Here are the pools for the Rugby World Cup next month in Japan. I just took a glance over the different tables to see if anything obvious stood out. How it works is everyone plays each other in their particular pool and the top 2 go through to the quarter finals.
Pool A looks simple enough with Ireland and Scotland having enough for Samoa. I don't expect much from the hosts even though they upset South Africa the last time out. Samoa is the biggest threat to the top 2 and Scotland and Ireland should walk this pool.
Pool B is straightforward enough and I think South Africa are the biggest winners having New Zealand in their pool. Not only do they play each other early, but should dodge each other and if they win their games would meet in the final. Italy Namibia and Canada are there to make up the numbers.
Pool C is the toughest pool in my opinion and it could be a three horse race depending on how France play along with the Argentinians. I expect England to go through plus one of the other two. Tonga could cause an upset , but this is highly unlikely.
Pool D looks very straightforward and expect to see Australia and Wales to come through this with no issues. Fiji could give a few scares, but isn't really a threat as they are good at 7 a side and not 15 a side rugby.
It will make a difference whoever tops their pool as you play against the runners up from the other pools. Pool A vs Pool B and Pool C vs Pool D. Saying that this means it looks like Ireland will be playing New Zealand or South Africa. England will be up against Wales or Australia so some big teams will be heading home early.
Personally I can see some upsets at the quarter final stages and the only 6 Nation side left could be England by this point. I haven't looked at the squads yet and who is reffing the games and this is crucial in my opinion.