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Rugby World Cup: Team-by-team profiles
WITH the Rugby World Cup set to get started on Friday, Total Bath gives all 20 competing nations the once-over with our team profiles.
Whether you’re keen to figure out Ireland’s best run in the competition, discover Namibia’s star man, learn how to say ‘long time no see’ in Fijian or find out the recipe for bobotie, you’re in the right place…
Japan
World Cup best: Pool
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Eddie Jones - Jones is no stranger to the Rugby World Cup, having coached Australia to the runners-up spot behind England in the 2003 competition. The Australian coach and former player has a wide range of experience on the touchline including spells in charge of Saracens, Suntory Sungoliath and the four-year spell in charge of his home nation.
Star man: Michael Leitch - Japan's captain will be looking to build on his tally of 55 points for his national side.
Odds to win: 1500/1
National dish: Tempura - ingredients vary from prawn to in-season fish and vegetables, which are then deep-fried in vegetable oil after being coated in a mixture of egg, water and wheat flour. The best alternative to sushi in the ‘Cliche Japanese Food’ cookbook.
Say what?: “Manaita no ue no koi” - “a carp on a cutting board” - used as an expression when helpless in a situation.
Famous fan: General Lee (from Takeshi's Castle)
South Africa
World Cup best: Winners
World Cup 2011: Quarter-finals
Coach: Heyneke Mayer - The 47 year-old is now three quarters of the way through his four-year term. Meyer has an impressive winning record in charge of the Springboks, with 65 per cent of his fixtures ending in victory.
Star man: Eben Etzebeth - The former IRB Player of the Year nominee heads into this year’s competition considered as one of the best forwards in the game.
Odds to win: 6/1
National dish: Bobotie: The dish is primarily formed of spiced mincemeat with an egg topping.
Say what?: “Wil jy 'n koppie tee?” - “would you like a cup of tea?”
Famous fan: Half the England cricket team.
Namibia
World Cup best: Pool
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Phil Davies - the 51 year-old former Welsh professional heads into this tournament looking to improve on Namibia's poor international record at the first attempt, having only been appointed to the role this year.
Star man: Jacques Burger - the Saracens flanker is by far the most talented of a generally poor side.
Odds to win: 5000/1
National dish: Boerewors - although South African in origin, these well-known sausages are a constant hit in Namibia and are enjoyed by the vast majority of the population. Similar to England's affection for beans on toast.
Say what?: “sal Namibie wen die Wereldbeker-sokkeroernooi?” - “Will Namibia win the World Cup?” Unfortunately we misplaced our native Ovambo dictionary, so here's another phrase from Afrikanns, which 11 per cent of the population communicate in. Clearly, someone needs to tell the Namibians that there are easier pronunciations of the word 'cup' available...”
Famous fan: Sunny Boy – a rapper, apparently.
Argentina
World Cup best: Third (2007)
World Cup 2011: Quarter-finals
Coach: Daniel Hourcade – a 56-year-old coach with extensive experience in both Argentina and Portgual. Hourcade has a 39.13 per cent victory percentage in international fixtures.
Star man: Horacio Agulla - the 30-year-old will be no stranger to English fans, with the versatile three-quarter playing at club level for Bath. He has 25 points in 60 caps for his country.
Odds to win: 66/1
National dish: Asado - also a term for a range of barbequing techniques, it is the closest thing Argentina has to a national dish. An asado typically contains beef alongside a selection of other meats.
Say what?: “Tevez se ha ido a jugar al golf de nuevo” - “Tevez has gone to play golf again”
Famous fan: Diego Maradona - in this game you can legally use your hands.
Canada
World Cup best: Quarter-finals (1991)
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Kieran Crowley - the former New Zealand full-back has been at the helm for an eight year spell. Won the competition in 1987 as a player.”
Star man: Tyler Ardron - the 24-year-old Ospreys man spends his time on the beaches of Swansea playing frisbee.
Odds to win: 2000/1
National dish: Poutine - most prominent in the French province of Quebec, Poutine is French fries and cheese curds topped with gravy sauce.
Say what?: “I'm Canadian, not American” - possibly the most defensive phrase in the Canadian vocabulary.
Famous fans: Jacques Villeneuve. Vroom vroom.
USA
World Cup best: Pool
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Mike Tolkin - formerly the team's defensive coach before being appointed to the head coach role in 2012.
Star man: Chris Wyles - Saracens full-back who holds 212 points for his nation in 50 caps. Former club level sides include Nottingham and Northampton Saints.
Odds to win: 2000/1
National dish: Cheeseburger - this one speaks for itself.
Say what?: “I'd rather watch real football”
Famous fans: Barack Obama. Perhaps.
Uruguay
World Cup best: Pool
World Cup 2011: Did not qualify
Coach: Pablo Lemoine – the 40-year-old former prop has the Bristol Shotguns among his coaching CV. Played for Uruguay at international level as a player.
Star man: Santiago Vileseca – played for his national side since 2008 and currently plays at club level for Old Boys Club as a lock.
Odds to win: 5000/1
National dish: Churrasco – a sandwich-style dish consisting of filet mignon with mozzarella, tomato, mayo, black or green olives. Occasionally features bacon, ham or egg.
Say what?: “Como se llama?” Nothing to do with a llama. It just means “what's your name?””
Famous fans: Luis Suarez
England
World Cup best: Winners (2003)
World Cup 2011: Quarter-finals
Coach: Stuart Lancaster - first appointed in 2011 and with a contract until 2020, Lancaster's playing career began at Wakefield RFC and finished with the Leeds Tykes in 2000.
Star man: Jonny May - comes into the tournament in fine form from the warm-up matches, scoring tries against France and Ireland. Chiseldon-born flier was the only member of Lancaster's squad to start each of the three warm-up games.
Odds to win: 7/2
National dish: Beans on toast - a quick and easy solution that takes between two and five minutes to prepare. Simply heat a tin of beans in the microwave for two minutes and burn some toast, before combining the two ingredients. If you're the adventurous sort, add cheese.”
Say what?: “Tut.” Involuntary noise of disapproval. Applied in a wide variety of circumstances.
Famous fans: David Beckham.
France
World Cup best: Runners-up (1987, 1999, 2011)
World Cup 2011: Runners-up
Coach: Phillipe Saint-Andre - former pro who earned 69 test caps for his country between 1990 and 1997. Toulon, Sale Sharks and Gloucester are among his other former clubs.
Star man: Thierry Dusautoir - born in the Ivory Coast to a French father, Dusautoir is a graduate chemical engineer and holds 76 caps for his country. The ever-present flanker has played at club level for Toulouse since 2006.
Odds to win: 16/1
National dish: Escargots - this dish is mainly composed of snails with an assortment of garnishes, such as butter or garlic.
Say what?: “Je me rends” - “I surrender”. (naughty, Ed)
Famous fans: Gerard Depardieu. The actor knows all about props, at least.
Georgia
World Cup best: Pool
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Milton Haig - first appointed to the role in 2011 before the previous World Cup, in which the Georgians took a solitary victory as they exited at the pool stage. The 51 year-old New Zealander has also managed his home nation’s under 21 side.
Star man: Mamuka Gorgodze - the 31-year-old Toulon flanker has been capped 61 times by Georgia and scores a point every two games on average for the national side.
Odds to win: 2000/1
National dish: Basturma - cured beef that undergoes air drying treatment before being highly seasoned. Dish is of Anatolian origin.”
Say what?: didi khania ar minakhikhart “Long time no see....”
Famous fan: Dimitri Yachvilli
Ireland
World Cup best: Quarter-finals
World Cup 2011: Quarter-finals
Coach: Joe Schmidt – the former coach of Clermont and Leinster amongst others, Schmidt was born in New Zealand in 1965 and was recently awarded Irish citizenship.
Star man: Paul O'Connell - recently ended a 15-year association with Munster, where he came through the ranks as a young player. Capped 104 times for his nation.”
Odds to win: 9/1
National dish: Colcannon - this dish comprises of mashed potato accompanied with either kale or cabbage.
Say what?: “barr an maidin a thabhairt duit.” “Top of the morning to you.”
Famous fan: Dermot O'Leary. Even if he was brought up in Colchester.
Italy
World Cup best: Pool
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Jacques Brunel – a 61 year-old former professional player who has spent the majority of his career in his native France, where he was assistant manager of the national side between 2000 and 2007. Appointed head coach in 2011.
Star man: Sergio Parisse – the Stade Francais flanker has 113 international caps. Known for his great handling ability and positioning.
Odds to win: 1000/1
National dish: Pizza – dough-based dish, commonly topped with a tomato sauce and then variants of meat and/or cheese. Sometimes cooked with different sauces to create a wide variety of flavour.” Or just ring Domino’s.
Say what?: “Buonsera” - “Good evening/night”.
Famous fans: Giorgio Armani
Romania
World Cup best: Pool
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Llyn Howells – the former Pontypridd player served as assistant coach to the Welsh national side at the 1999 Rugby World Cup. His other club level coaching credentials include spells at Edinburgh and Doncaster.
Star man: Mihai Macovei – a 28-year-old flanker who plays in his home nation and occasionally in France. His height at just under two metres serves as a valuable asset to his national side.
Odds to win: 5000/1
National dish: Sarmale - grapes, chard leaves, monk's rhubarb, cabbage and a filling of minced meat.
Say what?: “Salut, ce mi faci?” - greeting.
Famous Fans: Nadia Comaneci
Scotland
World Cup best: Fourth
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Vern Cotter – the Former Clermont manager and a number eight during his playing career in his native New Zealand. Took up his position in the Scottish coaching staff in 2014.
Star man: Greig Laidlaw - the Scottish captain's playing credentials include spells at Edinburgh and Gloucester. He has played for Scotland at every age group up from the under 21s to senior level.
Odds to win: 200/1
National dish: Haggis - sheep's pluck, oatmeal, spices, salt, suet and minced onion encased in the animal's stomach. Nom.
Say what?: “Bonnie” - young or small.
Famous fan: Frankie Boyle
Wales
World Cup best: Third
World Cup 2011: Semi-finals
Coach: Warren Gatland – the New Zealander has held the top job for the Welsh national side since 2007 and his previous coaching experience includes a two-year spell in charge of the Irish and a three-year tenure with London Wasps.
Star man: Sam Warburton - the 26 year-old flanker has represented Wales internationally at every age category.
Odds to win: 20/1
National dish: Welshcakes or bakestones - made from sultanas, raisins and flour, these circular cakes may also contain spices such as cinnamon.
Say what?: “Tacsi” – taxi. Dur!
Famous fan: Katherine Jenkins
Australia
World Cup best: Winners
World Cup 2011: Third
Coach: Michael Cheika - the only coach in history to have won a major rugby tournament in each hemisphere. Previous clubs include Randwick, Leinster and Stade Francais. Joined the Australia set-up in 2014.
Star man: Stephen Moore - Moore enters this tournament taking the captain's armband for Australia for the very first time, with the Brumbies player receiving the promotion in July. His 96 caps mean he is a valuable dash of experience in a very talented side.
Odds to win: 15/2
National dish: Meat pie - minced beef in gravy inside puff pastry. Variants include steak, onion, potato, curry and pepper.
Say what?: “Fosters. Good call.” – despite only being said by two Australians, this serves as an iconic phrase whenever anyone attempts a poor accent down the pub.
Famous fan: Mark Webber
Fiji
World Cup best: Quarter-finals
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: John McKee – the New Zealander’s 15-year coaching career has arguably reached its highest point thus far with his appointment at Fiji in 2014.
Star man: Akapusi Qera - the 31 year-old flanker has an impressive club level CV, with his current spell at Montpellier following time at Toulon and Gloucester. He averages just under a point every match he plays at international level.
Odds to win: 1000/1
National dish: Rourou and Tapioca - Fijian cuisine is traditionally very healthy and this meal, usually served at lunchtime, is no exception. The recipe is literally just dalo leaves with boiled cassava.
Say what?: “Sa dede da sega ni sota” - “Long time, no see.” Doesn't have quite the same ring to it.
Famous fan: Vijay Singh
New Zealand
World Cup best: Winners
World Cup 2011: Champions
Coach: Steve Hansen - served as the All Blacks' assistant manager during their triumph four years ago and was awarded the top job a year later in 2012. The majority of his prior coaching career was spent at Canterbury, where he spent seven years as a player between 1980 and 1987.
Star man: Richie McCaw - into his 15th consecutive year at club level with Crusaders and internationally with New Zealand.
National dish: Hangi – a traditional cooking method of using heated rocks buried in a pit oven.
Say what?: “Crook” – “under the weather”.
Famous fan: Sir Peter Jackson
Samoa
World Cup best: Quarter-finals
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Stephen Betham - first appointed to the role in 2009, his coaching achievements include victories in the IRB Sevens World Series, the Hong Kong Sevens, Adelaide Sevens & USA Sevens.
Star man: Ofisa Treviranus – a flanker who plays for London Irish at club level. Part of the side that won the 2010 IRB Sevens World Series.
Odds to win: 200/1
National dish: Palusami - coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves and then baked in an umu.
Say what?: “Fa'amolemole, ia fa'atelegese lau tautala” means “please speak more slowly”. Important, we’d say.
Famous fan: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Tonga
World Cup best: Pool
World Cup 2011: Pool
Coach: Mana Otai - the 46-year-old played five matches for the Tongan national team in 1995 and returned to coach them in 2012 following a three-year stint in charge of Auckland RFU.
Star man: Nili Latu - the eight has had a varied career in several different nations and leagues, most notably with the NEC Green Rockets, Chiefs and Bay of Plenty.
Odds to win: 1000/1
National dish: Topai - doughballs cooked in hot water and coated in syrup and/or coconut milk.
Say what?: “Ko hoku hingoa ko Slim Shady.” “My name is Slim Shady.”
Famous fan: Teresa Moore. Model.
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