Steve Borthwick’s England have had a nightmare in preparation for the World Cup and will head to France after an embarrassing first defeat to Fiji.
With Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola suspended before the start of the tournament, head coach Borthwick has had a more than difficult summer. But how have the teams facing England in Pool D in France prepared for rugby’s biggest event?
Here, Alex Bywater from MailSport takes an in-depth look at Argentina, Japan, Chile and Samoa and asks: what are their chances of shocking England?
Argentina
When and where will they play against England at the World Cup?
Saturday, September 9 in Marseille. Kick-off at 8 p.m.
How did their preparation for France go?
They went straight into the deep end this summer during the rugby championship, taking on defending champions South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. They were too good for Eddie Jones’ Wallabies and claimed a famous victory in Sydney. Argentina rounded off preparations for the tournament on Saturday with a comfortable victory over Spain in Madrid.
Who is their main player?
Pablo Matera. A brute of a striker who has sparked controversy with his comments in the past, but is still on the back row of world class. He’s doing the hard work to make his back bloom.
Can they beat England?
Absolutely, and they did last season when they won 30-29 at Twickenham in November. Argentina will not be afraid of England in any form. They have a side that is used to taking on the best in the world in the rugby championship. Head coach Michael Cheika has strength and experience in his squad and, unlike the current England squad, is a major threat in the back division.
Shock rating?
4/5
Argentina will be England’s first opponent when they meet in Marseille on September 9
Japan
When and where will they play against England at the World Cup?
Sunday September 17 in Nice. Kick-off at 8 p.m.
How did their preparation for France go?
Japan played a key role in hosting the last World Cup, beating both Ireland and Scotland and impressing with their style of play. But since 2019 they have been having problems with a lack of games against first division countries, which is holding them back. Japan was beaten by Samoa and Fiji this summer, only getting past Tonga. On Saturday they were comfortably beaten by Italy.
Who is their main player?
Dylan Riley. Longtime battlehorse and iconic figure Michael Leitch is still in the pack. But in the back, Riley is a very talented center. Born in South Africa but raised in Australia, Riley received Japanese citizenship in 2019 and is a star for the country’s top side, Saitama Wild Knights.
Can they beat England?
Talk to people with a strong understanding of rugby in the Far East and they don’t expect Japan to reach the heights of four years ago. England will still be wary of them and Jamie Joseph’s side remains a threat. But for all their warming problems, England should win.
Shock rating?
2/5
Japan is not expected to reach the pinnacle of its performance at the 2019 World Cup
Chili
When and where will they play against England at the World Cup?
Saturday 23 September in Lille. Starts at 4.45 pm.
How did their preparation for France go?
They have been beaten by Uruguay and Argentina XV this summer as they prepare for their first World Cup.
Who is their main player?
Martin Sigren, who became the first Chilean to play in English professional rugby when he joined Doncaster. Sigren is a gritty back-row forward.
Can they beat England?
No. Chile is the outsider of the tournament. Despite all their likely efforts, their squad is miles behind the best teams going to France in terms of quality. England should beat them comfortably, even if they don’t feel like bothering the best teams in the tournament.
Shock rating?
1/5
Chile will make its first ever World Cup appearance in France
Samoa
When and where will they play against England at the World Cup?
Saturday 7 October in Lille. Starts at 4.45 pm.
How did their preparation for France go?
Samoa is one of many countries that have benefited from the change in World Rugby’s entry laws. Former All Blacks Lima Sopoaga and Steven Luatua will all play for them in France, as will ex-Wallaby Christian Leali’ifano. It has strengthened their side considerably. Ball-playing forwards Chris Vui and Theo McFarland will also be familiar to English rugby fans. Samoa beat Japan and the Barbarians and on Saturday, after leading at half time, they were only narrowly beaten by Six Nations grand slam champions Ireland.
Who is their main player?
Fly-half Sopoaga has experience piloting the All Blacks from number 10 and previously played for Wasps. His ability to provide a guiding light to the undisputed talent around him could be critical.
Can they beat England?
Possible. Samoa caused a major upset for England at the 2003 World Cup before Sir Clive Woodward’s side erased their lead to win the tournament. They are a much more formidable team now than twenty years ago.
Shock rating?
3/5
Samoa caused England trouble at the 2003 World Cup before Sir Clive Woodward’s side finally won the tournament
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