FRANCE

WITHOUT doubt the best value bet of the 2007 World Cup is to have something on the outsiders France winning the tournament. Admittedly, the All Blacks look unbeatable, and France are in one of the trickier pools, alongside Ireland and Argentina, two of the stronger teams in the tournament. However, never underestimate the home-ground advantage that France boasts.

They are a team that thrives on passion, and that will come in abundance, especially on their own turf with their nation banding together and giving them 100 per cent support for more than six weeks. It has worked in football, and it could easily work again in rugby.

One can still understand anyone being apprehensive about France. Their form is all over the place. One is never certain exactly what the France starting XV line-up will be. And their coach, Bernard Laporte, is certainly one of the more out-there characters in world rugby. To say he is eccentric is an understatement.

While the French are renowned for enormous form blowouts, they have one of the required elements for World Cup success - experience, especially with such players as Fabien Pelous, Raphael Ibanez and Christophe Dominici.

They also have a good World Cup record, being runners-up twice (in 1987 and 1999), and have always been at least a quarter-finalist. Never discount them.

ARGENTINA

THE Pumas are one of the great phenomenons of the international game. Because of the poor economic state of Argentine rugby, their key players have to head overseas, which means the national team struggles to get together for training camps. But often when they do get together, they are able to beat the best in the world. That has a lot to do with them possessing the best halfback in world rugby in Agustin Pichot, who boasts a flourishing midfield partnership with Felipe Contepomi. They can be overly aggressive at times, and definitely know how to intimidate opponents, which will put them in good stead, especially as they are in the tightest pool of all. Three good teams - France, Argentina and Ireland - are vying for two quarter-finals spots, and the pressure will become intense. The strong Argentinian frame of mind could easily work in their favour in the final days of the pool rounds, as will their enthusiasm to ensure they remain the scrummaging kings of the world game. Strangely, their World Cup record is relatively poor, but that could easily change that this time around.

NAMIBIA

NAMIBIA had a solid rugby history, including Currie Cup representation, before they gained independence from South Africa in 1990. While their early years of international rugby included wins over Ireland and Italy, results in recent times haven't been good. Their 1999 World Cup appearance was forgettable, and 2003 was no better, copping a 142-0 thrashing from Australia in Adelaide. Even though they boast one of the world's better props in Kees Lensing, not much more is expected this time around, with Namibia games certain to be when the big three of the pool rest their top players.

IRELAND

IF IRELAND can get all their best players on the field, they are a definite threat. But if they suffer any injuries, they are bound to fall away, because their depth is measly. As Australia have discovered in recent years, Ireland at their peak are an outstanding team, especially on their home turf at Lansdowne Road. Invariably Ireland home Tests are wet, miserable affairs, and the Irish must wish they could take those conditions all over the world, as it suits their game plan, which often focuses on Ronan O'Gara's big midfield kicking game. However when the clime is more hospitable, Ireland can be caught out. They will again be relying heavily on their captain and brilliant midfielder Brian O'Driscoll, the best No.13 in the game. He has a certain presence, which will help Ireland lift.

If any key players get hurt, forget them. Their back-up is abysmal.

GEORGIA

NO, IT'S not a Willie Nelson song, but one of the lesser-known teams in the tournament. Don't expect much from them, though, especially as their resources are relatively flimsy. After all, they had to use old Soviet tractors for scrum machines as part of their preparation. Still they have a few hardheads, including five-eighth Pavle Jimsheladze, who recently became the first player in the history of Georgian rugby to reach 50 caps. Their jersey is also rather snappy - incorporating black shirts with burgundy trim.