JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019

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JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
RUGBY
Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP

                 JAPAN
        20 SEPTEMBER–2 NOVEMBER 2019
                 oliverlee.co.nz
JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
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JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
WE T
WAN
YOU
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How about sports, travel, adventure, fixing stuff, or learning about technology?
Whatever you’re into, there’s a role in the New Zealand Defence Force to suit.
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JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
RUGBY2019
                               CONTENTS
                                6	RTOURNAMENT
                                     UGBY WORLD CUP 2019:
                                                          30	TGetEAM  PREVIEWS: POOL B
                                               REVIEW               to grips with the teams from
                                      A preview of the upcoming                                       South Africa and Italy.

                                                                                           33	TSeeEAM
                                      tournament and the factors likely
                                                                                                         PREVIEWS: POOL B                               RUGBY WORLD CUP 1987.
                                      to predict success.

                                9	AKIERAN
MANAGING EDITOR:                                                                                      how Namibia and Canada have
Oliver Lee                           LL BLACKS CAPTAIN:                                               been preparing for the tournament.

                                                                                           34 TBoth
                                           READ
EDITOR:                               From humble beginnings to All Blacks                        EAM PREVIEWS: POOL C
Peter White                           captain at the Rugby World Cup.                                 England and France have the

                            10	RFacts
                                                                                                      Webb Ellis Cup in their sights.

                                                                                           37 TAssess
SUB-EDITOR:                        UGBY WORLD CUP VENUES
Elise McDowell                         and figures on the 12 stadiums                             EAM PREVIEWS: POOL C
                                      where 48 Rugby World Cup games                                    the Rugby World Cup
PAGINATION:                           will be played.                                                 fortunes of the teams from

                            12	FWillACTS
HNZL Limited                                                                                          Argentina and the USA.
                                           AND FIGURES
COVER:
ONTIME Associates
                                      this year’s Rugby World Cup
                                      improve on any of these statistics?                  38 TA EAM   PREVIEWS: POOL C
                                                                                                   preview of how the Tongan team

                            17	AWeLLprofile
                                                                                                                                                        RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011.
                                       BLACKS PROFILES                                                is tracking.

                                                                                           39 TAreEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY:
photosport.nz                                the 31 All Blacks                                           PREVIEWS: POOL D
Getty Images                          selected to play for New Zealand                               Australia likely to reach the
                                      at Rugby World Cup 2019.

                            23	TA EAM
@World Rugby                                                                                          Rugby World Cup final?

PRINTER:
Ovato Auckland
                                          PREVIEWS: POOL A
                                   preview of the teams from Ireland  41 THave
                                                                             EAM PREVIEWS: POOL D
                                                                                 a look at the teams from
                                 and Scotland.

                            24	AGetLLready
                                                                            Wales and Georgia.

                                                                      42 TEAM PREVIEWS: POOL D
PUBLISHER:                             BLACKS POSTER
                                            to support the All Blacks                                 Fiji and Uruguay round-off the
                                      for Rugby World Cup 2019.

                            26	TGetEAM
                                                                                                      team previews.

                                                                  44 R2019
Box 331-667, Takapuna,                   PREVIEWS: POOL A               UGBY WORLD CUP:                                                                 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015.
Auckland 0740,                       to know the teams from Japan           MATCH SCHEDULE
                                 and Russia.

                            28	TA EAM
New Zealand                                                                                           Your complete timetable to the
T: 09 486 6966                           PREVIEWS: POOL A                                             48 Rugby World Cup games.

                                                                                           46 KRUGBY
E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz          look at Samoa’s squad and
                                                                                                 NOW A LOT ABOUT
W: oliverlee.co.nz                    build-up to the tournament.

                            29	THowEAMare PREVIEWS:
                                                                                                      WORLD CUPS?
                                                             POOL B                                   Take this quiz and see if your
                                            the All Blacks looking ahead                              knowledge of tournaments past
                                      of the Rugby World Cup?                                         is up-to-scratch.

                            NOTE: The TAB odds quoted throughout the magazine were correct on 4 September 2019.

ISSN 2463-7041 (Print)      COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed
ISSN 2463-705X (Online)     in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy,
                            no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.                              WINNER 2019?
JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
RUGBY WORLD CUP
                                                                         the All Blacks managed to beat France 8–7 in the final to earn
                                                                         their second title.

        SET TO SPARKLE
                                                                         Four years ago in England, the All Blacks were far more
                                                                         dominant and thoroughly deserved their 34–17 victory over
                                                                         Australia in the final to claim title number three.

              IN JAPAN                                                   Now attention falls on Japan. The 2019 Rugby World Cup is likely
                                                                         to be the most difficult of all the tournaments since 1987 to
                                         by PETER WHITE                  pick a winner.
                                                                         Gone is the dominance of the All Blacks. Ireland, South Africa
 When organisers put together the hastily                                and Australia have all enjoyed victories over the world
 arranged opening ceremony for the 1987                                  champions in recent seasons. If a changing of the guard has
                                                                         happened in world rugby, it may be as much psychological as
Rugby World Cup held in Auckland, no one                                 anything else.
could have envisaged just how quickly the                                The days when teams used to nervously front the All Blacks
             tournament would take hold.                                 traditional pre-game haka are long gone.
                                                                         If the weather is kind in Japan at the knock-out stages, then
Now we are awaiting the ninth version of Rugby World Cup,                the ability to score points from long-range counter attacks
which is being held in Japan over a seven-week period and will           may well be the key factor in who wins this Rugby World Cup.
attract the most coverage of a global sporting event behind the
summer Olympics and the Football World Cup.                              The All Blacks have trialled playing champion first-five and
                                                                         2016 and 2017 World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett
New Zealand won that first event in 1987 after defeating France
                                                                         at fullback with this very factor in mind.
in the final but any thoughts the All Blacks would have a mortgage
on winning the golden Webb Ellis Cup were quickly dispelled.             In Richie Mo’unga they have a younger first-five with an arsenal
                                                                         of world-class skills, so they can afford to make the switch.
Australia (1991 and 1999) and South Africa (1995 and 2007) have
won two tournaments each with England triumphant in Australia            The introduction of new wingers George Bridge and Sevu
in 2003.                                                                 Reece against Australia in Auckland last month, at the expense
                                                                         of Rieko Ioane and Ben Smith who are both wonderful players,
The pressure was ramped up on the perennial world number-
                                                                         was to generate more explosive speed.
one team when Rugby World Cup returned to New Zealand in
2011. In what could hardly be called a convincing performance,           “You need gas out wide,” as so famously said by former All Black
                                                                         Earle Kirton, and he is right. With top-class forward packs
                                                                         generally having parity at set pieces, it is the ability of teams to
                                                                         score tries from anywhere that wins matches.
                                                                         Playing Barrett and Mo’unga also gives the All Blacks two world-
                                                                         class goal-kickers on the pitch together, a luxury none of the
                                                                         other top six teams are likely to have. In such a closely contested
                                                                         tournament the importance of kicking goals is paramount.
                                                                         If not the All Blacks, then who wins? The TAB has England and
                                                                         South Africa as second-equal favourites, while Ireland, Wales
                                                                         and Australia fill the remaining top six positions.
                                                                         That is probably about right on form over the last 12 months.
                                                                         Fans of Six Nations’ powerhouses Wales, Ireland and England
                                                                         certainly have reason to believe that a Northern Hemisphere
                                                                         team may finally break the All Blacks’ winning sequence.
                                                                         What is certain is that Japan will run the most well-organised
                                                                         sporting event in living memory.
                                                                         The impact on the growing sport of rugby in the country will be
                                                                         immense with the positive increase in playing numbers likely to
                                                                         be seen for many years to come.
                                                                         It should be an unforgettable experience ahead.

                                                                         RICHIE McCAW holds aloft the Webb Ellis Cup after the 2015 final.

                                                                     6
                                                        www.rugbyworldcup.com
JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
Driving the All Blacks for 25 years.

ford.co.nz                 The Driving Force behind the All Blacks.
JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
OUR
No.8
WILL
ALWAYS
BE
No.1
When it comes to team players,
Kieran Read is up there with
the best. Whether he’s wearing
the legendary black jersey or
his Plumbing World T-shirt,
he always gives 110%.
So before you head off, Kieran,
we just want to say thanks -
we’re super proud of you.
From your other team in black.
JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
FROM HUMBLE
                                                                                                So it was no easy task for a man like Read
                                                                                                who at first was uneasy in the glare of

  BEGINNINGS
                                                                                                television cameras. But he has blossom-
                                                                                                ed into a clear, precise speaker and one
                                                                                                who can be relied on to give honest

   EMERGED A                                                                                    reactions in his post-match interviews.
                                                                                                Read is also not one to shy away from

GREAT LEADER                                                                                    important issues. He has used his status
                                                                                                to support important causes such as
                                                                                                men’s mental health.
Kieran Read wants to finish                                                                     On his Facebook page he posted a message
  his All Blacks career on a                                                                    that has been shared widely to help en-
                                                                                                courage men to open up about issues they
       high. by PETER WHITE                                                                     may be going through.
Kieran Read will lead the All Blacks in Japan                                                   “If only men weren’t so reluctant to talk
in pursuit of a record third-consecutive                                                        to a good mate or family when they’re
Rugby World Cup title.                                                                          going through tough times. We certainly
                                                                                                need to out on the paddock when things
The 33-year-old No 8 typifies everything
                                                                                                aren’t going so well, so the same rules
New Zealanders like about their sports
                                                                                                should apply off the field. C’mon men
stars – being uncompromising, fearless,
                                                                                                let’s start talking when times get tough.”
humble, respectful of others and with
good family values.                                                                             Getting the balance right in life has
                                                                                                always been a mark of the great All Blacks
Read grew up in the small town of Drury                                                         leaders. Read has that with a close-knit
in the Counties Manukau area, attending                                                         family including wife Bridget, daughters
Opaheke Primary School and Rosehill                                                             Elle and Eden, and son Reuben.
College. His sporting excellence at cricket
and rugby attracted St Kentigern College                                                        It is fair to say he represents what it
to offer him a scholarship but after one                                                        means to be an All Black in the modern
year he came home to finish his school-                                                         era – dominant and uncompromising on
ing as Head Boy at Rosehill College.                                                            the field but modest and compassionate
                                                                                                off it.
Read was a top-class young cricketer
with a natural skill and delight in scoring                                                     Read will retire from international rugby
runs. He represented Northern Districts            IERAN READ aims to captain the All Blacks
                                                  K                                             after the Rugby World Cup and take up a
at age-group level and New Zealand at             to Rugby World Cup glory in Japan.            one-year contract in Japan with Toyota
under-17 level.                                                                                 Verblitz.

But as he grew taller and stronger the                                                          If he leads New Zealand to a third success-
                                                the pressure cauldron that will be the          ive title, there can be no more deserving
national rugby selectors came calling.          Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
He made New Zealand Schools and after                                                           way to sign-off on a wonderful career.
a life-changing move to Christchurch he         Dealing with pressure is something
was selected for New Zealand Under-19,          Read has successfully taken head-on
                                                throughout his career.
                                                                                                 KIERAN JAMES READ
New Zealand Under-21 and the Junior
All Blacks.                                     He had one of the most daunting tasks            AGE: 33
                                                assigned to him when he was appointed            BORN: 26 October 1985 in Papakura, Auckland
His Canterbury debut came in 2006
                                                to follow the great McCaw as All Blacks
and two years later he was an All Black
                                                captain.                                         PHYSICAL: 1.93m, 111kg
aged 23.
                                                There have been some outstanding                 SCHOOLING:
Now 121 test matches later, the unassum-                                                         Opaheke Primary School, Rosehill College
                                                leaders of the men in black over history,
ing but totally focused loose forward is
                                                with names like Wilson Whineray, Brian
the third most capped All Black in history                                                       ALL BLACKS NUMBER: 1083
                                                Lochore, Ian Kirkpatrick, Graham Mourie
behind Richie McCaw (148) and Keven
                                                and Sean Fitzpatrick to the fore. McCaw          ALL BLACKS DEBUT:
Mealamu (132).                                                                                   November 8, 2008, v Scotland at Edinburgh
                                                stands beside any of them in terms of
There is absolutely no doubt he is the          on-field leadership, team success and
                                                                                                 TESTS PLAYED: 121
ideal player to lead the All Blacks into        public profile.

                                                                    9
                                                          WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM
JAPAN - Your FREE guide to the 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP - 20 SEPTEMBER-2 NOVEMBER 2019
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2019 VENUES
Twelve venues across Japan will be hosting Rugby World Cup 2019 matches.

  #1                        #2                                                   #3                                   #4
KUMAMOTO STADIUM          FUKUOKA                                               OITA STADIUM                        KOBE MISAKI STADIUM
                          HAKATANOMORI STADIUM
LOCATION: Kumamoto City                                                         LOCATION: Oita Prefecture           LOCATION: Kobe City
CAPACITY: 30,228          LOCATION: Fukuoka City                                CAPACITY: 40,000                    CAPACITY: 30,132
COMPLETED: August 1998    CAPACITY: 21,562                                      COMPLETED: March 2001               COMPLETED: 2001
                          COMPLETED: 1995                                       POOL MATCH: Wednesday October 2
                                                                                             All Blacks v Canada

                                                                 #12                         12
                                                                Sapporo
                                                                  City

 #12                                                                                                                  #5
SAPPORO DOME                                                     #10                                                HANAZONO RUGBY
                                                               Kumagaya                           11      #11       STADIUM
LOCATION: Sapporo City                                           City
                                  #4                                                                     Kamaishi
                                                                                                           City     LOCATION: Higashi-Osaka City
CAPACITY: 41,410             Kobe City
COMPLETED: May 26, 2001                         #8                                                                  CAPACITY: 24,000
                                             Toyota City
                                                                                   10
                                                                                                                    COMPLETED: 1929
                                                                                        9
                                  #2                                8
                                                                                  7                        #9
                             Fukuoka                                        6                             Tokyo
                               City                   4
                                                           5

                              2
                                       3                                                      #6           #7
 #11
                                  1                                                          Shizuoka    Yokohama
                                                                                            Prefecture      City
KAMAISHI RECOVERY                                                 #3
                                                                                                                      #6
MEMORIAL STADIUM                                                  Oita                                              SHIZUOKA STADIUM ECOPA
LOCATION: Kamaishi City                      #1                Prefecture                   #5                      LOCATION: Shizuoka Prefecture
                                           Kumamoto                                      Higashi-
CAPACITY: 16,334                             City                                       Osaka City                  CAPACITY: 50,889
COMPLETED: 2018                                                                                                     COMPLETED: March 2001

#10                        #9                                                    #8                                   #7
KUMAGAYA                  TOKYO STADIUM                                         CITY OF TOYOTA STADIUM              INTERNATIONAL STADIUM
RUGBY STADIUM             LOCATION: Tokyo                                       LOCATION: Toyota City               LOCATION: Yokohama City
LOCATION: Kumagaya City   CAPACITY: 49,970                                      CAPACITY: 45,000                    CAPACITY: 72,327
CAPACITY: 25,600          COMPLETED: October 2000                               COMPLETED: June 2001                COMPLETED: October 1997
COMPLETED: 1991           POOL MATCH: Sunday October 6                         POOL MATCH: Saturday October 12    POOL MATCH: Saturday September 21
                                       All Blacks v Namibia                                  All Blacks v Italy                  All Blacks v South Africa

                                                                        10
                                                           rugbyworldcup.com
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RUGBY WORLD CUP                                                                    MOST TACKLES MADE
                                                                                                 Richie McCaw (New Zealand) 225

              FACTS AND FIGURES                                                                  Schalk Burger (South Africa) 209
                                                                                                 Thierry Dusautoir (France) 188
              The 2019 tournament in Japan is the ninth                                          Victor Matfield (South Africa) 136
              Rugby World Cup held and the first time                                            Taulupe Faletau (Wales) 134
              it is being held in Asia. Here you will find
              some interesting statistics on the Rugby                                           HIGHEST POINT SCORERS
              World Cup, compiled by Peter White.                                                Jonny Wilkinson (England) 277
                                                                                                 Gavin Hastings (Scotland) 227
              RUGBY WORLD CUP WINNERS
              YEAR FINAL		                                BRONZE FINAL                           Michael Lynagh (Australia) 195

              1987 New Zealand (29) v France (9)          Wales (22) v Australia (21)            Daniel Carter (New Zealand) 191

              1991 Australia (12) v England (6)           New Zealand (13) v Scotland (6)        Grant Fox (New Zealand) 170

              1995 South Africa (15) v New Zealand (12)   France (19) v England (9)              Andrew Mehrtens (New Zealand) 163

              1999 Australia (35) v France (12)           South Africa (22) v New Zealand (18)
                                                                                                 MOST TRIES SCORED
              2003 England (20) v Australia (17)          New Zealand (40) v France (13)
                                                                                                 Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) 15
              2007 South Africa (15) v England (6)        Argentina (34) v France (10)
                                                                                                 Bryan Habana (South Africa) 15
              2011 New Zealand (8) v France (7)           Australia (21) v Wales (18)
                                                                                                 Drew Mitchell (Australia) 14
              2015 New Zealand (34) v Australia (17)      South Africa (24) v Argentina (13)
                                                                                                 Doug Howlett (New Zealand) 13
                  RYAN HABANA holds the joint record of tries scored at
                  B                                                                              Adam Ashley-Cooper (Australia) 11
                 Rugby World Cups.

                                                                                                             G
                                                                                                            ON ENER
                                                                                                               SA AL
                                                                                                                 LE    A
                                                                                                                    2 S DMI
                                                                                                                       EP SSI
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BAK ER IE
       I
       IESS
MOST POINTS SCORED IN A MATCH
Simon Culhane (New Zealand) 45 against Japan in 1995
Gavin Hastings (Scotland) 44 against Ivory Coast in 1995
Mat Rogers (Australia) 42 against Namibia in 2003
Tony Brown (New Zealand) 36 against Italy in 1999
Paul Grayson (England) 36 against Tonga in 1999

MOST TRIES IN A MATCH
Marc Ellis (New Zealand) 6 against Japan in 1995
Chris Latham (Australia) 5 against Namibia in 2003
Josh Lewsey (England) 5 against Uruguay in 2003
John Gallagher (New Zealand) 4 against Fiji in 1987
Craig Green (New Zealand) 4 against Fiji in 1987

POINTS SCORED OVERALL                        TRIES SCORED OVERALL
New Zealand 2,302                            New Zealand 311
Australia 1,645                              Australia 209
France 1,487                                 France 171
England 1,379                                England 147
South Africa 1,250                           South Africa 141

         JONAH LOMU in action in the 1995 Rugby World Cup holds
              the joint record of tries scored at Rugby World Cups.
We’ve got all the biggest fans covered
ALL BLACKS PLAYER PROFILES
     The All Blacks squad to play in the 2019 Rugby World Cup was named on Wednesday, 28 August 2019. Profiles for the
     31 players selected are featured below. All statistics were correct as at 28 August 2019. For more up-to-date information
     on the All Blacks, visit www.allblacks.com
     NOTE: # DENOTES EACH PLAYER’S ALL BLACK NUMBER
                              KIERAN READ                                      #1083           TJ PERENARA                                     #1132
CAPTAIN

                                                                                       BACKS
                              Place of Birth: PAPAKURA, AUCKLAND                               Place of Birth: PORIRUA
                              Date of Birth: 26 OCTOBER 1985                                   Date of Birth: 23 JANUARY 1992
                              Age: 33                                                          Age: 27
                              Height: 1.93m                                                    Height: 1.84m
                              Weight: 111kg                                                    Weight: 94kg
                              Position: LOOSE FORWARD                                          Position: HALFBACK
                              Province: CANTERBURY, COUNTIES MANUKAU                           Province: WELLINGTON
                              Super Rugby: CRUSADERS                                           Super Rugby: HURRICANES
                              Test Debut: v SCOTLAND in EDINBURGH,                            Test Debut: v ENGLAND in AUCKLAND,
                                           8 NOVEMBER 2008                                                  7 JUNE 2014
                              All Black Tests: 121 All Black Test Points: 125                  All Black Tests: 58 All Black Test Points: 55

                              AARON SMITH                                      #1112           BRAD WEBER                                      #1140
                              Place of Birth: PALMERSTON NORTH                                 Place of Birth: NAPIER
                              Date of Birth: 21 NOVEMBER 1988                                  Date of Birth: 17 JANUARY 1991
                              Age: 30                                                          Age: 28
                              Height: 1.71m                                                    Height: 1.72m
                              Weight: 84kg                                                     Weight: 75kg
                              Position: HALFBACK                                               Position: HALFBACK
                              Province: MANAWATU                                               Province: WAIKATO, HAWKE’S BAY
                              Super Rugby: HIGHLANDERS                                         Super Rugby: CHIEFS
                              Test Debut: v IRELAND in AUCKLAND,                              Test Debut: v SAMOA in APIA,
                                           9 JUNE 2012                                                      8 JULY 2015
                              All Black Tests: 86 All Black Test Points: 87                    All Black Tests: 2 All Black Test Points: 0

                              BEAUDEN BARRETT                                  #1115           RICHARD MO’UNGA                                 #1167
                              Place of Birth: NEW PLYMOUTH                                     Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH
                              Date of Birth: 27 MAY 1991                                       Date of Birth: 25 MAY 1994
                              Age: 28                                                          Age: 25
                              Height: 1.87m                                                    Height: 1.76m
                              Weight: 91kg                                                     Weight: 83kg
                              Position: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH/FULLBACK                             Position: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH
                              Province: TARANAKI                                               Province: CANTERBURY
                              Super Rugby: HURRICANES                                          Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
                              Test Debut: v IRELAND in HAMILTON,                              Test Debut: v FRANCE in DUNEDIN,
                                           23 JUNE 2012                                                     23 JUNE 2018
                              All Black Tests: 77 All Black Test Points: 617                   All Black Tests: 12 All Black Test Points: 78

                              RYAN CROTTY                                      #1124           JACK GOODHUE                                    #1165
                              Place of Birth: NELSON                                           Place of Birth: WHANGAREI
                              Date of Birth: 23 SEPTEMBER 1988                                 Date of Birth: 13 JUNE 1995
                              Age: 30                                                          Age: 24
                              Height: 1.81m                                                    Height: 1.87m
                              Weight: 91kg                                                     Weight: 98kg
                              Position: SECOND FIVE-EIGHTH                                     Position: CENTRE
                              Province: CANTERBURY                                             Province: NORTHLAND
                              Super Rugby: CRUSADERS                                           Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
                              Test Debut: v AUSTRALIA in SYDNEY,                              Test Debut: v FRANCE in DUNEDIN,
                                           17 AUGUST 2013                                                   23 JUNE 2018
                              All Black Tests: 44 All Black Test Points: 45                    All Black Tests: 9 All Black Test Points: 15

WE                                  defencecareers.mil.nz | 0800 1 FORCE |                               NZDF Defence Careers

WANT
YOU                                                                                    17
                                                                          WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM
ANTON LIENERT-BROWN                              #1153              SONNY BILL WILLIAMS                              #1108
BACKS continued

                  Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH                                        Place of Birth: AUCKLAND
                  Date of Birth: 15 APRIL 1995                                        Date of Birth: 3 AUGUST 1985
                  Age: 24                                                             Age: 34
                  Height: 1.85m                                                       Height: 1.91m
                  Weight: 96kg                                                        Weight: 108kg
                  Position: CENTRE                                                    Position: SECOND FIVE-EIGHTH
                  Province: WAIKATO                                                   Province: COUNTIES MANUKAU, CANTERBURY
                  Super Rugby: CHIEFS                                                 Super Rugby: BLUES
                  Test Debut: v AUSTRALIA in WELLINGTON,                             Test Debut: v ENGLAND in LONDON,
                               27 AUGUST 2016                                                      6 NOVEMBER 2010
                  All Black Tests: 37 All Black Test Points: 35                       All Black Tests: 53 All Black Test Points: 60

                  JORDIE BARRETT                                   #1159              GEORGE BRIDGE                                    #1178
                  Place of Birth: NEW PLYMOUTH                                        Place of Birth: GISBORNE
                  Date of Birth: 17 FEBRUARY 1997                                     Date of Birth: 1 APRIL 1995
                  Age: 22                                                             Age: 24
                  Height: 1.96m                                                       Height: 1.86m
                  Weight: 96kg                                                        Weight: 96kg
                  Position: OUTSIDE BACK                                              Position: WING
                  Province: TARANAKI                                                  Province: CANTERBURY
                  Super Rugby: HURRICANES                                             Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
                  Test Debut: v SAMOA in AUCKLAND,                                   Test Debut: v JAPAN in TOKYO,
                               16 JUNE 2017                                                        3 NOVEMBER 2018
                  All Black Tests: 11 All Black Test Points: 42                       All Black Tests: 4 All Black Test Points: 15

                  SEVU REECE                                       #1182              RIEKO IOANE                                      #1156
                  Place of Birth: NADI, FIJI                                          Place of Birth: AUCKLAND
                  Date of Birth: 13 FEBRUARY 1997                                     Date of Birth: 18 MARCH 1997
                  Age: 22                                                             Age: 22
                  Height: 1.79m                                                       Height: 1.89m
                  Weight: 87kg                                                        Weight: 102kg
                  Position: WING                                                      Position: WING
                  Province: WAIKATO                                                   Province: AUCKLAND
                  Super Rugby: CRUSADERS                                              Super Rugby: BLUES
                  Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in BUENOS AIRES,                           Test Debut: v ITALY in ROME,
                               20 JULY 2019                                                        12 NOVEMBER 2016
                  All Black Tests: 2 All Black Test Points: 5                         All Black Tests: 26 All Black Test Points: 115

                  BEN SMITH                                        #1100              DANE COLES                                       #1117
                                                                           FORWARDS

                  Place of Birth: DUNEDIN                                             Place of Birth: PARAPARAUMU
                  Date of Birth: 1 JUNE 1986                                          Date of Birth: 10 DECEMBER 1986
                  Age: 33                                                             Age: 32
                  Height: 1.86m                                                       Height: 1.84m
                  Weight: 93kg                                                        Weight: 109kg
                  Position: FULLBACK/WING                                             Position: HOOKER
                  Province: OTAGO                                                     Province: WELLINGTON
                  Super Rugby: HIGHLANDERS                                            Super Rugby: HURRICANES
                  Test Debut: v ITALY in MILAN,                                      Test Debut: v SCOTLAND in EDINBURGH,
                               14 NOVEMBER 2009                                                    11 NOVEMBER 2012
                  All Black Tests: 79 All Black Test Points: 165                      All Black Tests: 64 All Black Test Points: 55

                  CODIE TAYLOR                                     #1143              LIAM COLTMAN                                     #1157
                  Place of Birth: LEVIN                                               Place of Birth: NEW PLYMOUTH
                  Date of Birth: 31 MARCH 1991                                        Date of Birth: 25 JANUARY 1990
                  Age: 28                                                             Age: 29
                  Height: 1.83m                                                       Height: 1.86m
                  Weight: 106kg                                                       Weight: 107kg
                  Position: HOOKER                                                    Position: HOOKER
                  Province: CANTERBURY                                                Province: OTAGO
                  Super Rugby: CRUSADERS                                              Super Rugby: HIGHLANDRS
                  Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in CHRISTCHURCH,                           Test Debut: v ITALY in ROME,
                               17 JULY 2015                                                        12 NOVEMBER 2016
                  All Black Tests: 44 All Black Test Points: 45                       All Black Tests: 5 All Black Test Points: 0

                  NEPO LAULALA                                     #1139              ANGUS TA’AVAO                                    #1175
                  Place of Birth: MOTO’OTUA, SAMOA                                    Place of Birth: AUCKLAND
                  Date of Birth: 6 NOVEMBER 1991                                      Date of Birth: 22 MARCH 1990
                  Age: 27                                                             Age: 29
                  Height: 1.84m                                                       Height: 1.94m
                  Weight: 116kg                                                       Weight: 128kg
                  Position: PROP                                                      Position: PROP
                  Province: CANTERBURY                                                Province: TARANAKI
                  Super Rugby: CRUSADERS                                              Super Rugby: CHIEFS
                  Test Debut: v SAMOA in APIA,                                       Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in BUENOS AIRES,
                               8 JULY 2015                                                         29 SEPTEMBER 2018
                  All Black Tests: 19 All Black Test Points: 0                        All Black Tests: 7 All Black Test Points: 0

                                                                           18
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JOE MOODY                                        #1134                                    ATU MOLI                                         #1168
FORWARDS continued

                     Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH                                                              Place of Birth: GISBORNE
                     Date of Birth: 18 SEPTEMBER 1988                                                          Date of Birth: 12 JUNE 1995
                     Age: 30                                                                                   Age: 24
                     Height: 1.88m                                                                             Height: 1.89m
                     Weight: 118kg                                                                             Weight: 127kg
                     Position: PROP                                                                            Position: PROP
                     Province: CANTERBURY                                                                      Province: WAIKATO
                     Super Rugby: CRUSADERS                                                                    Super Rugby: CHIEFS
                     Test Debut: v AUSTRALIA in SYDNEY,                                                       Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in BUENOS AIRES,
                                  16 AUGUST 2014                                                                            20 JULY 2019
                     All Black Tests: 40 All Black Test Points: 15                                             All Black Tests: 2 All Black Test Points: 0

                     OFA TU’UNGAFASI                                  #1150                                    SAM WHITELOCK                                    #1104
                     Place of Birth: NUKUALOFA, TONGA                                                          Place of Birth: PALMERSTON NORTH
                     Date of Birth: 19 APRIL 1992                                                              Date of Birth: 12 OCTOBER 1988
                     Age: 27                                                                                   Age: 30
                     Height: 1.95m                                                                             Height: 2.02m
                     Weight: 115kg                                                                             Weight: 115kg
                     Position: PROP                                                                            Position: LOCK
                     Province: AUCKLAND                                                                        Province: CANTERBURY
                     Super Rugby: BLUES                                                                        Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
                     Test Debut: v WALES in DUNEDIN,                                                          Test Debut: v IRELAND in NEW PLYMOUTH,
                                  25 JUNE 2016                                                                              12 JUNE 2010
                     All Black Tests: 29 All Black Test Points: 5                                              All Black Tests: 111 All Black Test Points: 25

                     SCOTT BARRETT                                    #1155                                    BRODIE RETALLICK                                 #1110
                     Place of Birth: NEW PLYMOUTH                                                              Place of Birth: RANGIORA
                     Date of Birth: 20 NOVEMBER 1993                                                           Date of Birth: 31 MAY 1991
                     Age: 25                                                                                   Age: 28
                     Height: 1.97m                                                                             Height: 2.04m
                     Weight: 112kg                                                                             Weight: 123kg
                     Position: LOCK                                                                            Position: LOCK
                     Province: CANTERBURY                                                                      Province: HAWKE’S BAY
                     Super Rugby: CRUSADERS                                                                    Super Rugby: CHIEFS
                     Test Debut: v IRELAND in CHICAGO,                                                        Test Debut: v IRELAND in AUCKLAND,
                                  5 NOVEMBER 2016                                                                           9 JUNE 2012
                     All Black Tests: 30 All Black Test Points: 15                                             All Black Tests: 77 All Black Test Points: 25

                     PATRICK TUIPULOTU                                #1133                                    LUKE JACOBSON                                    #1183
                     Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH                                                              Place of Birth: CAMBRIDGE
                     Date of Birth: 23 JANUARY 1993                                                            Date of Birth: 20 APRIL 1997
                     Age: 26                                                                                   Age: 22
                     Height: 1.98m                                                                             Height: 1.91m
                     Weight: 120kg                                                                             Weight: 107kg
                     Position: LOCK                                                                            Position: LOOSE FORWARD
                     Province: AUCKLAND                                                                        Province: WAIKATO
                     Super Rugby: BLUES                                                                        Super Rugby: CHIEFS
                     Test Debut: v ENGLAND in DUNEDIN,                                                        Test Debut: v ARGENTINA in BUENOS AIRES,
                                  14 JUNE 2014                                                                              20 JULY 2019
                     All Black Tests: 24 All Black Test Points: 15                                             All Black Tests: 1 All Black Test Points: 0

                     SAM CANE                                         #1113                                    ARDIE SAVEA                                      #1147
                     Place of Birth: ROTORUA                                                                   Place of Birth: WELLINGTON
                     Date of Birth: 13 JANUARY 1992                                                            Date of Birth: 14 OCTOBER 1993
                     Age: 27                                                                                   Age: 25
                     Height: 1.89m                                                                             Height: 1.88m
                     Weight: 103kg                                                                             Weight: 100kg
                     Position: LOOSE FORWARD                                                                   Position: LOOSE FORWARD
                     Province: BAY OF PLENTY                                                                   Province: WELLINGTON
                     Super Rugby: CHIEFS                                                                       Super Rugby: HURRICANES
                     Test Debut: v IRELAND in CHRISTCHURCH,                                                   Test Debut: v WALES in AUCKLAND,
                                  16 JUNE 2012                                                                              11 JUNE 2016
                     All Black Tests: 63 All Black Test Points: 65                                             All Black Tests: 38 All Black Test Points: 35

                     MATT TODD                                        #1123
                     Place of Birth: CHRISTCHURCH
                     Date of Birth: 24 MARCH 1988
                     Age: 31
                     Height: 1.85m
                     Weight: 104kg
                     Position: LOOSE FORWARD
                     Province: CANTERBURY
                     Super Rugby: CRUSADERS
                     Test Debut: v FRANCE in NEW PLYMOUTH,
                                  22 JUNE 2013
                     All Black Tests: 20 All Black Test Points: 5             All Black Tests: 20 All Black Test Points: 5

                                                                          20
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RUGBY WORLD CUP TEAM PREVIEWS
   The best 20 teams will contest the Rugby World Cup at 12 venues in Japan. The All Blacks
   are the defending champions from 2015 but England and South Africa are also leading
   favourites. Who do you think will win? PETER WHITE gives a low-down on each team.

                                IRELAND
POOL A

                                 2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST
                                 COACH: JOE SCHMIDT CAPTAIN: RORY BEST
                                 WEBSITE: www.irishrugby.ie
                                 TAB ODDS: $9.00
    The players must answer Ireland’s call to have a chance of winning the Rugby World Cup
    but it may also come down to the tactical smarts and motivation skills of Joe Schmidt.
    The quietly spoken Kiwi is retiring as Ireland’s head coach following the tournament
    after five years in charge that have changed Ireland’s rugby fortunes for good. Under
    his watch, Ireland have claimed their two wins over the All Blacks, one Grand Slam,
    three Six Nations Championships and a Series win over the Wallabies in Australia in 2018.
    But Ireland’s build-up to Japan 2019 has been anything but convincing. A disappointing
    Six Nations with losses to both England and Wales was compounded by a record 57–15
    hiding at the hands of England in August.
    The pressure on the team is intense ahead of Rugby World Cup. This is perhaps the
    most difficult period Schmidt has faced since he began his tenure as head coach. Ireland have a poor record on rugby’s
    biggest stage and have never made it past the quarter-finals. There have been plenty of close-run losses but nothing to
    celebrate with a rousing chorus of Fields of Athenry. Ireland share Pool A with Scotland, Japan, Russia and Samoa and
    should have no issue getting through to the quarters where South Africa or New Zealand will be waiting.
    A key player will undoubtedly be first-five Johnny Sexton who has been under an injury cloud in the build-up to Japan.
    The 34-year-old made his debut for Ireland in 2009 and at his best controls a game as well as any other first-five in world
    rugby. His ability to unleash Ireland’s strike power out wide will be vital to their chances of success.

                                SCOTLAND
POOL A

                                  2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST
                                  COACH: GREGOR TOWNSEND CAPTAIN: GREIG LAIDLAW
                                  WEBSITE: www.scottishrugby.org
                                  TAB ODDS: $41.00
    The flower of Scotland could yet bloom in Japan with the Scots more than capable of
    beating any of the more favoured teams. Scotland are in Pool A with Ireland, Japan,
    Russia and Samoa and are odds-on to finish first or second to Ireland in their group. The
    prize will be a quarter-final showdown with either New Zealand or South Africa. Either
    scenario will not unduly concern the brave Scots whose rugby history is littered with
    giant killing results.
    Four years ago Scotland were set to beat Australia at Twickenham only for referee Craig
    Joubert to incorrectly award the Wallabies a penalty that they converted for a 35−34
    win. To their credit Scotland have clawed their way back from that heartache, although
    they remain an unknown quantity from match to match. Consistency has not been part
    of their arsenal. In November 2017 they gave the mighty All Blacks a real fright in Edinburgh before losing 22−17. Scotland put
    50 points on Australia and enjoyed comprehensive victories over England, Wales and France twice at home but have been
    less convincing playing away.
    Head coach Gregor Townsend has his players clearly enjoying what they are doing and producing a highly entertaining brand
    of rugby that has dramatically bolstered rugby’s profile in Scotland. A key player for the Scots is halfback and captain Greig
    Laidlaw. The 33-year-old has captained Scotland more than any other player and is equally adept at first-five. Laidlaw is an
    astute tactical reader of the game, accurate goalkicker and hugely important to Scotland’s chances of going further in Japan
    than they did four years ago.

                                                                 23
                                                        www.rugbyworldcup.com
With the All Blacks,
all the way.
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JAPAN
POOL A
                                  2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
                                  COACH: JAMIE JOSEPH CAPTAIN: MICHAEL LEITCH
                                  WEBSITE: en.rugby-japan.jp/japan
                                  TAB ODDS: $151.00
    When host nation Japan opens the 2019 Rugby World Cup in a Pool A clash with Russia
    at Tokyo Stadium it will be the start of unprecedented coverage of the sport in Japan.
    Kiwi head coach Jamie Joseph was as tough as they come as a player and has instilled
    into the Brave Blossoms some of that attitude. He has the ideal on-field captain
    in Michael Leitch; the No 8 proved to be one of the best in the game during his 30
    appearances for the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
    In England four years ago Leitch captained Japan in an outstanding run of matches
    that saw them beat South Africa, Samoa and the USA but a lack of bonus points
    meant they did not make the quarter-finals.
    The 34−32 victory over the Springboks ranks as the greatest of all Rugby World Cup upsets.
    A player likely to be one of the standouts in the team is Tongan-born winger Ataata Moeakiola. The 23-year-old was a star
    for Japan at the 2016 World Rugby Under-20 Championship and had a fine debut season for the Chiefs this year.
    In August, Japan warmed up for the Rugby World Cup by winning the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time. Captain Leitch
    lead the way scoring twice in the team’s 34−20 win over USA in the final. The victory in Suva was a timely confidence boost
    for his side and the third time Japan had won the highly competitive tournament.
    Japan have played at all previous eight Rugby World Cups but have yet to get past the pool stage.
    The chances are Ireland and Scotland will claim the two quarter-final places from Pool A with Japan a close third once again.
    But it would be unwise to write off the Brave Blossoms at home.

                                RUSSIA
POOL A

                                  2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: N/A
                                  COACH: LYN JONES CAPTAIN: VASILY ARTEMYEV
                                  WEBSITE: www.rugby.ru
                                  TAB ODDS: $501.00
    The Bears will compete at just their second Rugby World Cup after making their
    historic first appearance at the 2011 tournament held in New Zealand.
    The closest Russia came to a win was in their opening match against USA in New Ply-
    mouth. They ran the Eagles close throughout before losing 13−6.
    Much of the momentum gained from their inaugural appearance at Rugby World Cup
    was lessened by their failure to qualify for the 2015 tournament. The Bears should
    have made it through but let a nine-point aggregate lead slip against rivals Uruguay.
    But they are back to have another crack at rugby’s biggest occasion in 2019 after
    qualifying as Europe 1 representatives.
    Spain, Belgium and Romania were docked points for repeatedly using ineligible players during the qualifying competition.
    Romania had finished top qualifier and both Spain and Belgium defeated Russia but it is the Bears who make the trip
    to Japan.
    The man in charge as head coach is Lyn Jones, a former Welsh international who joined the Russian side in August last year.
    He has no easy task. The Russian league contains just eight clubs spread across the vast country and the harsh winter forces
    play to stop for a large portion of the year.
    Russia are in Pool A alongside Ireland, Scotland, Japan and Samoa with the games against the hosts and Samoa targeted as
    their best chance of claiming their first Rugby World Cup scalp.
    One player set to shine is 25-year-old lock Tagir Gadzhiev who is a former MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter. He has played
    21 tests for Russia since his debut in 2015 and will be a key source of lineout ball.

                                                                26
                                                       www.rugbyworldcup.com
SAMOA
POOL A
                                 2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
                                 COACH: STEVE JACKSON CAPTAIN: CHRIS VUI
                                 WEBSITE: www.manusamoa.com
                                 TAB ODDS: $501.00
    Manu Samoa were the darlings of the 1991, 1995 and 1999 tournaments when they
    made the quarter-finals and lit up each event with their scintillating back play and
    ferocious defence.
    Pickings have been much slimmer since then with Samoa unable to get out of pool
    play at the last four Rugby World Cups. Finishing fourth in their pool in 2015 meant
    Samoa had to qualify for this year’s event, which they managed over Germany.
    Samoa are grouped in Pool A with European heavyweights Ireland and Scotland, plus
    Japan and Russia.
    Captain Chris Vui is a classy flanker while brothers Jordan and James Lay are strong
    scrummaging props who have played in the Mitre 10 Cup with Bay of Plenty.
    Hooker Motu Matu’u is another with good experience. Openside flanker Jack Lam is one of the true leaders in the team and his
    dynamic style of play fits well with the aggressive TJ Ioane at No 8. Henry Stowers offers quality back-up.
    Lock Kane Leaupepe is an outstanding ball-running second rower and was a standout performer for both Bay of Plenty and
    Wellington in recent Mitre 10 Cup seasons.
    Halfback Dwayne Polataivao is a classy runner while there is plenty of fire-power out wide with the likes of centre Reynold
    Lee-Lo and wingers Belgium Tuatagaloa and Alapati Leiua.
    Kiwi coach Steve Jackson would have been pleased with much of what his team did in the recent Pacific Nations Cup,
    as despite losing two games they proved to be highly competitive.
    Samoa defeated Tonga 25−17 but lost to USA 13−10 and Fiji 10−3 in tight results.

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NEW ZEALAND
POOL B
                                  2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: CHAMPIONS
                                  COACH: STEVE HANSEN CAPTAIN: KIERAN READ
                                  WEBSITE: www.allblacks.com
                                  TAB ODDS: $2.25
    The All Blacks begin their quest to win three consecutive Rugby World Cup titles (and
    fourth overall). They are paying the lowest odds at the TAB to bring the Webb Ellis Cup
    back home to New Zealand.
    But losses to Ireland, South Africa and Australia in the last 12 months, and a one-
    point victory over England that could easily have gone the other way, have meant
    this is no clear-cut tournament win.
    The fitness of lock Brodie Retallick could hold the key. The 2014 World Rugby Player
    of the Year dislocated his shoulder against South Africa in July and has not played
    since.
    Without him the All Blacks forwards are not the same unit and no tight forward has Retallick’s speed and remarkable skills
    with ball in hand.
    The selectors have successfully utilised Ardie Savea at blindside flanker to create a new dynamic with openside flanker
    Sam Cane. Savea is used at No 8 when the All Blacks feed the scrum to make use of his raw, explosive power.
    Richie Mo’unga’s great form at first-five has meant a shift to fullback for usual No 10 Beauden Barrett. The move has given
    the All Blacks a double playmaker option, more space for Barrett to display his extreme speed and eye for a gap, plus the
    extra goalkicking accuracy of Mo’unga.
    First choice fullback/right winger Ben Smith and left winger Rieko Ioane seemed set in stone but less than impressive
    performances in the thumping by the Wallabies in Perth in August saw new talent in George Bridge and Sevu Reece
    preferred in the rematch a week later.
    Competition for all starting places in the All Blacks will be intense – just as it always has been throughout history.

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SOUTH AFRICA
POOL B
                                  2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: SEMI-FINALISTS
                                  COACH: RASSIE ERASMUS CAPTAIN: SIYA KOLISI
                                  WEBSITE: www.springboks.rugby
                                  TAB ODDS: $5.50
    Four years is a long time in rugby but for South African fans the two-point loss to the
    All Blacks in the semi-final played at Twickenham in 2015 still hurts.
    The Springboks would have been favoured to beat Australia in the final and claim
    their third Webb Ellis Cup. But it was not to be and the South Africans arrive in Japan
    to contest the 2019 tournament with an even stronger side.
    With a victory and two near misses over the All Blacks in the last 18 months and
    winning this year’s Rugby Championship, there is no doubt the Springboks have the
    fire-power and depth to deserve their billing as second favourite at the TAB.
    Coach Rassie Erasmus deserves credit for turning around the fortunes of the
    Springboks and restoring pride in the jersey.
    Captain Siya Kolisi has recovered from a serious knee injury and will be a massive influence on and off the park.
    Malcolm Marx has matured into one of the best hookers in world rugby with the ability to play as a fourth loose-forward,
    while No 8 Duane Vermeulen is another dynamic ball runner.
    The new-found consistency and flair in the way South Africa is playing coincides with brilliant first-five Handre Pollard
    having a set run as the starting 10, over the mercurial Elton Jantjies. Pollard runs the ball to the line better than any other
    first-five in world rugby and is a reliable goalkicker and strong defender.
    Powerhouse centre Jesse Kriel gives the team more midfield defensive might and will have a key role to fill at this Rugby
    World Cup.

                                ITALY
POOL B

                                   2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
                                   COACH: CONOR O’SHEA CAPTAIN: SERGIO PARISSE
                                   WEBSITE: www.federugby.it/index.php
                                   TAB ODDS: $501.00
    Italy have played at every Rugby World Cup but are yet to progress beyond the
    pool stage.
    In Japan they will again be led by inspirational No 8 Sergio Parisse, who is set to supplant
    Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll (141 caps) in second place on the all-time rugby test caps
    list, behind New Zealander Richie McCaw (148 caps).
    This will be Parisse’s fifth Rugby World Cup, joining Italy’s Mauro Bergamasco and
    Samoa’s Brian Lima as the only other players to reach this impressive landmark.
    Hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini and loose forward Alessandro Zanni will be at their fourth
    Rugby World Cups in a generally inexperienced Azzurri squad.
    Locks Dave Sisi and Federico Ruzza are highly rated while Kiwi Jayden Hayward is likely to start at fullback. Benetton first-
    five Tommaso Allan has plenty of ability and former Auckland lock Dean Budd is another in the mix to get game time
    in Japan.
    The Azzurri are in Pool B alongside Namibia and Canada, plus favoured sides to qualify to the quarter-finals, New Zealand
    and South Africa. Victory over Namibia and Canada is a minimum expectation for Italy who are capable of giving the world’s
    best teams a challenge. But for so long an inability to consistently hold their discipline and keep to a game plan for
    80 minutes has led to far too many defeats.
    This year Italy again finished last in the Six Nations Championship after losing all five of their matches. The expectation that
    regular competitive rugby would improve Italy’s performances and win-loss ratio has not eventuated.
    Rugby World Cup is the best stage of all to right those wrongs but recent form does not suggest Italy will be causing any
    upsets at this tournament.

                                                                 30
                                                        www.rugbyworldcup.com
TVNZ 1 free-to-air match schedule
                                                                                      COVERAGE
           SEPTEMBER                                                                   STARTS

           Friday 20                           Japan v Russia                         9.30pm       LIVE

           Saturday 21                         New Zealand v South Africa             9.45pm     DELAYED BY
                                                                                                   1 HOUR

           Saturday 28                         Argentina v Tonga                      4.00pm       LIVE

           OCTOBER

           Wednesday 2                         New Zealand v Canada                   11.30pm    DELAYED BY
                                                                                                   1 HOUR

           Friday 4                            South Africa v Italy                   10.15pm      LIVE

           Sunday 6                            New Zealand v Namibia                  6.30pm     DELAYED BY
                                                                                                   1 HOUR

           Wednesday 9                         Wales v Fiji                           10.15pm      LIVE

           Saturday 12                         New Zealand v Italy                    6.30pm     DELAYED BY
                                                                                                   1 HOUR

           Quarter-final: TBC                   New Zealand’s quarter-final if they              DELAYED BY
                                                                                                   1 HOUR
                                                progress past the pool stage

           Saturday 26                         Semi-final 1                           7.00pm       LIVE

           Sunday 27                           Semi-final 2                           9.00pm       LIVE

           NOVEMBER

           Saturday 2                          Final                                  8.00pm       LIVE

          These matches will be broadcast free-to-air on TVNZ 1 only.
          TVNZ won’t be streaming Rugby World Cup 2019™ live or on TVNZ OnDemand.
          To watch all 48 matches live head to sparksport.co.nz

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2015.
NAMIBIA
POOL B
                                   2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
                                   COACH: PHIL DAVIES CAPTAIN: JOHAN DEYSEL
                                   WEBSITE: www.namibianrugby.com
                                   TAB ODDS: $501.00
    This will be Namibia’s sixth successive Rugby World Cup appearance but across those
    19 games the Welwitschias are yet to enjoy their first victory at the tournament.
    In England four years ago, Namibia picked up their first Rugby World Cup point in a
    narrow 17−16 defeat to Georgia.
    There have been some good signs in 2019. In April at the World Rugby Nations Cup
    held in Uruguay they defeated the hosts for the first time but lost to Russia
    and Argentina XV. The win over Uruguay was a huge boost to morale. Namibia are
    23rd in World Rugby rankings.
    Since April, Namibia have had just two more games to prepare for Rugby World Cup
    – both against PRO14 side Southern Kings.
    Namibia are in Pool B up against New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Canada. Their firmly set goal is beating Canada so as
    to finally get that historic first Rugby World Cup win.
    Namibia’s most capped player Eugene Jantjies will compete at his fourth Rugby World Cup. The 33-year-old halfback was
    a standout for his country four years ago in England and is renowned for his quick ruck clearance and running from the
    scrum base.
    Darryl de la Harpe, Chrysander Botha, PJ van Lill and Rohan Kitshoff are other players in the squad to have experienced more
    than one Rugby World Cup.
    There is a strong Welsh influence in the coaching group with Dale McIntosh to link up with head coach Phil Davies in Japan.
    McIntosh will act as defence coach, while fitness expert Wayne Proctor and performance analyst Sam Pickford are also
    from Wales.

                               CANADA
POOL B

                                  2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
                                  COACH: KINGSLEY JONES CAPTAIN: TYLER ARDRON
                                  WEBSITE: www.rugby.ca/en
                                  TAB ODDS: $501.00
    The Canucks qualified for their eighth appearance at a Rugby World Cup after
    winning the repechage tournament in Marseille last November to claim the final
    spot in Japan. They slot into Pool B with New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Namibia.
    Their best chance of a win comes in their game against Namibia.
    Canada’s matches are spread over 17 days, the fewest in the tournament, along
    with South Africa and USA, which will stretch limited playing resources and crucial
    recovery time between matches.
    Canada have had some tough rugby before their departure for Japan. They competed
    in last month’s Pacific Nations Cup against USA, Fiji and Tonga, and have had two
    extra games against Irish club Leinster in Ontario and USA.
    Inspiration will be close at hand in the form of popular figure Tyler Ardron, who will captain Canada. He proved himself
    to be an outstanding leader at the last Rugby World Cup and his follow-me attitude is just what his team needs.
    The 28-year-old is equally adept at lock, blindside flanker and No 8. He has continued to improve every year as a hard-
    working, courageous player with Bay of Plenty in the Mitre 10 Cup and the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
    Canada has a relatively new head coach in Kingsley Jones, former openside flanker and captain of Wales. He succeeded
    Mark Anscombe, father of New Zealand-born Welsh first-five Gareth.
    Jones is a vastly experienced and highly regarded technical coach. He has coached in the English Premiership and European
    Championship, PRO12 and internationally with Russia during the 2011 and 2015 cycles.
    Joining him is New Zealander Henry Paul, who made his name in rugby league before switching codes to be capped by England.

                                                                33
                                                       www.rugbyworldcup.com
ENGLAND
POOL C
                                  2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
                                  COACH: EDDIE JONES CAPTAIN: OWEN FARRELL
                                  WEBSITE: www.englandrugby.com/home
                                  TAB ODDS: $5.00
    Hopes are rising among the expectant England fans that they could add the 2019
    Rugby World Cup title to their previous success in 2003.
    England have firmed as second-equal favourites with South Africa to win the Webb Ellis
    Cup and will begin their campaign in a positive state of mind after a strong build-up.
    Four years ago at their home fortress of Twickenham their world cup tournament collapsed
    after losses to Wales and Australia meant they did not qualify for the knock-out stages.
    After that disaster the new pairing of head coach Eddie Jones and captain Owen Farrell
    have transformed England’s attitude and fortunes. They are a much tougher team to
    beat now than in 2015.
    England should have an easier ride out of pool play this time round competing with France, Argentina, USA and Tonga for
    two quarter-final places from Pool C.
    Farrell is at his second Rugby World Cup and is the lynchpin of what has become a seriously good backline unit. The former
    rugby league star is a tough defender, aggressive ball runner and superb goalkicker.
    The 2019 edition of the tournament will be the third for Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes and Ben Youngs. Cole and Youngs are
    the most capped in the squad with 86 test appearances for England.
    One new face is former England Sevens star Ruaridh McConnochie who had a season playing club rugby in Bay of Plenty.
    Lewis Ludlam, Jack Singleton and former Crusaders halfback Willi Heinz also make the squad after impressive debuts in the
    win over Wales in August. Heinz qualifies for England through his grandmother and is a controversial selection ahead of
    the well-performed Ben Spencer.

                               FRANCE
POOL C

                                 2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: QUARTER-FINALIST
                                 COACH: JACQUES BRUNEL CAPTAIN: GUILHEM GUIRADO
                                 WEBSITE: www.ffr.fr
                                 TAB ODDS: $26.00
    No New Zealand rugby fan would ever write off France at a Rugby World Cup, no matter
    how poor their build-up has been for Japan.
    The memories of the All Blacks being knocked out of the 1999 and 2007 tournaments
    by France are still vivid and the 2011 final won 8-7 could so easily have been a victory
    for France.
    Les Bleus have contested three Rugby World Cup finals without lifting the Webb Ellis
    Cup. They finished their build-up to this year’s tournament last month with home-
    and-away matches against Scotland before facing Italy in Paris.
    So what French team can we expect to turn up this time?
    There is talent to burn in one of the youngest French sides in years with the potential to score tries against any
    defensive screen.
    Coach Jacques Brunel has cast aside centre Mathieu Bastareaud and halfback Morgan Parra who have 125 test caps
    between them. Bastareaud has lost his place to Toulouse centre Sofiane Guitoune.
    France will lean heavily on the experienced Guilhem Guirado, Yoann Huget, Wesley Fofana and Maxime Medard as key
    players. Others needing to step up are first-fives Romain Ntamack and Camille Lopez, with scrum-half Antoine Dupont
    able to also play at No 10.
    Brunel will resign after the Rugby World Cup with current assistant coach Fabien Galthie stepping up to the top job.
    How that affects what happens in Japan is anyone’s guess. France are drawn in Pool C with England, Argentina, USA and
    Tonga so will need to defeat Argentina to join England in the quarter-finals. That will be no easy task with Argentina
    enjoying 10 wins over Les Bleus in their last 16 encounters.

                                                               34
                                                      www.rugbyworldcup.com
ARGENTINA
POOL C
                                  2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: SEMI-FINALISTS
                                  COACH: MARIO LEDESMA CAPTAIN: PABLO MATERA
                                  WEBSITE: www.uar.com.ar
                                  TAB ODDS: $41.00
    Los Pumas have been at every one of the previous eight Rugby World Cup tournaments
    and will be strong contenders again in 2019.
    In 1999 and 2011 they made the quarter-finals. In 2015 they went to the next stage
    and made the semi-finals, where they were beaten by Australia. In the bronze medal
    play-off match Argentina lost to South Africa 24–13.
    The highlight of the campaign came when Argentina produced one of their finest
    victories and knocked out Ireland in the quarter-finals, 43–20.
    Overall Argentina have played 37 times at Rugby World Cups with 18 wins and 17 losses.
    Certainly the introduction of the Jaguares team into the Super Rugby competition in
    2016 has greatly improved the depth of players available for Argentina and lifted the consistency across the playing roster.
    Earlier this year the Jaguares went all the way and played their first Super Rugby final, losing to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
    Argentina’s growing international pedigree was evident in July this year, the All Blacks can consider themselves fortunate to
    beat Argentina 20–16 at the Velez Sarsfield Stadium.
    The draw has not been kind to Argentina in Japan as they are in the toughest pool, alongside England, France, USA and Tonga.
    However since 2002, Argentina have won 10 of the 16 tests played against France and will fancy their chances of knocking
    the French out of the competition.
    Head coach Mario Ledesma is in charge of both the Jaguares and the national team. He is credited with encouraging a more
    expansive game plan in Argentina rugby. That extra flair may well pay dividends in Japan.
    A key player is captain and flanker Pablo Matera who leads by example on the field.

                                 USA
POOL C

                                 2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
                                 COACH: GARY GOLD CAPTAIN: BLAINE SCULLY
                                 WEBSITE: www.usa.rugby
                                 TAB ODDS: $501.00
    Pool C is regarded as the pool of death at Japan 2019. One of the world’s best teams
    will miss out qualifying for the quarter-finals with England, France and Argentina
    battling for two places.
    There is high hope in the US Eagles camp that they can knock over one of the glamour
    teams. The Eagles have failed to qualify for only one Rugby World Cup since 1987
    and have scored memorable wins at the 1987, 2003 and 2011 tournaments.
    The Eagles will field a strong forward pack. Key players are props David Ainuu, Titi
    Lamositele and Paul Mullen who along with locks Nick Civetta and Greg Petersen
    will need to set a stable platform at scrum time.
    A young star in the squad is halfback Ruben de Haas who plays for the Cheetahs in
    the PRO14. He first played for the USA Under-19 and Under-20 teams before making his full international debut for the
    Eagles last year.
    Outside him is first-five AJ MacGinty, regarded as USA’s best and most consistent player. He is a fine goalkicker and loves
    to take the line on.
    There is plenty of experience in the coaching team. South African Gary Gold is head coach and Ireland’s Greg McWilliams
    is his assistant. There is no doubt the new professional US-based Major League Rugby competition has given them a
    wider pool of talent to choose from, which is positive for USA rugby now and into the future.
    The Eagles have enjoyed a solid preparation for Rugby World Cup including the Pacific Nations Cup, where they made it
    to the final before losing to Japan, and one-off matches against Canada, Samoa and Japan.

                                                                   37
                                                         www.rugbyworldcup.com
TONGA
POOL C
                                   2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: POOLS
                                   COACH: TOUTAI KEFU CAPTAIN: SIALE PIUTAU
                                   WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/TongaRugbyOfficial
                                   TAB ODDS: $501.00
      Tonga join England, France, Argentina and USA in the hardest group of all – Pool C.
      The Tongan team, known as the Ikale Tahi, are currently 15th in World Rugby’s rankings.
      The team have never made it out of the pool stage at any of their previous seven
      Rugby World Cups tournaments, with a record of seven wins from 25 matches played.
      They are unlikely to do so this time, but their opponents will know they have been in a
      game after taking on the ferocious Tongan tacklers.
      Tonga have caused two of the biggest boil-overs in Rugby World Cup history. In 1999
      at Leicester they defeated Italy 28–25 and in 2011 they produced an even bigger
      shock by rolling highly touted France 19–14 in Wellington.
      Former Australian No 8 Toutai Kefu is head coach of the Tongan team. His team enjoyed
      an ideal build-up for Japan in the competitive Pacific Nations Cup followed by test matches in New Zealand against Fiji and
      the All Blacks.
      Former All Blacks squad member Ben Tameifuna is crucial to Tonga’s set-piece plans. The 28-year-old is coming into his prime
      as a tighthead prop and, after making his mark with Hawke’s Bay and then the Chiefs, is now a seasoned pro plying his trade
      in France for Racing 92.
      Bristol centre Siale Piutau always leads by example. Another key player is barnstorming No 8 Nasi Manu. The 30-year-
      old has made a courageous return to the international fold after missed the entire PRO14 season with Italian side Benetton
      Treviso while battling testicular cancer.
      The vast majority of the Tongan players in action in Japan are from French and English rugby competitions.

                                                                            We are With You, Taking on the World
                                                                            Steve Hansen
                                                                            Coach, New Zealand All Blacks

                                                                            Dear Steve,

                                                                            On behalf of ChildFund and all of New Zealand, we’re wishing you the
                                                                            best of luck for the Rugby World Cup—we’re extremely proud of you for
                                                                            taking on the world. We know how important it is for children to have
                                                                            positive role models, and you’re all heroes for the thousands of children
                                                                            here in New Zealand and across the world who will be following the
                                                                            games with excitement.

                                                                            For more than 30,000 children in rural communities in Asia and the
                                                                            Pacific—many of whom are young girls—the love of rugby has been
                                                                            growing, thanks to ChildFund Pass It Back. This innovative sport-
                                                                            for-development programme not only promotes the right to play in
                                                                            communities where children have little or no access to organised sport,
                                                                            but provides important life skills and learning opportunities around
                                                                            leadership, problem-solving, and gender equity.

  We believe in the power of sport.                                         Rural Timor-Leste, Laos and Vietnam may be a long way from the bright
                                                                            lights of the stadiums in Japan, but they are equally important fields
                                                                            where young kids can play out their dreams and, through rugby, realise
  Join World Rugby and ChildFund in changing lives for                      their potential to thrive.
  disadvantaged children in Asia so they can play, learn and grow.
                                                                            To the All Blacks team: we’re sending you some of our special ChildFund
  Donate today at www.childfundpassitback.org                               spirit for a fantastic tournament.

                                                                            Best wishes, kia kaha!

  ChildFund is principal
  charity partner for                                                       From the team at
  Rugby World Cup 2019.                                                     ChildFund New Zealand
AUSTRALIA
POOL D
                                    2015 WORLD CUP PLACING: RUNNERS-UP
                                    COACH: MICHAEL CHEIKA CAPTAIN: MICHAEL HOOPER
                                    WEBSITE: www.rugby.com.au
                                    TAB ODDS: $13.00
    What Australian team will front up for the big games in Japan?
    Will it be the superbly drilled, fast-paced and highly skilled team that ripped the All Blacks
    apart 47–26 in Perth on August 10 or the error-prone, inept version of the same side
    that meekly succumbed 36–0 in the rematch at Eden Park a week later?
    Either scenario is likely given the Wallabies’ lack of consistency since they contested
    the 2015 Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks at Twickenham.
    Major upheavals, including losing their best player Israel Folau, have not helped but
    despite the ups and downs, one thing has not changed – the Wallabies have the talent
    to win the Rugby World Cup.
    The first positive for the Aussies is being drawn in Pool D. They should qualify for the quarter-finals alongside Wales, with
    Georgia, Fiji and Uruguay to miss out.
    Australia’s opening game is against Fiji, before their toughest pool match eight days later against Wales, which will indicate
    how the Wallabies are tracking.
    Head coach Michael Cheika is a polarising figure but has kept the difficult job since 2014. He is capable of surprising with
    a new game plan, as the All Blacks found out in Perth.
    Cheika has world-class talent in flankers Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Michael Hooper and David Pocock, midfielder Samu Kerevi
    and winger Reece Hodge but depth across the squad is limited.
    Australian captains have held aloft the Webb Ellis Cup twice before – 1991 and 1999. They are seeded sixth to win in Japan
    and it would take a major rugby upset for them to add a third title to their list.

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