also picked up wins against Canada and Samoa in warm-ups for Japan - whom they lost to.
Squad
Forwards: David Ainu'u, Malon Al-Jiboori, Nate Brakeley, Nick Civetta, Cam Dolan, Dylan Fawsitt, Eric Fry, Hanco Germishuys, James Hilterbrand, Olive Kilifi, Tony Lamborn, Titi Lamositele, Ben Landry, Paul Mullen, Gregor Peterson, Ben Pinkelman, John Quill, Joseph Taufete'e.
Backs: Blaine Scully, Nate Augspurger, Marcel Brache, Bryce Campbell, Shaun Davies, Ruben De Haas, Will Hooley, Martin Iosefo, Paul Lasike, AJ MacGinty, Will Magie, Thretton Palamo, Mike Te'o.
Wales
2015 World Cup: Quarter-finals
World Cups won: 0
Coach: Warren Gatland
 |
| Photo from sportinglife.com |
Coach Warren Gatland will leave his role as head coach after the tournament, and Wales may not have a better chance to win their first World Cup.
They have the best defence in the world, with an excellent kicking game, it appears this team of warriors has forgotten how to lose.
Squad
Forwards: Jake Ball (Scarlets), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Rhys Carre (Saracens), James Davies (Scarlets), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).
Backs: Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues), Hallam Amos (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Northampton), Aled Davies (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), George North (Ospreys), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Liam Williams (Saracens), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues).
Tournament rules
Teams receive four points for a win and two for a draw.
A bonus point is awarded for scoring four tries or for a defeat by seven points or fewer.
The winner and runner-up in each pool qualify for the quarter-finals.
If teams are tied at full time in the knockout stages, then the winner shall be determined through extra time, then sudden death if there's still no winner and finally a kicking competition if the scores are still tied.
Pools
Pool A: Ireland, Japan, Russia, Samoa, Scotland
Pool B: Canada, Italy, Namibia, New Zealand, South Africa
Pool C: Argentina, England, France, Tonga, United States
Pool D: Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Uruguay, Wales
Schedule
All times are BST unless stated otherwise
Pool fixtures
September
20 Pool A: Japan v Russia (Tokyo), 11:45
21 Pool D: Australia v Fiji (Sapporo), 05:45
21 Pool C: France v Argentina (Tokyo), 08:15
21 Pool B: New Zealand v South Africa (Yokohama), 10:45
22 Pool B: Italy v Namibia (Osaka), 06:15
22 Pool A: Ireland v Scotland (Yokohama), 08:45
22 Pool C: England v Tonga (Sapporo), 11:15
23 Pool D: Wales v Georgia (Toyota), 11:15
24 Pool A: Russia v Samoa (Kumagaya), 11:15
25 Pool D: Fiji v Uruguay (Kamaishi), 06:15
26 Pool B: Italy v Canada (Fukuoka), 08:45
26 Pool C: England v United States (Kobe), 11:45
28 Pool C: Argentina v Tonga (Osaka), 05:45
28 Pool A: Japan v Ireland (Shizuoka), 08:15
28 Pool B: South Africa v Namibia (Toyota), 10:45
29 Pool D: Georgia v Uruguay (Kumagaya), 06:15
29 Pool D: Australia v Wales (Tokyo), 08:45
30 Pool A: Scotland v Samoa (Kobe), 11:15
October
2 Pool C: France v United States (Fukuoka), 08:45
2 Pool B: New Zealand v Canada (Oita), 11:15
3 Pool D: Georgia v Fiji (Osaka), 06:15
3 Pool A: Ireland v Russia (Kobe), 11:15
4 Pool B: South Africa v Italy (Shizuoka), 10:45
5 Pool D: Australia v Uruguay (Oita), 06:15
5 Pool C: England v Argentina (Tokyo), 09:00
5 Pool A: Japan v Samoa (Toyota), 11:30
6 Pool B: New Zealand v Namibia (Tokyo), 05:45
6 Pool C: France v Tonga (Kumamoto), 08:45
8 Pool B: South Africa v Canada (Kobe), 11:15
9 Pool C: Argentina v United States (Kumagaya), 05:45
9 Pool A: Scotland v Russia (Shizuoka), 08:15
9 Pool D: Wales v Fiji (Oita), 10:45
11 Pool D: Australia v Georgia (Shizuoka), 11:15
12 Pool B: New Zealand v Italy (Toyota), 05:45
12 Pool C: England v France (Yokohama), 09:15
12 Pool A: Ireland v Samoa (Fukuoka), 11:45
13 Pool B: Namibia v Canada (Kamaishi), 04:15
13 Pool C: United States v Tonga (Osaka), 06:45
13 Pool D: Wales v Uruguay (Kumamoto), 09:15
13 Pool A: Japan v Scotland (Yokohama), 11:45
Knockout fixtures
19 Quarter-final 1: Pool C winner v Pool D runner-up (Oita), 08:15
19 Quarter-final 2: Pool B winner v Pool A runner-up (Tokyo), 11:15
20 Quarter-final 3: Pool D winner v Pool C runner-up (Oita), 08:15
20 Quarter-final 4: Pool A winner v Pool B runner-up (Tokyo), 11:15
26 Semi-final 1: QF1 winner v QF2 winner (Yokohama), 09:00
27 Semi-final 2: QF3 winner v QF4 winner (Yokohama), 09:00 GMT
November
1 Third-place match (Tokyo), 09:00 GMT
2 Final (Yokohama), 09:00 GMT
Previous Winners
Year - Host(s)/Winner Score Runner-up/Third place Score Fourth Place/No. of teams
1987 - Australia, New Zealand/New Zealand 29-9 France/Wales 22-21 Australia/16
1991 - Eng, Fra, Ire, Sco, Wal/Australia 12-6 England/New Zealand 13-6 Scotland/16
1995 - South Africa/South Africa 15-12 New Zealand AET/France 19-9 England/16
1999 - Wales/Australia 35-12 France/South Africa 22-18 New Zealand/20
2003 - Australia/England 20-17 Australia AET/New Zealand 40-13 France/20
2007 - France/South Africa 15-6 England/Argentina 34-10 France/20
2011 - New Zealand/New Zealand 8-7 France/Australia 21-18 Wales/20
2015 - England/New Zealand 34-17 Australia/South Africa 24-13 Argentina/20
World Cup Records
Most points in one tournament: 126, Grant Fox, New Zealand (1987)
Most points all-time: 277, Jonny Wilkinson, England
Most tries in a match: 6, Marc Ellis, New Zealand v Japan (1995)
Most tries in one tournament: 8, Jonah Lomu, New Zealand (1999); Bryan Habana, South Africa (2000)
Most tries all-time: 15, Jonah Lomu, New Zealand; Bryan Habana, South Africa
Most matches: 22, Jason Leonard, England
Youngest player to appear in a final: 20 years and 43 days, Jonah Lomu, New Zealand
Most points scored in one match: 145, New Zealand v Japan (1995)
Biggest winning margin: 142, Australia v Namibia in (2003)
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