Perhaps the most unpredictable pool, and potentially even the most entertaining, particularly for anyone hoping England suffer the ignominy of a second pool-stage exit in three tournaments.
Much has changed since the draw that pitted the losing finalists of 2019 against Argentina, Japan, Samoa and Chile. Then, soon after their progress to the final against South Africa, England were regarded as favourites to top the pool. Now, after a mismanaged and disrupted buildup in which Steve Borthwick’s side could scarcely have looked less convincing, their quarter-finals hopes look distinctly precarious.
