Surprised to see so many people fancying Australia to do well given their current situation. They've lost 5 on the bounce and have an inexperienced 10 who isn't a top line goal kicker with no back up if he goes down injured.
As an English fan I've felt it's been fated to have a Aus vs England QF since Eddie was sacked but now there's a good chance neither will get out of their group.
Overall I think France and South Africa have the depth and quality to win it but I've had this feeling Scotland to beat the beat the Boks. When on song the Boks are neigh on unplayable but unless Pollard comes back in the the lack of a top line goal kicker could hurt them in tight games. At the weekend France racked up a score without having a huge amount of possession or territory.
Irelands depth is better than it has been in recent tournaments, but don't seem too fancied which is odd as they've beaten all comers the last couple of years, this year they've only really been challenged by France which was comfortable but at home. Given the draw they could quite easily go out at the usual QF stage.
Scotland I think will beat one of Ireland/SA more so the latter but not consistent enough, they don't seem to have an 80 minute performance in them, tending to put in a good 40 mins which won't be good enough to go all the way.
New Zealand
a lot of folk seem to be writing them off now after the hiding they took from the Boks. Listened to a few Kiwi pundits and they reckon their a bit predicable.
There's no one in theor group that over power Wales like the Boks did in the warm up. I really hope Fiji get out of their group but don't expect anyone will steam roller Wales from that group.
