Here's the problem: should one of the associates make it through to the quarter-finals, the chances are it will end badly and give their opponents a soft pass into the semifinals. But if it's a choice of No 2 or No 3, take No 2. The game needs to spark up and give the old order a shake.
4 A bold, assertive New Zealand.
The co-hosts have done most things right in the lead-up. Each player who will play in the 11 against Sri Lanka tomorrow has had a handful of significant days in the lead-up, and there's a feeling the players know that if teammates are struggling they must step up. A good vibe to have.
5 Few dopey umpiring decisions.
No Hot Spot - and here the International Cricket Council has done poorly; why not have it for the quarter-finals on? But it won't help. Sod's Law says there'll be a clanger. Just hope there's not many of them and that they're not game deciders, especially in the final seven knockout matches.
6 Little of David Warner.
Yes, the pugnacious Australian opener sure can play, but he'd be captain of the World Obnoxious XI. Plus, a flying Warner will help the Aussies on what they believe is their destiny in the final at the cavernous MCG on March 29. Can't have that.
7 Plenty of Kane Williamson.
When Williamson succeeds, even more so than his skipper, New Zealand tend to get the right spinoff. His form is strong and this could be his time to dominate in similar fashion to M.D. Crowe 23 years ago.
8 No rubbish aggro.
Controlled aggression with bat or ball is welcome. Be a bit bolshy if things aren't going right. But the recent India-Australia series was just plain ugly, and excuses that it was just players standing up for themselves don't wash. The umpires have been empowered to get tough on that confrontational nonsense. Let's see.
9 Class.
We want to see it. This is the stage for the game's finest players to strut their stuff. Who will be the outstanding players to lead their team to glory? The Big Eight all have true world beaters, some more than others, it's true. Pick a dream team. You'll find you can pick at least a couple more. This is not a time for shrinking violets. Expect the team whose stars shine brightest to lead their team to the title.
10 Keep the faith.
New Zealand to step into uncharted territory and make a final for the first time. Imagine the buzz. Now that the Rugby World Cup 24-year wait is over, why not something to crow about in the other half of the sporting year? Winning it is another matter, but let's strive at the least to be in the decider for the first time.
11 No yukky TV graphics.
This might be a lost cause judging by the blockages on our screens obliterating a large chunk of action in the warmup games in Australia. At times like this, unobtrusive has much to commend it. Just the bare facts, then every couple of overs the full board, or a relevant, simple-to-follow graphic. Instead it looks like the bottom chunk of the screen will be blocked up by heads and numbers. One pitch graphic this week had a giant patch of green slime smeared across it. As the volume was muted - and let's not go there either - we've no idea what this meant. But it bodes badly.
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