Ireland's O'Brien to miss World Cup

Unfortunate to celebrate an opponents misfortune, but not having O'Brien is a big loss for the Irish.

When in form he is arguably the best fetcher in the game. He is a complete nuisance at the ruck, and the Irish will be weaker without him. He was perhaps the most influential B&I Lion on their more recent tour. 

This injury increases the Bok chances of defeating the Irish in the first round knock-out matches.

The Irish were not as good this year as last year, with the Welsh and English looking better in the 6-nations.

You are correct, I thought for a moment it was the All Blacks, Irish and Bok in the 1st round. (Pool B). 

Rather it is just the Boks and ABS in Pool B

Whoever wins this Pool B match is assured to finish 1st pool B.

However, it can be expected that the All Blacks are at least 70/30 favourites to beat the Boks in Pool B. This would mean the Boks will face Ireland in the quarters. 

The Irish have been given the easiest POOL A. 

Pool C is the hardest. 

• Pool A: Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Russia, Play-off Winner.
• Pool B: New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Africa 1, Repecharge 1.
• Pool C: England, France, Argentina, USA, Tonga.
• Pool D: Australia, Wales, Georgia, Fiji, Uruguay.