the tournament
Australia
They played very well in beating New Zealand in their last game and the return of John Eales and Stephen Larkham will strengthen them considerably. They have a fantastic defence and the World Cup is always won by the best defence. Not knowing how South Africa will perform, I’d tip Australia as probable finalists.
England
They are playing their group matches at Twickenham, where they are pretty imposing. England are one of four teams who could lift the World Cup. They certainly have the pack to do so, but I’m not so sure about the backs. To become world champions England will probably also have to beat South Africa, Australia and New Zealand on successive weekends. They’d need to be a great side to do that – and England are good rather than great.
France
The French have lost their way but they are in by far the weakest group – Canada, Fiji and Namibia – so they will qualify easily for the knockout stages. A year ago I would have said France always have a chance of winning a knockout tournament, but not now.
Ireland
They have the passion to lift their game and upset a more fancied team. But though they have a good chance of beating France in the quarters, they don’t have any realistic hopes of winning the tournament.
New Zealand
Physically they’re so hard but they also have brilliant flair. I think the key for them will be to switch Christian Cullen to outside centre. He’s done very well as a wing but he’s keeping Jonah Lomu on the bench. Cullen is such a great player he would transform the All Blacks at centre, which is their one major weakness. But whatever team they choose they are probably too strong. I think they’ll win it.
Scotland
The Scots were surprisingly great in the Five Nations. Their Kiwi imports John and Martin Leslie made a huge difference. But their best hope is a place in the last eight – where they will meet the All Blacks.
South Africa
This has been a bad year for South African rugby, but you can never write off the Springboks. We always show a lot of pride and commitment. If Joost van der Westhuizen can get the team playing together then South Africa can go all the way, but it’s in the balance. It’s a 50- 50 call against Australia and at the moment the All Blacks have the edge.
Wales
Their best 15 can test any team but they will struggle if they get any injuries against physical sides such as Samoa. If they lost Neil Jenkins their hopes would be ruined. With Jenkins’s boot and a decent pack led by the Quinnell brothers they are a team to watch. But to win the World Cup you need five world-class performances. Wales don’t have that consistency.