A final look at the Rugby World Cup

We are less than two days away from rugby's biggest competition and there has never been a more open tournament, a far cry from the previous years where a winner was deemed to be pre-determined.

The world cup warm-up matches concluded two weeks ago, albiet there were some shocking results and unfortunate injuries, one can never determine what the true outcome may be.

Much like every world cup year, the North and South always boast favorites going into this tournament. An interesting fact going into the tournament, is that the top four ranked nations in the world right now are likely to meet in the first round.

France and New Zealand will open the festivities on Friday night. The French will be fancying their chances against the three time champions, after they were blown out by reigning world champions South Africa in the final warm-up match.

The Springbok victory saw them leapfrog hosts France in the world rankings to second position behind fellow Pool D and number ranked nation Ireland.

The Irish will be boosted by the return of fly-half Johnny Sexton, whoe recieved a three match ban following his spat with referee Jaco Peyper in the Champions Cup final.

Rounding up the world ranking top 5 is Scotland who are also a part of a stacked pool B. Scotland also proved their resolve by winning all their warm-up games in the build up.

The Scotts will look to shock the South Africans by pulling off an upset to strengthen their chances of progrssing to the next round.

Argentina and Fiji were amongst some of the biggest climers during the warm-up matches, as both nations moved into their highest position yet.

Fiji's first ever win over England at Twickenham will give them reason to go into the tournament with their heads high in a group C that feature a struggling Welsh and Australian side. Wales' only win in the warm-up game came againts fellow strugglers England. 

Australia on the other hand, have yet to win a single game this year. After being on the recieving end of a 3 game whitewashing in the Rugby Championship, Eddie Jones and his men have yet to register a win this year.

The men from down under will look to claim their first win of the year, with a win over a Georgia side that has proven quite tough to deal with especially after their outing against Scotland.

2019 finalist England, have also had a dismal year of rugby, in both the six nations and and warm-up matches. They will have to outdo Argentina who have proven to have their number in the past. 

Meanwhile a clash with Samoa will also prove to be a tough test.