Rugby World Cup Groups 2015: Key Storylines in Pool C

New Zealand will naturally attract the most attention in Pool C, but, away from their own turf, will the Kiwis choke? How will Malakai Fekitoa, the All Blacks centre, feel if he is picked to face the land of his birth, Tonga?

This group will also tell us more about the state of Argentinian rugby, eight years on from its finest hour at France 2007. Will Namibia break their World Cup duck, and should Georgia be included in the Six Nations?

Here are five slides to take you through the top talking points from Pool C.

New Zealand have been pretty much the best rugby union team for the last 30 years, yet in the World Cup’s seven previous editions, the All Blacks have only triumphed twice, in 1987 and 2011, both times on home soil. In the British Isles in particular, it could be said they have choked.

First, the reigning champions didn’t fire in 1991, although Australia were worthy winners.

Then, most memorably of all, New Zealand looked on course to reach the final in 1999, when, despite a 24-10 lead against France and with Jonah Lomu wreaking havoc, the All Blacks lost 43-31 (see video above).

Eight years later, the same opposition fought bravely against New Zealand in their 20-18 quarter-final win in Cardiff, albeit courtesy of a suspiciously forward Frederic Michalak pass.

Even when they won the tournament last time out, an 8-7 win against a decent but unspectacular France could classify as a bit of a choke. They had beaten Les Bleus 37-17 in the pool stage.

New Zealand are the favourites for the trophy once again. But will they do it?

Argentina were the toast of rugby fans worldwide after their performances at the 2007 World Cup in France, where they finished third. They defeated the hosts as well as Ireland on their way to a semi-final against eventual winners South Africa.

Their pack was imposing, Agustin Pichot was a general from scrum-half and a superstar was seemingly born in Juan Martin Hernandez.

See the video above for a reminder of their attacking talents and a Hernandez trademark long pass.

On the back of 2007, Argentina were belatedly admitted to the southern hemisphere’s premier tournament, now called the Rugby Championship. They first featured in 2012, but they have not progressed.

Was 2007 a feat they can repeat? They will need a semi-final place to match those achievements.

Namibia are striving for their first-ever World Cup victory. Should they accomplish the feat, the achievement would be one of the stories of the World Cup.

They are rank outsiders, but will the tackling of Jacques Burger and breakdown work of Rohan Kitshoff provide the foundation for a win?

Their fixture against Georgia on October 7 looks the most likely option, but it will probably prove a task too tough (see slide below).

Georgia maintained their recent dominance of the Nations Cup, Europe’s second-tier international rugby competition, thanks to their fifth consecutive triumph. In so doing, they leapt ahead of Italy into 14th place in the World Rugby rankings.

This raises the question: Should they be in the Six Nations? Consistent performances at the World Cup may help shape a change of thinking.

Georgia are, in effect, not just representing their country, but also the hopes of other lower-tier nations who hope for reform in the European game into a two-league system with promotion and relegation.

For Mamuka Gorgodze and Co, that is plenty of motivation. 

Malakai Fekitoa would have searched for one fixture date as soon as the Rugby World Cup schedule was announced: New Zealand vs. Tonga on October 9. The electric centre was born on a remote Tongan island and represented Tonga at sevens.

However, as per stuff.co.nz, while holidaying in New Zealand, he approached Wesley College and asked for a trial. Fekitoa explained:

I came here just to visit New Zealand to see some friends and I found out I'd be able to play first XV.

So I went to ask Wesley for a scholarship, they gave me five minutes to play and [instead] I played the whole game.

[...]

I didn't know any English when I came, so I picked it up from the boys and also from my last two years at school.

If his personal story is fascinating, his talents are mesmerising. Neutrals watching the Rugby World Cup 2015 will hope Fekitoa gets plenty of game time.

As for the man himself, no doubt Fekitoa will be hoping Tonga join New Zealand in qualifying for the quarter-finals.