With the autumn internationals completed, and just 363 days to go to the World Cup final in Stadium Australia, it's time to look at the order of the world's rugby nations. I did this a year ago, and since then the great development has been the emergence of five sides who are all on a similar level, each capable of beating the other on their day. It all promises to make the World Cup the most competitive ever, and with no clear favourite the bookies will be smiling all the way to the bank.
1: England
No argument here after their 100% record in recent weeks against the three big names of southern hemisphere rugby, in what amounted to a mini Four Nations tournament. England have power up front, quality play behind, and a massive defence. It's all coming together for them. Their only moment of weakness this year was against Les Bleus at the Stade de France, which makes us the only team to beat them this year. Roll on the start of the Six Nations on February 15. There will be massive fireworks at Twickenham before and during what could be a taster of the World Cup final.
2: France
I've rediscovered the national side this autumn, and they are stronger and more settled than in their previous incarnations. Before we went on to the pitch for each of our three Tests there was a feeling that there was barely any chance that we might lose, whereas previously we knew we were capable of producing something special every now and then, but we were never sure how it would work out on the day. We've passed that stage now: the team is more serious, defensively watertight, and well structured in its play. I'd put England and France at almost the same level: we'll find out on February 15 who is the better, and I hope I'll play a part.
3: Australia
Despite the fact that the All Blacks came up north lacking a lot of key players, and even though the Wallabies aren't as pretty to watch, they are strong in every area: powerful in the backs, with the only apparent weakness the fact that France and England were able to dominate them up front and deprive them of ball. I'd put them third despite their defeat in Dublin, of which more later, behind France and England, because they lack a kicker who is 100% reliable, and their front five are a little less strong.
4: New Zealand
They include some of the biggest individual talents in world rugby - Lomu, Umaga, Cullen, Howlett - but they look less cohesive as a team than in the past. It's said that they came here without their No1 forward line-up, but that remains to be seen. They need a pack who are capable of winning them more possession, although I was impressed by their No7 Rodney So'oialo, who was extremely strong in the Test against us.
5: Ireland
They are the surprise of the autumn, capable of beating anyone on their home turf, which is great for world rugby. They are probably the best team at home in the world, and I'd say that despite England's record at Twickenham. They deprived England of the grand slam in Dublin, and defeated France heavily the last time we visited. Their weak point is their away form. In France in the Six Nations they cracked and just capitulated, and did the same thing in England. It's surprising, and all I can suggest for the World Cup is that they put up big fans at each corner of the pitch, and give the supporters buckets of water to throw at the ground, so that they can create the illusion that they are playing in Irish conditions.
6: Argentina
They beat France at home this summer, lost narrowly to England and look to be improving rapidly. They are capable of great things, and will be the big outsiders at the World Cup. They have a strong pack and the killer duo of Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contepomi to run things. In the past they brought magic to football, now they can perhaps do the same to rugby.
7: Scotland
I didn't expect them to be at this level. When I saw them play the Barbarians back in the summer they were not good at all. Perhaps that was down to motivation, as against South Africa they showed incredible spirit in hellish conditions. Gordon Bulloch has been eating lions' hearts for breakfast, Bryan Redpath is controlling play well, and Simon Taylor is one of the coming men of world rugby.
8: South Africa
It's a pity after the fine Tri-Nations they had, but they look a spent force at present. The problem is up front. Before the Boks were massive in tight and at set pieces, but that's gone. In the backs they are having trouble marrying the power of players like Butch James with the ability of guys like Andre Pretorius to move the ball around.
9: Wales
In a rebuilding phase, but resources are limited with the loss of players like Rob Howley, Neil Jenkins and Scott Quinnell.
10: Canada
Now above Italy, who are declining rapidly. I was pleasantly surprised by them on Saturday. They have a competitive group of forwards but need to work on their continuity and then they could cause a few upsets.
