Only about 2 months or so til the tournament kicks off. What are your predictions?? New Zealand are the favourites by a country mile, and it's a battle for second place as far as i'm concerned. Going to see Wales vs. Oz at the Millennium Stadium in the group stages which should be a great match.
France have a good shout, but depends which French team show up: The Brilliant or The Shite
England are boring, dull and lack any attacking enterprise.
Wales don't have the bloody basics down well enough, but can run the ball like hell.
Ireland are due something big - if they click they will go well.
Scotland are poor all round.
South Africa: See France
Australia: Gregan and Larkham will want to go out with a bang, and they beat NZ last week. Close between these and Ireland for runners up

All in all, I say NZ. you guys??

The thing is Ireland had the six nations wrapped up for the last two seasons and blew it by stupid decision making and lack of concentration. They are a better team than France, they just don't know how to finish them off. It's this that leads me to believe that they'll get as far as the semis and wilt. Having said that, I'm a proven poor predictor and I hope that continues.

It's hard to look past NZ. They've got everything, jammy bastards.

New Zealand are going to kick some ass for sure.

I'm going to the opening game of the tournament, all of Scotlands games, and the third place play off. I've got Scotland to beat Ireland in the quarter finals. I see us going as far as the semi's. And a final spot is not completely out of the equation

Sorry Gerry but I can't see that happening, Ireland are looking good atm, but like everyone else has said NZ are looking like the team to beat at the moment.

England are just there to make the numbers up this time around

The amount of money I've dropped on match tickets, accommodation and travel for this trip, they better go quite far!!

have kilt, will travel

What are Australia's chances of wining this? seriously? because I saw some odds for this yesterday and they have Aus at 12/1 at that price they might be worth a flutter

It's about right, Andy. NZ are way above everyone else. If they aren't odds on I'll be surprised. SA next. Probably around 3-4/1. Then any from Aussie, France, Ireland. France probably third because of home advantage.

They should just give us the Trophy now and not bother wasting everyone's time.

You ain't endearing yourself to anyone, mate.

Can we get knocked out now so we can sack our boring unimaginative coach already?

You will if you face Ireland at any stage.

You and us both. The welsh coach is twat. His speaking skills rival George W. Bush and he has taken the welsh game backwards 5 years, after we destroyed the northern hemisphere in 2005.

Thing is, we took Scott Johnson, and our stupid admin people made him the assistant to a guy who clearly doens't like our backs running and passing. For a team with a dud front row, this is insanity.

This is our year! Don't choke, boys. We want to be defending the cup at home in 2011! Kicking boots on, Dan.

New Zealand will inevitably find some way to fuck things up again... they should have demolished Australia at the last rwc.

Of course as an Australia, I want to see Australia win - but New Zealand is the best team (on paper) by a country mile and the Irish are a strong chance.

I'm in Toronto at the moment, and neeeeeeeed to find some people that understand the game to watch the cup with....

Bloody egg chasers. Damn ball's the wrong shape and they can pick it up and everything!! Madness!!!

France 12 - Argentina 17

Well, well, well. A bit of a shock to kick off the world cup. A nice result for the Irish.