NEW ZEALAND
Previous World Cup best: Winners (2011)
Head coach - Steve Hansen: Having been the assistant for Graham Henry throughout the 2011 triumph, Hansen was formally appointed the head coach of the All Blacks in December of that year. Despite not being a popular figure with everyone, nobody can question the 56-year-old's record. Of the 47 encounters that he has taken charge of, New Zealand have suffered only three defeats. As pre-tournament favourites there is plenty of expectation on Hansen's shoulders - all eyes will be on him and his players.
Key player - Aaron Smith
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Ordinarily it would be difficult to look beyond Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, but it's important not to forget that Smith is the player that makes the team tick at scrum-half. The 26-year-old is among the world's best in his position, which is bound to make him a target for opposition teams. But if he can get himself free from all the attention and on to the front foot, the Kiwis are going to be a tough unit to overcome.
Sports Mole says: The defending champions are not the favourites for no reason. Quite simply, they are the best team at the tournament. Of course they have to prove it on the pitch, but with a relatively straightforward pool to negotiate, the omens look good. Against the minnows Hansen will be able to juggle his starting lineup, which in turn will allow him to keep his star players fresh for the knockout stages. If they don't at least reach the final it would be a big shock.
ARGENTINA
Previous World Cup best: Third (2007)
Head coach - Daniel Hourcade: Since his appointment in 2013, Hourcade has carried Argentinian rugby forward. Indeed, within the last 18 months victories have been recorded against South Africa, Australia and France. Following a largely unspectacular playing career, the scrum-half started coaching in 1993. He also has the experience of coaching at rugby sevens level from his stints with Portugal and his native Argentina.
Key player - Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe
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Like most high calibre number sevens, Lobbe is willing to stretch the laws to the limit and sometimes even beyond that. Obviously that makes the 33-year-old susceptible to the sin bin, but such is the quality that he provides to the team, his presence is worth taking that risk. The forward, who is now with Toulon following a stint with Sale, sets the tone for Argentina.
Sports Mole says: For perhaps the first time ever at a World Cup, there will be pressure on Argentina to perform. The side that caused many shocks in 2007 on their way to finishing third had no impressive back catalogue of results to look back upon, whereas that is not the case eight years later. The recent 12-point win over South Africa in particular has made people stand up and take notice. It would be a major surprise were they not to at least advance to the quarter-finals.
TONGA
Previous World Cup best: Pool stage (1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011)
Head coach - Mana Otai: Andy Robinson will not have the fondest memories of Otai following their meeting in 2012. Tonga had never previously beaten Scotland, but their 21-15 victory under Otai's watch not only ended the drought, it forced Robinson to resign from his position as boss of the Scots. Since then, more positive results have been achieved with 46-year-old Otai at the helm, including a third-placed finish at this year's World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.
Key player - Fetu'u Vainikolo:
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With the greatest of respect to the Tongans, scoring opportunities are likely to be few and far between over the next couple of weeks. As a result, it's going to be vitally important that when a chance does arrive, they take it. Enter Vainikolo, who is known for his ability to make the most of any openings that fall his way. Having recently left the Exeter Chiefs, the 30-year-old winger has agreed a switch to French side Oyonnax.
Sports Mole says: Age could be a big problem for the Tongans. Usually such a speedy and sprightly outfit, there are a number of players within the squad that are well into the autumn of their careers. Ten members of the party are over the age of 32 and three have even celebrated their 35th birthdays. It means that much sharper opposition are bound to run riot in the closing stages of matches.
GEORGIA
Previous World Cup best: Pool stage (2003, 2007, 2011)
Head coach - Milton Haig: The New Zealander has been lauded in many quarters for the work that he has carried out since being appointed the Georgia head coach in 2011. The belief is that under Haig's guidance, the Georgians now play a more attacking brand of rugby that is easy on the eye. In each of the last four European Nations Cups, Haig has guided the Black and Reds to glory.
Key player - Mamuka Gorgodze
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The story goes that Gorgodze rejected the chance to play basketball professionally at a young age because the lack of physicality in the sport disappointed him. That gives an insight into the character of the 31-year-old who is nicknamed 'Gorgodzilla'. Known for his rampaging runs, when in full flight there are few better ball carriers than the Georgia captain. Gorgodze has recently been suffering with a knee problem, which he has since claimed is behind him.
Sports Mole says: As Europe's best team outside of the Six Nations, the World Cup tends to inject Georgia with a dose of reality. They coast through qualifying each time, only to then be put in their place every four years. Yet, with Haig in charge, there is a belief that they can make more of an impact in England. Their pool finishes at the last three World Cups read: fifth, fourth and fourth. This time around they are gunning for third spot and it certainly looks to be an achievable target.
NAMIBIA
Previous World Cup best: Pool stage (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011)
Head coach - Phil Davies: A man full of experience from coaching stints in charge of Scarlets, Worcester and Cardiff Blues, the 51-year-old only took control of Namibia in June. Since his appointment, wins have been picked up against Russia (twice), as well as Zimbabwe and Kenya. Previously, Davies was shortlisted for the Wales job.
Key player - Jacques Burger
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Namibia were well beaten in all five Pool matches in 2011, yet Burger was named as one of the five Players of the Tournament. Even when his side are on the wrong end of a hiding, Burger can still be seen putting his body on the line when others may shy away. The 32-year-old has suffered his fair share of injuries over recent years, but his performances for Saracens have shown that they have not dampened his hunger and enthusiasm for the game.
Sports Mole says: "We know what we're up against. We know we're not going to win the game. It's a case of us playing to our maximum and that's all we can ask for." Those were the words of coach Davies during a press conference, which sum up nicely his side's chances of doing anything other than finishing bottom. They will lose to each of their four pool opponents, it's just a matter of by how many.
Pool C fixtures
Saturday, September 19
Tonga vs. Georgia
Sunday, September 20
New Zealand vs. Argentina
Thursday, September 24
New Zealand vs. Namibia
Friday, September 25
Argentina vs. Georgia
Tuesday, September 29
Tonga vs. Namibia
Friday, October 2
New Zealand vs. Georgia
Sunday, October 4
Argentina vs. Tonga
Wednesday, October 7
Namibia vs. Georgia
Friday, October 9
New Zealand vs. Tonga
Sunday, October 11
USA vs. Japan
Prediction:
1. New Zealand
2. Argentina
3. Georgia
4. Tonga
5 Namibia
Liam Apicella
