Pool A Fiji won't be the side that upsets anyone. They will run everyone close but that's it (Fiji will beat Uruguay). The upset will be Wales beating Australia as everyone expects them to lose!
Pool B is really interesting. I think the USA could upset Scotland and Japan could also upset Scotland possibly, while Samoa could upset South Africa.
Pool C Georgia and Tonga could both upset Argentina.
Pool D Canada or Romania could upset Italy and i believe this would count as an upset because of the way they've been playing the last couple of years France beating Ireland would be an upset.
Going to be a great world cup!
Based on what I have seen and heard from the Pacific nations cup I think some of your predictions could be true, but less so for other.
Pool A: Fiji won the PNC and at times in their 2 games Vs Samoa look to be producing some unbelievable rugby, reminiscent of that 10 minute spell of QF 2007 where they blew SA away and knocked out Wales. Leone Nakarawa looks unstoppable at times, as if Glasgow don't get the best out of him because the others aren't really on the same page as him. Key phrase is 'at times' though. I don't really subscribe to stereotypes of teams but Fiji blowing hot and cold through an 80 min period is definitely one. I don't expect them to win more than 1 game, but won't be shocked if they do. There scrum has looked very solid so far and they have an 8 day rest before Wales, as opposed to 5 for their opponents.
Pool B: By all accounts USA have been dismal in the PNC, despite fielding strong teams as opposed to weakened, rotational and experimental ones for others (Samoa and Japan in particular). Todd Clever, their captain has just been dropped in suspicious circumstances, hinting unrest in the team. All in all, I can't see them winning a game at the moment. Japan have also been pretty disappointing but have been fielding some significantly weakened teams. Somehow they've picked up this tag as an attacking, running team that is light up-front, when in fact they have one of the best scrum % in world rugby, a pack as heavy as any other and score most of their points through attritional play (they do attempt to throw it around, just unsuccessfully). Based on their style and the success they've had over the past 2 years I'd say they can still pull an upset against Scot/Samoa.
Pool C: I agree with you here. Both have a big chance to upset Argentina imo. If I could have picked any 'minnows' match to go to it would definitely be Tonga v Georgia at Kingsholm. Relative to other matches, £15 in a proper rugby ground is an absolute bargain.
Pool D: No way of telling yet what Romania will be like but I expect them to give Italy a good run for their money. Not enough for France/Ireland though I think. Canada are looking for sponsorship of their scrum from 'I can't believe it's not butter'.
