Steve James

Winners: New Zealand. The schadenfreude would be plentiful if not, but now is their time

Runners-up: France. Don't forget what the All Blacks did to them last autumn.

How holders will fare: Lose to South Africa in Pool A, but then make the semi-finals having defeated Australia.

Top try-scorer: New Zealand's Doug Howlett, especially if he plays against Portugal in an obscene mismatch.

Top points-scorer: Dan Carter's deputy Nick Evans if he plays against the Portuguese. If not, Carter.

Surprise package: Argentina, who will qualify from Pool D ahead of over-rated Ireland.

Match not to miss: The New Zealand v France final.

Richard Williams

Winners: France, because of home advantage and because Bernard Laporte has had a Woodward-like opportunity to get it right.

Runners-up: New Zealand. Graham Henry's side have passed their peak.

How holders will fare: Supreme effort to the semi-finals - but no further.

Top try-scorer: Damien Traille, thanks to matches against Namibia and Georgia.

Top points-scorer: Daniel Carter, because of the penalties that will come when opponents try to slow the ball.

Surprise package: Samoa to strike a blow for the Pacific islands, although it may be wishful thinking.

Match not to miss: Ireland v Argentina in Paris on September 30, on which a quarter-final place may hang.

Robert Kitson

Winners: South Africa. Their forwards and Bryan Habana could upset the Kiwi applecart.

Runners-up: New Zealand. The best side, but sport can be cruel . . .

How holders will fare: Quarter-finals. They have one big game in them but who knows which one?

Top try-scorer: The All Black centre Isaia Toeava, for whom there will be some easy pickings in the pool stages.

Top points-scorer: Percy Montgomery could just shade Dan Carter if the Boks hit some form.

Surprise package: Italy - the Azzurri are improving by the month.

Match not to miss: France v Ireland in which neither side can afford to blink; Ireland will have to give it a lash.

Paul Rees

Winners: New Zealand. It will take more than a dodgy waitress to stop them.

Runners-up: France. Europe's main hope, focused and prepared. But not even home advantage will help them against their nemesis, the All Blacks.

How holders will fare: Quarter-finals. England are not aiming high enough.

Top try-scorer: The fortunate All Black back who plays against Romania and Portugal.

Top points-scorer: Daniel Carter

Surprise package: Wales. As in 2003, they have a big performance in them.

Match not to miss: Ireland v Argentina. It was epic enough in Adelaide four years ago but both teams are older, wiser and better today.

Thomas Castaignède

Winners: France. It's now or never. In '99 we beat the All Blacks and lost in the final; this time we will meet them at the death.

Runners-up: New Zealand. They are the favourites but France are at home.

How holders will fare: Quarter-finals. Brian Ashton has not had enough time and Magic Jonny is on crutches already.

Top try-scorer: Joe Rokocoko or Sitiveni Sivivatu. They will have more chances to score than any other wings.

Top points-scorer: Dan Carter. The All Blacks will probably blast all records out of the water.

Surprise package: Italy should overcome Scotland to get to the quarter-finals.

Match not to miss: Ireland v Argentina. The match of death in the pool of death.

William Fotheringham

Winners: New Zealand. The form book should not lie.

Runners-up: France. Last November they were so far behind the All Blacks. They will not have closed the gap.

How holders will fare: Quarter-finals. South Africa will be too good and an aging side will pick up injury problems.

Top try-scorer: Bryan Habana. A unique strike weapon, against the grain of this Springbok side.

Top points-scorer: Dan Carter should slot over anything and everything.

Surprise package: Argentina aren't in that category any more, nor are Italy. The most welcome shock would be a victory for Samoa against England.

Match not to miss: France v Ireland. Crucial for both sides.

Ian Malin

Winners: New Zealand. They have no weaknesses and only hubris, or a French side coming to the boil nicely, can stop them.

Runners-up: France. If they can survive a difficult opener against Argentina tonight they are capable of great things.

How holders will fare: Semi-finals. A lot rests on who will wear that No10 shirt.

Top try-scorer: Bryan Habana if the Springboks unleash him. Uncatchable.

Top points-scorer: Dan Carter can't fail to clock up a barrage of points.

Surprise package: Italy. Scotland will not think about St-Etienne on September 29 without shuddering.

Match not to miss: Wales v Australia. The Millennium Stadium promises an enthralling spectacle on Saturday week.

Mike Averis

Winners: New Zealand. Their bench can come on to take the final away from France.

Runners-up: France. Will be unable to raise their game again after a titanic semi-final against South Africa.

How holders will fare: Semi-finals. Lose to South Africa before beating Wales, then losing to New Zealand.

Top try-scorer: Bryan Habana. Will rack up the points against USA and Tonga.

Top points-scorer: Dan Carter. Kicking form returned in the Tri-Nations.

Surprise package: Argentina (not such a surprise really), after losing the opening match tonight but beating Ireland.

Match not to miss: An emotional final but with Wales v Australia as second best - two attacking sides in Cardiff.

Nigel Melville

Winners: New Zealand. They've had their wobble and are just too strong in depth.

Runners-up: France. The heart says they will do otherwise, but they will be pipped at the post.

How holders will fare: We'll know more when they've played a few pool games. I'd like to think they will do well enough for Brian Ashton to stay on.

Top try-scorer: Whoever gets most starts of the New Zealand wingers.

Top points-scorer: Dan Carter - the best kicker in the best side.

Surprise package: It has to be the United States Eagles

Match not to miss: The Eagles v Tonga in Montpellier next Wednesday. It could be our coming of age.

Shaun Edwards

Winners: New Zealand, but for a bet try Australia as they are value at about 12-1.

Runners-up: France. Home advantage will get them through to the final.

How holders will fare: Against South Africa in the pool they might still spring a surprise.

Top try-scorer: Pick a New Zealand winger - Doug Howlett or Joe Rokocoko - to make the best of some very poor pool opposition.

Top points-scorer: Dan Carter, for the same reason.

Surprise package: Scotland, but don't ask me why. They just look bigger and meaner than they usually do.

Match not to miss: France v Ireland to settle Pool D.