Antonio Aguilar Rugby Blog

Pool A

Fiji - Welcome back the giant presence of Semisi Naevo and the jinxing playmaker Nasoni Roko, although will miss the opportunism of flyer Neumi Nanuku, out injured. William Ryder, though, is in the squad. Player to watch: Lepani Nabuliwaqa

France - Once again coach Thierry Janeczek is forced to ring the changes but he does welcome back some experience in the form of Carraud, Giraud and Deniau. Capable of beating any side, and of losing to any side should they misfire. Player to watch: Jacques Boussuge

Portugal - A strong squad despite the country's 15-a-side team being on European Nations Cup duty, not to mention coach Tomaz Morais, but will be organised and always hard to break down. Player to watch: Antonio Aguilar

USA - Coach Al Caravelli has called this side the fittest US rugby team he has ever seen and hopes that can be the difference as the Americans look for a strong performance ahead of their home event in San Diego next week. Player to watch: Jone Naqica

Pool B

South Africa - Stefan Basson, Phillip Burger, Ryno Benjamin, Tobela Mdaka, Danwel Demas and Kabamba Floors are kept back for Super 14, but Schoeman, Verhoeven, Mokoena and Stick add experience. Player to watch: Gcobani Bobo

Australia - After an untried team stepped into the breach at the eleventh hour before Christmas and performed heroics to beat Fiji in Dubai, replacing some of them with more experienced players has been a tough call for coach Glen Ella but the side will benefit from the likes of Josh Gamgee. Player to watch: Luke Milton

Canada - Just two changes from the squad Shane Thompson took on tour before Christmas. Skipper Christophe Strubin misses out through work commitments but Akio Tyler and Gordy Sawyer come in. Player to watch: Dave Moonlight

Cook Islands - Physical and aggressive, the rugby nation with just 100 indigenous players to pick from performed heroics last year, Koiatu Koiatu the tournament's leading try scorer. Expect more of the same. Player to watch: Koiatu Koiatu

Pool C

England - All the players will be out to impress new coach Ben Ryan but this trip is notoriously tricky for the English. Tony Roques makes a long-awaited and welcome comeback from a career-threatening injury but the side looks forward-heavy. Only time will tell. Player to watch: Andrew Vilk

Samoa - Buoyed by the return of skipper and IRB Sevens player of the year Uale Mai and some other key names Mikaekle, Tofilau and new find Lui, Samoa enter as one of the favourites and should receive huge support at the Westpac. Player to watch: Uale Mai

Scotland - After a disappointing start to the season, coach Stephen Gemmell has drafted in some added firepower for this second leg, incluing Calum Cussiter, brother of Chris. Capable of catching England cold in the first match. Player to watch: Thom Evans

Papua New Guinea - Lost out to Tonga in last year's Shield final and will provide the sternest of tests for any top side not taking them seriously enough. Player to watch: Rolland Namo

Pool D

New Zealand - Darlings of the home crowd but can they handle the pressure? Tietjens has gone for experience with Yates the only debutant and warrior captain Tafai Ioasa returns. Player to watch: Nigel Hunt

Argentina - Yet to spark this season but name a largely unchanged and seasoned squad. Organised and tremendous in defence, capable of beating anyone if they fire and welcome back leading all time IRB Sevens try scorer Santiago Gomez Cora. Player to watch: Francisco Bosch

Kenya - Disappointing in Dubai and George but new coach Benjamin Ayimba has made several changes, including bringing back several of the players who impressed last season. Perennial favourites and watch out for the warm down dance routine. Player to watch: Sidney Ashioya

Tonga - Winners of the Shield las year but capable of contesting for higher honours. Kaufusi and Tu'ifua impressed last year. Extremely physical side but sometimes let down by their fitness. Still, a dark serious dark horse to make the Cup quarters. Player to watch: Tevita Tuifua