NEW ZEALAND

CONSIDERING the calibre of the other teams, the All Blacks should win this tournament without getting into second gear. They are clearly the best team, and the distance between them and the rest is substantial. But you can't convince any New Zealander of that.

Their reluctance to make big statements comes thanks to the traditional four-year yips. The Kiwis won the Webb Ellis trophy in 1987, but fell apart in the next four tournaments. They should have won in 1995, but food poisoning in finals week gutted them in more ways than one. They were the best in 1999 and 2003, but lost their way because of ridiculous options taken in important finals matches. A feeble pass by Carlos Spencer that was intercepted by Stirling Mortlock didn't exactly help them in 2003, either.

However this time their incredible depth and enormous resources should see them overcome all the hoodoos.

Whereas other teams, including Australia, are struggling to get 15 good players on the field at the one time, New Zealand can choose from about 25 quality performers every time. They have players outside their Test 22 who would be walk-up starts in any other side. If only the Wallabies had such players as Nick Evans and Brendon Leonard sitting on their bench. Their only true frailty is at the lineout, where in recent years they have been exposed by smarter teams such as South Africa and Australia.

ITALY

AS THE Wallabies discovered in Rome last November, Italy are one of the real sleepers of world rugby. Incisive forward play and attacking initiative stretched the Australians, who almost suffered the indignity of defeat. This could be the tournament at which the Italians at last make an impact. Their involvement in the Six Nations has improved the quality of their rugby, and a quarter-finals berth is not beyond them. They have to really target their pool match against Scotland, since victory over the All Blacks is likely to be beyond them. Helping their cause is that they did threaten Scotland during this year's Six Nations.

PORTUGAL

IN THEIR first appearance at the World Cup, Portugal will be nothing more than speed bumps. Expect a record win by the All Blacks in this pool encounter against a side which for many years never came close to World Cup representation. At least they have a good nickname - Lobos, as in wolves. But their bark is bound to be more frightening than their bite.

SCOTLAND

IT IS sad that the French World Cup experience will be ruined by games being played in Wales and Scotland. One day, organisers will realise the only way is for one nation to host it. Taking it here, there and everywhere just diminishes its impact. Then again, Scotland are thrilled that they will have two home games during the pool stages. And they will need it, because for some time Scotland have meandered around doing nothing. They are still trying to get over the Matt Williams era, but have gradually improved since Frank Hadden took over as head coach. But they are too unpredictable to be anything but nuisance value.

ROMANIA

ROMANIA have enjoyed their moments in the sun, but in recent times the collapse of Communism in their country and the rise of professionalism has affected their standing. Romania's communist regime treated sport as a prime propaganda vehicle, with the country's best players looked after with prime jobs in the army and the police. Funding was impressive, enabling their players to train at state-of-the-art venues. But since Communism's demise, the game has dropped off. Key players have left Romania in search of positions overseas. They will be competitive, but still easy targets for the big guns.