England's problem is that from the second third and fourth phase they play too far behind
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England's problem is that from the second, third and fourth phase, they play too far behind the gain line - Rob Andrew plays too deep. I think England will be found out because of this and will revert to a kicking game and that won't win them the Cup. The All Blacks meanwhile don't have any perception of how to create a second, third or fourth phase play. The Australians play better across the advantage line than any others, and that is why they could win.One to watch: John Eales. Without him winning the line-out ball, Australia will struggle.Norman HadleyCanadian internationalI'M GOING with South Africa - they are only third favourites, so would be good for the punters. They looked tremendously strong over here on tour in the wet conditions, so in conditions that they are used to, they are going to be even tougher. My feeling then is that the order will be South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and maybe England.England are going to find it very tough once they are out of their pool; I think the conditions will work against them.
They may have learnt from last summer's tour, but I just don't think they are going to have enough.South Africa, though, will rise to the occasion. Their British tour in the autumn was the time to see if they had it, and they really came together. Their pack is outstanding, Mark Andrews can give Martin Bayfield a run for his money in the line-out, and in the back row, they have some really big, powerful runners.One to watch: Jonah Lomu, the All Black. He can play wing or flanker and is monstrous.Alan DaviesFormer Wales coachENGLAND are probably in the right frame of mind, particularly after the Carling incident which will have cemented the team even more than it was before. And you can't underestimate the South Africans, who have learnt a lot very quickly, or the Australians who will be very good in that climate I'll go with New Zealand, though.
I think they are smarting after their performances of the last two years. If their players, particularly the loose forwards, get their act together and play their hard, rucking game, I think they can do it. Like a lot of countries in their position, they are looking for someone to give them a spark and Andrew Mehrtens is possibly that man.I do hope that Wales get to the quarter-finals; that will be a good achievement for them. But I can't see them in the same light as these other teams - not in South Africa.One to watch: Andre Joubert, the Springbok full-back.
The most exciting player in world rugby I've seen in recent years.Trevor McDonaldITV's World Cup anchormanIF YOU listen to the South Africans, then you'll believe that nobody is going to beat them. I've been here in South Africa for a week now and there's an amazing amount of national support for the team which is all to do with the fact that they are back after so many years in the cold. There's so much enthusiasm here, it is quite extraordinary, it's as if their prayers have been fulfilled, the whole country seems to have been converted to a World Cup religion. The point they are making now is that the last World Cup didn't mean anything because they weren't in it.However, my one, two, three is Australia, New Zealand, England New Zealand have such an easy run that they are a good bet. Conversely, England have a very tough run-in - on consecutive Saturdays they would have to beat South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. That's almost impossible.One to watch: I'm a great Campese fan.
