Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks breaks the tackle of Leigh Halfpenny of Wales. Photo / Getty Images
The Herald on Sunday put together the strengths and weaknesses of the 2015 Rugby World Cup contenders.
World ranking: 1
Strengths:
Have developed a triple-threat game that means they can play in any conditions. They also have strength in depth across the park and have learned the art of winning ugly.
Weakness:
Propensity to be periodically mentally disengaged and sometimes start poorly.
World Cup chances:
Excellent. Not because of what they have achieved since 2011, but because they understand all that means nothing and they have to go to England and win the tournament.
World ranking: 2
Strengths:
Superb driving maul, organised pack and a backline with the capacity to surprise. They know how to grind down teams and build the pressure.
Weakness:
Erratic performances - and when they have been off, they have been off. They can also lack imagination and, under pressure, can clamup and fail to see the space.
World Cup chances:
Strong. If they can add just a touch of flair to spice their forward power and accuracy, they will be hard to beat.
World ranking: 3
Strengths:
Play at pace and with width. Have an aggressive pack that turns defence into attack and have a good, general skill level across the team.
Weaknesses:
Probably still lack belief they can beat the All Blacks and don't have enough depth in key positions.
World Cup chances:
Good. But two questions arise: Can they win three big games in a row? And do they really believe they can beat the All Blacks?
World ranking: 4
Strengths
: Smart coaching team and a big group of players who are all fit and physical. England can win the ball, kick goals and, at times, cut loose and score tries.
Weakness:
Still don't have a quality second-five and don't really know how they want to play. They remain a bit limited when confronted with open space.
World Cup chances:
Excellent. If they work their driving maul, frustrate teams, close the space down and make few mistakes, they will be very tough to beat at home.
World ranking: 5
Strengths:
Potent back line, clever coach, dynamic captain and the ability to play fast and loose to break open any game.
Weaknesses:
Their tight five are still vulnerable at the set-piece and at the collisions and they can implode when put under pressure.
World Cup chances:
Moderate. If they get out of their group, they will be a serious contender. But they have to get out of a group that contains hosts England and Wales.
World ranking: 6
Strengths:
A host of high quality players and a skill level that enables them to play out of contact and keep continuity high.
Weaknesses:
Don't have much behind the top line of players. They struggle to believe in themselves in big games and don't yet have a first-five capable of steering them to glory.
World Cup chances
: Not great. They are going to have to beat one of Australia or England to progress. Not impossible but a significant ask.
World ranking: 7
Strengths:
Can still play pass and catch rugby that flows and amazes. Have a solid pack that can do the basics well.
Weakness:
It's all so rare that France do anything memorable and they are hindered by a lack of quality players and inconsistent selections.
World Cup chances
: Bleak. Inevitably, New Zealand will be wary and nervous if they meet them, but France are an ordinary side with limited ability.
World ranking: 8
Strengths:
Have a fantastic line out, growing belief and confidence, and a Kiwi coach who is encouraging them to play.
Weakness:
Scrummaging is a perennial problem and decision making - particularly under pressure - can go awry.
World Cup chances:
It's maybe a stretch to call them a dark horse but in 10 months, they might surprise if they can make the knockout rounds. Have beaten Australia twice recently.
World ranking: 9
Strengths:
Best scrum in world rugby and a much-improved understanding of what it takes to win the big games.
Weakness:
Can be tactically naive and one-dimensional. They lack the out-and-out pace in the forwards.
World Cup chances:
Favourable. They can make it out of their pool easily enough and will fancy their chances of beating either Ireland or France in the quarter-finals.
World ranking: 10
Strengths:
One of the most talented teams in the world, with the ability to play breathtaking rugby that is high tempo and high skill.
Weakness:
Hampered by an awful administration, lack a bit of clout at the set-piece and are prone to picking up cards.
World Cup chances:
Like Scotland, they could be a surprise package in the last eight if they
OPINION: The All Blacks need a third option at first five given its high attrition rate.