By sportswriter Jonathan Dixon
TOKYO, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- When hosts Japan take on Russia Friday evening to kick off the 2019 Rugby World Cup, a total of 20 teams start again to chase for the Webb Ellis Trophy, which is heading to Asia for the first time.
Following is a preview of Pool A which consists of Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Russia and Samoa:
Ireland
Rank: 1st
Previous best: Quarterfinal
Ireland arrives in Japan as the number one ranked team in the world, after a successful run of form over the past two years that included victories against each of the world's top tier nations. However, their recent crowning as the top-ranked side has been greeted with skepticism in and outside the Emerald Isle, after they defeated a weakened Wales in the World Cup warm-up matches recently to steal the Welsh number-one spot. Yet, there are concerns that this Irish side has perhaps peaked too soon, and a 57-15 thrashing at home to England showed that they potentially lack the physicality and depth of the other elite nations around them.
Captain
Rory Best (37, Hooker, 119 caps) - The Ulsterman, now 37 years old, looks to be struggling with the pace and power in the game, however, no one would deny he is one of the best leaders in the rugby today. If Ireland is to reach their goal of winning the tournament, he will be as important off the field as on it.
Player to watch
Tadgh Furlong (27, Tighthead prop, 35 caps) - Genuine world-class, Furlong is the beating heart of the Irish scrum. The quintessential modern prop, his ability in the loose is what separates him from many of his peers. With the shine has somewhat come off the star of Irish 9 and 10 combination, Connor Murray and Jonny Sexton in the past 12 months, Furlong's impact to the whole Irish team has been multiplied.
What does success look like?
This is perhaps Ireland's best chance to win a World Cup; however, a successful tournament would be to reach the final. The decline in form over the last year has not gone unnoticed by Irish rugby watchers and to reach the final would be a significant achievement for the small rugby nation.
Scotland
Rank: 7th
Previous best: Fourth
The Scots have been on an upward trajectory since the last World Cup, firstly under Vern Cotter and now under Gregor Townsend. They have transitioned from a side lacking in real stars to a side full of them as well as moving to a more open and attractive game to better suit the talents in their ranks. Scotland sits as one of the hopeful outsiders to win what is the most open tournament ever, but for all their progress in the last four years, they have not managed to win the Six Nations against the other top tier nations in Europe. The side has a serious flair in the backline with flyhalf Finn Russell and fullback Stuart Hogg as two of the most exciting players to watch in the Northern Hemisphere, however, the side lacks the size and firepower to knuckle down and play hard rugby against the bigger sides. Scotland will be praying that the weather holds in Japan for the duration of the tournament.
Captain
Stuart McInally (29, Hooker, 20 caps) - McInally missed out on the 2015 edition of the tournament through injury and during that time his conversion from the back row to the front row has been completed. McInally replaces long-serving Greig Laidlaw as captain (who also is named in the squad) and will have to stamp his authority on the team. A leader more by his actions on the field, a big performance against Ireland in the first game will be essential.
Player to watch
Hamish Watson (27, Back Row, 23 caps) - What he lacks in height (183cm) he makes up with relentless energy and tackling ability. Good over the ball in the ruck and with mobility and pace that sets him apart from his rivals in his position, Watson is an integral part of the open play that defines this Scotland team.
What does success look like?
Topping the group would be a wonderful achievement for Scotland and would make the path to the semifinals that much easier.
Japan
Rank: 10th
Previous best: Pool Stage
Home nation Japan has the privilege of hosting the first-ever Rugby World Cup to be held in a tier-two nation. Memories of their stunning upset of two-time winners South Africa four years ago in Brighton remains fresh for the Japanese fans, however, if Japan is to progress from their own group they know they will have to beat two of either Ireland, Scotland or Samoa to reach the quarterfinals for the first time. In the intervening years since that wonderful victory, the Japanese side has seen a Super Team come and go and a minimal rise up the rankings. The pressure will be on the players to avoid any thrashings and to promote the sport within the nation, hopefully with the home support Japan will make history and get another first-tier scalp at a World Cup.
Captain
Michael Leitch (30, Back Row, 63 caps) - Instrumental in the win over South Africa four years ago, Australian born Leitch has gone from being the "foreign kid" to the captain of the national side. Standing as one of the best back-row forwards from outside the elite, Leitch has genuine qualities and is a fine leader.
Player to watch
Kenki Fukuoka (27, Wing, 33 caps) - A player of immense pace who plays in the Japanese domestic league, Fukuoka is looking to leave the sport after the Olympics (where he will also play Rugby 7s for Japan) to study for a medical degree. Blistering pace and the ability to fit into many top club sides, he will be Japan's main attacking threat.
What does success look like?
The dream scenario for Japan would be to make it out of the group, but success would be to push Scotland and Ireland hard and give a good account of themselves. Their aim at this World Cup is to promote the sport in their homeland and to do that they will need to put on a good show for the public.
Samoa
Rank: 16th
Previous best: Quarterfinals
Samoa is better than their ranking suggests, but like all Pacific Island nations struggle from a lack of resources and organization that hampers the intervening years between World Cups. Hard-hitting with serious flair, the Samoans have a squad that is spread across the world, in Europe and Super Rugby. Samoa will need to gel quickly if they want to make it out of the group stage.
Captain
Jack Lam (31, Flanker, 35 caps)
Player to watch
Tim Nanai-Williams (30, Utility back, 12 caps) - Cousin of New Zealand star Sonny Bill Williams and the fair and star power to light up any rugby field. A player who can make something out of nothing.
What does success look like?
Reaching the quarterfinals looks like a step too far, however, a win against either Scotland or Ireland would be a nice souvenir to take home to a nation where one-in-17 citizens are registered rugby players.
Russia
Rank: 20th
Previous best: Pool stage
Russia has the privilege of opening the whole show in the tournament's opening game against Japan. Russia qualifies after Spain and Romania were both disqualified for breaches over eligibility rules in qualification, however, this tournament is likely to be very tough for Russia. Their first game against a tier-one nation against Italy finished 85-15 and the scorelines against Ireland and Scotland could be even more severe.
Captain
Vasily Artemyev (32, Wing, 88 caps)
Player to watch
Vasily Artemyev (32, Wing, 88 caps) - Captain and best player in the side, Artemyev learned his trade in Ireland and has played in England's Northampton Saints's Premiership winning side. He is currently the only Russian player to play in England's top flight. His experience at the top domestic level will be required to hold together this side of amateurs.
What does success look like?
If Russia avoids losing by more than 50 points to Ireland and Scotland and can get within 15 of Japan and Samoa then this tournament will be a great success. Unfortunately, Russia will struggle but will relish the chance to compete against the elite.
