Rugby World Cup 2019 kicks off on September 20 next year when hosts Japan play Russia in Tokyo. Exactly a year out from rugby’s marquee event, Brendan Gallagher assesses all the contenders as the countdown starts
POOL A
Ireland
(Current World ranking 2):

Last ten games: WWWWWWWLWW
Coach: Joe Schmidt
Captain: Rory Best
Have enjoyed a stellar last 12 months or so with wins culminating in a third ever Grand Slam and an impressive series win in Australia. Jacob Stockdale has emerged as a predatory try-scoring wing, Dan Leavy looks a world beater when fit in the back row, Bundee Aki has ...