Controversial World Cup draw is back
The pool allocation and draw for the 2019 World Cup tournament – to be stage in Japan – will take place in May next year.
The pool allocation follows the same controversial system that was used for the 2015 World Cup draw, where teams were allocated to a World Cup pool based on their rankings three years ahead of the actual tournament.
This puts pressure on coaches to perform well, in particular newly appointed coaches like Springbok boss Allister Coetzee, who has limited time to shape his team and prepare for the June Tests, Rugby Championships and year-end tour.
These matches will determine the Boks' world ranking and affect their draw in May next year.
Poor results by former England head coach Stuart Lancaster, who lost six of his first 11 matches at the helm of the Red Roses after he took over in 2012, resulted in an unfavourable draw for the 2015 world spectacle – alongside Australia and Wales in a 'pool of death'
It is now well documentated that England became the first hosts to be knocked out before the play-off stages, after losing to both the Wallabies and Welsh Dragons.
In contrast former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, who was heavily critisised for his conservative approach when he took over from Peter de Villiers in 2012, lost only three matches in his first 11 encounters as head coach – a result that landed his team a relatively easy Pool B draw alongside Samoa, Scotland, Japan and the United States.
Following England's elimination at the pool stage, Wales head coach Warren Gatland criticised the format.
"Everyone is making a thing about the first home country to host a World Cup to miss out on the quarterfinals, but the stupid thing, as we all know, is why was the World Cup draw done three years ago?" Gatland said.
"That's just ridiculous as far as I am concerned.
"If they had followed the football model, then we wouldn't be in this position.
"There are other people outside this who need to have a look at themselves and why those decisions were made, and you have got to feel sorry for the people involved and who this has affected".
The Chief Executive of World Rugby Brett Gosper subsequently acknowledged criticisms, saying: "We’ll look at that next time to see if it’s possible to make the draw closer to the tournament."
However, the same system will be followed and the venue and exact date for the 2019 draw is yet to be determined, but it will take place 12 months prior to the opening of the June international series next year.
Bernard Lapasset, the outgoing Cgairman of World Rugby, said: "The pool allocation draw is an important milestone in the run-in to any World Cup and it really helps to build excitement and momentum.
"With the identity of 12 teams already known, it will be of huge interest to players and fans to know which sides will be in their pool for what will be a game-changing tournament in Japan.
"While the draw is closer to the start of the tournament this time around compared to the previous World Cup, it is necessary to conduct it well in advance for logistical reasons and to allow for an effective ticketing programme to be implemented.”
Chief Executive of Japan Rugby 2019 Akira Shimazu said: "We are very looking forward to the pool allocation draw taking place as it will be another significant step towards Rugby World Cup 2019. 
"With just over two years to go when the draw takes place, we will be using it as a way to build excitement ahead of what we believe will be an amazing tournament for the game.
"It will also be another opportunity to build momentum in Japan and add to the increasing excitement that already exists.”
With eight places at World Cup 2019 up for grabs, the qualification process is already underway as more than 80 teams are battling it out for a prized place in Japan.
With the regional stage having already commenced in Rugby Americas North, May will see the start of the process in Asia as Uzbekistan hosts the Asia Rugby Championship Division Two tournament featuring Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Guam as well as the hosts.
The process in Oceania, Europe, Africa and South America will also get underway shortly.
The 12 teams that qualified by virtue of finishing in the top three of their respective pools at last year's World Cup 2015 are: Argentina, Australia, England, France, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.
