2015 promises to be a fascinating year of rugby: the pinnacle, of course, being the 8th chapter of the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in England in September. Sandwiching this is the climax of the 2014-15 season and the beginning of the 2015-16 season. Tournaments such as the European Champions Cup, Aviva Premiership and the Pro12 will conclude and restart once more. For all of these tournaments, there a clear contenders; you only need to peep at a betting website to see that Northampton Saints are favourites for the Aviva Premiership, and New Zealand are odds on to win the Rugby World Cup. But why would anyone bet on the favourite? As always, there will be dark horses to watch out for in each tournament. I’m not an advocate of betting; in fact I oppose it outright, but this article could be viewed as an instruction manual to guide your flutters and bets this year.
Ireland
Without a doubt the most impressive Northern Hemisphere side in 2014, could Ireland really shock the rugby world and steal the Rugby World Cup from under the nose of their neighbours this year? A Six Nations victory in 2014 showed that they have enough quality to overpower fellow European sides, whilst a sterling tactical display in November saw them sweep aside the confident Springboks.
New coach Joe Schmidt appears to be working his magic; the same magic which he cast at Leinster , guiding them to three Heineken Cups in four years. He brings a winning habit and he seems to have already instilled that in his players, evident in their victory over Australia, when they stuttered across the line after a misfiring performance. The saying goes that good sides can win even when they don’t perform, and Ireland have that trait going into 2015.
The first step to World Cup success will be to win the forthcoming Six Nations, a feat which England achieved in 2003, before going on to win the World Cup. With old timers such as Jamie Heaslip and Paul O’Connell mixed with fresh faces such as Robbie Henshaw and Ian Madigan, Ireland look to have a good balance across their team, and with a bit of Irish luck, it could be O’Connell himself lifting the Webb Ellis Cup next November.
Toulouse
It would be fitting for Toulouse to lift the inaugural European Champions Cup, replicating the Toulouse of 1996, who won the first ever Heineken Cup. And with an almost guaranteed spot in the quarter finals, it would take a brave man to rule them out. Yet they find themselves floundering down in 8th position in the Top 14, with wins a rarity, and a streak of good form unimaginable.
Fortress Stade Ernest-Wallon is impenetrable at the best of times, and with luck in the draw, it could be the stadium which hosts both a quarter final and a semi-final too. If Toulouse can withstand besiegement from visitors, then they could find themselves lining up in the Twickenham tunnel in May behind their inspirational captain Thierry Dusautoir, 80 minutes away from another European conquest.
Wasps
If the European Champions Cup had started on the 5th December, and the Aviva Premiership on the 19th December, Wasps would be sitting at the peak of both their Cup group and the Premiership respectively. They are arguably the form side in Europe right now, having racked up 23 tries in just five matches, and against quality opposition too. Their recent move to the Ricoh Arena has rejuvenated them more, and they seem to be enjoying life in Coventry.
However, both tournaments started many months ago, and they are in 4th position in the Aviva Premiership. If their current vein of form continues, they will turn from dark horse to genuine contender for the Premiership, and come May, it would not be inconceivable to see them occupying Twickenham as they used to do regularly in the Noughties. Their captain, james Haskell, is the only player left in the Wasps first team who was a part of the old all-conquering Wasps team, and he will be driving on his side to taste such glory once more.
Montpellier
Just weeks ago, Montpellier were spoken of as Top 14 relegation candidates. Whisper it quietly, but under new coach Jake White, the tides have turned. With two wins in their last three matches, including a win against champions Toulon, Montpellier are building some confidence, and with White at the helm, they will climb the table from 7th, possibly squeezing into the play-offs by the end of the season. White led South Africa to World Cup glory in 2007, so he knows how to succeed on the big stage. Indeed, it is a long shot, but on paper, Montpellier have a lot of quality. They have stars scattered throughout their squad: From Frenchmen Nicolas Mas, Fulgence Oeudraogo and Francois Trinh-Duc, to former Wallaby captain Ben Mowen, and New Zealand powerhouse Rene Ranger. It is Jake White’s job to gel these brilliant individuals into a well-oiled, fluent team. He has 11 matches to succeed in this before the play-offs begin.
Connacht
The darkest of horses on this list, Connacht, seen as the weakest Irish province by a long way, prop up their provincial companions in the Guinness Pro12: Munster sit 3rd, followed by Leinster, then Ulster, and finally Connacht, who lay in 6th position. After a recent win over Munster however, it appears that Connacht are the real deal. Unlike Montpellier, Connacht have solid foundations, based on a strong team-spirit. Their squad itself boasts only six internationals, including the rock, Mils Muliaina and the comically named Rodney Ah You. The aforementioned New Year’s Day victory over Munster epitomised what Connacht are about: With Munster hammering on their door in the last 10 minutes, Connacht’s disciplined defence meant Munster walked away from the Sportsground with nothing. Early signs of their potential came last season when they beat Toulouse away, an almost impossible task, and more of the same will be needed to challenge for the Pro12 title this season.
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