Welcome along to our big World Cup preview. We’ve got some very interesting predictions from a number of well known rugby experts. Let’s get into it!
PAUL WARWICK
The Munster Legend Perspective
First up is former Munster fullback Paul Warwick. Paul was a massive fan favourite at Thomond Park, scoring 460 points in the famous red shirt during his successful four year stint. The Australian kicker’s highlights with the province include his perfect performance against the Ospreys in 2010 (see below) and his his game against the Wallabies for Munster during that same season as he kicked every one of Munster’s points in a memorable victory. Unfortunately, Warwick retired with English side Worcester Warriors last year but still remained involved with the club as a coach.
Who do you think will win the World Cup?
Australia
How far will Ireland get?
Semi-Finals
Who’s the one to watch in this years tournament?
Julian Savea
Who do you think will be top try scorer?
Ben Smith
Who do you think will be the top points scorer?
George Ford
Which team will pull off the most surprises?
France
Do you have any unusual predictions/strong feelings that you would like to share?
Wales could be hard done by in the pool of death. I think the Semi Finals will consist of Australia , New Zealand , South Africa and Ireland – anyone could be world champions.
Donn O’Sullivan
The Journalist Perspective
Donn is a well renowned journalist and acts as a sports editor for the Limerick Post. When he’s not writing, Donn manages the UL Bohemians academy – a Limerick club that have produced a number of Munster stars in recent years.
Who do you think will win the World Cup?
Ireland or Australia
How far will Ireland get?
Final
Who’s the one to watch in this years tournament?
Australia’s Michael Hooper – all backrow players should study him
Who do you think will be the top try scorer?
Julian Savea
Who do you think will be the top points scorer?
Johnny Sexton
Which team will pull off the most surprises?
Fiji
Do you have any unusual predictions/strong feelings that you would like to share?
Rob Penney
The Coach’s Perspective
Rob Penney was the head coach of Munster Rugby between 2012 and 2014 enjoying much success. The New Zealander brought the province to two consecutive Heineken Cup semi-finals in the two seasons only to narrowly miss out against French opposition on both occasions. He also qualified Munster for the Pro 12 semi-finals in his last season at the top. His other coaching credentials include leading Canterbury to four consecutive ITM Cups and he now occupies the head coach position at Japanese side Shining Arcs.
Who do you think will win the World Cup?
Of course I think New Zealand will win the world cup and become the first team to do it back to back! However, I think the 2015 world cup is the most even yet and being played in England I believe there are a number of countries who have the potential to win it, and of course Ireland are one of those teams……..the last month of the WC will be fascinating and thrilling I have no doubt.
How far will Ireland get?
Ireland have the ability to win the WC, like all teams its how they react to pressure and expectation and how many injuries they get to key people. Knowing the talent they have I think they are good enough to go all the way, my main concern, and this will spark a few people off, is that the Irish game is very structured and quite predictable……..against the top 6 teams this may not be enough, but I am sure Joe will grow the Irish attack!!
Who’s the one to watch in this years tournament?
Who do you think will be top try scorer?
I think the top try scorer will be someone from NZ because of the way they play and because of the weakness of their pool, so Julian Savea, or as a punt Simon Zebo!
Which team will pull off the most surprises?
If the right French team turn up and play with consistency they could rip some teams apart. England are building really well, I like what they are trying to do on attack, if they get the mix right then they too will be dangerous. Australia too on their day have the talent to do great things and as I have said, Fiji are my dark horse ….pun intended!!
Do you have any unusual predictions/strong feelings that you would like to share?
Sorry I am very bad at making predictions so I will give this one a miss except to say that the TMO’s will have a big influence on the outcome of some tight fixtures much to everyone’s annoyance!
Ben Kilkenny
The Future Perspective
Ben Kikenny is a powerful backrow player who will be promoted to the Munster academy next season. Kilkenny was a star in the 2013 and 2014 Senior campaigns for St Munchin ‘s College and has since appeared for Ireland and Munster U19s and even played for the Munster ‘A’ team last season. We hope to see big things from the youngster in the future as uncle Keith Wood looks to drop in a few helpful tips to him as he progresses for both club and country.
Who do you think will win the World Cup?
Ireland
Who’s the one to watch in this years tournament?
Nehe Milner-Skudder
Who do you think will be top try scorer?
Waisake Naholo
Who do you think will be the top points scorer?
Johnny Sexton
Which team will pull off the most surprises?
Fiji
Do you have any unusual predictions/strong feelings that you would like to share?
Paul O’Connell to be player of the tournament.
Joy Neville
The Former Munster Captain Perspective
Joy Neville is a legend of women’s rugby in Ireland. The UL Bohs member captained Munster to six trophies during her 11 season long career and even won 70 caps for Ireland, claiming the Grand Slam along the way. In 2011, Joy made the Scrum Queens team of the year.
Who do you think will win the World Cup?
I think South Africa are going to win the World Cup! Close between New Zealand, Ireland and England
How far will Ireland get?
I predict Ireland reaching at least the semi final
Who do you think will be top try scorer?
hmm this is a tough one, Okay I’m going to go with Jessie Kriel from South Africa
Who do you think will be the top points scorer?
Lima Sopoaga from New Zealand
Which team will pull off the most surprises?
I think Samoa may surprise a few nations and cause an upset
Do you have any unusual predictions/strong feelings that you would like to share?
I believe Argentina and Samoa may cause some upset… that’s it!
Munster Haka Admins
The Munster Fan Perspective
Just because our opinions matter.
Who do you think will win the World Cup?
Admin Ronan: New Zealand
Admin Paul: Ireland, but only if France eliminate New Zealand in the quarter final.
How far will Ireland go?
Admin Ronan: Semi-Finals
Admin Paul: Champions
Who’s the one to watch in this years tournament?
Admin Ronan: Jesse Kriel
Admin Paul: Nehe Milner-Skudder
Who do you think will be top try scorer?
Admin Ronan: Julian Savea
Admin Paul: Julian Savea
Who do you think will be the top points scorer?
Admin Ronan: George Ford
Admin Paul: Johnny Sexton
Which team will pull off the most surprises?
Admin Ronan: Scotland
Admin Paul: Japan
Do you have any unusual predictions/strong feelings that you would like to share?
Admin Ronan: I think South Africa will overcome Australia and perhaps New Zealand to reach the final. Their young centres Damien De Allande and Jesse Kriel will make make big names for themselves and have a big impact on the competition.
Big thanks to all the lads for helping us out. It’s really appreciated. We wish you all the best in the future .
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Munster Haka 