I hate to admit it but self-righteousness has cost New Zealand in the past two World Cups - but I cannot see it happening for a third time.
For a start they have the best two players in the world at the moment in Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
They have spent the last few years developing this squad and I think they have enough depth if they have injuries.
The one area that concerns me slightly is in the centres but with the likes of Conrad Smith and Isia Toeava’a in the squad the All Blacks have players that could set this World Cup alight.
First up for New Zealand is Italy – a hugely underrated team in my opinion with probably the best pack in Europe.
The bookmakers have given Italy a 48 point head start for which is ludicrous and I am sure that Graeme Henry will not be taking them lightly.
A good start is always important in World Cup rugby and hopefully they can recreate the performance of 1987 by winning heavily.
Scotland are also in our group and they will be no push over either – but ultimately I cannot see either side causing us any real problems.
I see the main threat later on in the tournament coming from the southern hemisphere in shape of South Africa and Australia.
The Spirngbok’s are very strong all over the field – if you are looking for team that will compete with New Zealand physically it is them.
They have the best locks in the world in Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha while Schalk Berger has a real presence on the field.
Brian Habana is also a player that can be a real star in this World Cup and they will be trying to get him involved as much as possible.
Australia have a knack of coming good at the right time.
It is virtually the same group of players as the last World Cup and this consistency will stand them in good stead.
Gregan, Larkham, Giteau and Mortlock are key players and seem to be on top of their games at the moment.
The older guys seem to be playing with a new lease of life at the moment which is incredible really considering the amount of games they have played in international rugby – they will want to finish on a good note.
However I am sure other teams like the All Blacks will try to exploit their weaknesses in the front row and I hope we see some better refereeing than in the last competition.
It is simply not fair when better scrummaging packs are being punished.
As for the other nations I am looking forward to seeing France – it would be wonderful if they could play New Zealand in the final.
However if they slip up against Argentina or Ireland then there is chance we could meet them in the quarter finals in Cardiff.
This would be a ridiculous scenario and I think that World Cup’s should just be played in one country.
I would not right England off either although September 14th against South Africa is going to be the pivotal game.
A win there could give them a relatively easy run into the semi-finals and we all know what can happen by that stage.
But for me it will be a New Zealand versus South Africa Final in St.Denis and I cannot see the problems of the past coming to bare for our boys this time round.
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