Pool C appears clear cut, with Australia poised to run away with the top spot in the group. Ireland should claim the other quarterfinals spot from the group ahead of Italy but the Irish have been on a run of poor form. The other countries in pool C are the United States and Russia; neither of whom should figure into this group's outcome.
Australia: IRB World Rank - 2nd
Coach: Robbie Deans
Captain: James Horwill
After winning the Tri Nations with a 25-20 victory over World Cup favourites New Zealand in Brisbane, the Wallabies must be considered serious challengers for the title.
A shock defeat to Samoa was certainly not an ideal start to the Wallabies' final World Cup preparations. But that slip-up at home in July may have served as a reminder not to take anyone for granted and the Australians will certainly be bringing their A-game.
At full strength the Wallabies can be a devastating force and are loaded with star power. Flanker David Pocock leads a terrific back-row while captain James Horwill is an imposing presence in the second row. Scrum-half Will Genia is one of the best in the game as is fly half Quade Cooper. And the forwards are no slouches either.
The two-time winners will be gunning for a third World Cup crown.
Ireland: IRB World Rank - 8th
Coach: Declan Kidney
Captain: Brian O'Driscoll
The wounded Irish have slipped to 8th in the World Rankings and are limping into the tournament after two depressing losses to France and another to England heading into the tournament.
The Irish can never be taken lightly though and could be seen as one of the tournament's dark horses. Their Six Nations drilling of England 24-8 back in March shows that they can be a dangerious, passionate side despite their recent struggles.
They have lots of experience in the likes of lock Paul O'Connell and some exciting younger players such as fly half Jonathan Sexton, prop Cian Healy and back row Sean O'Brien.
If they can shrug off their recent poor form, they should still easily finish second ahead of Italy.
Italy: IRB World Rank - 11th
Coach: Nick Mallett
Captain: Sergio Parisse
The World Cup is the swan song for Nick Mallett as the Italian coach and he would love to guide the team to their first ever knockout stage before he gives way to Jacques Brunel after the tournament.
There is reason for optimism as well as the Italians narrow 22-21 victory over France in this year's Six Nations showed that the team is capable of a big upset. They should also have confidence from playing Ireland, whom they will need to beat to advance, close in the Six Nations as well.
Sergio Parisse, one of the best number 8s in the world leads the squad on the field with his 80 caps. The Italians have talent and if they play up to form and the Irish are a little off the Azzuri could wind up booking their first ever trip to the final eight.
USA: IRB World Rank - 18th
Coach: Eddie O'Sullivan
Captain: Todd Clever
The USA have achieved a great deal of success in sevens rugby but have yet to translate that over to Rugby Union.
Zimbabwe-born Takudzwa Ngwenya, full back Chris Wyles and playmaker Todd Clever do give the States some hope though and are often the ones to provide the club's most positive moments.
The Eagles should be able to handle the Russians but a second win would come as a real shock. In the States Rugby is still the Ugly Stepsister to gridiron football.
Russia: IRB World Rank - 19th
Coach: Nikolay Nerush
Captain: Vladislav Korshunov
Russia qualified for their first ever Rugby World Cup which is a definite accomplishment but they shouldn't be much of a factor in Pool C.
They may not be completely outclassed however as they had three competitive displays against Canada, Italy A and the USA at the Churchill Cup in June. They fell 32-25 to the United States in that tournament and would love to claim their first ever World Cup win in a rematch.
Like the States the Russians have shown potential in rugby sevens and could be a bigger factor in future tournaments.
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