Rugby World Cup 2007 Teams

The following are the twenty teams from around the world that will be contesting the Rugby World Cup 2007 in France.

Argentina

Pool: D
IRB Ranking: 6
Founded: 1899
Nickname: Los Pumas
Anthem: Oid, Mortales
Website: www.uar.com.ar
Email: uarugby@uar.com.ar
Squad:
Forwards: Patricio Albacete, Rimas Alvarez Kairelis, Marcos Iván Ayerza, Martín Alberto Durand, Carlos Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, Juan Martín Fernandez Lobbe, Santiago Gonzalez Bonorino, Omar Hasan, Mario Ezequiel Ledesma Arocena, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Gonzalo Matías Longo Elia, Esteban Lozada, Lucas Ostiglia, Rodrigo Roncero, Martín Scelzo, Martín Schusterman, Alberto Vernet Basualdo.
Backs: Agustín Pichot (capt.), Felipe Contepomi, Manuel Contepomi, Ignacio Corleto, Nicolás Fernández Miranda, Martín Gaitan, Juan Martín Hernández, Horacio Agulla, Lucas Borges, José María Núñez Piossek, Federico Serra Miras, Gonzalo Pedro Tiesi, Federico Todeschini.
Fixtures:
07 Sep – 21:00 v France [Saint Denis]
11 Sep – 20:00 v Georgia [Lyon] 
22 Sep – 21:00 v Namibia [Marseilles] 
30 Sep – 17:00 v Ireland [Paris] 

Australia

Pool: B
IRB Ranking: 2
Founded: 1949
Nickname: The Wallabies
Anthem: Advance Australia Fair
RWC Winner: 1991, 1999
Website: www.rugby.com.au
Email: aru@rugby.com.au
Coach: John Connolly
Squad:
Forwards: Alistair Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Matt Dunning, Rocky Elsom, Adam Freier, Sean Hardman, Stephen Hoiles, Greg Holmes, David Lyons, Hugh McMeniman, Stephen Moore, Wycliff Palu, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, George Smith, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh.
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Sam Cordingley, Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, George Gregan, Julian Huxley, Stephen Larkham, Chris Latham, Drew Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (Captain), Scott Staniforth, Lote Tuqiri.
Fixtures:
08 Sep – 15:45 v Japan [Lyon] 
15 Sep – 15:00 v Wales [Cardiff] 
23 Sep – 14:30 v Fiji [Montpellier] 
29 Sep – 15:00 v Canada [Bordeaux] 

Canada

Pool: B
IRB Ranking: 13
Founded: 1965
Nickname: The Canucks
Anthem: O Canada!
Website: www.rugbycanada.ca
Email: info@rugbycanada.ca
Squad:
Forwards: David Biddle, Mike Burak, Aaron Carpenter, Jamie Cudmore, Scott Franklin, Mike James, Adam Kleeberger, Dan Pletch, Mike Pletch, Pat Riordan, Rod Snow, David Spicer, Sean-Michael Stephen, Luke Tait, Jon Thiel, Kevin Tkachuk, Mike Webb, Colin Yukes.
Backs: Craig Culpan, Derek Daypuck, Ed Fairhurst, Justin Mensah-Coker, Ander Monro, James Pritchard, Mike Pyke, Ryan Smith, Nick Trenkel, DTH Van der Merwe, Matt Weingart, Morgan Williams (capt.)
Fixtures:
09 Sep – 14:00 v Wales [Nantes] 
16 Sep – 14:00 v Fiji [Cardiff] 
25 Sep – 18:00 v Japan [Bordeaux] 
29 Sep – 15:00 v Australia [Bordeaux] 

England

Pool: A
IRB Ranking: 7
Founded: 1871
RWC Winner: 2003
Anthem: God Save The Queen
Website: www.rfu.com
Email: reception@rfu.com
Coach: Brian Ashton
Squad:
Forwards: Andrew Sheridan, Perry Freshwater, Phil Vickery (capt), Matt Stevens, Mark Regan, George Chuter, Lee Mears, Simon Shaw, Steve Borthwick, Ben Kay, Martin Corry, Lewis Moody, Joe Worsley, Tom Rees, Nick Easter, Lawrence Dallaglio.
Backs: Mark Cueto, Paul Sackey, Josh Lewsey, Jason Robinson, Mathew Tait, Dan Hipkiss, Jamie Noon, Mike Catt, Andrew Farrell, Olly Barkley, Jonny Wilkinson, Shaun Perry, Andy Gomarsall, Peter Richards.
Fixtures:
08 Sep – 18:00 v USA [Lens] 
14 Sep – 21:00 v South Africa [Saint Denis]
22 Sep – 16:00 v Samoa [Nantes] 
28 Sep – 21:00 v Tonga [Paris] 

Fiji

Pool: B
IRB Ranking: 12
Founded: 1913
Nickname: The Flying Fijians
Anthem: God Bless Fiji
Website: www.fijirugbyunion.com/
Email: fijirugby@connect.com.fj
Squad:
Forwards: Graham Dewes, Alefoso Yalayalatabua, Sunia Koto, Vereniki Sauturaga, Jone Railomo, Henry Qiodravu, Bill Gadolo, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Kele Leawere, Isoa Domolailai, Wame Lewaravu, Jone Qovu, Netani Talei, Semisi Naevo, Sisa Koyamaibole, Aca Ratuva, Akapusi Qera.
Backs: Jone Daunivucu, Mosese Rauluni, Nicky Little, Waisea Luveniyali, Seremaia Bai, Seru Rabeni, Kameli Ratuvou, Maleli Kunavore, Vilimoni Delasau, Isoa Neivua, Filimone Bolavucu, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Norman Ligairi.
Fixtures:
12 Sep – 18:00 v Japan [Toulouse] 
16 Sep – 14:00 v Canada [Cardiff] 
23 Sep – 14:30 v Australia [Montpellier] 
29 Sep – 17:00 v Wales [Nantes] 

France

Pool: D
IRB Ranking: 3
Founded: 1919
Nickname: Les Bleus
Anthem: La Marseillaise
Website: www.ffr.fr
Email: Mduhart@ffr.fr
Squad:
Forwards: Pieter de Villiers, Sylvain Marconnet, Olivier Milloud, Jean-Baptiste Poux, Raphael Ibanez, Sebastien Bruno, Dimitri Szarzewski, Sebastien Chabal, Fabien Pelous, Jerome Thion, Lionel Nallet, Serge Betsen, Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy, Thierry Dusautoir, Yannick Nyanga, Remy Martin.
Backs: Pierre Mignoni, Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, Frederic Michalak, David Skrela, Lionel Beauxis, Yannick Jauzion, Damien Traille, David Marty, Christophe Dominici, Cedric Heymans, Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Clement Poitrenaud.
Fixtures:
07 Sep – 21:00 v Argentina [Saint Denis]
16 Sep – 21:00 v Namibia [Toulouse] 
21 Sep – 21:00 v Ireland [Saint Denis]
30 Sep – 15:00 v Georgia [Marseilles] 

Georgia

Pool: D
IRB Ranking: 17
Founded: 1961
Nickname: The Lelos
Anthem: Tavisupleba (Freedom)
Website: www.rugby.ge
Email: gru@caucasus.net
Squad:
Forwards: Goderdzi Shvelidze, Avtandil Kopaliani, Mamuka Magrakvelidze, David Khinchagashvili, David Zirakashvili, Akvsenti Giorgadze, Ilia Zedginidze (capt.), Victor Didebulidze, Mamuka Gorgodze, Levan Datunashvili, Grigol Labadze, Besarion Udesian, Rati Urushadze, Giorgi Chkhkaidze, Zviad Maisuradze, Ilia Maisuradze.
Backs: Pavle Jimsheladze, Otar Barkalaia, Merab Kvirikashvili, Besiki Khamashuridze, Irakli Machkhaneli, Giorgi Shkinin, Giorgi Elizbarashvili, Otar Eloshvili, Malkhaz Urjukashvili, Irakli Giorgadze, David Kacharava, Revaz Guigauri, Irakli Abuseridze, Bidzina Samkharadze.
Fixtures:
11 Sep – 20:00 v Argentina [Lyon] 
15 Sep – 21:00 v Ireland [Bordeaux] 
26 Sep – 18:00 v Namibia [Lens] 
30 Sep – 15:00 v France [Marseilles] 

Ireland

Pool: D
IRB Ranking: 5
Founded: 1874
Nickname: The Green Devils
Anthem: Ireland’s Call
Website: www.irishrugby.ie
Email: louise.hart@irfu.ie
Squad:
Forwards: Neil Best, Rory Best, Simon Best, Simon Easterby, Stephen Ferris, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Denis Leamy, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Malcolm O’Kelly, Alan Quinlan, Frankie Sheahan, David Wallace, Bryan Young.
Backs: Isaac Boss, Brian Carney, Gordon D’Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Gavin Duffy, Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan, Geordan Murphy, Brian O’Driscoll (capt.), Ronan O’Gara, Eoin Reddan, Peter Stringer, Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace.
Fixtures:
09 Sep – 20:00 v Namibia [Bordeaux] 
15 Sep – 21:00 v Georgia [Bordeaux] 
21 Sep – 21:00 v France [Saint Denis]
30 Sep – 17:00 v Argentina [Paris] 

Italy

Pool: C
IRB Ranking: 9
Founded: 1928
Nickname: Gli Azzurri
Anthem: Fratelli D’Italia
Website: www.federugby.it
Email: presidenza@federugby.it
Squad:
Forwards: Matias Aguero, Robert Barbieri, Mauro Bergamasco, Valerio Bernabo’, Marco Bortolami (capt.), Martin Castrogiovanni, Carlo Antonio del Fava, Santiago Dellape’, Carlo Festuccia, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Andrea lo Cicero, Fabio Ongaro, Sergio Parisse, Salvatore Perugini, Josh Sole, Manoa Vosawai, Alessandro Zanni.
Backs: Mirco Bergamasco, David Bortolussi, Gonzalo Canale, Pablo Canavosio, Roland de Marigny, Ezio Galon, Paul Griffen, Andrea Masi, Ramiro Pez, Matteo Pratichetti, Kaine Robertson, Marko Stanojevic, Alessandro Troncon.
Fixtures:
08 Sep – 13:45 v New Zealand [Marseilles] 
12 Sep – 20:00 v Romania [Marseilles] 
19 Sep – 20:00 v Portugal [Paris] 
29 Sep – 21:00 v Scotland [St Etienne] 

Japan

Pool: B
IRB Ranking: 18
Founded: 1926
Nickname: The Cherry Blossoms
Anthem: Kimi Ga Yo (The Reign That Is Yours)
Website: www.rugby-japan.jp/
Email: jrfu@rugby-japan.or.jp
Coach: John Kirwan (NZ)
Squad:
Forwards: Ryo Yamamura, Masahito Yamamoto, Tomokazu Soma, Tatsukichi Nishiura, Yuji Matsubara, Mitsugu Yamamoto, Hitoshi Ono, Takanori Kumagae, Luatangi Samurai Vatuvei, Luke Thompson, Takuro Miuchi (Captain), Yasunori Watanabe, Hajime Kiso, Hare Makiri, Philip O’Reilly, Takamichi Sasaki.
Backs: Yuki Yatomi, Tomoki Yoshida, Eiji Ando, Kousei Ono, Shotaro Onishi, Nataniela Oto, Yuta Imamura, Koji Taira, Bryce Robins, Daisuke Ohata, Hirotoki Onozawa, Kosuke Endo, Christian Loamanu, Go Aruga.
Fixtures:
08 Sep – 15:45 v Australia [Lyon] 
12 Sep – 18:00 v Fiji [Toulouse] 
20 Sep – 21:00 v Wales [Cardiff] 
25 Sep – 18:00 v Canada [Bordeaux] 

Namibia

Pool: D
IRB Ranking: 25
Founded: 1990
Nickname: The Welwitschias
Anthem: Namibia, Land of the Brave
Website: www.geocities.com/VNamRugby
Email: nru@cyberhost.com.na
Squad:
Forwards: Skipper Badenhorst, Jacques Burger, Bradley Langenhoven, Thinus du Plessis, Jane du Toit, Nico Esterhuizen, Hugo Horn, Domingo Kamonga, Wacca Kazombiaze, Kees Lensing (capt.), Herman Lintvelt, Michael Mackenzie, JM Meyer, Jacques Niewenhuis, Johnny Redelinghuys, Heino Senekal, Piet van Zyl Marius Visser.
Backs: Melrick Africa, Heini Bock, Lu-Wayne Botes, John Drotsky, Du Preez Grobler, Eugene Jantjes, Tertius Losper, Deon Mouton, Morne Schreuder, Jurie van Tonder, Emile Wessels, Ryan Witbooi.
Fixtures:
09 Sep – 20:00 v Ireland [Bordeaux] 
16 Sep – 21:00 v France [Toulouse] 
22 Sep – 21:00 v Argentina [Marseilles] 
26 Sep – 18:00 v Georgia [Lens]

New Zealand

Pool: C
IRB Ranking: 1
Founded: 1892
RWC Winner: 1987
Nickname: The All Blacks
Anthem: God Defend New Zealand
Website: www.allblacks.com
Email: info@nzrugby.co.nz
Coach: Graham Henry
Squad:
Forwards: Jerry Collins, Carl Hayman, Andrew Hore, Chris Jack, Sione Lauaki, Richie McCaw (Captain), Chris Masoe, Keven Mealamu, Anton Oliver, Keith Robinson, Greg Somerville, Rodney So’oialo, Reuben Thorne, Neemia Tialata, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock.
Backs: Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Nick Evans, Doug Howlett, Byron Kelleher, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAllister, Leon MacDonald, Aaron Mauger, Malili Muliaina, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava.
Fixtures:
08 Sep – 13:45 v Italy [Marseilles] 
15 Sep – 13:00 v Portugal [Lyon] 
23 Sep – 17:00 v Scotland [Edinburgh] 
29 Sep – 13:00 v Romania [Toulouse] 

Portugal

Pool: C
IRB Ranking: 21
Founded: 1926
Nickname: The Seleccao
Anthem: A Portuguesa
Website: www.fpr.pt
Email: geral@fpr.pt
Squad:
Forwards: Rui Cordeiro, Juan Mure, Andre Lourenzo, Duarte Figueiredo, Joao Correia, Joaquim Ferreira, Ruben Spachuk, Gonzalo Uva, David Penalva , Marcelo Dias, Diogo Coutinho,Tiago Girao, Juan Somoza, Vasco Uva (capt.), Joao Uva, Paulo Murinello.
Backs: Luis Pissarra, Jose Pinto, Pedro Cabral, Gonzalo Malheiro, Duarte Pinto, Diogo Mateus, Diogo Gama, Frederico Sousa, Miguel Morais, Pedro Carvalho, Antonio Aguilar, David Mateus, Gonzalo Foro, Pedro Leal.
Fixtures:
09 Sep – 18:00 v Scotland [St Etienne] 
15 Sep – 13:00 v New Zealand [Lyon] 
19 Sep – 20:00 v Italy [Paris] 
25 Sep – 20:00 v Romania [Toulouse] 

Romania

Pool: C
IRB Ranking: 16
Founded: 1931
Nickname: The Oaks
Anthem: Desteapta-te, Romane! (Romanian, Awake!)
Website: www.rugby.ro
Email: frr@frr.ro
Squad:
Forwards: Petru Balan, Bogdan Balan, Cezar Popescu, Petrisor Toderasc, Silviu Florea, Marius Tincu, Razvan Mavrodin, Sorin Socol (capt.), Cristian Petre, Valentin Ursache, Augustin Petrichei, Ovidiu Tonita, Florin Corodeanu, Cosmin Ratiu, Alexandru Manta, Alexandru Tudori.
Backs: Valentin Calafeteanu, Lucian Sirbu, Ionut Dimofte, Ionut Tofan, Romeo Gontineac, Csaba Gal, Gabriel Brezoianu, Dan Vlad, Catalin Fercu, Ioan Teodorescu, Catalin Nicolae, Iulian Dumitras, Florin Vlaicu, Danut Dumbrava.
Fixtures:
12 Sep – 20:00 v Italy [Marseilles] 
18 Sep – 21:00 v Scotland [Edinburgh] 
25 Sep – 20:00 v Portugal [Toulouse] 
29 Sep – 13:00 v New Zealand [Toulouse] 

Samoa

Pool: A
IRB Ranking: 10
Founded: 1924
Nickname: Manu Samoa
Anthem: The Banner of Freedom
Website: www.manusamoa.com.ws
Email: srfuoffice@srfu.ws
Squad:
Forwards: Justin Va’a, Census Johnston, Kasiano Lealamanua, Mahonri Schwalger, Donald Kerslake, Muliufi Salanoa, Silao Vaisola Sefo, Filipo Levi, Kane Thompson, Daniel Leo, Iosefa Tekori, Ulia Ulia, Henry Tuilagi, Siuleo Lafaialii, Justin Purdie, Semo Sititi (capt.).
Backs: Steve So’oialo, Junior Poluleuligaga, Loki Crichton, Lolo Lui, Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, Jerry Meafou, Anitelea Tuilagi, David Lemi, Seilala Maposua, Elvis Seveali’i, Brian Lima, Lome Fa’atau, Alesana Tuilagi, Gavin Williams.
Fixtures:
09 Sep – 16:00 v South Africa [Paris] 
16 Sep – 16:00 v Tonga [Montpellier] 
22 Sep – 16:00 v England Samoa [Nantes] 
26 Sep – 20:00 v USA [St Etienne] 

Scotland

Pool: C
IRB Ranking: 11
Founded: 1873
Anthem: O Flower of Scotland
Website: www.scottishrugby.org
Email: gregor.nicholson@sru.org.uk
Squad:
Forwards: John Barclay, Kelly Brown, Dave Callum, Ross Ford, Jim Hamilton, Nathan Hines, Allister Hogg, Allan Jacobsen, Gavin Kerr, Scott Lawson, Scott MacLeod, Euan Murray, Scott Murray, Craig Smith, Simon Taylor, Fergus Thomson, Jason White (capt.).
Backs: Mike Blair, Chris Cusiter, Rob Dewey, Marcus Di Rollo, Andrew Henderson, Rory Lamont, Sean Lamont, Rory Lawson, Dan Parks, Chris Paterson, Hugo Southwell, Nikki Walker, Simon Webster.
Fixtures:
09 Sep – 18:00 v Portugal [St Etienne] 
18 Sep – 21:00 v Romania [Edinburgh] 
23 Sep – 17:00 v New Zealand [Edinburgh] 
29 Sep – 21:00 v Italy [St Etienne] 

South Africa

Pool: A
IRB Ranking: 4
Founded: 1889
Nickname: The Springboks
Anthem: Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (God Bless Africa)
RWC Winner: 1995
Website: www.sarugby.co.za
Email: sarfu@mweb.co.za
Coach: Jake White
Squad:
Forwards: Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Gary Botha, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, Danie Rossouw, Bob Skinstad, John Smit (captain), Juan Smith, Gurthro Steenkamp, Albert van den Berg, CJ van der Linde, Wikus van Heerden.
Backs: Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky Januarie, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Andre Pretorius, Francois Steyn, Ashwin Willemse.
Fixtures:
09 Sep – 16:00 v Samoa [Paris] 
14 Sep – 21:00 v England [Saint Denis]
22 Sep – 14:00 v Tonga [Lens] 
30 Sep – 20:00 v USA [Montpellier] 

Tonga

Pool: A
IRB Ranking: 14
Founded: 1923
Nickname: Ikale Tahi (The Sea Eagles)
Anthem: Koe Fasi Oe Tui Oe Otu Tonga
Email: tongarfu@kalianet.to
Squad:
Forwards: Toma Toke, Mosese Moala, Taufa’ao Filise, Soane Longopoa Tonga’uiha, Siosateki Havea Mata’u, Ephraim Taukafa, ‘Aleki ‘Aho Lutui, Kelekolio Paino Hehea, Inoke Unga’anga Afeaki, Lisiate Fa’aoso, ‘Emosi Kauhenga, ‘Otenili Langilangi, Tevita Hale Nai Tu’uhoko, Viliami Laukau Vaki, Finau Maka, ‘Osaiasi ‘Alu-moe-Lotu Filipine.
Backs: Soane Patita Pat Boone Sioape Havea, ‘Enele Taufa, Raymond Pierre Hola, Tevita Hemilitoni Tu’ifua, ‘Epeli Taione, Joseph Wilson Vaka, Sukanaivalu Ikavuka Hufanga, ‘Isileli Matakaiongo Tupou, Seti Kiole, Ualosi Kailea, ‘Aisea Paseisei Havili Kaufusi, Vungakoto Filimone Lilo, Sione Mone Tu’ipulotu, Hudson Tonga’uiha.
Fixtures:
12 Sep – 14:00 v USA [Montpellier] 
16 Sep – 16:00 v Samoa [Montpellier] 
22 Sep – 14:00 v South Africa [Lens] 
28 Sep – 21:00 v England [Paris] 

USA

Pool: A
IRB Ranking: 15
Founded: 1975
Nickname: The Eagles
Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner
Website: www.usarugby.org
Email: info@usarugby.org
Squad:
Forwards: Mike MacDonald, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Chris Osentowski, John Vitale, Blake Burdette, Owen Lentz, Luke Gross, Mike Mangan, Hayden Mexted, Alec Parker, Inaki Basauri, Mark Aylor, Tasi Mounga, Todd Clever, Dan Payne, Louis Stanfill, Henry Bloomfield.
Backs: Chad Erskine, Mike Petri, Mike Hercus, Valenese Malifa, Phillip Eloff, Vaha Esikia, Thretton Palamo, Albert Tuipulotu, Paul Emerick, Takudzwa Ngwenya, Salesi Sika, Chris Wyles, Francois Viljoen.
Fixtures:
08 Sep – 18:00 v England [Lens] 
12 Sep – 14:00 v Tonga [Montpellier] 
26 Sep – 20:00 v Samoa [St Etienne] 
30 Sep – 20:00 v South Africa [Montpellier] 

Wales

Pool: B
IRB Ranking: 8
Founded: 1881
Nickname: The Dragons, The Red Devils
Anthem: Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers)
Website: www.wru.co.uk
Email: info@wru.co.uk
Squad:
Forwards: Michael Owen, Martyn Williams, Colin Charvis, Alix Popham, Jonathan Thomas, Ian Evans, Will James, Alun-Wyn Jones, Ian Gough, Chris Horsman, Adam Jones, Matthew Rees, T Rhys Thomas, Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Duncan Jones.
Backs: Gareth Thomas (Captain), Kevin Morgan, Shane Williams, Dafydd James, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Robinson, Sonny Parker, Mark Jones, Stephen Jones, James Hook, Ceri Sweeney, Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips, Gareth Cooper.
Fixtures:
09 Sep – 14:00 v Canada [Nantes] 
15 Sep – 15:00 v Australia [Cardiff] 
20 Sep – 21:00 v Japan [Cardiff] 
29 Sep – 17:00 v Fiji [Nantes]