Group B

Favourites: FRANCE

Yeah, yeah, they ended England’s 17-game winning streak in Marseille last month. But it was only our reserves! They’re a good side, despite the first-half walloping they received at Twickenham a week later. They also have the advantage of finding themselves in the weakest group of the lot.

Captain: Fabien Galthie is right up there with Gregan in the ”best scrummie in the world” stakes. When he came on during the second half at Twickenham, France began to show some backbone. If he stays fit, France will compete.

Coach: Bernard Laporte: Looks a speccie intellectual from a distance. But he can lose it. He’s accused England of being creatine monsters and generally keeps the old cross channel aggro going. But he’s certainly pushed France in to the top five again.

Prediction: They’ll lose to England in the second semi-final, unless the produce a miracle like they did against New Zealand at Twickenham in 1999.

Second: SCOTLAND…

but after their World Cup warm-up defeats against Wales and Ireland, they’d better improve. For a nation with 40 000 registered players who reached the semis in 1991, their form is abysmal. Inspirational coach Ian McGeechan guided the Lions to victory over world champions South Africa in 1997, but he simply hasn’t got the personnel to repeat his miracles with Scotland. WATCH OUT FOR: Lock Scott Murray, the 6ft 6in former basketball international.

Third: FIJI

And they’d be even better if they hadn’t had their top players poached by New Zealand. All Black wing Joe Rocokoco is the latest islander lured by the big money in Auckland. But even without him this rugby-mad community should push Scotland for a quarter-final place. They love to throw it about and are a real world force in the sevens game. WATCH OUT FOR: Fiji’s own version of the Haka, called the Cibi. Frightening to watch, tough lyrics.

Fourth: JAPAN

Japan won’t be pushovers either. With 70 000 registered players, the game is growing fast and is second only to baseball and football. A quick glance at their squad reveals another reason to be watchful: George Konia, Andrew Miller, Adam Parker and Ruben Parkinson are all exiled New Zealanders drafted in to provide extra muscle. WATCH OUT FOR: Converted Sumo wrestler Ryo Yamamura, a 21-year-old prop forward who will make you choke on your corn flakes.

Fifth: THE UNITED STATES

They’ve never really recovered since winning the Olympic rugby gold medals in 1920 and 1924, honest! Seriously, the Eagles represent a sport which is booming again in the US, but they’ll struggle to win a game. WATCH OUT FOR: The English-based contingent. Rotherham pair Jason Keyter and Luke Gross plus Leicester Tiger Dan Lyle and Exeter’s Richard Liddington.